Despite being up to 5,328 metres at Tanlangla this cycle involved 42 kms of straight climbing starting in Leh for a breathtaking gain of 1,900 meters.
Times from the 4 varied from 3 3/4 to 5 1/2 hours all pretty damned good considering the last 15 kms were completely off road on rock and gravel.
The descent claimed two of the 4 riders when first of all Danish Mike tried to jump a ditch at speed that came out into his riding line causing his tyre to burst and him to come off his bike - thankfully shaken and not too badly hurt.
Dr Geoff also came off in sand on one of the bitumen corners on the long descent and also thankfully only ended up with grazes and small cuts.
While the four were doing themselves proud the rest of the group were doing some last minute walking around town and taking in the more interesting sites including the monastery and palace that serves as a backdrop to the city.
We departed from Leh the morning after on different flights through some of the strictest security procedures imaginable given the issues in Kashmir and nearby Pakistan.
This gave us a final look at the stunning Himalayas around Ladahk.
Arrival Delhi was a different world, hot' humid and a sea off humanity with people competing for living space everywhere !
Traffic here can be horrendous battling with the cities 20 million inhabitants. Not too comforting also is the fact that Indian has the highest road fatality rate in the world !
We had one final dinner at the amazing Indian Imperial hotel a setting of opulent Raj splendour where our total dinner bill was (I'm told) enough to feed a family of 4 for 1 year - embarrassing but nice !
So after nearly 4 months in the saddle and a fabulous Indian adventure now completed it is time to head home and dream of the next one !
See you in Melbourne !
Well done Litchy. Have really enjoyed following the blog, even though it has been painfull because I am stuck at work. Will catch ya back in OZ at some stage. Rafferty
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