The map below tells it all. If you aren't satisfied, click the 'Details' button on the map for more vital statistics. However before you do that I should highlight some elements of the map. You see the red line in the map? That represents altitude. Reading it from left to right, we know there's a lot of climbing. If you're looking for fun, just read (and cycle) the other way round.
The route goes north from Malleshwaram (the usual starting point). This is very favourable as the wind is generally directed northward. So if you're returning from Nandi Hills, be prepared to face some headwinds. The road is mostly divided into 3 stretches:
1. A national highway for most of the part (and connecting the airport), so it is in impeccable condition. However the road has a good amount of high speed traffic. You'll just about take the right amount of space if you stick to the lane's shoulder lines. Intersections tend to be a little polluted, but nothing compared to the levels within the city.
2. A state highway deviating a little after Devanahalli. It has good clean roads with a few speed breakers as you cross railway lines or village crossings. No separate cycling lane, but no traffic either.
3. An uphill stretch from the base of the hill to the top. Just over 7.5 kms with good road all the way to the top. It'd be a good idea to stick to the left of the road as you'll find speeding motorists coming the opposite way. It'd also be a good idea not to carry bananas in your hand while you're riding unless you want to demonstrate acrobatics with a dozen monkeys on your cycle. This last stretch usually requires lower gears riding, but there are a few super fit people who do it on single gear. The view from the top is very nice, especially early in the morning. Once you've decided to return, it is a good point to check that your brakes are working fine.
The entire route is usually populated during the day and you can expect help in case of emergencies. It also means there's a good chance your bicycle may vanish if left unattended (by sheer forces of nature).
The route seems ideal if one were to think about a track for time trial events. If you push too much on the flat land, the uphill section might prove too hard to finish making it a well-balanced endurance ride.
