READY TO RIDE
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
Welcome to chapter fifty-nine of our ‘Ready To Ride’ short stories series.
These are five quick snapshots of what we do, where we ride, the laughs had, and the general shenanigans and goings-on, while riding together over the Himalayas & through South India.
I’m posting these every Friday, and they’re an easy read; a few minutes are all you need.
Enjoy!
Alex Pirie
Founder & Lead Rider

You’ll never regret making more memories like this…
So what’s the harm in adding more to the bank?
Sometimes the best moments come from saying yes.
Especially when it’s yes to the open road, the hum of a motorcycle, and winding through Himalayan passes.
Life feels a little richer when you collect experiences, because when you’re out here, dwarfed by peaks and pushing your limits, they’re the memories that linger long after everything else fades.
If you can, why wouldn’t you?
Life is for living, after all.
Are you ready to make more memories?

There are no problems, only solutions…
The more you explore India, the more you’ll notice something surprising.
Although life can be hard, Indians are far more likely to find solutions and smile rather than moan or complain.
Even if that means piling two-wheelers sky-high with pots and pans.
It’s a realisation that we often limit ourselves more than we need to, and a valuable reminder that anything is possible.

Up to your knees in it…
Every now and again, we find ourselves in situations that feel overwhelming.
Fear can rise quickly, and we might be tempted to give in.
But no matter what, we must keep our cool.
Moments like this usually mean we’re about to learn or do something incredible.
Water crossings can be one of those moments here in the Himalayas. Perhaps you’ve never thought about riding through a waterfall before; I hadn’t either.
It’s then that you realise you’re truly in the thick of it.
You, your motorcycle, your riding skills, and your endurance are all pushed to the limit.
But it’s worth it, because the rewards are immense.
You’ll feel a deep sense of satisfaction each night as you bed down.

No day is ever the same…
We can easily get stuck in a rut and feel as though we’re trapped in the rat race.
But there comes a point where we just can’t do it any more.
No matter how much we try to “keep calm and carry on” or simply ignore it. The truth is, we’re not meant to be mundane. We’re not meant to be sat at desks and behind screens for hours on end.
We crave exploration and moments when each day bombards us with wonder. The more miles we cover, the more fulfilled we feel. Every adventure is a testament to that, the Rode To Everest in particular.
We start in the chaotic city of Kathmandu, where temperatures can reach 35°C, compared with Everest Base Camp, where it can drop to –15°C.
And that’s just the temperature!
Add in the terrain, the weather, the unpredictability of the Himalayas, the people, the culture and more.
Our senses constantly buzz with fascination and wonder.
Despite being sat down on a motorcycle, it sure beats being sat at a desk.
Right?

January and February in India…
In some parts of the world, the days are getting shorter.
It’s dark and cold when you wake up, and by the time it’s 5pm, night has already fallen.
But not in India.
Here, the days are long, the sun shines, and the tarmac gleams.
Riding these glorious roads of South India makes you forget how early in the year it is.
It’s not just the roads; it’s the beaches, the incredible resorts, and the dense forests that catapult you into feeling like it’s summer all over again.
And of course, there’s the jaw-dropping motorcycle adventure.
It’s rides like this that remind you that you can end your winters early, if you really want to…
Beat the winter blues and start your year in the stunning South of India.
Enjoy the ride.
I’ll see you on the next one.
JOIN THE
KNIGHT CLUB
So you’re considering taking on a real adventure? I remember the feeling. In 2006, I was sat right where you are now… wondering if it was for me.
Join our mailing list – The Knight Club – and I’ll send my no-BS thoughts on why you should (or shouldn’t) take it on. No sales. No special offers. These rides aren’t for everyone, but if you’re the right kind of person, it can remind you what it means to be alive.
All the best, Alex.