TRAVEL FEATURE - NEPAL
STEVE ROBERTS
IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE
Classic ride where on road becomes off road in the blink of an eye .
Nepal is one of those places where ‘ expect the unexpected ’ is the norm , rounding a blind bend to be confronted with a lumbering and lurching truck overtaking a fully loaded bus with more body roll than a Citroen DSX with dodgy hydraulic suspension , instantly puts your heart in your mouth as your eyes dart to the crumbling and jagged edges of the road , your mind swiftly calculating the closing speed and distance and the available gap between road edge and the imposing and very threatening heavy gauge steel bumper bar of the fast approaching truck . This situation repeats itself regularly , the Nepali riders often sounding their horn on approach to such a blind bend giving warning to the approaching overtaking traffic .
To overtake around the outside of a bend is more common than not in Nepal and full concentration and alertness is a must . Those of us from the Western world and a structured driving system of road markings , rules and laws are often ‘ surprised ’ by the antics , but it makes for magnificent end of the day ‘ ride stories ’.
I joined a Motorcycle tour in Pokhara , just one of the many jewels in the crown of the Himalayas . Located on the edge of the picturesque Fewa Lake at the foot of the Annapurna range of Himalayan mountains . Just walking to your bike , you need to pinch yourself as you glance up and there is Machapuchare towering over you with it ’ s magnificent ‘ fishtail ’ covered in glorious white snow with the crystal clear blue sky backdrop .
Along with 12 others from Ride and Dare Motorcycle Club and Tours we were planning a quick ‘ salvation ’ tour to the famous Mustang area
TRAVERSE 57