The last photo is the Kathmandu “hospital”. Thankfully, we have not needed it!
A casual start today to a shuttle ride on the outskirts of Kathmandu. We drove for an hour and a half up through a residential section and into a park that also houses some military stuff. Saloman got us through the checkpoints with no hassle and we offloaded the bikes and bodies.
Even though we assumed that we were at the top, another hour of riding uphill on overgrown double track got us to the beginning of the single track. It was a mix of super aggressive (to me) steeps and smooth flowy fun stuff. We went through pine forests and open fields and roads. It was great riding that everyone appreciated in some form or another.
The group then had to ride through the city to get back to the hotel. We rode through the old city. It is crowded there. As in Grand Central Station at rush hour crowded. There wer 12 of us to try to keep together and we did it. We were in alleyways and roads and shopping districts.
It kind of felt like racing again as there were gaps to close, holes in the field to go through, wheels to hang onto, tight quarters and sensory overload. The adrenalin was certainly flowing. The only thing missing was someone screaming “hold your line”. And in my entire racing career, no one ever tried to sell me a flute while the race was in progress.
Somehow we safely arrived back at the Hotel Himalaya and the Base Camp bar for…you guessed it…beer!
It was just a quick one as we had to prepare for the night ride. Once lights were attached, we made our way to the Epic Rides shop. I will say that I did not know what to expect from a shop in a developing country. It is a beautiful shop that is well stocked and fabulously merchandised.
One of the store owners led this parade through the city. We went through the smallest alleyways imaginable, up and down stairs, around temples and shopping areas. We were once again a spectacle as every one came to windows and doors to watch us ride by. It was super fun and was followed by another fantastic dinner hosted by Ramesh. We stuffed ourselves with local cooking and had a wonderful time. And then continued the ride but just back to the hotel and off to sleep. What a great day!
