There was fresh black tarmac, amazing views and I was in heaven for the first 70 kms. Then it suddenly totally deteriorated,I mean really bad..down to 50% good and it was rough going. The view kept me going but it was taking a toll on my body and psyche.

Having chronic pain and chronic fatigue syndrome and motorcycle touring don't go well together, hence why it took me so long to get a bike in India. I slowly worked up to 2 days and maximum 5 days in a row on good highways. Now, this trip is putting my self management skills to the test and bumping it up a notch. Riding meditation, tai chi and yoga are what keep me going.

Today the mind was giving me a HARD time! Why are you doing this, you were crazy to do this alone, you won't make it, what if you have a flat tire, I am starving, I am running out of water and on and on. I at time had to say out loud 'thinking!' To catch myself.

Then there were moments of euphoria, bliss and adrenaline as I rode along the ridge of this mountain range and could see nothing but green on BOTH sides. Shouting aloud 'woohooo!!!!' This was why I was doing this trip..because I wanted to do it and I just did it, because it has been my dream for years, I love to challenge myself and to succeed!

I arrived late afternoon and found a room at the government forest lodge and it was 'oh so lovely!' A desperately needed hot bucket shower and then to the one restaurant in town for dinner. Local spicy Mizo food and quaint conversation and SELFIES!

Bonus prize was a young man from Myanmar who showed up and said I can go visit the border town for few hours!!
Stay tuned...

There was fresh black tarmac, amazing views and I was in heaven for the first 70 kms. Then it suddenly totally deteriorated,I mean really bad..down to 50% good and it was rough going. The view kept me going but it was taking a toll on my body and psyche.

Having chronic pain and chronic fatigue syndrome and motorcycle touring don't go well together, hence why it took me so long to get a bike in India. I slowly worked up to 2 days and maximum 5 days in a row on good highways. Now, this trip is putting my self management skills to the test and bumping it up a notch. Riding meditation, tai chi and yoga are what keep me going.

Today the mind was giving me a HARD time! Why are you doing this, you were crazy to do this alone, you won't make it, what if you have a flat tire, I am starving, I am running out of water and on and on. I at time had to say out loud 'thinking!' To catch myself.

Then there were moments of euphoria, bliss and adrenaline as I rode along the ridge of this mountain range and could see nothing but green on BOTH sides. Shouting aloud 'woohooo!!!!' This was why I was doing this trip..because I wanted to do it and I just did it, because it has been my dream for years, I love to challenge myself and to succeed!

I arrived late afternoon and found a room at the government forest lodge and it was 'oh so lovely!' A desperately needed hot bucket shower and then to the one restaurant in town for dinner. Local spicy Mizo food and quaint conversation and SELFIES!

Bonus prize was a young man from Myanmar who showed up and said I can go visit the border town for few hours!!
Stay tuned...

I had a throbbing headache when I woke up due to the late night at the temple. I motivated myself to pack and get moving. It was only a few kilometres into my morning when I came up behind this site. Two elephants walking on the street with their handlers. I stopped to take the photos and they stopped to see me. I got to pet the elephant and it made my day!! God, I love India!

I was still so tired, but thankfully the roads were good and I fell into the driving 'zone' for most of the day. I had these roads to myself and my thoughts drifted.

Most of the ride I was feeling so grateful for the encounters I had had with people and the blessings I had received from them. I reflected on how the unfortunate events in my life, the corporate job I hated and quit, and the '97 auto accident which caused me a financial and health crisis,  had both shaped me significantly.

I left corporate to follow my dream of travelling, and then the auto accident gave me health issues to resolve, which I have been doing in my travels around the world. I have sought and found healing everywhere I have been, especially in India.
The healing process has been physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, thru so many healers, teachers and gurus. It has been an unbelievable journey.

Today I realized that I was finally feeling so much better than I had in years. I still have all the invisible illnesses. The key for me has been to study and learn about how they manifest in my life and become more skillful in management of my energy.
I have become a good steward and caretaker of myself.  This is where the peace begins.. at home...inside..OM