RobiNZ Personal Blog

The other Tibet

No wonder Everest, Tibet seemed familiar when I visited in 2014: Back in 2005 I saw Tibet Florida* (but it was still under construction) * In Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Read more →

Remembering Kodari, another victim of the Nepal Earthquakes

Back in September we crossed the border over the ‘Friendship Bridge’ from Tibet into Nepal at Kodari. I remember the chaos, friendly smiling faces and warmth (both physical from the humid air and emotional from the people) of this little one street town. It was quite a contrast to the authoritarian atmosphere we’d just experienced at the Tibetan border. Kodari clings to the mountainside between shear cliffs and a roaring river. The images bellow are from a BBC news report tonight (05/17/2015). Kodari was near the centre of the quake aftershock and has been destroyed. It is abandoned, as the... Read more →

Himalayan Cycle 22 — Farewell Kathmandu

(A mix of travel notes and comments added later) 23-09-2014 – Tuesday. Back at the Radisson, Kathmandu. Last time I was here Kathmandu seemed rather strange, chaotic and exotic. The chaotic bit hasn’t changed but now it now seems reassuringly familiar and (almost) civilised. Perhaps some of that was the rather westernised ‘bubble’ that the Radisson represents but a glance out the window soon reminded you where you were. I had a room with a very Kathmandu view. Bike (back) in a box time 24-09-2014 – Wednesday. After breakfast—a leisurely and delicious breakfast—it was time to pack up the bike.... Read more →

Himalayan Cycle 21 — Kodari to Kathmandu, Nepal

(A mix of travel notes and comments added later) 22-09-2014 – Monday afternoon. Such an action packed day I made it two posts (Monday morning is here) You can certainly see the difference between Nepalese and Tibetan (OK, Chinese) infrastructure. That nine hundred kilometres of sealed concrete edged Tibetan highway we rode becomes this in Nepal: Leaving Kodari on the Arniko Highway, yes Highway! Beautiful Mountain biking down a highway The Arniko Highway follows the river down a valley. Great for us as mostly downhill riding and bizarrely, considering it is THE highway, ideal for my hardtail mountain bike. The... Read more →

Himalayan Cycle 20 — Zhangmu to Kodari, Nepal

(A mix of travel notes and comments added later) 22-09-2014 – Monday morning. Such an action packed day I made it two posts After a forgettable hotel breakfast—really can’t remember what they had but when peanuts are the most viable breakfast buffet choice it wasn’t much—it was time for the final stuff gear into bag battle. Today we didn’t have the luxury of extra space on the bus as our bags would be portered several times between here & Kathmandu. If it didn’t fit in the red bag had to stuff into our riding bag, carry some other way or... Read more →

Himalayan Cycle 19 — Nyalam to Zhangmu Hotel

(A mix of travel notes and comments added later) 21-09-2014 - Sunday Todays ride descended from 3,700m to 2,200m in just 33km. Add little or no-pedalling needed 30-50km/h cycling to absolutely beautiful dramatic scenery as the road plunged down a gorge. Say what? I wondered what the Chinese slogans on the roadside said but never thought to ask Tashi. Near the border this English one had me scratching my head too! Protection at the food of the road stay away in future generation — The highway management mission xigase No Photo! There was another Army run checkpoint about 10km down... Read more →

Himalayan Cycle 18 — Lalung La Saddle to Nyalam Camp, no, Hotel!

(A mix of travel notes and comments added later) 20-09-2014 - Saturday It was cold last night but not cold enough to need icebreaker 260 thermals. I went to bed (bag) with them on and awoke around midnight feeling hot. At first thought might be my turn for the dreaded lurgi but all was well after a cool down walk to the toilet tent! Even after a couple of weeks living above 4,000m there’s a daily reminder of the lack of oxygen up here. Stuffing your sleeping bag into its cover every morning was still a matter of stuff 'n... Read more →

Himalayan Cycle 17 — Menbu Camp to Lalung La Pass Saddle Camp

(A mix of travel notes and comments added later) 19-09-2014 - Friday More went down with the dreaded lurgi last night (nausea, vomiting & diarrhoea). The day Tim had mentioned he had plenty of toilet paper left, of the 6 rolls issued in the kit bags for camping, he paid the price overnight… Photo, before use, of what I think is the worst aspect of camping! Photo by Robbie. “Survivor Tibet" is down to three people, including me. I don't know what I've done to avoid it but only hope it keeps working. Maybe I'll owe Mike Allsop (and his... Read more →

Himalayan Cycle 16 — Shenmuda Camp to Menbu Town Camp

(A mix of travel notes and comments added later) 18-09-2014 - Thursday Cold start to the day, overcast and a cool wind. Had a light breakfast as felt a bit crap after riding on full breakfast yesterday. The ride was great as we headed from the near Tingri to camp at the base of the next big pass. Lovely scenery and quiet, almost no traffic, riding across the plains then up a river valley. Passed through several small villages and saw lots of harvest activity. The weather improved, sun replacing cloud and it warmed up. Time for a re-group (above)... Read more →

Himalayan Cycle 15 — Qulonggongba Camp to Shenmuda Village Camp

(A mix of travel notes and comments added later) 17-09-2014 - Wednesday Had a late start today, breakfast at nine! It was fine so we dined outdoors with a spectacular view. (photo from Helen’s camera, by Sujan?) In spite of looking like death warmed up Bas, who'd gone from post ride elation to the depths of nausea & diarrhoea with ‘the dreaded lurgi’ overnight, had got up early and done some bike maintenance! Rapid Rob was muddy dusty mess with a nice clean lubricated drivetrain, the bits that matter sorted by our crazy dedicated guide. Todays ride was short, which... Read more →