After a taxi ride from Pokhara, lunch in Besisahar we began the mountain bike riding. I was glad to have the shock absorbers on the front forks. It makes a world of difference over this very rough terrain. Water and mud everywhere and only 4 wheel drive vehicles can manage this road. My guide Prince says he has only done this trip once before. I am not too sure of that though. His boss had told me to only speak in English with him, but really he is so much more comfortable with Hindi that I am afraid it will be difficult to stick with English. It may not look like much of a ride today, but believe me it was enough. Mountain biking is hard! I had the astounding feat of corey wallace confirmed today- having completed this Annapurna circuit in 22 hours. Well, this Canadian legend comes every year for Yak Attack, the world famous mtb stage race that includes the Annapurna circuit, and wins it easily despite the participation of other foreign mtb pros and the awesome Nepali mtb riders.
This is an amazing place and I just hope I can make it. The Thorung La pass at over 5000 meters is coming up in a few days and for that day alone I have had to purchase and carry winter gear. I hope there isn’t snow. Wish me luck blogdhosts.
