Last minute thoughts….

Hello everyone,

I am Jules, the second rider of the Khana Badosh squad, law and history student, 20 yo and coming from France.

Coming from the French countryside, sport, nature and most generally adventure, have always been my main interests. I have been for the last summer lucky enough to discover beautiful countries of different continent of the world and today, I feel ready to face a new challenge.

I met Ali few years ago as we both were in the same school in Malaysia and we became great friends since then. For this summer he proposed me to come to Pakistan to cycle through the Himalayan and Karakorum ranges, I didn’t hesitate a minute!

It is indeed a great opportunity to discover Pakistan. After spending few days in Lahore, one of the biggest and most ancient cities of Southern Asia, we will start a two weeks bikepacking trip through the mountains which will be very fascinating.

If I assume I have a reliable sport condition and experience to achieve the tour, there are things we and I will have to be very cautious about : make sure we have enough water and food, keep our bikes in good state, find convenient places to cycle and rest, avoid the disturbances the weather and temperature could cause… stay safe while we enjoy this beautiful area.

I have studied about it, but I have never been to Pakistan and it’s neighbouring countries and am very attracted by its culture too. I thus can’t wait to discover this country and meet its people. I am also aware this might be a cultural shock to me as much as to the Pakistani people.

In France, the understanding of Pakistan is rather low. Many people today regard this country as unwelcoming, hostile and even tend to associate it to an extremist land. I truly hate stereotypes and I am willing to emerge myself into those societies to make up my own mind on all that. I am glad Ali will guide and help me to understand this country.

Few days before taking off from Paris, time to finish my suitcase, see you later guys!

J.M.