BLOG

Welcome to chapter twenty nine 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

More than just a motorcycle trip in India….

I’ve been riding in the Himalayas for many years and have ridden all the regular routes.

Over time, they have unfortunately become overcrowded, commercialised, and don’t feel like that much of a challenge anymore.

So a new route was required, something that offered more and was completely unique.

That’s when the Roof Of India was created.

This is by far the most comprehensive and exciting motorcycle tour you can have in the Himalayas.

Nothing else comes close.

It has absolutely everything.

Life is full of twists and turns…

Some of them might take us by surprise, others might not – but every bend is an opportunity to challenge ourselves, explore, and evolve.

Back in 2006, I was on the verge of booking an epic motorcycle adventure.

It was the twist in the road I hadn’t anticipated, but one that would completely change the course of my life – for the better. That single decision opened up a world of discovery and excitement.

Even now, I approach every ride with the same mix of enthusiasm and trepidation that I felt on my very first journey, 19 years ago.

So lean into the journey, trust the process, and let every twist lead you closer to your own extraordinary story.

There’s always time for a snack…

Each day, we make regular stops to refuel ourselves & get the snacks in.

You find restaurants in the most unusual places, and contrary to popular belief, there’s plenty of food in India that isn’t heavily spiced or ridiculously hot.

Far from it.

The food in South India is incredible, too.

Veg or non veg. Dosas. Pakoras. Vadas. Omelettes. Banana chips. Fresh pineapple.

All washed down with a cup of sweet chai.

Absolutely delicious.

“Why do you call it the Roof of India?”

When you’re surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks and riding along some of the highest, cliff-hanging passes on Earth – what else are you supposed to call it?

Gifts of Nature…

Believe it or not, yaks are honoured for their vital role in survival across Tibetan Buddhism and Himalayan cultures.

They’re essential to life here.

These hardy, all-purpose animals are perfectly adapted to high-altitude extremes.

With thick wool, powerful lungs, and sure-footed strength, they thrive where few other animals can survive.

As we ride across Tibet, you’ll see locals using yaks to carry heavy loads across rugged mountain terrain, farming their land, and putting their wool to good use to keep warm.

If you’ve ridden the Rode To Everest with us before, you’ve probably experienced a yak dung fire or maybe even been charged at by one while taking a photo at Everest Base Camp!

It’s easy to understand why they’re seen as symbols of strength and resilience.

Enjoy the ride.

I’ll see you on the next one.