Why a bike ride to fight illiteracy?
We wanted to do something difficult. We felt we had to in order to get your attention. And we wanted to show the kids in Nepal that if you set your mind to it, even a long difficult journey such as learning to read can be accomplished. It can even be fun.
Why it's a challenge
"Mountain biking on the highest roads in the world is a physically and mentally demanding challenge that is long and hard. Difficult and exhausting conditions combine to test your internal and external fortitude. But the view of the world from the heights of Tibet and the long, lonely solitude that envelopes you is a humbling experience."
- From the book 'Tibet Overland', by Kym McConnell (Photo above of Mt. Everest also from Kym McConnell's site)
There also isn't much air to breathe. For more on the affects of altitude, click here.
The Route in numbers
Number of major mountain passes – 7
Number of days on the bike – 16
Where we slept– Hostels, Tents when no town nearby
What we ate – Not much, Rice, Yak Butter Tea (an acquired taste...), Powerbars!
Equipment – Mountain bikes, spare tires, rain gear, tents, sleeping bags, first aid kits, casual clothes, tools for repairs, food, helmets, cycling shoes and clothes
All the details!
Those of you who want to know all the details of the trip and what we thought we would be doing each day can find out all you want to know here. To see what actually happened, check out our journal and pictures. |
