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I first visited India age 18 on a round the world trip.

I was away for the best part of a year and shot over 200 rolls of film (in the days of analogue!)

It was in the Himalayas that I first heard the unforgettable roar of the Enfield Bullet engine, with a couple on board and just their backpacks strapped to the pannier. It was there and then that I fell in love with motorbikes.

Fast forward back to the UK, I realised how much I enjoyed and loved photography and changed my university course to suit. After I finished my degree I decided to return to India to work in the third sector, for a small NGO in Kerala that supported kids with HIV and AIDS. Two weeks before I left I was offered the chance to photograph a charity motorbike trip, with 150 riders, leaders, medics and mechanics, riding 2000km across the Indian subcontinent. How could I refuse my two passions?

In between the long days and nights photographing and backing up the images, I would get taught how to ride a motorbike by the team. Soon after, I hired one myself and rode around practising in the foothills of the Himalayas. On my return to the UK, I was extremely lucky to be given my first motorbike by a friend from the India trip. It took me 4 attempts to pass my test, but eventually I did.

The rest is history!

Alice Pepperell

ALICE’S ADVENTURE TIP

However many attempts it takes to pass your bike test, keep going!

ABOUT ‘ADVENTURER’S TALES’

A compilation of recollections in celebration of 10 years of Adventure Ashram, ‘Adventurer’s Tales’ is a true celebration of a decade of purposeful adventure by our charity partner Adventure Ashram, a small but mighty charity.

Complete with some great adventure tips, it not only provides handy pointers for when out ‘on the road’, but also some thought-provoking insights into the heart and spirit of adventure. Written with humour, passion and integrity, this wonderful book is a fine tribute to 10 years of Adventure Ashram. Click here to buy a copy.

If you are planning an adventure with Nomadic Knights, please consider raising funds for one of Adventure Ashram’s projects and help to make a difference to the people and places you explore. Anyone planning an adventure can choose to support Adventure Ashram.