I recently received an enquiry from Colorado, USA, asking, “How do you run your tours?”

I just run them, I thought. I know the ropes, the dangers and pitfalls, it’s a practised art, but then again, isn’t the route research, the hotel investigations and checking out the nice paces to visit; aren’t they too about running a tour just as much as the riding and guiding?

OK so we’ll ride in a crocodile, India Style Bullets for a while. Learn your pace and riding style; ride with you. Indian roads are not as tame as they at first might appear!

I just run them, I thought. I know the ropes, the dangers and pitfalls, it’s a practised art, but then again, isn’t the route research, the hotel investigations and checking out the nice paces to visit; aren’t they too about running a tour just as much as the riding and guiding?

OK so we’ll ride in a crocodile, India Style Bullets for a while. Learn your pace and riding style; ride with you. Indian roads are not as tame as they at first might appear! When you’re ready you can lead, be the first to ride that fantastic road. Some like to lead, others are middling then come the tail-enders.

Tail-enders don’t have to slow the group nor do we often worry about missed turnings. (Have you packed your Mobile?) We run through a brief before the night before or the next morning. But they’re not formal affairs, more sharing of things past and things to come.

How do we run the tour? If it’s around mid-day and we’re hungry, we stop and eat. If you prefer the look of the eatery over the road, then you must go there. To miss the chance of eating where it looks interesting is a sin!

And hey, there are always those days when you just want your own space. Fine go to it. It’s your tour. And touring in India, will flood your senses. “You need time to take it all in.” ...in the evening if you don’t want company then do your own thing.

As the tour progresses there will be days when due to route timings and night stops, we have to ride. But when we have time, a few days in one place, you go and tour in small groups, go solo, go safely and come back soon.

Sometimes we run without jeeps - the group decides before the outset and for groups of say 3. But we have two outriders, both of who can fix the bike. We carry spares and tools; part independence part adventure...

There are times when you can even choose your own “kip”, at Pang you’ll be lured by Ladakhi ladies, calling you to stay in their tent. I have my favourite places too, though you should know, we’ve tried the pick of the best and when the day’s ride been tough or cold, you’ll be glad of our choice.