Satisfying Impulses #1 - 5oo km cycling , Manali to Leh

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“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
                            ― Ursula K. Le Guin, The Left Hand of Darkness

First and foremost lets clear, what I meant by "Satisfying Impulses" . We been a impulsive couple (more me in it, than my better half) since long. What happens is that, one fine day we are sitting together discussing that its been long sine we had some activity which would motivate us and allow us to tell stories of adventure and josh to our grand kids. And we just come up with a crazy plan and implement it forthwith.

So, this is one such story I would like to share with you guys. So get your cup of coffee or tea or your chosen poison , relax and enjoy the journey of couple riding cycles over 500km, crossing three high altitude passes and enjoying every bit of that journey. A bike ride to leh.

For starters, 

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Leh, a high-desert city in the Himalayas, is the capital of the Leh region in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state.  

Elevation: 3,500 m

Area: 45,110 km²

Weather: -9°C, Wind E at 3 km/h, 55% Humidity

Population: 30,870 (2011)

source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leh

So, here goes - 

One fine day me and Urvashi(My better half ) were discussing plans to ride on bike to Leh, leh being bikers Mecca . Wherein if one rides bikes , he/she must visit Leh to complete the holy trip of riders. We had the gear ready and bike yes, it was ready as usual. With leaves from work approved and nothing to stop us we were happy that after a long wait we were to visit the most sought after place.

While surfing for the likely itinerary and routes, I came across this and a was hit with crazy idea of cycling to Leh, with a logic that as we would grow older we may not have the necessary will and strength to implement such a idea. 

On innocently telling Urvashi about it with a bit of pep talk she understood that I may be right and this would be our one chance towards a glorious adventure a memory for lifetime. And thus begin our journey with unforgettable memories .

Day 1 - Purchase of Cycle for Urvashi and gathering  neccesities  

Cycle bag for Transportation of Cycles

Accommodation for the Journey

That carries out supplies!!!!

Portable workshop 

We follow all security measures 

Bare necessities 

The most important item on the list - BITWIN 540 for Urvashi

All set - ready to go

Day 2 - We book bas tickets from Delhi to Manali and load our cycles into the bus

On way to Manali 

It took us 12 hours to reach Manali, journey was awesome and we were highly excited.

First day at work - Assembling the cycle

The riders

We decided to have a look around in Manali before we settle down for the day

Settled for the day, rest & recoup time

Dinner - Famous Trout fish of Manali

and tasty  Thukpa 

Day 4 - We decided to a small aclimitasation ride of 10 km till Solang valley

Enjoyed time with locals and clicked a few pics in local dress

 Bridge towards Manali leh highway

The roads ahead

Awesome view !!!

Highway was really inclined and it was tough to ride

Resting and Hyderating

Let me breathe ;)

Delicious lunch

The trial ride allowed us to estimate the amount of effort required for the journey coming, but we also realised that it would be fun with the scenic views and welcoming locals.

-------This has been a really long day....will post further details soon. 

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