August 18,2019 - Leh

We had a full briefing this morning.  Normally TDA has a Medic on their rides, but for this ride we have a full Dr. that has spent considerable time at the Mt. Everest rescue station, their high altitude specialist.  That we need our own doctor is concerning…   Helen is very very knowledgable, but she bore two bits of terrible news:

1. The body does not remember that you have previously been at high altitude.  you have to start the acclimatization process from scratch, i.e. spend a day per 300-600 meters elevation rise.  The focus is not what you might do during the day, but the elevation that you overnight.
2. That I get no credit for previous ventures to high altitude is bad enough but worse is no alcohol.  Alcohol interferes with the body’s natural mechanism for acclimatization.  The very strong advice is we wait till Shimla (lower elevation) before we should consider a beer.  That’s over three weeks away!

Normally TDA makes heavy use of Sat phones since we are commonly out of cellphone range.  But due to the “troubles” in Kashmir, the Indian army has insisted, actually directed no Sat phones.  So TDA will have an extra truck that will patrol the ride.

Did a small hike today to the top of a local hill to the Shanti Stupa - about a 100m (350ft) climb. i.e. 500+ steps.   I was pleased, we are at 3,500m (11,500ft) so the breathing was heavy but the legs were totally happy and a very quick recovery as soon as I stopped climbing.

Erwin and Dunnery

No shoes

Tomorrow we are going for a short bike ride just to make sure everything works and remembering how to keep the pace very slow.

August 19, 2019 Leh

Went for a 55km ride today - complete with a beautiful downhill part, belching diesel trucks, ponds across the road to navigate and some wonderful scenery.

Bike in riding form complete with prayer flags

We twice crossed over the Indus river, we are close to the headwaters.  

Dunnery in the Indus river

They like prayer flags here

Some other pics from the ride:

note the outdoor class

Visited (rode up to) the Thikse Monastery today.  It is a Gompa (Tibetan-style monastery) affiliated with Tibetan Buddhism.  It resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.  

note the coins

This carved Buddha is about 50' tall

Note the "free wifi"

When one looks from a higher vantage point is is sure obvious that if you add water to dirt one has very lush vegetation.

The Himalayas reminded us today that we are irrelevant insignificant specs on the landscape.  It went from warm, no rain, no wind - i.e. very pleasant for riding to cold, rain and very strong winds within 5 minutes - no question who is boss.

Reminder:  If you click on any of the pictures you get a hi-re version.

I'm not very happy with Telus, they have had a major problem with their email service, I can now receive some mail (lots missing) but still cannot send - very frustrating.