Here comes that time of the year when people start thinking about ‘the’ great Indian cycle ride – the Manali to Leh cycling expedition. Many people in the recent days keep asking questions, many of which can be classified under: ‘what does it take to cycle from Manali to Leh or other cycling trips like Manali Spiti Kinnaur cycling?’
To provide a perception, Of course, riding on these routes once does not make you an expert. Well, I am trying to prove the point that while you do need to be fairly fit you do not need to be an athlete. So what does it take?

Preparation before embarking on the cycling trip:
If you are thinking to go on cycling trips like Bijli Mahadev cycling and have never done any of the following, I’d request you to try all, or most of them at least once before going:
• On cycling trips, you are likely to spend multiple nights at or above 4,000 meters. If you have not ever been to these kinds of altitude, it is a good idea to test them once. Preferably you should spend at least one night in a tent at that height. But of course, this cannot be a ‘one-night-stand’. You will most likely need to spend a week adapting to get there. Just because you are really fit, does not mean that you will adjust to high altitudes quicker or better.
• You will probably encounter multiple days of long climbs – in the range of 500 meters or more. If you have never done peak climbing in India before you might do well to try it. It is almost a given fact that the same climb in Ladakh will feel harder, because of the higher overall altitude and lack of oxygen.
• If you decide to go self-supported then you should very carefully test all your equipment – the panniers, the pannier bags, the tent, the sleeping bag, the stove, etc. at that altitude and that kind of harsh climatic conditions, everything has a higher tendency to fail. Be prepared to make emergency repairs. If you have never done it before, then you should try and go for a self-supported ride, even if it is only for a couple of days, and in familiar grounds.