TRAVERSE 7
EDITORIAL
TRAVERSE :
Thank you , Nepal !
I
recently returned from a nation that I adore , although the lead up to this experience had been soured greatly by a ‘ local ’ business that Traverse was associated with . The business , a tour company , had fleeced tens of thousands of dollars from paying customers in recent months , including friends and associates of ours . It left a taste that in many ways reflected on my experience in this country .
One of the customers , and a friend of mine , Keith Luke , was still keen to ride so asked if I was interested . At first I wasn ’ t as accusations and threats had been made , and I felt perhaps that the right thing to do from a personal perspective would be to not visit this country . Keith convinced me otherwise . I ’ ve got to thank him for that .
With the help of our friends at Motorcycle Expeditions we took to two bikes and headed south , then west and discovered much more than a wonderful country but a proud people who were grateful that we had made the effort to venture to places seldom visited .
From the police who wished us well when making initial reports of the criminal activity , to roadside mechanics who were only to keen to help repair bikes , to hotel owners who went out of their way to ensure we were looked after , to the former government minister and his United Nations team who were genuinely emotional when thanking us for visiting their region , the school children keen to learn about Australia and to teach us about their culture , it all restored my faith in this small nation and more so in its people .
This issue of Traverse was always going to feature this country , yet now it has become somewhat of a thank you … and so , Nepal , and your wonderful people , I thank you more than words can express . Read on and discover why riding Nepal is a life changing experience that everyone should do at least once ...
Leigh
TRAVERSE 7