Continued learnings from bikepacking

[Flowrider]

Wow! Impressive. Can't imagine what it must be like to climb over 5,000m!

Really enjoy reading about your adventures.

Thanks for sharing

[GirishH]

Frankly, it was very anticlimactic. I held off crossing the Pass (5400m) for almost a month. Many riders might relate — when we set a goal and work toward it with passion, discipline, and purpose, the moment we achieve it, we often feel lost.

https://strava.app.link/WaOf885CNXb

I was dreading that loss of purpose and had delayed crossing the Pass. Eventually, I reminded myself that I was doing it for Bishal-dai, the bike mechanic who’d fixed MisterGordo with a keychain ring — someone who could no longer ride or see his beautiful Nepal.

Because I’d taken my time getting here, crossing the Pass physically felt no different. Ironically, the hardest part came a few days later in the plains, where I thought it would be a cakewalk.

https://strava.app.link/VTroJ38CNXb

Interestingly, while debating whether to cross or not, I met a local who owns one of the oldest hotels in the area — and a freaking 5-inch fat bike! I’ll be working with him next year and riding through his neck of the woods.

Until then, I’ll try cycling up to Mig La Pass (5900m) in the Indian Himalayas..:-)

(10-23-2025, 09:16 PM)Flowrider Wrote:  Wow! Impressive. Can't imagine what it must be like to climb over 5,000m!

Really enjoy reading about your adventures.

Thanks for sharing

[Flowrider]

...and where are your next adventure?

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As always great readig about your exploits. Where to next?

[enkei]

I feel ashamed of how little riding I've done compared to you, LOL.

[GirishH]

@Flowrider, I’m heading back to Nepal for another ultra, then pick up MisterGordo and cross into India. If not for visa restrictions, I’d have loved for MisterGordo to enjoy some snow in Nepal’s Himalayas — after all, he’s built for that kind of terrain.

The Annapurna Circuit region where I spent the past 2 months for dumped with feet of snow. Sadly, MisterGordo is not there to enjoy it..

https://kathmandupost.com/national/2025/10/28/around-800-tourists-return-from-tilicho-base-camp-due-to-heavy-snowfall

By the way, MisterGordo’s real name is Framed Minnesota — “Framed” being the brand and “Minnesota” the U.S. state known for its snowy winters.

I plan to spend a few months in northern India’s plains before the Himalayan passes reopen, then head to the Himalayan high-desert region of Ladakh...

(10-27-2025, 03:19 AM)Flowrider Wrote:  ...and where are your next adventure?

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As always great readig about your exploits. Where to next?

[meamoantonio]

I saw his strava he, he almost finished the 50kms but his shoes' soles fell off right at the end, still valiant effort and I salute you @GirishH you are an inspiration for all off us here

[GirishH]

...:-) @meamoantonio, not really an inspiration — just trying to make the most of the good health and circumstances I’m blessed with. Since I’ve already paid the deposit for the Pokhara Ultra, I might as well do justice to my hard-earned $100. :-)

Running trains me for cycling, and cycling trains me for running. Plus, I meet so many like-minded “crazies” who spark my next adventure — so why not?

Without these races or "adventures", I would waste away my good health, life and NOT train at all..:-(

By the way, @meamoantonio, @Flowrider , and @enkei — you’re welcome to join me anytime time or circumstances allow. I’ll be around these parts of Nepal and India a long time..

(10-31-2025, 12:11 AM)meamoantonio Wrote:  I saw his strava he, he almost finished the 50kms but his shoes' soles fell off right at the end, still valiant effort and I salute you @GirishH you are an inspiration for all off us here

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@enkei, no need to feel ashamed. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m just blessed with good health and the right circumstances, so I’m trying to make the most of both. Sadly, I started pretty late so trying to enjoy while this "poor" body can handle it..:-)

You have no idea about the looks and “brainwashing” I endure whenever I visit my family in India. As an Asian, it’s always a struggle — though I’m grateful my father is still healthy and doesn’t need my care or attention.

Anyway, no riding for the past month and until the Ultra is over — I’m letting MisterGordo rest. :-)

(10-27-2025, 05:37 AM)enkei Wrote:  I feel ashamed of how little riding I've done compared to you, LOL.

[Flowrider]

Hey @GirishH, what are the most extreme weather conditions you've experienced?

[enkei]

@GirishH

Thanks for the kind offer to join you. That would be awesome, however after many, many years living and traveling in the 'developing' world, I am enjoying the relative comforts of Europe, LOL.

I have many long-time friends from many parts of Asia, and lived in SE Asia for almost 15 years, so I truly appreciate your reticence to avoid the family pressure cooker.

[GirishH]

@Flowrider, That’s an interesting question.. :-)

The toughest weather I faced on this Nepal trip was during our first attempt to reach Thorong La Pass (5400 meters). Freezing rain forced my Burmese cycling friend and me to abandon our bikes by the trail and seek refuge at Thorong High Camp. We had started our “summit” attempt at around 5 a.m., but the cold, darkness, and rain soaked us completely—body and soul. My brake levers were freezing cold because the metal levers, and my gloves were drenched.

Leaving our bikes behind was a no-brainer; at 4,900 meters, no one was going to touch them—people were struggling just to breathe. We rushed to a teahouse, tried to dry our clothes and shoes, ordered a flask of "expensive" hot tea, and rested until 2 p.m. before heading back out to retrieve our bikes. That morning’s three-hour struggle had covered less than two kilometers. But we had expected this and were ready for it.

What really tested me came a few days later. After descending from those heights to the plains, my body wasn’t prepared for the brutal heat. That day, I managed about 70 of the 100 miles I’d planned before completely running out of energy. I met a runner near the end who encouraged me to ride-run with him, but the heat stopped me. I finally gave up.

The next day was just 30 miles through the humid plains—and rolling "hills" of the Himalayas. This nearly broke me. I downed four sugary, carbonated drinks before turning to my true elixir: two shots of coffee. Coffee shots finally revived me enough to reach Pokhara, the start and finish of the circuit.

How about you and the other riders—any extreme weather stories of your own?

(11-02-2025, 11:20 PM)Flowrider Wrote:  Hey @GirishH, what are the most extreme weather conditions you've experienced?

[Flowrider]

Heya @GirishH

What an incredible time.

Sounds like something from the "ALONE" TV shows

Where are you now?

[Sidewinder]

This is an interesting thread... and boy, those are really some FAT tires on that bike, lol. Must be hard to slog through the mud with those tires! A real workout, lol... but exercise is good for you!

[GirishH]

@Sidewinder, Thanks! Mine are truly are some fat tires. I used to be the center of attention—until I met a fellow cyclist in the Himalayas of Nepal with 5-inch tires. For a while, I finally felt like a normal mortal. :-)

More than a slog, riding this bike is pure fun. I can literally take MisterGordo anywhere—paved highways, mud, slush, sand, or trails. On tarmac, it sounds like I’m being chased by a swarm of bees—that’s the hum of those tires!

In the rough stuff, they inspire total confidence; I never have to think twice. Sure, it’s a tanker to ride, and I’m not kidding when I say I've a great upper-body workout. Thanks to MisterGordo, I’ve got bigger biceps and even six-packs—just from pushing this beast up Himalayan climbs.

Some stretches of slush were so bad that even motorbikes and 4WDs struggled. On those days, I sometimes managed only 10–15 km before calling it quits. It was a real battle—but Mister Gordo always pulled me through.
   

I’m truly glad my path crossed with MisterGordo. It’s changed my sense of what’s possible...:-)

(11-12-2025, 06:13 PM)Sidewinder Wrote:  This is an interesting thread... and boy, those are really some FAT tires on that bike, lol. Must be hard to slog through the mud with those tires! A real workout, lol... but exercise is good for you!

[GirishH]

@enkei, Europe is relatively comfortable...:-) Which parts of Southeast Asia did you live in or explore?

I might be in Spain–France during March to May for some running and riding. Not sure if our paths would cross then.

The Asian family pressure cooker is tough, but I’m glad I’ve managed to withstand it so far.

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(11-07-2025, 08:44 AM)enkei Wrote:  @GirishH

Thanks for the kind offer to join you. That would be awesome, however after many, many years living and traveling in the 'developing' world, I am enjoying the relative comforts of Europe, LOL.

I have many long-time friends from many parts of Asia, and lived in SE Asia for almost 15 years, so I truly appreciate your reticence to avoid the family pressure cooker.

[GirishH]

@Flowrider, I’m sure browsing this forum will reveal far more interesting stories than mine..

I’m currently in the Himalayan region of India, resting a bit before reuniting with MisterGordo in Nepal soon..

(11-12-2025, 05:25 AM)Flowrider Wrote:  Heya @GirishH

What an incredible time.

Sounds like something from the "ALONE" TV shows

Where are you now?

[enkei]

(11-14-2025, 01:41 AM)GirishH Wrote:  @enkei, Europe is relatively comfortable...:-) Which parts of Southeast Asia did you live in or explore?

I might be in Spain–France during March to May for some running and riding. Not sure if our paths would cross then.

The Asian family pressure cooker is tough, but I’m glad I’ve managed to withstand it so far.

Mostly Thailand, but was also in Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, with short visits to Singapore and Myanmar.

Message me when/if you figure out your Spain/France plans.

[Flowrider]

@GirishH I think we're similiar in a way. We're not good spectators; we'd rather be active in the game than watch.

Really enjoy reading your progress and find it inspirational to get out there and enjoy myself