Day 2. 10th May 2014 The endless climb. 45.5 miles, 8110 feet of climbing.

This day was a rude awakening for what was to come on subsequent days.  My stomach was still upset and we had a 15 mile climb to start the day.  We climbed 3700 feet.  I was left by the other riders as they felt good.  Promod the guide stuck with me and we ground up that hill.  I had a few emergency stops thanks to my stomach.  The road just snaked higher and higher affording great views down the valley.

The vehicles were considerate and gave us plenty of room, most sounded their horns as they approached corners to warn other road users of their presence.

After about 4 hours of relentless climbing I eventually reached the top of the Khamba La pass.

The view of the Yamdrok Lake was stunning.  

We couldn't spend too much time at he top as we were getting cold.

We then had a fast and long descent before getting to lake level and a flattish 25 miles to our riverside campsite.

First days ride. 9th May 2014. 52.9 miles. Climbed 1519 feet.

It wasn't a good start. I'm lying on my sleeping mat outside in the shade, trying to recover from a tough day. Tough because I've had a bad stomach. It started the previous night and continued today.

We set off at around 9am. I was feeling pretty weak with a headache as well.

We seemed to take forever to get clear of the city. The streets were busy and we all followed Promod our guide. Promod is a Nepali guide, an excellent cyclist and knows the route like the back of his hand.

The pace was pretty fast and just couldn't keep up.  I felt weak and shaky due to he illness. It was getting hotter and I was feeling it.

Andy the youngest rider and Chris, the oldest rider were brilliant and shielded me from the wind all the way to our lunch stop.

Lunch was an organised affair. The crew had set up a tent and cooked us chips, veg and tinned tuna. Also a roll with melted cheese. As we arrived a taurpualin was on the ground for us to sit on and hot lemon and sugar water was served.

After food we had tea and coffee.

I managed to eat and we set off in the heat again.  I was feeling so bad I was fighting back the tears.

Chris stayed with me and I draughted behind him.

I had to make an emergency stop in a ditch at the roadside. It was a close call! My stomach was cramping and I was not happy.  I was so grateful that Chris was with me offering sympathy and support.  The others had zoomed off ahead.

The sights were amazing though we were surrounded by snow capped mountains. We had ridden along Lhasa river most of the way.  I was just too ill to take it n or take photos.

After 53 miles of steady riding which was pretty flat we arrived at our camp site.

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I felt near collapse!

We each had a little bowl of water to wash with and just relaxed waiting for dinner.



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Back home to rest and recouperation

Unfortunately I wasn't able to update my blog while I was away, so I will add a day by day account as soon as I'm able to.

A day in Kathmandu

This has to be a day that will remain with me forever!
I have had culture overload. We had a breakfast fit for royalty and then were taken on a guided tour.
The traffic was crazy and our bus driver was amazing at weaving in and out of the madness.
We visited a Bhudist Temple












- It is just incredible and lots of local people were worshipping.
It was too much to take in really. Our guide was very knowledgable and informative .

We then visited a holy river that feeds the river Ganges. On the banks if the river the Hindu people cremate their dead and then sweep the ashes into the river. We saw several being cremated. It was odd seeing a body on a pyre and set alight. Rather moving and surreal






We had a wander around the markets and also visited an art school where images of the Stupa
are painted. Some students practise for years.






We had lunch at a local restaurant and I then went for a massage. That was interesting!!
Then we shopped around. I got some more warm gear, gloves and a jacket.

We , four of us got lost so we paired up and took a cycle rickshaw back to the hotel. That was terrifying being in the mad traffic but had us laughing hysterically.
The day ended with a meal in a different restaurant and a nightcap.
I am reeling from the culture I have seen today. The poverty is dramatic but the place is so vibrant.
Tomorrow we fly to Tibet.












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Arrived in Nepal

Made it safely to Nepal. Crazy busy place. Very tired so just pictures














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On the way

Well, I'm just waiting to board the plane. I love the airport. Had a seamless checkin and security was efficient. Charged £100 for the extra baggage. Ouch!




Leroy is excited and doesn't know where to look first.



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One more sleep!

Well the bike and all kit is packed.  I am only allowed 30kg on the flight and that includes the bike bag.



Collectively my gear is 9kg overweight.  Its going to be expensive at check in!



Its so close, and now all the rushing around is done, I feel a little in limbo.



I've been thinking even more about my dear Mum this week and got slightly overwhelmed this evening.

I know she would be so excited for me and also proud.  I still miss her so very much and these fundraising events help me to handle the pain and sense of loss.



I'm so excited about this trip.  Its so different from others I've done.  I'm feeling out of my comfort zone and just don't know what to expect.



I am a little worried about my young cat Jerry,  I've never left him so long, but my lovely neighbours will feed my cats each day and he will probably be fine.  I'm going to miss him so.



Leroy has a specially knitted jumper to keep him warm in the mountains.  After the Africa trip I think he will feel the cold.



Last night some friends came over for a farewell drink and I've had so many good wishes for the trip it's touching.