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Welcome to chapter twenty five 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

Which is my favourite ride?

A question I always get asked. It’s very difficult to name just one, as I truly love them all. It’s a bit like how a parent might say, “they’re all special in their own way.”

What I can tell you without any doubt whatsoever is that there are some very favourite parts of the day…..

Top of the list: a chilled beer after a long day’s ride!

But it’s more than having a drink, it’s about coming together to cheers the day, swapping stories and sharing a joke or two.

Just a bunch of like-minded people brought together by a love of adventure.

2 days until we reach Everest Base Camp…

Those of you who have ridden with us know how hard it is to keep your eyes on the road when the views are this incredible.

Yesterday, we had the chance to take it all in during our rest day in the ancient city of Lhasa. But even on a rest day, the exploring doesn’t stop! We visited the famous Potala Palace, home to 14 Dalai Lamas over the centuries. Lhasa is a fascinating city – steeped in history yet strikingly modern.

Today, we’ve been back on the road, making our way to Everest Base Camp.

As excitement builds for our destination, the journey continues to amaze and surprise our riders with its natural beauty – especially the glittering, azure Yamdrok Lake.

As always, there’s plenty of time to stop for photos, meet locals, and even snap a few selfies with some giant four-legged Yak friends.

We encourage our riders to pause and take it all in – this is living, after all.

A taste sensation…

If there’s one thing you might’ve heard about South India, it’s most probably how sensational the food is – particularly in Goa.

I travel all of India and have done for some time, but still to this day I think the Goan cuisine is probably among the best tasting. Goa was under Portuguese rule for 450 years, so the food is a mix of India and Portugal, making fantastic eating – especially the seafood.

Catching and eating fish is still very much part of the Goan culture.

Much of the fish is caught by the locals and unloaded by hand on the beach early most mornings.

The boats are then pulled out of the sea physically, it puts the phrase hard work into meaning.

Some of our riders have tried to help in the past during our Grand Canyon India ride, but didn’t get very far!

We’ll leave it to the experts.

And there it is…

We’re live from Everest Base Camp – 12 days since starting our adventure in Kathmandu and 17,000 feet (5,200 metres) later.

And what an incredible shot from one of our riders, eh?

No matter how many times we visit, it never seems real. Many have dreamed of this moment, and here we are.

It’s a proper “pinch me” moment where you need to pause for a few minutes to quietly take it all in.

It’s not just Everest, as majestic as it is, it’s everything the eye can see.

Our senses are alive, the elation has kicked in, and a memory that will last a lifetime has been made.

Will I be able to ride this?

The truth is, I have no idea.

You might be able to, but you actually might not be able – it’s for you to decide.

This particularly applies to any riding in the Himalayas.

It’s a different world up in the mountains, it will challenge you, and personal preparation is everything.

Mentally, physically and psychologically.

I’ve had people turning up for rides with no jackets, no money, and with questions like: ‘How long have the mountains been here?’

Being prepared, especially for the unexpected, is the best way to be.

When it comes to riding, experience does help; however, it’s more about being a competent rider.

It’s important that you feel comfortable and confident on a motorcycle.

We suggest that you have at least two years of recent riding experience.

We also recommend that you take an off-road training course beforehand.

For most riders, this improves both safety and enjoyment.

Enjoy the ride.

I’ll see you on the next one.