Epilogue – Dream, Reality

"A full Panaromic view of the Annapurna Region- the sun is big and bright and the two of us in the distance."

As I got ready to descend, my bike’s tire was flat out of air so pumping the tires, gearing up and saying my final farewell to the other trekkers there I raced them to the end. “Catch me if you can!” I yelled as I rushed down full speed passing by the people who had to walk while I was freely riding. The cold air felt good and I was pumped to go back on my way home. My last teashop at Thorong and my last sip of tea; I was tired of drinking peach tea or black or ginger tea or milk tea and maybe wouldn’t drink any for a few months. This was a goodbye to Manang as well.

"Friends and family- the biking community is amazing. Since many travellers from all around the world come to Nepal to bike, our existing community grows bigger and bigger as we get to know each other."

I was determined that the next time I come to the Annapurna Circuit, I would want to start from the opposite way starting from Beni to Besisahar. From Thorong la I went straight to Muktinath and I was already missing the wind, the crystal lakes, the chill yaks grazing in the fields and the climate. At Muktinath I once again met with the Malaysian riders (the Michaels) where we settled down for lunch at Kaagbeni. “Do you want to join us?” In the mountain biking community the only question you ask to a fellow traveller would be if they wanted to ride along with them. The rest would be small talks out of common interest like the bikes, the type or the parts of the bike models. I didn’t want to be alone so joining them was fun.

"Starting from the alleys and corners of home- spreading to the Kathmandu valley and now to the outskirts of the country and the mountain giants. Every ride is worth it!"

Now I was at Marpha - a small nice town with every walls and houses in there painted white and unique alleyways. The most enjoyable items at Marfa were that every product they had was made out of apples and apricots. The people were good to me and I would definitely go back there.

"Reflection courtesy to Freedie: (from left) Me, Kabir, Nitesh and Sarthak – the Beards and Bicycles!"

Time to leave Marpha. Next morning I would move on from Tukche to Lete to Ghasa and then to Tatopani. I could finally really relax at Tatopani; the cold apple cider whilst enjoying the hot springs was a therapeutic experience after days of going uphill. I also met Brian and Nicole; a couple and two amazing people from America who I still am in touch with to this day. After my stay at Tatopani it was time to go back 80km to Pokara where home was waiting. I rode my bike till Nayapool and took a cab to my house with my bike on the hood of the cab. When I got home, my dad was proud that I had completed the Annapurna Circuit on my bike even through the ups and downs but I am as well proud that I did not back out of my dream. Bii and I met up some time later at Pokhara, she retrieved her stuff back from the company and everything was good. We talked about what happened later, had good food and it feels good to know that everything went well for her.

"Finally Back Home!"