women , none looked extremely fit , yet all had huge smiles and enthusiastically greeted us . We returned the compliments as they extolled that we were “ legends ” for making the trip from Australia to ride motorbikes on the high passes . It seemed odd considering they were doing it the hard way on two wheels , yet momentary friendships were made . They were representatives of all arms of the Indian military completing a 1600-kilometre ride in the mountains as part of a national celebration .
We bid farewell to our new friends and returned to the Deepak Taal tea tent where we were surprised to see the owner looking downbeat at our return , he ’ d been admonished by his wife . Yet , as he tried to explain the joke and return the ‘ fine ’ Keith wouldn ’ t hear of it , he ’ d broken the law . We explained and all was well as we laughed at the explanation that our conspirator in jest had been
told off by his wife , she stated “ that man will go home to wherever he ’ s from and tell everyone that India is a bad place because they fine you for swimming ”.
Our return to Jispa was greeted with an invitation offered by our support vehicle driver , Raj . We were treated to a traditional homecooked meal , a curry of an unknown kind . The delicious meat dropped from the bone , this was a curry I could eat every day , tasty yet no hint of overpowering heat or spice .
“ You like ?” asked Raj , I nodded in agreement . “ Good . Mutton .”
“ Where did you get meat like this ?” I enquired . The answer must ’ ve swept across my face as a silence descended on the table . It had been the meat that had fascinated me so much earlier in the day . It was tasty and I wanted more … oh for the roadside life of a ‘ tea tent ’ vendor .
MG
❒ Megan came along on the Traverse / Into Thin Air ride hosted by Motorcycle Expeditions
Into Thin Air by Motorcycle Expeditions is run between July and September , taking in the Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh regions of India . The ride duration is 14 days / 13 nights with 9 days of riding , providing a fantastic opportunity to experience the Himalayas .
Motorcycle Expeditions take care of all aspects of the ride , hotel transfers , internal flights , permits , accommodation , meals , and fuel .
Further details on the Into Thin Air ride can be found at the Motorcycle Expeditions ( motorcycleexpeditions . com ) or contact Viv Canini , Director of Australian Operations at oz @ motorcycleexpeditions . com
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