DRAGON RIDERS

Embarking on a train journey to my hometown, I brought my bike along as luggage, arriving in Bikaner, Rajasthan, on March 22nd. The excitement built as I meticulously prepared my bike for the upcoming adventure, ensuring my riding gear and luggage were all intact for the challenging ride ahead. However, just before the ride was set to begin on April 5th, disaster struck – I fell ill with a fever. With the daunting prospect of a 14+ day ride ahead, health became a major concern. Despite my worries, I took medication and rested in hopes of a swift recovery. The following morning, we were scheduled to depart early, around 6 or 7 am. However, there was a crucial task to be completed before hitting the road – collecting snow chains from Karol Bagh, which we had ordered from Jaipur. Unfortunately, there was a delay, as the transport vehicle had gotten stuck at the border, resulting in a four-hour wait for the chains to arrive.  Making the best of the situation, I spent the time relaxing ...

Every journey begins with a spark of desire. For me, it ignited two years ago on a memorable New Year's Eve. Ladakh, with its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas, beckoned me. I meticulously crafted an itinerary, envisioning conquering its most challenging roads, including the notorious Killar-Kishtwar route. However, fate had other plans. In 2022, a detour led me to Sikkim, and in 2023, the timing never quite aligned. Yet, the dream persisted. On New Year's Eve 2023, determination struck anew. Originally slated for June, circumstances nudged me to consider an earlier departure. Consulting friends and seeking advice from Discover With Dheeraj, a trusted YouTube channel, shaped the evolving plan. Despite warnings of April's unpredictable weather, I remained undeterred. Challenges only fuels my resolve. Amidst skepticism from some friends, the unwavering support of Discover With Dheeraj and the eventual commitment of companions like Aditya, Dheeraj and Venky fuels my deter...