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Welcome to chapter thirty eight 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

A Tibetan’s best friend…

Tibetan Mastiffs, known in Tibetan as Drog-Khyi (“nomad dog” or “dog which may be tied/kept”), are a large and powerful breed originally from the Tibetan Plateau.

They are revered for their fierce loyalty and protective instincts.

It’s these traits that have made them invaluable to nomadic herders across Tibet, India, Mongolia, and Nepal for centuries, guarding livestock from predators such as wolves and bears.

Despite being called a “mastiff” by Western travellers – owing to their imposing size and strength – the breed is not a true mastiff.

We’re lucky enough to meet a few on the way to Everest Base Camp. Sitting next to one, it’s easy to understand why they’re held in such high regard.

The roads with plenty of bends where you can get on it a little bit…

You might’ve seen some roads mentioned the other day – ones that have been true highlights for many riders on the Grand Canyon India ride.

We can confirm that the rumours are true: these roads are absolutely mind-blowing.

In South India, we spend several days scaling the Western Ghats, winding our way up the mountains. And, as you can imagine, what goes up must come down. But this isn’t just any descent – it’s where the roads truly come alive with sweeping bends and freshly laid tarmac.

They’re the kind of roads you wake up early for on a summer’s day.

The kind where you feel like you’re in a trance – the adrenaline building as you lean into one bend after another.

They’re almost addictive & too good to be true.

It’s no surprise they’re a highlight for many.

Sometimes things don’t go to plan…

We’ve probably all experienced those moments when things don’t unfold the way we expected.

It’s easy to feel frustrated, angry, stressed, or confused about what to do next. That’s when the questions start, and before long, we can find ourselves stuck in a never-ending loop of overthinking.

As frustrating as it is, the only things we can truly control are our mindset and actions – and it’s how we choose to move on from the situation that really matters.

Up in the Himalayas, we’re constantly faced with challenges outside of our control: landslides, broken bridges, overturned trucks – the list goes on. But how we respond to these possibilities makes all the difference.

Trusting our instincts, approaching things with a can-do attitude, and getting stuck in definitely helps. It also helps when you’re with a like-minded group of people who can make light of the situation.

Funnily enough, these are the moments that stick with people and make great memories.

Enjoy the silence…

The world is a noisy place.

Disruption is everywhere.

Finding moments of peace and quiet can feel impossible – until you’re on a motorcycle. Add some earplugs and your helmet, and suddenly, it’s like stepping into your own world. The chaos fades.

All that remains is the steady drone of the engine.

It’s here, in this space, that we can get lost in thought and truly enjoy the silence.

It’s easy to drift into your own world riding across the Tibetan Plateau. In a busy world, the stark contrast of its barren, untouched landscape is staggering.

But don’t just take our word for it.

“If you have done the Everest ride and you enjoyed the riding in Nepal (first and last days), or enjoy the challenge of dirt tracks, then the Roof of India ride is the one for you.

Every day is an adventure with changing road conditions, crazy drivers, and animals coming at you from all directions.

Yes, it can be tough, but if you’re not super experienced, then just take your time, and you’ll survive.

You’ll be knackered, but you’ll be fine.

So yes, I’d do both again, but if pushed, I’d do the Roof of India, as the riding is spectacular and the views stunning.

Just don’t ride too close to Alex.” – David.

Wise words indeed from Mr Smart!

And if you were wondering if another adventure in the Himalayas could really top riding to Everest Base Camp – here’s your proof that it can.

The Indian Himalayas are a completely different kettle of fish, and one that doesn’t disappoint.

It has the challenge, the incredible mountain ranges, and roads that you’ve dreamed of riding for all these years.

Enjoy the ride.

I’ll see you on the next one.