READY TO RIDE
CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
Welcome to chapter thirty one 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
Look after your riding buddy and they’ll look after you…
“The Roof Of India is the best thing you’ll ever do on two wheels.
Amazing scenery, great motorcycles, brilliantly organised, and fantastic people.
I can’t wait to go back.
My wife and I are booking your Grand Canyon India, South India trip for 2026 to celebrate my 50th birthday.” – Richard.
Well said, Richard, and we couldn’t agree more.
As soon as these adventures finish, we can’t wait to return.
Once you’ve ridden through the Himalayas, there’s no going back – you’re hooked for life.
It’s an indescribable feeling.
Into the wild…
We’re lucky enough to ride through several wildlife reserves on our Grand Canyon India ride.
As we wind through the Western Ghats, you quickly realise we’re no longer the only apex predators.
These lands are home to elephants, wild dogs, tigers, leopards, crocodiles, snakes, and plenty of other creatures that might want to eat us.
As the roads narrow, the forests engulf us and seem to literally vibrate with life.
Our primal instincts soon kick in, and even though we ride during a time when most predators are asleep, you can’t help but glance over your shoulder – especially if you’ve fallen behind the group.
Forget your ice baths…
In Sarchu, we camp high up in the mountains in Arabian-style tents with attached toilets.
Whilst this might look like glamping, don’t expect any VIP treatment.
There’s no hot showers.
Just buckets of cold water.
It’s a great reminder of why we’re all here.
To do the hard things and test ourselves.
Warming up in Nepal…
Before we begin our long days on the road, we ease into the journey with a short ride.
Our warm-up ride starts in the bustling traffic of Kathmandu before heading into the countryside, winding up through the beautiful forested hill station of Nagarkot.
It’s a striking contrast to the chaos of Kathmandu, and though brief, it offers a glimpse of a different side of Nepal before we set off for Tibet.
The warm-up also provides a chance to get comfortable with the Royal Enfield motorcycle, which will be yours for the duration of the journey.
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.