READY TO RIDE
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
Welcome to chapter fifty-three 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
The big finale…
Tomorrow marks our final ride of 2025, and what better way to see the year out than with one last visit to one of the most spiritual places on Earth – Everest Base Camp.
We’ll meet our fellow riders, run through the route, and answer any last-minute questions.
Then begins the lengthy process of applying for our Tibet Group Visa.
It’s important we get this right, so it requires sharp attention to detail.
It’s a process that might seem daunting, but it definitely adds to the experience.
The anticipation builds until we finally hear that we’re good to go.
This is the first of many obstacles ahead, so there’s no time to relax just yet…
Laugh in the face of adversity…
It’s easy to feel powerless when we’re faced with obstacles, especially when it feels like they’re all happening at once.
But instead of fear, laughter becomes our greatest companion.
Embracing unpredictability with humour and curiosity turns challenges into memories that last a lifetime.
After all, adventure isn’t about control – it’s about how boldly and joyfully we respond.
Who really wants to take the easy route…?
Sometimes in life, we look back at the decisions we’ve made and think:
“Why did I decide to do this?” or “Why didn’t I just take the easier option?”
Despite regret creeping in, once we push through the challenge, we often find ourselves coming out the other side as better people. We learn things about ourselves, we have a greater understanding of what we’re really capable of, and we’re encouraged to keep pushing boundaries.
You realise there’s a reason people like you don’t take the easy route – you’re not like everyone else.
You know that the hard road is the one that leads somewhere worth going.
If you’re the type of person to take the more challenging path, you’re one of us.
Someone’s watching…
The Tibetan Plateau is an enchanting, vast, and desolate place.
You can travel for miles without seeing another soul.
But every now and then, you get the feeling that someone – or something – is watching you. Your primal instincts kick in, and you can’t help but glance over your shoulder.
Is it something out there… or just your own mind?
Out here, in the silence, you come face to face with yourself.
Instead of fighting it, embrace it – and enjoy the silence.
This is what riding in January and February looks like in the South of India…
Yes, really.
No cold. No frost. No ice.
No waiting for the right conditions.
Just you, the sunshine, the warm air, smooth tarmac, a motorcycle, and an adventure.
It’s definitely one way to blow away the winter blues.
You don’t have to wait until summer for perfect riding conditions.
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.