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Welcome to chapter twenty 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

How often do plans work out perfectly?

Rarely.

No matter how much time we spend meticulously planning every little detail, it’s rare for things to go exactly as intended.

Whilst it can be hard to accept, change is ultimately the one constant we can always count on – especially when it’s beyond our control.

When you’re out in Mother Nature, you’re very limited in what you can control. Rain, landslides, floods, damaged bridges, and much more.

Despite not being able to control the external, one of the most powerful things within our remit is how we respond to situations as they arise. When we’ve faced challenges in the past, a can-do attitude and a good sense of humour have made all the difference.

It might not be perfect, but it’s all part of the adventure, and it always works out one way or another.

We’ve all been there…

You’ve unpacked.

You’re back at your laptop.

You’ve been asked an incomprehensible amount of times – “How was the holiday?”

You’ve looked back at the photos and the shared stories until people glaze over.

You’ve even been out on your own motorcycle for the first time since returning.

But it’s just not the same.

The adventure blues sink in.

Understandably so.

Adventures like this are lifetime achievements for many.

The sense of accomplishment is unmatched.

Once you’ve tasted that kind of freedom, ordinary life never feels quite the same.

There’s only one way to experience it again…

How do you keep riders quiet?

Feed them!

Nothing silences a group of hungry adventurers like a meal cooked fresh over a roaring campfire – especially on a campsite deep in the Indian Himalayas.

Good food, a few beers, great views, and even better stories.

“Spending time in the Himalayas is something that feels very special at the time, but hits harder after you return home.

It’s almost impossible to think about anything else whilst you’re riding across the largest mountain range on the planet; all the day-to-day bullshit fades away rapidly and you begin to feel alive again.

I think it’s something everyone should experience whilst they can.

It’s a true privilege.” – Andy.

It’s true, Andy, it really is a privilege to ride through this mountain range and spend a night at Everest Base Camp.

As the world becomes more and more accessible, it’s easy to forget the monumental things we’re able to do and achieve – things that might have been unimaginable just a few years ago.

Adventure motorcycling in landscapes like this would definitely have been up there.

But here we are, living it.

Biting the bullet… (not the motorcycle)

Every so often, we need to take the plunge and challenge ourselves, even when it feels unbearably uncomfortable.

Obstacles and fears will show up – like heights or suspension bridges – but that’s part of the process. And it’s usually in these tough moments that we grow the most.

When we approach bridges like this during the Grand Canyon India ride, questions might arise:

Will it hold?
Can I make it across?
Is the motorcycle too heavy?

But once we’re on the other side, looking back, we realise it wasn’t as daunting as it seemed. That’s the beauty of adventure. It pushes our limits, stretches our comfort zones, and reveals what we’re truly capable of.

Who’s ready to start their year with a challenge and something truly incredible?

Enjoy the ride.

I’ll see you on the next one.