I am an ex student of the Homes and the Vice Chairman of the Dr Graham's Homes UK Committee, Edinburgh, a charity supporting the Homes, through child sponsorships and projects (http://www.drgrahamshomes.co.uk/). I also participated in the 2008 Bike Bengal event and therefore quite keen to make sure preparations towards the event are as smooth as possible and to answer any queries you may have.
Please feel free to contact me on kenham@hotmail.co.uk.
Ken Hammond.



START OF BIKE Journey

Depart 8 am: Baptist Mission Guest House, AJC Bhose Road, Kolkata

Day 1 : Distance 101 kms - Overnight Camp at Krishnangar;

Day 2 : Distance 86 kms - Overnight Camp at Beharampur;

Day 3 : Distance 80 kms - Overnight Camp at Aurangabad;

Day 4 : Distance 84 kms - Overnight Camp at Gajol;

Day 5 : Distance 116 kms - Overnight Camp at Dalkola;

Day 6 : Distance 130 kms - 5 STAR (local!) Overnight Hotel at Siliguri;

Day 7 : Distance 70 kms - Overnight at The Himalayan Hotel;

Reception at DGH School, Kalimpong ca 4pm.

Day 8 : Kalimpong, Overnight at The Himalayan Hotel;

Day 9 : Overnight Rail Sleeper train to Kolkata from New Jalpaiguri

Day 10 : Overnight at Kolkata Hotel (Celebratory Dinner at The Oberoi Grand?);

OFFICIAL TRIP ENDS (Note: Some of you may want to extend your stay in India – if there is sufficient interest we could approach the local support team in organising a programme in the region – let me know at the earliest opportunity if you are indeed interested).

1. Medical: Check vaccination requirements with your GP (typically Malaria / Hepatitis /Polio / Tetanus jabs are recommended. Also, since we ride off the commercial track and through small towns/villages, dogs abound. Hence, would recommend an anti rabies jab. Do not leave it late; 4-8 weeks before trip, for jabs, especially for malaria, which is usually a course.

2. Travel Insurance: Necessary to record the Bike trip / check existing insurance terms with insurance provider.

3. VISA: Required for India; if you plan to extend trip to Nepal/Bhutan etc. Check with High Commission re-entry requirements.

4. Bike Equipment: Check with airline for bike carraige terms; usually free. Lighter the Bike, the better as apart from the ferrying before / after Bike journey, it helps on the final climb up from the Teesta River to the School! Avoid mountain bikes / wide tyres – requires more effort for 90% of the flat ride, overall. Install front and rear lamps; aside from Day 1 in 2008 when we were late departing Kolkata, we never used the lamps; however, it is a safety essential and I always found it useful in the tents at night! Safety helmets are a must. A well-padded (covering palm) pair of gloves is recommended to reduce blisters / and scrapes.

5. Accommodation/Living on the Road: Single person tents provided. Bring sleeping bag/pillow (foam ‘mattress’ provided); Morning cha wake up call at 6am typically & some early morning warm up exercise; Breakfast / Evening Meals provided at Camp; Stop every hour or so for refreshments / bottled water & lunch prepared by support team. Limited toilet facilities on the road - easy for the lads but some improvisation (imagination!) required from the ladies!

Wash Tents: Opportunity to wash morning/evenings with warm water provided in buckets (rationed!). Tent toilets erected for us VIPs! TP provided but lack of flushing means you gotta shift earth......!!

6. Clothing: Tends to get cool in the evenings so bring a light rainproof jacket/fleece; need something warmer for Kalimpong where it is a lot cooler. On the road, shorts and T-shirts are sufficient. A light cover for the early morning and late evening part of ride is recommended.

7. First Aid: A First Aid box is maintained and administered by a member of the supporting team. However, recommend bringing own supply of pills (for those with sensitive tummies) /insect repellents/ sun creams and tough plasters for the odd blister or two. Washing Hand gel a must.

8. On the road protection: The roads and towns we ride through can be crowded and teeming with traffic and people. To ensure we have some protection on the road from traffic, the bikers ride between a leading support car and another vehicle immediately behind the riders. This worked very well last time round and fends off any overzealous Force India FI aspirants!!

9. Training: Familiarise yourself with the bike and test your capabilities on the road now, including in crowded places and against traffic etc. Fitness training in the local gym is useful - it whiles away the dreary winter evenings and useful for those who want to ride the final stretch non-stop uphill from the Teesta Bridge to Kalimpong town! Only two bikers (Andrew & Vanda) did it last time; I’m sure a few more can make it this time especially, if there is a wee incentive at the end of it!

10. Nightcap: After the day’s hard ride a cold bottle or two of Kingfisher beer is available, by the way!... and a wee dram of genuine malt always helps the aching body settle down for the night!