Moto-Pakistan – Part 1
A little different than the typical moto-tour this one started out with a factory visit of Atlas Honda in Lahore, Pakistan. But before we even get there – let us rewind to what this two-week motorcycle adventure in Pakistan is all about.
Inspired by the Rediscovering of Pakistan- The Untold Tale documentary from Moin Khan of A Different Agenda, we brought 12 female riders to explore the northern areas of Pakistan on 2-wheels.
There is more to a location and people than we see in the news, more to an area than what is stated online, and if you are willing to step outside your comfort zone and explore the beauty of humanity – then Pakistan is for you!
12 of us from multiple countries took on this challenge and left with fuller hearts and expanded minds, there is more to riding than the open road, and often you learn and grow beyond the boundaries you pass through..jpg)
But let’s get to the ride! We started at the Honda Factory where we got to see the art of motorcycle creation and meet with local women riders. We also test rode so me of the bikes before getting our hands on the motorbikes we would ride.
Just released a few months back the new Atlas Honda CB150F would be our choice for travel. With the multiple hairpin turns and slick roads- the 150 actually had enough kick for most of the ride! Our high elevation climbs found the carbs a little choked but not in full stall-out.
These little guys made it from up above 15,000FT to the lower desert landscape that felt like Death Valley, CA after having just ridden in snow hours before.
One of my favorite parts of the trip began on day two where you came out of a turn to the expansive valley on route to Babusar Pass. This was a day that the cold weather gear was carried, we went from sweating and to a side of the road pull-out for more layers as our little bikes climbed.
Feeling a little like the engine that could our Honda’s pulled us to the top at 13,700ft.
The woven roads, reminiscent of a slithering snake, took us through stunning overlooks, magnificent mountain ranges, full fields, and of course the goat and cow traffic jams that one must venture through in the adventure of riding Pakistan.
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A favorite afternoon stop seemed to be chai and french fries, we would feast, as often our lunches appeared more around the typical American Dinner time, and one would go from an 8 am breakie to Lunch at 4 pm and dinner at 9 pm.
It is crucial to pack snacks; the Giant Loop Fandango was my trusty companion yet again holding the needed protein boosts and camera equipment. (It is the same tank bag that I carried for my year on the road).
This trip I also tested out the Mojave and Kalamath rear bag combination. This setup was ideal as the change of weather and type of roads meant that a variety of gear needed to be carried on the bikes.
I was never short of warm layers, or rain gear, and even in the National Parks of Pakistan, I utilized my First Aid kit that the Giant Loop gear has always carried for me! But that is a story for Part 2 – so until next time here is some sights to check out further:
Links to Moin and his travel company:
And don't forget the Blog: www.DanellLynn.com that has a more detailed chronicle of the day to day (and the webisode is in the works – stay tuned as it will be shared with RideNow).