Chai, Bickies and Numbers

After spending some time in McLeod Ganj we headed east through the mountains just south of the Himalyans called the Shiwalik range. What an inspiring ride after being spiritually lifted through these intense mountains. The population was much more sparce through the mountains and the air was clean. To the south you could see the haze of pollution which makes for good photos at sun set. There is always a good and a bad for everything.

We picked up another rider to make our bike posse more international. Before heading into Dharmsala we stopped to take some photos of a valley. I saw a man passed out on a small tea hut. I looked again and noticed a fully loaded bicycle. He was also experiencing the after affects (stomach problems) from Lahorrible Pakistan. Alex from Switzerland has joined our ride towards Katmandu Nepal. We have nick named him the Terminator for his deep Arnold-esque Austrian English accent.

We made our way through some mountain villages that made our quads scream and jaws drop. Monkeys were scattered throughout the mountains hanging out on the sides of the roads grooming each other and the mothers carrying their young around. They are amazing animals to watch, they are so graceful playing in the trees. We stayed in the provincial capital Shimla for an extra day. This beautiful city was perched in the foothills of the Shiwalik Range at about 2205m above sea level. As much of a pain the mountain climbs can be there is always breathtaking downhill. I love watching the choreography when we are following each other down the hills picking our lines around the curves, cutting and weaving down the passes.

Today we are at the head of the Ganga river in a town called Rishikesh. At the base of the Ganges the total length is about 2,510 km. It is one of the densest human population belts on earth. We are close to the source which flows from a glacier in the Himalayas. The water is clean here and we are going to take a quick dip in the cold waters. Rishikesh is named the Yoga capital of the world. There are many places to learn and teach many different styles of Yoga, massage and meditation. Cows and monkeys are everywhere here. If you have never tried yoga, I highly recommend it. I was practicing a few months before I left and I never felt so good after the class, all my stress was gone and I felt I was walking on air.

We should be in Nepal climbing back into the mountains in 3 or 4 days. I can't wait for more fresh air and watching more wildlife. There are leopards and other large mammals still living in harmony with the eco systems that have been untouched by man. We are headed towards some national parks in India and Nepal.

India is an amazing place and I will definitely be coming back to spend some time in the mountains for a retreat if I ever feel spiritually, mentally or physically depleted. There is an amazing blend of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist and many other eastern religions here. It is truly a spiritually uplifting place. Accommodations are $2 to $5 a night, you can eat like a calorie crazed cyclist spending $3 for a huge spread of amazing Indian food and spend $7 for a full hour body massage. Try doing that in Canada for under $20. Words can't describe it, you have to experience this amazing place for yourself.

Until the next post.
Steve