点评:I researched companies offering these types of rides pretty thoroughly before committing to Dream Riders. The website was polished, the cost was very reasonable compared to most, and the YouTube previews of each trip were phenomenal. I definitely got chills watching the Pangi Valley video, sealing the deal for me.
Communication was thorough and quick from the start. Hiren and Viral were my two main points of contact. They assisted in every way with logistics and answering my questions as they arose.
Sam:
Our team Captain, Sam was always positive, funny, and punctual. He drove the timeline and kept us moving forward. His aggressive and skillful riding quickly taught us about Indian driving (a HUGE difference from the US) and regularly expanded the boundaries of my riding abilities. Even after snow and extreme weather threatened our Sach Pass crossing, Sam pressed ahead and showed a resilient and positive attitude in what could have been a dire situation. He absolutely delivered the adventure we traveled halfway around the world to get. I would ride with him again without hesitation.
Vishal:
I've never seen someone so dedicated to their craft as Vishal. He was ever-present with his phone, camera, Insta 360, or drone. I would be surprised if he missed a minute of our trip. Not only did he do all the recording (often sitting backwards on the lead motorcycle while off-roading), but he also spent time showing us different photography techniques. He was kind, professional, and stepped in when we struggled in the snow on Sach Pass. I am confident that his work will result in a spectacular video for us and the company. I wish him the best.
Satyander Singh (Satu):
A big reason I went with a tour was the support team. Satyander (Satu) had an endlessly positive attitude, despite the circumstances, and worked tirelessly to ensure our bikes were operating as they should. He cleaned the bikes, pulled the chains, and stepped in when we needed help through the snow. Despite great difficulties, he was always smiling and ensuring we were okay. Despite a language barrier, it was clear he loved what he did and the people he was sharing those experiences with. When Sam's rear tire went flat, Satu had him back on the road in 20 minutes, despite having to repair and utilize a repaired tube. His experience and ability gave us the confidence that we could negotiate any technical obstacle.
Nitin:
While he was quieter and perhaps more behind-the-scenes than the others, we could not have done this trip without him. The truck was always there when we needed it. Our bags were available on the truck and carried to our rooms every day. He blazed a trail through the snow up Sach Pass and helped push the bikes when they faltered. He spoke with us when we rode with him in the truck and helped lift our spirits when we were tired and defeated. I am grateful for his support.
Hiren/Viral:
I am grateful to both for helping narrow down the many options and help us work through the logistics. Riding in this region on our own would have been exceptionally difficult and fraught with misadventures. You created an amazing experience we will forever cherish. Thank you.
Jigna:
She was instrumental in local travel and watched our progress with great care. She took our calls and texts at any hour and was genuinely concerned about our well-being. This trip was daunting, even for experienced travelers like Brad and I, and her regional expertise was key in our successful journey. Our only regret was that we didn't get to meet her in person.
Tips:
- Mind the baggage limits if flying local. The costs are excessive
- Uber works well and is MUCH cheaper than other means
Closing Thoughts:
We traveled across the globe for a unique experience and to test our limits. I can safely say that we achieved both. India is beautiful, the riding was raw and exhilarating, and the people and culture were eye-opening. I am grateful for all of it. Thanks to all my new friends who made this possible.
翻译:在决定选择Dream Riders之前,我详细调研了多家提供此类旅行服务的公司。他们的网站设计精良,价格相较于其他公司也相当合理;每个旅行的YouTube预览视频更是出色至极。观看潘吉山谷之旅的视频时,我简直激动得起鸡皮疙瘩,这让我最终下定决心选择了他们。
从一开始,沟通就既细致又迅速。Hiren和Viral是我主要的联络人。他们在物流安排以及解答我提出的各种问题方面给予了全方位的帮助。
萨姆:
作为我们团队的队长,萨姆始终乐观开朗、风趣幽默且守时可靠。他掌控着整个行程进度,推动我们不断前进。他大胆而娴熟的驾驶技巧让我们迅速了解了印度的驾驶规则(这与美国的规则有很大区别),也不断拓展着我的驾驶能力边界。即便在大雪和极端天气威胁到我们穿越萨奇山口的计划时……萨姆迎难而上,在本可能陷入绝境的情境中展现出了坚韧且积极的态度。他完美地带来了我们大老远飞到地球另一端所期待的冒险体验。我绝对会毫不犹豫地再和他一起启程。
维沙尔:
我从未见过像维沙尔这般全身心投入自己工作的人。他始终带着手机、相机、Insta 360镜头或是无人机。如果他错过了我们旅程中的哪怕一分钟,我都会感到惊讶。他不仅完成了所有的拍摄工作(常常在越野时背对着坐在领头的摩托车上),还花时间向我们传授各种摄影技巧。他为人友善且专业,当我们在萨奇山口的雪地里举步维艰时,他立刻伸出援手。我相信他的努力一定会为我们和公司带来一部精彩的视频。祝他一切顺利。
Satyander Singh(Satu):
我选择参加旅游团的一个重要原因就是有支援团队。无论环境如何,萨蒂安德(萨图)始终保持着积极乐观的态度,并不懈努力以确保我们的自行车能正常运转。他负责清洁自行车、调整链条,每当我们需要在雪地里寻求帮助时,他总是第一时间伸出援手。尽管困难重重,他始终面带微笑,还时刻关心我们是否安好。虽然存在语言障碍,但显然他热爱自己的工作,也喜欢与大家一起分享这些经历。当萨姆的后轮爆胎时……萨图在20分钟内就让车辆重新上路了,尽管他必须修理轮胎并重新使用修好的轮胎。他的经验与能力让我们坚信:无论遇到何种技术难题,我们都能克服。
尼廷:
虽然他比其他人更为沉默寡言,也更多地隐于幕后,但没有他我们就无法完成这次旅程。每当我们需要车时,它总会出现在那里。每天,我们的行李都会被装上卡车并送到房间中。他在萨奇山口的雪地中开辟出一条路,当自行车陷入困境时还帮忙推车。当我们和他一起乘卡车前行时,他与我们交谈;当我们疲惫不堪、士气低落时,他又鼓舞我们的士气。我非常感激他的支持。
Hiren/Viral:
我非常感激他们两人,是他们帮我们从众多选项中做出选择,还协助我们处理各项后勤事宜。若是我们独自一人在这一地区骑行,肯定会极其艰难,还可能遭遇各种意外状况。您为我们打造了一次终生难忘的绝佳体验。谢谢您。
Jigna:
她在当地旅行安排方面发挥了至关重要的作用,始终悉心关注着我们的行程进展。无论何时,她都会及时回复我们的电话与短信,真心关心我们的安危。即便是对于我和布拉德这样经验丰富的旅行者来说,这次旅行也充满挑战;而她的专业知识与丰富经验正是我们顺利完成旅程的关键。我们唯一遗憾的就是没能与她见面。
小贴士:
- 乘坐国内航班时,请注意行李重量限制。费用实在太高了。
——Uber用起来很方便,而且比其他交通方式便宜得多。
结语:
我们环游世界,就是为了获得独特的体验并挑战自己的极限。可以肯定地说,这两点我们都做到了。印度美得令人心醉,骑行的经历既原始又刺激,当地的人文风情也让我们大开眼界。对此我心怀感激。也要感谢所有帮助我实现这一梦想的新朋友们。