READY TO RIDE
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Welcome to chapter sixteen 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
Your (& your roommate’s) new best friend…
Though it may not eliminate the source of the smell entirely – and we would always recommend a shower – talc can help keep those boots smelling fresh. Which is pretty handy when you’re riding 300km days in 35°C.
The talc absorbs the moisture and masks the odours, making it much more bearable when it’s time to put those boots back on in the morning.
If you haven’t got it already, get it.
Got it?
Good
Can I ride two up?
Yes, of course – it’s an incredible way to experience somewhere together.
It saves trying to explain it when you get home too!
There’s always so much to take in when on the back of a motorcycle, and you might find you’ll spot things riders might miss.
Many pillions have told us how much they’ve enjoyed the sense of freedom and opportunity to soak up the moment, which is easy to do on a motorcycle – we’re completely immersed.
However, it does come with a couple of practical caveats.
It rarely happens, but if the weather or road conditions require it, we might ask a pillion passenger to travel in a support vehicle. It all depends on what Mother Nature will present to us on the journey.
The smiles say it all…
These are the faces of motorcycle adventurers who have made it to Everest Base Camp.
Smiles, sense of achievement, elation and sheer excitement that they’re there.
Once we reach Base Camp, there’s time to stare at the world’s highest peak – trust us, you’ll do lots of it, take photos to show people at home, but most importantly, we sit together and enjoy the moment.
For times like these come few and far between.
It’s important to take a moment, be present and let it sink in – you did it.
Counting down to summer riding conditions like this?
Not us.
And not the riders who joined us earlier this year.
We started 2025 by blowing away the winter blues with the incredible Grand Canyon India motorcycle adventure in South India.
We explored forests, mountains, coasts, plateaus, bustling towns, with smooth tarmac leading the way. In a life that’s filled with adventure, this is how we choose to begin each year.
It’s a deeply personal journey that reminds us of why we do what we do and sets us up for the year.
Worlds apart…
Being in the Himalayas is a very humbling experience, the incredible enormity, vastness and difference in terrain reminds you of how far away you are from home.
One minute you’re riding through lunar-like landscapes, and the next you’re riding through towering forests.
It’s an experience like no other and reminds us of how small we are.
It’s the reset we never knew we needed.
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.