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Welcome to chapter forty-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

I know I said “think basic” when it came to the accommodation – but not that basic!

As you can probably imagine, accommodation in the Himalayas varies as much as the terrain.

It won’t be 5-star luxury, but it will always be safe, clean and the best we can secure in the remote areas we visit.

Expect everything from lodges, Tibetan tents, cabin-style accommodation, to luxury hotels. At the end of the day, it’s all part of the adventure.

There are some long days of riding, and getting enough rest is crucial, so make the most of the accommodation.

A bed might be a bit more comfortable!

Adventure has a remarkable way of erasing boundaries…

It brings together people from all walks of life and every corner of the globe.

Over the years, we’ve welcomed adventurers from all over.

Aussies, Scots, Yanks, English, Norwegians, Kiwis, Irish, Tassies, Germans, Canadians, South Africans, Welsh, French and Indians.

Stories from home are swapped, accents are tuned into with curiosity, and new interesting phrases are picked up.

For better or for worse!
Distance and background quickly melt away.
Connections are forged.
Strangers become companions.

Adventure reminds us that the world is vast, but when we collectively experience a challenge or a life-changing adventure, it feels wonderfully small.

Distance and where you’re from mean nothing.

It’s the love of adventure motorcycling that brings us together.

Since 1901…

It’s no wonder Royal Enfields start conversations.

This is a historic brand, carrying over a hundred years of nostalgia.

They were originally known for making weapons, which is why their slogan used to be “built like a gun.”

No matter where you go on one of these motorcycles, someone will appear – intrigued by the uniqueness and the memories held by this machine.

You might hear stories about long-lost family members who owned one.

You might even hear the phrase “they don’t make them like this anymore” – it’s a saying that gets batted around constantly, but when it comes to Royal Enfields, it’s true. They are a testament to engineering and continue to withstand the test of time.

Riding them in the lands they were lovingly crafted for, to fabled places, makes the experience that extra bit more special.

4am start on a rest day…?

It’s worth it – trust us.

On day 10 of our South India adventure, we rise early to catch the sunrise over the landmark we’ve been riding east towards – India’s very own Grand Canyon.

Situated in the small village of Gandikota, on the banks of the Penna River, it’s one of the most spectacular geological formations in the country.

The canyon itself is breathtaking, but watching the sunrise here is an entirely different experience. As the sun rises, the colours across the landscape shift dramatically – as if from a surreal dream.

It’s a rare moment of stillness and peace, when, after hundreds of miles of riding, we pause to take in the timeless beauty of the world. It’s no surprise this is a highlight for so many of our riders.

Motorcycle riding is…

Therapy.
Decompression.
Freedom.
Life-enriching.
Challenging.
Confidence building,
Pure joy.

The list could go on.

Riding motorcycles means many things to different people. But one thing we can probably all agree on is that riding makes you feel present.

It gives us the opportunity to engage all our senses and forget about the day-to-day. When we’re exploring on two wheels, we feel alive.

Everything else fades away, and in those moments, we can simply be.

What does motorcycle riding mean to you?

Enjoy the ride.

I’ll see you on the next one.