Hi all,

The FN is going well apart from a couple of broken spokes which I’ll replace tomorrow and one burst tyre and two tubes. Unfortunately the tyres I bought from Australia (and the ones available here & in Thailand) are not standing up well to some of the road conditions, so I’m looking to buy a set of sturdier Dunlop 26 x 2.5 beaded edge tyres & tubes to suit.

I know it’s a long shot but if anyone has some good advice on where I can purchase them from then get couriered into India before I cross into Pakistan? Maybe someone who knows a reliable supplier plus an efficient courier that they can recommend? All suggestions appreciated. Meanwhile, I’ll keep enjoying the view from the saddle.

I’m now in Jodhpur after a good ride from Nepal. The FN only covers about 100 - 150kms a day & so in between major towns I'm staying in truck stops (dhabas) & have found them a great place for a good meal and a warm bed for the night. It's not everyone's cup of tea but I've found the truckees super friendly and helpful. Trying to locate hotels on this old machine is a challenge with no gears & hardly any brakes, especially while struggling to negotiate through the chaos looking for non-existent street signs.

I have to say that no-one has ever "bumped" or intimidated me on the road, and maybe that's due to the bike itself & the fact we stand out like a sore thumb. A co-driver threw me down a couple of oranges yesterday as a truck passed alongside – much appreciated. Anytime I'm stopped there's a dozen onlookers, someone ready to give me a push start or offer advice on how to fix something which is always amusing given the bike's 101 years old and chances are has never been seen before in this part of the world. Still, it's all well intentioned and that's part of the journey.

Cheers, Ron
Old Bloke on a Bike | Travels of an old guy on an old bike, from one side of the world to the other