Get Your Motor Running...

Get your motor running-Head out on the highway-Looking for adventure-In whatever comes our way-Like a true nature child-We were born-Born to be wild-Born to be wild.

These words of Steffanwolf along with a picture of a very laid back motorcyclist from 'Easy Rider' made up the card i received for my 60th birthday from my oldest son James-his way of gently reminding me not to settle down as I approach my more comfortable years.

Not that settling down is something I have ever had in mind but then neither do I have in mind taking off like we did in the seventies when me and my girlfriend, Yvonne (now my wife) attempted to drive overland to South Africa or India, which we did twice.

But getting out on the Highway was something that sounded like a great idea, the only question was which one. Inspiration soon came on a recent trip to India when I thought of riding from Delhi to Leh, 18500 ft high on an Enfield, 500 CC. My wife Yvonne who loved the drives to India was quick to tell me see was not up for this trip, 'risk life and limb on a bike with you' ( our wives can be so dramatic)-so I guess I would have to find someone else who was prepared to get close for ten days and share the small space of an Enfield saddle.

Quick as a flash James came to mind and he was as keen to join me as I was to have him come. James and I have never had a lot of time together; our busy lives and his brother and sister all seemed to demand the time that I could have given to James. So it is great to now have the time together where we can recover some lost time. I am looking forward to filling in that gap the years have created and talking about kids, the future, the planet, the meaning of life, mountains, weather, the beauty of India, chai and where to find a good back massage.

But it's not all about 'looking for adventure', no, the recent trip to Delhi that inspired me about the ride also made me think about the needs of kids who will never grow to the age to ride a motorbike, let alone one. Kids who life seems to have dealt a bad hand to and who this fast world we live in seems to be able to miss. Kids you see on the streets or the slums who will not stand a chance unless someone helps. So this ride is a sponsored one where we are able to raise money to give to a Delhi project that has a real heart for such children and we know will make a difference to some and give a better chance for the future-so if you are feeling generous please give and give big.

So here we are just a few days away from getting out on the Highway, motor running and a few days away from sore bums and aching backs and a lot of fun together.

PS: For a reasonable donation I can tell you Shruti's age and birthday but you might get a better deal from Ashish.