62-yr-old on mountain bike expedition

LUCKNOW: Mountain bike expedition across the Himalayas has always been an adventure among the youth. But Cheema FS, retired chief manager, management services, proved that age is no barrier to experience the rich India. The 62-year-old man dared Khardungla and Chungla and decided to visit Leh, his long dreamt desire, on his motorcycle. The courage he displayed, while being alone, turned his expedition successful.Beginning his journey from Delhi on September 9, Cheema went from Srinagar to Leh and then returned via Kullu Manali. He said: ``Two days stay at Srinagar -- the paradise -- was worth the effort.''
His homework, such as training at a puncture shop, dealing with spare parts among others encouraged him to take the bigger challenge of a trip on motorcycle towards the north frontier. Talking to TOI, he recalled: ``Sometimes an experience proves to be the last straw towards an important thing." On being asked what motivated him to take the expedition at this age, Cheema replied: “After the 1962 fiasco, I felt it was my duty to pay homage and physically feel the beauty of the place.''
Deeply moved with the scenic beauty, Cheema crossed the long stretches enjoying the sight of deep water flowing over the stones. He said: ``The white sand dunes at the Hunder desert was a treat to the eyes.'' Yet, in the subconscious mind, it weighed heavy that the trip indeed was an enduring challenge, he shared while talking to TOI.
Besides, there were obstructions on the path to distract him. But determined, he overcame them. Cheema said he regained his lost energy while driving around the Dal Lake and admiring the stepped gardens.
Cheema refers to the place as the Land of Lama (priests), adding that moon land, magnetic hill and Gurudwara Pathar Saheb were the most unforgettable part of the journey. The Rohtang Pass was the climax. He wrapped the trip on October 12 by returning to Delhi.