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Welcome to chapter forty-seven 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

How would you describe your first trip to Kathmandu?

For me, it was an enlightening experience – spiritually, culturally, and emotionally.

There’s so much to see and do in this busy and frantic city, with enough sights to keep you busy for a week. It’s intoxicating, charming, exhausting & always reveals something new each time we come back.

From the traffic-jammed alleyways of the old town in a rickshaw, medieval temples or dodging trekking touts in the backpacker district of Thamel – it’s endlessly fascinating and sometimes infuriating.

In less than 2 weeks, our riders will be arriving in this fabled city for a day of sightseeing before we begin our September Rode To Everest adventure.

Who’s ready?

Are you ready to bite the bullet?

The home of the Tiger…

When you’re riding through busy cities, it’s hard to comprehend that most of the world’s wild tiger population also lives in India. This alone is a testament to the sheer size and diversity of the country.

In January and February, our motorcycle adventures take us through multiple tiger reserves. Knowing you are in their world can change your perspective, with some riders saying they felt their primal instincts kick in – and we get it – you quickly become aware that you’re in the home of a true apex predator.

This is one of the reasons we ride through these incredible reserves in the middle of the day, when these majestic big cats are sleeping – along with anything else that might want to eat you!

Despite knowing this, you can’t help but keep an eye out for a flash of orange as we wind our way through these dreamlike landscapes.

Don’t just dream it, live it!

Everybody dies, but not everybody lives…

So embrace your unique passions, stay curious, and nurture your inner self.

Don’t conform to societal expectations if they don’t serve you, and don’t give in to the fear, no matter how much the world tries to instil it.

Just remember: life is what you make it.

And when you choose to truly live – on your own terms – that’s where freedom begins.

If one of those passions is adventure motorcycling, why not add one of the most incredible mountain ranges on Earth – the mind-blowing Indian Himalayas – to your list?

There’s something about having the road laid out in front of you…

Of course, the mystery of not knowing what’s round the bend adds to the thrill of adventure. But when you can see the switchbacks, the tight corners, and the straight stretches ahead, it almost brings a sense of relief.

However, it’s no time to become complacent.

Knowing what lies ahead – on the road or in life – is a rarity itself.

So make the most of the opportunities that offer foresight, but make sure to stay on your toes – you never know what’s going to happen on an adventure.

‍Warning!

If you’re afflicted with a good sense of humour, proceed with caution.

These adventures are packed with fun, laughter, storytelling, and smiles – and carry a high risk of friendships forming (with plenty of motorcycles in between, of course).

Consider yourselves warned and don’t forget to pack your sense of fun – you’re going to need it!

Enjoy the ride.

I’ll see you on the next one.