Outdoors Magazine

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

By Spanafrican
Children of Shara and the Cyclists

Now only 2 days from Leh, it seemed as if the Road Sign writers had really picked up pace and where getting a little philosophical and melancholic

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

Taking a break from the hot, dry and dusty conditions. While we were essentially still following the 'downstream' of the Indus, it didnt feel anything quite like it. An 84km ride we were all too keen to set up camp even if Leh was just another 70k or so down the river.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

The end is nigh!

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

The soothing sight of green fields in Shara. All we needed now was to negotiate a camping spot. This proved not to be too difficult, 20 min of deciding of where, what and who, school closed and the children rushed out. They were followed by their teacher who conveniently told us the fields were those of her family and camping would be no problem. We thrived on this view (and many cups of chai) for the rest of the afternoon.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

The children of Shara were clearly delighted. Tents, bicycles and 10 sweaty cyclists for entertainment.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

No rest for the weary. Ant obliges.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

Little Shara chap in his element.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

The girls were just as keen.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

Nick's turn.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

Even James supported rides on his dearest Santa Cruz.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

Young bike mechanics in action. For those too small to ride, bikes were just as much fun: spinning wheels.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

Carlos the guide!

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

And when the girls got tired they moved onto singing songs and 'doing' our hair.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

Meanwhile Keshu diligently continued with dinner prepartions.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

The most idyllic campsite - nah, I say that about everyone!

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

Wiping tears. Sweet little boy.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

Were visited by some yaks too. Love the white marking.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

And the most humbling gesture of all, was a visit from one of the children's mothers with a gift of tsampa and yak curd for us all.

Children of Shara and the Cyclists

Our fabulous support team: from the left Keshu (sitting), Inder, Raju, Bhim (standing) Rajesh and Karma our fabulous cook.


Children of Shara and the Cyclists
Children of Shara and the Cyclists
Children of Shara and the Cyclists

Back to Featured Articles on Logo Paperblog

Magazines