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Welcome to chapter thirteen 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

It takes your breath away.

On top of the world.

A true adventure.

One of the best things I’ve ever done!

That’s how some of our riders describe waking up at Everest Base Camp.

As you would expect, it’s also cold, very cold. -11°c on some occasions.

But let’s face it – none of us expect Barbados temperatures. We do feel the warmth of sunlight as we watch the sunrise over Everest, then it’s back on the road. It’s chilly as we ride back over Gawu La at just under 5,200 metres, until we cross over and hit more morning sun.

There’s a noticeable rise in temperature as we leave the high-altitude desert of the Tibetan Plateau behind and ride back down to our final night’s stay in Tibet at Gyirong.

This is day 13 of our Rode To Everest adventure, but as you can imagine, a lot has happened before this point.

Okay, it might not be possible to start the journey you initially wanted to in 2025, but if you join one of our waitlists, you never know.

Sometimes life gets in the way of your motorcycle adventure of a lifetime.

And the good news is that on occasion, riders will reschedule, and if you’re next on the waitlist, you’re in!

I’ll see you on the road.

The latest 2025 KTM 390 Adventure has been launched, and buying one just had to be done.

The booking’s made and the money’s paid.

I should get it soon, hopefully.

Now I’ve just got to decide what ride to bring them on.

I reckon Spiti Valley on the Roof Of India would be a perfect test.

Or maybe Everest Base Camp.

Let’s see.

If you haven’t ridden off-road before – this isn’t the best time to try!

On our journey to Dandeli, we take a route that challenges even the most experienced of riders.

For what it lacks in length, it makes up in gradient.

It’s a forest trail full of narrow twists, enormous ruts and rocks, all ready to test you.

As you slow down to manoeuvre your motorcycle, you become aware of the rise in temperature and the lack of a breeze.

You’re starting to sweat more, the sound of the forest is getting louder, and the fear is starting to creep in.

But it’s all about keeping your nerve and accepting the challenge. It’s a humbling experience – made even more so when locals zip past effortlessly in flip-flops.

Of course, there’s an alternative route for anyone feeling unsure about off-roading.

So, who’s up for the challenge?

Wet or dry?

Hot or cold?

Muddy or dusty?

Sun or rain?

Good roads, broken roads, and possibly no roads.

But who cares?

If not knowing any of the above bothers you and you need to know what happens next, then this ride is not for you.

Give it a miss.

You’ll hate it.

But, the big but!

If you love adventure and getting completely out of your comfort zone with amazing people, then it goes without saying, we’ll be riding together in August 2025.

And, you’ll love it for years to come.

After all, it’s not a holiday.

Enjoy the ride.

I’ll see you on the next one.