Desert Sojourn

“Himmat-e-Marda toh madad-e-khuda”

- Bhavna Sharma

This phrase has been ringing in my ears from the time I gained conscience! Because I made unconventional decisions in life with respect to my traditional roots. Though I never felt odd or unconnected. However, things change, circumstances differ. TW5 finalists call came at a time when I was having second thoughts about my own past choices; however destiny is the word for how this ride materialized. One can lose everything but not hope, that is called being alive.

This time I had to customize my ride. I visualised mirages, deserts, and dry dead forests unlike my earlier travel fantasies which always included mountains, greenery and so much life. I got varied responses, some people encouraged, few superficially nodded, others pulled me back and some bold enough to spew hate. It is strange that in an advanced world we still are so prejudiced. We live in a multifaceted society and the responses, made me go back to where I belong, to my backyard, the dusty, dry, roasting “ Maarudhara” and I tell you that in the end I was not just elated but content, which gave me so many surprises, a real picture of life, unexpected fun and awe. So I chose the oldest mountain ranges, The Aravallis over The Himalayas.

My route started from Jaipur from the Wrangler store. First day was a warm up session since I was riding after a year with 50 days of riding experience in my kitty, i.e. 30 days of practice for Himalayan odyssey and another 20 in the Himalayas itself. I had never experienced anything like TW5 before, just ride, be wild and free (officially!). It was a prize to be on the roads again.