Scrolling through social media, it’s easy to fall in love with the idea of a long motorcycle ride. The stunning photos of endless roads, scenic mountains, and triumphant poses in front of “Last Village of India” signs often make these adventures seem effortless and thrilling. For many who haven’t experienced these rides firsthand, it can appear like a dream. a beautiful journey where you just hop on your bike, ride through picturesque landscapes, and capture Instagram-worthy moments.
But there’s another side to these long rides, one that often goes unseen in the photos and videos. After 13 days and nearly 3000 km of riding through some of the toughest terrains in the Himalayas, I can say with certainty that these rides are not as easy as they appear on social media. For every breathtaking view, there are hours of struggle, discomfort, and endurance that go into making that moment happen. Here's what you don't often see behind the camera.
The Glamorise Version vs. The Reality
When we look at those stunning pictures of riders cruising through mountain passes or relaxing by crystal-clear lakes, it’s easy to get swept up in the romance of the journey. But here’s the truth - those moments are only a fraction of the ride. The reality is that long-distance motorcycle rides, especially through challenging terrains like the Himalayas, are physically and mentally exhausting.
Take our ride, for example. From Pune to the Spiti Valley and back, every day brought new challenges. We faced everything from harsh weather and rough roads to fatigue and mechanical issues. Yes, there were moments of beauty, but they were often sandwiched between hours of discomfort, frustration, and effort.
Endless Hours on the Saddle
One of the biggest struggles of long rides is the sheer number of hours you spend on the bike each day. Riding for 10 to 15hrs a day is no easy task. You sit in the same position for hours on end, gripping the handlebars while navigating through challenging roads. Your body aches, your hands cramp, and eventually, you start to feel the weight of every kms you’ve covered.
In our ride, by Day 3, the strain had already started to set in. Long stretches of highway might seem easy, but when you’re battling heat, traffic, and the weariness that builds up after hours of riding, it becomes a real test of endurance. And let’s not even talk about the off-road sections - riding through dirt, rocks, and water crossings demands even more focus and energy.
The Struggle with Weather Conditions
When you look at photos of riders conquering mountain passes, it’s easy to forget that they’re battling the elements every step of the way. On our ride, we experienced everything from freezing cold at kaza to the sweltering heat of the Punjab plains. Starting our days in freezing -1°C temperatures left our fingers numb despite wearing full winter gear. Every time we saw sunlight break through the mountains, it felt like a blessing.
By contrast, as we descended into the hot and humid regions, we longed for the cold we had once battled. The sun beat down on us, making us sweat through our gear, and the change in altitude didn’t help matters. Riding through heat exhaustion and fatigue isn’t something you’ll often see in a photo, but it’s a reality every rider must face on long journeys.
Navigating Dangerous Roads
The photos you see of narrow mountain roads and stunning valleys rarely tell the whole story. In reality, these roads are dangerous, often filled with unexpected challenges. On our ride, we encountered landslides, narrow roads with steep drops on one side, and stretches of off-road terrain that tested both our bikes and our riding skills.
The road to Chitkul, for example, was filled with narrow paths, overhanging rocks, and sharp drops into the valley below. It took every ounce of concentration to navigate these roads safely, and there were times when one small mistake could have had serious consequences. These moments, though thrilling in hindsight, are nerve-wracking in real time and aren’t something that’s often captured in a photograph.
The tiredness and Mental Endurance
While the photos show smiling faces and poses, they rarely capture the mental and physical exhaustion that comes with long-distance riding. By the time we reached Chandigarh on Day 14, we had covered almost 3000 km. For some, it was the 10th day, but for four of us, it was the 14th, and the fatigue had started to catch up with us. Our bodies were tired, our minds drained, and we felt every one of those kms in our bones.
Physically, riding for hours every day takes a toll on your back, shoulders, and legs. Your body aches in ways you didn’t know it could, and no amount of rest can fully recharge you for the next day. Mentally, it’s a challenge to stay focused on the road for such long periods. You have to stay sharp, constantly aware of your surroundings, and ready to react to any obstacle.
The Real Reward
Despite all these challenges, there’s a reason we keep coming back to the road. The rewards of a long ride aren’t just in the stunning views or the sense of accomplishment - it’s the journey itself. It’s the struggle, the moments of doubt, the push to keep going even when your body and mind are telling you to stop. It’s in the camaraderie you build with fellow riders, the shared stories, and the feeling of conquering something bigger than yourself.
At the end of our ride, standing together in Chandigarh after 13 days on the road, there was an overwhelming sense of achievement. We had battled rain, freezing temperatures, rough terrain, and fatigue, and yet, we had done it. That moment of triumph captured in one final group photo was the culmination of everything we had been through. But it wasn’t just the scenic beauty or the thrill of the ride that made it special; it was the entire journey, both the good and the tough parts, that made it unforgettable.
In the End
So, the next time you see a photo of a long motorcycle ride, remember that there’s more to the story than what’s captured at that moment. Behind every stunning view is a rider who has battled through hours of discomfort, tiredness, and sometimes even fear. But that’s what makes the journey worthwhile. It’s not just about the destination or the perfect photo it’s about the challenges you overcome and the memories you create along the way.
Long rides are hard, and they’re not for everyone, but for those who take on the challenge, the rewards are far greater than what can be captured in a picture. It’s a ride of a lifetime, but don’t be fooled it’s one that requires endurance, patience, and a love for the road, no matter how tough it gets.
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