Big Mountains never disappoint
Despite the wild weather conditions – which added a massive element of Adventure to the exercise – we did manage to get amongst the mighty mountains and the crazy Indian culture. The Himalayas are always stunning, especially viewed from the seat of a motorcycle. The roads are like nothing you’ve ever seen. Huge valleys with tiny roads hugging the edges. Awesome. After the Global trip ended back in Shimla I met up with an old buddy Roger and we went to the Holy City of Rishakesh and rented a another couple of Enfields – a 535 Lightning and a 350 Machismo (great name). On the Lightning I felt like Prince in Purple Rain without the dodgy haircut, big ape hanger bars and laid back riding position. Rishakesh is one of the cities on the Ganges river and is a magnet for Sadhus (Indian dope smoking Holy Men) and spiritualists so is full of a host of bizarre characters and facinating street theatre.
From Risihskesh we headed upto Almora to see Olly’s Mum who’s got a house up there. The weather cleared up and we were blessed with crystal blue skies and fantastic views. Except for being run off the road by an Indian truck driver and getting my first ‘Indian Tattoo’ it was a great ride. Another part of the Himalaya rarely visited by tourists and absolutely stunning.