READY TO RIDE
CHAPTER TWENTY
Welcome to chapter twenty 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
You never know what’s round the corner…
Trucks.
Landslides.
Goats.
Road-workers.
Buses.
It could literally be anything in the Himalayas, so we have to keep our wits about us and rely on the things our parents relied on – common sense and personal responsibility.
“Aren’t you getting too old for these motorcycle trips?”
A question that grates on many, and for good reason!
Society seems to have an invisible age threshold when it comes to having fun, as if you’re supposed to take no interest in your lifelong passions once you hit a specific milestone.
But if you’re still able, why not embrace the adventures and pursue your dreams?
Age is a state of mind, so we might as well make use of the time we have and live life to the fullest.
Do the things you love, and don’t let anyone ever tell you you’re too old!
These adventures equal everyone out…
People might arrive as business owners, bankers, marketers, or mechanics.
But the moment the ride begins, none of that matters.
No one cares what car you drive or how much you earn.
We’re all riders who have come together for the love of adventure – and that’s it.
As the conversations start to flow around the campfires and chai stops, you soon realise that everyone is here for similar reasons – to escape, unplug, and connect with something bigger than themselves, and who they are at home.
Are you ready to escape and unplug?
“This is the moment that all the planning, preparation, and hard work was for!
How many people can say they’ve spent the night at the North Face of Mount Everest Base Camp?
A truly unforgettable adventure!”
Bradley knows the score.
And just in case you were wondering – not many can say they’ve spent the night at the North Face of Mount Everest.
Welcome to the jungle…
On day 6 of our Grand Canyon India adventure, we make our way from the Western Ghats to the beaches of Udupi.
Along the way, we pass through several wildlife parks.
These forests buzz with life.
So much so that the whole place feels like one living, breathing creature. You know you’re being watched.
You can’t quite see what’s watching you, but you know it could be something that probably wants to eat you.
Before entering Kudremukh National Park, every vehicle and person must be checked in – and later, checked out on the other side to ensure no one is left behind. No vehicles are permitted to stay in the forest overnight.
The park is home to tigers, leopards, and wild dogs, which hunt as evening falls. For safety, the barriers are closed every evening, and no vehicles are allowed through.
We’re safe enough during the daylight, but you can’t resist the urge to look over your shoulder every now and then!
You’re well and truly in the wild here.
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.