The Himalayan Odessy is back for 2007 after a great ride in the past couple of years. Though it is not exactly hardcore to many ‘adventurers’, citing many reasons like having backup vehicles and mechanics, I’ve met a few riders who really enjoyed being on the Odessy. {mosimage}This is because people who would never have been able to go on such rides by themselves, find this a really good alternative. for the exact same reasons, some others would refrain from going. All the more reason to go if you have just bought one of the those new Machismo AVL 500s. There is no better place to put all the truck tractor loads of torque to better use, than in the challenging terrain of THE mountains. More over, who wouldn’t want to blast up the dirt tracks of the Himalayas when you can be sure of you luggage being safe in the truck behind.
The following is the press release from Royal Enfield regarding the Himalayan Odessey 2007.
Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey 2007
Its back – the biggest, toughest, highest and most fun filled ride above sea level. Now in its fourth edition. This grand daddy of all motorcycle rides will see about 50 Royal Enfield riders from different parts of the country put their wheels hearts spirits and beats together with the mighty Himalayas.
{mosgoogle right}While the main theme is an exhilarating experience the underlying emphasis is on safety in every aspect of the ride. Whether it is planning of the route, or execution of the ride, Royal Enfield provides service and medical back up to give confidence not just to the first time participant but also his/her friends and family.
The Himalayan Odyssey has expert and experienced pilots to guide the group in various areas of bike riding and coping with the weather and terrain.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey, will be flagged off from Delhi on 24th June. The 14 day adventure ride will traverse about 2500km in some of the roughest terrains, breathtaking corners, and highest mountain passes in the world. This year sees the introduction of an exciting new section on the return leg from Keylong to Amritsar. The Himalayan Odyssey would be amongst the first motorcycle groups to traverse this route if Bhimakali allow us the gift of unbridled passage call it an attempt on some of the last remaining frontiers.
The Odyssey will leave from Delhi on 24th June and then halt over night at ‘City Beautiful’, {mosimage} Chandigarh, before proceeding into the lap of the Himalayan Mountains for an overnight halt at Manali at a scenic camp next to the Beas river. The 300 odd kilometers between Chandigarh and Manali are a bikers paradise with scenic views of the hills and fantastic riding roads. But Manali is where the picnic ends and the expedition begins.
From here on the the riders will cross over the snow-filled Rhothang Jot (pass) leaving behind the soothing Himachal greenery to embrace the stark desert landscape of the Keylong region. On the 4th day, they will cross the notorious Baralach La pass, to glimpse a view of the magnificent Suraj Tal and rest in the breath taking Sarchu Valley. Day 5 from Sarchu to Rumtse would be a tough ride as it involves traversing the mighty Tanglang La – the second highest motorable road in the world. The setting is scenic and the spectacular Tso Kar is just a stone’s throw from the route. Day 6 can be sonsidered the start o the rest days which it is a gentle cruise to Leh, the capital city of Ladakh.
Where the riders and bikes will get a chance to rest and soak in the feeling of having made the tough ride. The ride to Khardung La Pass – the worlds Highest Motorable road at 18350 feet above mean sea level , is the highlight of the 14 day adventure trip. The return route will see the riders stop over at Pang and then straight at Keylong. In the past that was where the tough part ended but this year the riders and their Royal Enfield bikes have another challenge ahead. One that is wrought with uncertainties and challenges. The bikers will try their luck over Sach Khas and Pangi valley to finally end the trip with a historic visit to Whaga Border near Amritsar paying their symbolic tributes to the men who give their today so we can have a tomorrow. A tribute to an entity called India.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey is organized by Royal Enfield every year.
Further details or clarifications, check out the following options:
- Royal Enfield Official Website: www.royalenfield.com
- You can E mail Sachin Chavan, Royal Enfield at schavan@royalenfield.com
- Snail mail (yeah, people still use them!): Sachin Chavan Royal Enfield, Thiruvottiyur High Road, Thiruvottiyur, Chennai – 600019
‘, 1, 9, 0, 26, ‘2007-05-29 23:28:03’, 62, ‘Abhi’, ‘2007-06-15 00:29:21’, 62, 0, ‘0000-00-00 00:00:00’, ‘2007-05-29 23:28:03’, ‘0000-00-00 00:00:00’, ‘2007/motorcycles/0530-Trip_logo-small.jpg|left|The trip brnding image from Royal Enfield|0||bottom||\r\n2007/motorcycles/0530-Himalayan_odessy_2007.gif|right|Royal Enfield Himalayan Odessy 2007|0||bottom||