December 9, 2024
A Ride of Realizations: Health, Opportunities, Haves, and Have-Nots
Leaving this village, on the cusp of a tourism boom, was tough. The community is doing a remarkable job of balancing the promotion of Wari Chora while striving to preserve its natural beauty.
| Heart | 0 | Comment | 0 | Link |
I took a shortcut that reminded me why I ride MotaaCycle. For several kilometers, there was no trace of a road—just mud and a few stream crossings.
It was nerve-wracking, but MotaaCycle gave me the confidence to push through. Eventually, I hit the “highway”—a name-only road. It was a mix of cleared mountain paths, sporadic patches of pavement, and unpaved sections.
As I rode through these rugged stretches, I passed small settlements. At one point, I stopped for a hot cup of chai and stumbled upon fresh milk—a rare find in these parts. I eagerly drank a couple of glasses. Milk, for me, is like "petrol" or "alcohol."
While at the tea stall, I encountered Aasha workers—village health workers who travel through valleys and mountain areas delivering vaccines and essential medicines. That day, they administered polio vaccines to children under two years old.
Hearing about their work made me reflect on my fortune. I’ve been blessed with good health, strong legs, and a body that supports even my craziest dreams. I am grateful for the nourishment, education, and opportunities my parents provided, which have allowed me to make healthy choices. Luck has also played a role, especially when I’ve taken risks. Sometimes, I only recognize the absurdity of my dreams after I’ve accomplished them.
Before continuing, I thanked the health workers by treating them to chai and fresh samosas from the stall.
| Heart | 1 | Comment | 0 | Link |
The day was a bit of a drag and quite chilly. Each time the sun disappeared behind the clouds, I felt the cold creeping in. To stay warm, I stopped often for chai along the way.
Eventually, I reached a settlement primarily frequented by coal mine trucks. The locals advised me to head to the next village, where I might find shelter in a temple. So, I pedaled on.
At the next village, while asking for directions to the temple, I met a fellow cyclist riding a fat bike. Not only did he guide me to the temple, but he also insisted I stay with him and his family.
People often ask me why I cycle, why I cycle alone, and if I’m scared. My answer is always the same: I wake up terrified every morning. But every day, the kindness and generosity of people I meet outweigh that fear.
Walter and his family exemplified this generosity. Despite their modest means, they welcomed me into their home—a structure still under construction, with temporary plastic sheets for doors. Their love, humility, and humanity were boundless, far outweighing any material wealth.
That evening, I shared a simple meal around the fire with Walter’s family. Later, I slept alongside Walter in their unfinished home, feeling the warmth of their kindness despite the stark conditions.
MotaaCycle continues to connect me with extraordinary people and experiences. I always wish I had more time to linger, but it’s that longing that keeps me riding, despite the challenges and fears.
This ride taught me profound lessons about health, opportunities, and the stark contrasts between the haves and have-nots.
This cycling journey has been a powerful lesson in the realities of poverty, the resilience of the human spirit, and the generosity of humanity.
Today's ride: 50 km (31 miles)
Total: 1,740 km (1,081 miles)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 2 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 0 |