Moto-Pakistan - Part 2

Off the bike, the adventures were just as great as the roads that took us there. Adv riders always talk about one of the leading highlights being the people they meet. Pakistan was no different; we adventured with locals on and off the bike.

We kicked off this journey in Lahore with a school visit with The Marshall Direct Fund to do the projects Threading Hope and Highwire. It was a great way to start the cultural experience as those in the village were very open and wanted to chat for hours.

It is amazing the power the power of art to bring people together and break down boundaries.

Our first day on the roads of Pakistan on motorbike was eventful and memorable. Moin let us know the turns are tight and the streets have a slickness to them, then we were off, some faster than others.

It did not take long for the first rider to slide out in a turn, it was a combination of not taking the time to get to know the bike, new tires, and slick roads, but then less than 20 minutes later she was down again!

During the entire trip many of us went down, some due to speed, some due to slickness - oil like roads, and some due to sickness from the belly and just exhaustion.
One of our worst crashes was in the National Park on some of those oddly rocky-dirt roads, it takes just seconds, and it was his first crash with injuries in 26 years of riding.

We were a good team and rolled up on the accident with First Aid kits ready (such an essential part of a motorbiking journey-be sure to have one packed and take it with you - even when on an organized tour - you never know when you might need it).

We all were meant to have dirt experience before coming on this trip - but some did not - and it did not stop them. They stepped up their learning and took on new challenges; this was a joy to watch and exciting to be part of the thrill when they completed hard tracks and the pride they felt with it. 

The roads were daunting at times from the hours over broken up rock and dirt, then smashed pavement, to perfectly paved slick roads, to chunks missing and sandy filler, it was a joyous challenge to ride Pakistan.

The KKH is known for being dangerous when the rains and snow hit, and on the climb, up to Khunjerab Pass, we saw a little rain, then light snow and wondered what the ride down would be like.

Up at the pass, we spent a few hours enjoying the 15,397-foot view and taking some of the hundreds of selfies we received every time we stopped. When we geared back up for the long ride down - were hoped the roads were passable.

And then just like the universe so often does, the clouds opened and gave us a sunny ride down clear of rain and filled with dried roads.

Up in the Northern Mountain areas you ride through curved roads, and open valleys flanked with magnificent jagged mountains, the valleys and edges are filled with historic rock and mud-built homes.

The shepherds come here in the summer months with their flocks and live in the cooler weather. Often it is these herds that cause the evening traffic jams.

From goats to cows, horses to monkeys, the roads were filled with excitement and wonder as you never knew when the pavement might end, when the curve holds a herd around the bend, you ride Pakistan very aware and it will give you back the gift of adventure.

From unique eats, to beautiful sights and roads, to a joyous people, and unforgettable group. Pakistan is an adventure to remember.

Need more – coming soon the webisode from BT2BT on YouTube, and more details of the day-to-day on the blog: www.DanellLynn.wordpress.com.

Still need more - This journey is becoming a documentary, it is in the works under Global Moto Adventures and will be an amazing compilation-Due out by August of 2018!

Stay tuned for the next blog on a fellow rider I met in Pakistan, she is an illustrator and solo-moto adventurer and has been on the road for more than 3 years now navigating North America.

Written by Danell Lynn, Guinness World Record Rider – www.danelllynn.com, @danelllynn
Photography copyrights & Images by Danell Lynn