#mtbiking

Marpha 2,670m. A beautiful stone lined village and the apple capital of the nation.

Marijuana growing in the wild

Riding over suspension bridges was exhilarating and scary all at the same time.

Tatopani 1,190 m. Where a hot spring is situated scenically next to the riverbed

Beni. Upon reaching Beni, I was delighted to have completed the trip, but sad to be packing the bikes and starting the journey back to Pokhara.

Sarangkot. Just when I was feeling slightly wistful about the epic MTB experience, the jeep stopped somewhere along the way and the guys started preparing the bikes. I obviously didn’t receive the memo, eh? Turned out there was still one last hurrah (steep uphill ride, fun bumpy downhill) before we ended our bike trip and back to the lakeside.

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The Porridge Team: Porridge Power, One and A Half Hour. (our take on the ‘Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour’ expression LOL)

The best company one could ever hope for! Amazing riders --- incredibly supportive, wonderfully fun and extremely patient (rode at my own pace and they didn’t make me feel the need to ‘keep up’) I am grateful to have shared this fantastic trip with these guys.

My day of “epic pushing” and awkward riding, coz right after I crashed, all the confidence I gained a few days ago have flown right out the window. Though I tried to ride the single track again, my fear got the best of me -- only rode the super wide open trails. Totally inexperienced. Ha! Nevertheless, I had an awesome time watching the guys pick their way down the steep and loose tracks. They all nailed it! Woot!

Jack reunited with us

Unbelievably beautiful and majestic views even during the monsoon season

Santaram, Jack, Laxman and Mike -- awesome people, outstanding bikers.

After crossing the pass, we descended over the stony and windy riverbed of the Lubra Valley to the Kali Gandaki valley.

Muktinath 3,760m

Dhaulagiri the seventh highest mountain in the world at 8,167 metres above sea level.

Muktinath Temple is a "Place of salvation" and it is one of the most ancient temples of the God Vishnu and the Vaishnava tradition in Nepal. Muktinath is a highly venerated sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists.

To Thorong La Pass. The intrepid Jack is somewhere up there crossing the 5,416 metre pass with his bike 

Kagbeni 2,810m

This day got me thinking, “Why the hell am I doing this?!?” But everytime I looked at the scenery, it made me realize it was still a good decision.

Scorching hot day

Yak jerky

"Aileeeen! You're dal-bhat is readyyyy!!!" Usual words of encouragment from the guys. Seriously, food was my number one motivation whenever I was struggling and regretting my life choices 😂

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The 8-hr jeep ride from Pokhara to Jomsom was an adventure in itself.

Landslides triggered by heavy rains have blocked the road 

The gang: Nepal x USA x PH. I'm not one for "joiner tours", I prefer to travel solo and hire a guide, if necessary. But I made an exemption for this trip (even if I was the only newbie). Fortunately, they were laid-back guys--easily made friends with them. Couldn't ask for a better group.

Jomsom 2,720m. The starting point of our bike ride.

The bike and hike up the pass was brutal (for me), but the descent was pure joy. 

The bike ride up on this gravelly, switchback-full road was made bearable by the amazing views and great company.    

Mike perfectly portrayed my feelings at that moment.

Was quite excited for this part but as we gained altitude, I was starting to hate it. Ha! So much for the strength I've gained from my trekking; I was huffing and puffing against altitude and the intensity of the climb.

Windy Pass 3,435 m

Splendid views of the valley -- made the struggle all worthwhile. Never thought I'd have to carry/push a bike up a hill in my whole life.

Anthony Chio | Strava