KATHMANDU TO KALIMPONG 2014: 03/04/14

Distance - 43.1 miles. Climbing - 613 feet
Route Details http://www.strava.com/activities/115454152

Rose this very misty morning to the sound of army boots tramp, tramp, tramping near our tents. Out of the mist came recruits, men and women, of the Eastern Regional Armed Police Force, jogging round and round the perimeter of their base. We are camped near their Headquarters and some have been standing guard over us all night. Their Commandant visited before we left for a chat and to wish us well.
The roads seem a bit busier now, still very good but with the occasional rough patch to catch us unawares. We planned to stop at the town of Pathari to look round their thriving market but somehow Olga and I found ourselves cycling on our own and missed the turn off. We just kept going, chatting happily, until this car drew alongside and it was Paul to say everyone was at the market about a mile back. Locals had spotted us cycling straight through the town. We eventually met up with the rest and explored a warren of narrow streets selling wonderful foods, bales of cloth, spices, flowers, ironmongery and animals. Colour, colour, colour so vibrant, full of life and noise. We visited the fish and meat area but I fled as pigs, squealing loudly were being slaughtered. Too much, too much.
We lunched in a forest of Eucalyptas Trees, so tall, providing shade for the cows and water buffalo grazing underneath. Nepal protects its trees and you can only fell them with permission, replanting for every one cut. Lunch was smoked chicken, cheese sandwiches, salad and chips. Mmm so tasty.
We are camped in a very peaceful valley surrounded by hills and a dried up riverbed. Very peaceful.
We all posed for a group photo as unbelievably, this is our last night in tents. Tonight we dined outside by a huge campfire. Fraser, a Scots Guard, has brought his Bagpipes so he and Ganga on the Tsarangi entertained us after dinner. Fraser played a tune he had composed especially for the bike ride. Hauntingly beautiful sounds echoing through the valley.
The cooks led by Autaman Tamang baked a beautifully moist chocolate cake. The food has been absolutely first class, I really don't know how they do it with just pots and pans and a stove. John, on our behalf, thanked this exceptional support team, handing out monetary gifts. This is my third cycle in this part of the world and Insight Himalaya have provided a first class service. Their attention to detail and hygiene have assured that everyone kept fit and well. No mean feat.
We cross the border into India tomorrow so Prakash Gupta has joined us, his company Heat Flexi Travels will take over from Binod. Binod is a former pupil of Dr Graham's Homes and plans to continue cycling with us to Kalimpong. His team will return to Kathmandu and prepare for their next trek. We are so sad to say goodbye to these friendly, attentive Sherpas.
Prakash organised my first two Indian cycles, a lovely man so it is really good to see him again. Big hugs. Prakash's team are excellent at road management making sure, in India's nightmare traffic that we are all accounted for and safe.
This journey is beginning to fly now. The group, 6 girls and 7 men, are a great crowd, we all get on well and are of equal abilities so no-on feels under pressure. John is slower but is never far away and holds his own. Now I am

in my tent for the last time. I love my tent, it is my own private space hidden from the world. So cosy and safe. Still loving it.