And this Odyssey comes to an end

After a long days ride we roll into Leh where I say goodbye to the crew of the 11th Himalayan Odyssey and make my way back to Mumbai to start planning my own crazy rides into the mountains.

The view from Tanglangla

The ride from the More Plains to Tanglangla is always an interesting one as far back as I can remember the road has been under construction but it seems soon it will be a strip of Tarmac.
The Bullet 500 has been a brilliant bike to ride into the mountains.

Evenings at Sarchu

While the rest of the Himalayan Odessy hung around the camp in Sarchu catching their breath watching the sun go down Rahul, Ketan and I went out and had a little fun.

Suraj Tal

This is what I love about the mountains every time you visit everything is the same but so different. The first time I rode passed Suraj Tal it was cold, pissing down and we rode most of the way in a thick cloud I remember we could hardly see the lake below us. This time was very different.

Give space to oncoming traffic

Give space to oncoming traffic specially in a long water crossing. 

Tuphchilling

Because the Royal Enfield crew had to take a call and change the route of the ride via Manali (the road passed Kunzumla was closed) we got to spend an extra day at Tuphchilling just bumming around.

Road works

This is what 70 bikes look like when they come to a halt due to roadworks. Lots of road widening all the way to leh this year.

Water Crossing Fun

Even though the road gets better every year there are always a few water crossing to add to the fun.

Objects in the mirror are closer than they seem

We left Manali early to beat the traffic up to Rohtang but nothing could prepare us for the madness and the lines of cars snaking up from Marhi. The moment we crossed over the pass we were the only ones on the road finally.

A day off in Manali

A leisurely day in Manali starts with breakfast in old Manali followed with a ride to Solang Nala to meet up with some friends for a lunch. Tomorrow we start off to Leh can't wait to ascend the snow clad passes.

The good news and the bad news

Well the bad news is the road hasn't opened after Kunzum La so we are changing our route and we are off to Manali. The good news is that it's a brilliant day and we are on our way over Jalori Pass to Manali. I guess there will be trout and beer tonight.

A good day

A great day of riding comes to an end in Narkanda. The weather is great the roads are wonderful and the food brilliant. What more could we ask for ?

Lunch

Seventh three bikers take over Theog for lunch. Not a morsel of food left

The 11th Himalayan Odyssey

So I am on assignment on the Royal Enfields 11th Himalayan Odyssey riding towards Spiti and then to Leh. Yesterday was a blistering hot ride out of Delhi to Parwanoo. Today's rainy cloudy weather has made up for how miserable we were yesterday.