Buildup

About the Route

Manali-Leh Highway is the second highest motor able road in the world and covers a distance of 480 kms. It winds through some of the most treacherous terrains and only a few dare to undertake the route in a four-wheeler. Tanglang La, which is at a height of 5,328 m (17,480 ft) is amongst the highest of the 5 passes. Cycling on the route pushes ones endurance limits to the maximum, more so if you are around your 50's. The route becomes even more hostile due to high altitude sickness (Hape and Hace) and is considered to be amongst the most difficult mountain bicycling trips in the world. While the ride offers beautiful and picturesque landscapes, I wonder whether we would have the energy to enjoy any of it.

Waze, is a social mobile application has rated the Manali - Leh route as the 3rd complex and dangerous roads in the world.

What they say about the route.

" The Leh-Manali Highway is situated in India and spans over a length of 297 miles among the Himalaya mountain range. It passes through some of the worlds highest mountain passes in the world, with a mean altitude in between 2 to 3 miles above sea level. The road is one of the most complicated and challenging roads in the world, with snow, landslides and terrain making the journey exceedingly difficult for anything other than a capable four wheel drive vehicle. " Details of other routes can be found on the following link.

http://www.waze.com/blog/the-19-most-complex-and-dangerous-roads-in-the-world/

The Trip

We shall be riding the trail from the 6th to the 16th August. Accommodation en route will be basic in tents, State Guest Houses and Army hospitality.

Introductions

Gagan Khosla, a cycling veteran who doctored in cycling by climbing to Leh from Manali in 2008. Inspirational leader, aged only 54 years, started cycling at the ripe age of just 51. Group’s nutritionist ably supported by wife Ishi.

Ashok Mehta, whizkid, aged 50, by far the fastest rider in the pack. Extremely fit has been crowned as “Himalayan Queen”. Techie and knowledge bank of the group. Owns a cycle to suit the every mood of the day. Needs to be chaperoned as he has a habit of toppling over.

Sunil Kalra, a heavy weight, literally, endowed with abundant spirit. Has the strongest set of legs that even Lance Armstrong would be jealous of!! Well equipped with all the gizmos, is planning to keep a record of all the happenings during the trip. Scared to the bone, however, wanting to give his best. On a strict “Ishi” diet and is losing pounds by the day. In spite of best efforts the tour facilities may fall short of his expectations!!

Anju Khosla, highly inspired. Our guide says he hasn’t seen or heard of any Indian women on the trail. Working out 7 days a week and is of late seen cycling ahead of the boys.

Yogen Khosla, avid golfer but has of late changed loyalties to cycling. Nearing his 50th birthday decided to take this extreme step after having lost many years of active sports due to arthritis.

Manpreet Singh Chawla, kewl, has everthing under control. An adventure buff to the core, latest entrant in the cycling group. Ex Army, and has climbed many a peaks and Manali – Leh is no big deal. Dark horse. Got initiated into cycling only a few months back but has the determination and the grit to do it.

Col (retd)Vijay Dhawan, nicknamed “desert rose” because he has proven his prowess in the Thar Desert. Strong rider and enjoys every bit of his cycling. Solid as a rock and is always there for you. Has confirmed participation late in the day due to work commitments but is putting in double time to catch up with the others. Will need to dig deep into his reserves of his Army days.

Raj Katari, 6 feet 4 inches baby of the group. Has often to prove his Indian identiy. A cyclist from the heart with many solo cycling escapades. Rides like a camel and no distance is too far for him. Committed cyclist and did this trail last year. Regretfully, is down with a serious bout of jaundice which will keep him away from where is heart is.