MotaaCycle Diaries - Training and learning in the mountains of Meghalaya - It keeps getting (insanely) better and challenging

November 13, 2024 to November 27, 2024

MotaaCycle Diaries - Training and learning in the mountains of Meghalaya

This humongous tree reminded me of Avataar..

The ride from Lampi, Assam to Nongstoin, Meghalaya was very scenic but scary. Before sending me off, the folks cautioned me against speaking to tribals of the villages I would be passing through or even stopping at any.

Some explained that a few of these villagers/tribes throw stones at cars or such. While, others explained that due to language barrier this tension exists. Yes, tribes here speak a different language. So, Yay to me for learning a new language..

Anyways, instead of enjoying the ride I simply rode fast through the beautiful countryside that sometimes had huts made of wood, and bamboo but many a times also included tin sheets. These were poor and under-developed parts of India. I did encounter some "hostile" locals who spoke to me nicely...

Wild chestnuts are great source of protein and sold in many of the local bazaars..

Many times, I also rode through forests and fern-lined roads. Along the way, I picked some wild chestnuts that I had grown accustomed to eating...

I learned to do some hard work while at Warmshowers

Finally, I joined the highway that would bring me to Nongstoin where I was supposed to stay with Warmshower hosts.

These Warmshower hosts run a school for the poor kids and I ended up staying here for over 2 weeks as I learned and did some yard work on the school campus but also explored nearby tourist attractions on the bike.

I also would walk through the local market, where there's a huge selection of used clothes and everything that one might need. Here, I saw how one's donations are getting second and third lives. So, I picked up some warm layers.

Hiking Motaacycle through this was tough..

One day, I rode to Weinia waterfalls and then hiked my bicycle to the main part of this large island. This was a scary trek and reminded me of Ecuador where my friend and I almost got lost in a "winter/hail storm". But the landscapes in these parts of Meghalaya are beautiful and now I know why the British called it the Scotland of India.

Finally, I reached Nongknum Island's beach...when I was about to "seek" help..

Another time, I explored a scenic viewpoint, and that again involved quite a bit of off-roading and then hiking up a steep mountain. The view was out of this world.

Houses here are built using anything and everything..

Riding away from the Mawkynrum view point (the Heart-shaped river)..

At the base of the Mawkynrum view point.

This Meghalaya state-level games player wanted to ride Motaacycle..and I let him enjoy it a bit..

Today's ride: 150 km (93 miles)
Total: 1,387 km (861 miles)

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Bill Shaneyfelt"Watch out for the next town, those people are dangerous!"

I encountered this attitude many times on my rides here in the USA, and invariably found them to be "rather overstated" to the effect that people I met were quite friendly and helpful.

Likely you have noticed the same elsewhere. Keep up the great journal!
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