Rency Thomas Expedition Day 5: Gangnani To NIM, Uttarkashi

This part of the journey concerns unforeseen challenges while on a challenging expedition. For example, Rency's cycle broke down before he could set out on river kayaking, the next leg of his journey. Changing his plan, he went to the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) to get his cycle repaired and take a call on the next course of action. Sharing updates from his journey with us, Thomas writes:

Day 5, November 8: Whitewater Kayaking

Today was supposed to be a day of covering ground, starting early to maximise our distance. All set and ready after an early rise, breakfast made, and gear packed, I was prepared to hit the road. Just as I was about to start, Uttarakhand Tourism called, requesting more documents for our Ganga River kayaking permission from Devprayag. Sorting out paperwork and clarifying their queries took time, delaying our start from the campsite until around 11 am.

The trail was a picturesque beauty, prompting us to stop for some drone shots along the way. The ride was a smooth ride despite the mix of uphill and downhill stretches. Our lunch at a local dhaba turned out to be one of the best since the start of our expedition. Simple dal rice with chana tasted like heaven, lifting our spirits.

I resumed the ride happily after this happy meal, only to face a sudden setback on a downhill slope—a bang and my rear wheels jammed. It was disheartening to find the bike's derailer badly broken. I radioed the backup team for help, feeling a mix of devastation and confusion. Despite the setback, I managed to keep calm.

In a moment of helplessness, a ray of hope emerged when I recalled NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering) recently launching a mountain biking course. Acting quickly, I dialled the Principal's number listed on their website. The Registrar of the Institute was incredibly kind, offering us accommodation and assuring us they'd do their best once we reached.

NIM was about 15 kilometres from the breakdown spot. Swiftly noting the coordinates, we rushed to the institute with the cycle in tow, hoping for a solution.

For Day 6 updates, click here !