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Welcome to chapter seventeen 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

In 2 weeks…

Our riders will have arrived, and our Rode To Everest adventure will have begun.
We spend the first few days in Kathmandu finalising our Tibet Group Visa application and preparing for the border crossing in a few days’ time.

This is followed by a mandatory warm-up ride in and around this fabled and chaotic city.

Then, we’ll be well on the way to this world-famous mountain.

If the weather’s clear, we’ll get our first glimpse of Mount Everest on day 6.

I’m often asked, “How will I know it’s Everest?”

Trust me when I tell you that it needs no introduction.

You’ll know as soon as you see it.

It’s immense.

You’ll feel humbled.

So, who’s ready?

“I was introduced to this only recently and will be purchasing some for the next trip for sure!”

Last week, we shared a top tip for tackling stinking boots and one of our must-have items that should always be packed for a motorcycle adventure – talc.

Some riders were surprised by this essential, which got us thinking… “What other unusual items do riders make sure to pack for adventures like this?”

So, what are your unlikely packing essentials?

The stranger, the better!

These photos were taken just before we left the incredible Secluded Beach in South India this February.

For obvious reasons, it was hard to say goodbye – it was absolute paradise.

No more stopping for photographs on the Roof Of India ride, we know the scenery is incredible, but it’s slowing the pace down far too much…

April Fools!

Of course, you can stop to take photos; this is your adventure, and there is plenty of time for you to travel at your own pace.

We encourage this.

The photo opportunities are second to none, so take some time to immerse yourself in the moment and meet the incredible people of North India.

The Nomadic Knights team members are on hand to guide the way and ensure that the appropriate pace for that day is being maintained. There may be times when we need to pick up the pace to ensure we all reach our destination before dark, but we allow as much flexibility and freedom as we can.

The moment we’ve prepared for in Kathmandu…

The other day, we mentioned how the first few days in Kathmandu are spent finalising our Tibet Group Visa application in preparation for the border crossing.

This is the moment we’ve prepared for.

Getting across the border from Nepal into Tibet (China) is a massive undertaking for us as a group. If any piece of documentation is incorrect, then the whole group gets knocked back.

Everything has to be 100% accurate.

Double and triple checked.

You can’t change it once it’s handed over; it is what it is, and you have to work with it.

Then there’s the waiting.

We never know how long for. It varies every single time.

But what we do know is that it feels amazing when you eventually get through the border and ride on Tibet’s winding tarmac mountain roads.

Then you know, the adventure is well and truly underway…

“Do you think we need the truck?”

“No, we’ve got the motorcycle”

In India, it’s not a question of – can we? It’s more a question of – how?

Whether it’s 12ft of pipes stacked high, pots and pans teetering, fridges balancing, or even livestock catching a ride – the list of things you see people carrying on a motorcycle really is endless.

Once again, it’s a testament to the attitude of many people here.

Perseverance is key.

It’s definitely a skill to acquire, especially on an adventure.

Having a “how” mindset is incredibly advantageous.

Enjoy the ride.

I’ll see you on the next one.