Episode 109: James Baile

Cycling the Himalayas in 1986

A Journey Back in Time

In this episode guest, James Baile, takes us back to the mid-1980s when mountain biking was just beginning to emerge. Armed with a rugged yet simple mountain bike, James set off with his friend Richard on an adventure through the vast landscapes of the Himalayas. Their adventure saw them go all the way to Everest Base Camp, where he was one of the first cyclists to reach Kalapattar at 5,545 meters.

Despite the challenges of navigating remote and treacherous paths – these weren’t trails made for riding bikes – James continued to explore the breathtaking beauty of the region, traveling through Kathmandu, western Nepal, and deep into the Indian Himalayas. Along the way, he encountered the incredible kindness of locals, which left a significant impact on his journey.

Embracing Curiosity and Kindness

James shares that he believes at the heart of any adventure he takes is curiosity – the desire to find explore the unknown. He shares how his travels have always been fuelled by a desire to learn about different cultures, languages, and perspectives. Bicycle adventures offer him a unique opportunity to connect with people and experience their stories, adding depth to his understanding of the world. As he says, ‘you are vulnerable on a bicycle…’.

A recurring theme in the episode is the sheer kindness James encountered during his travels. Strangers opened their homes and shared what little they had with him. This kindness is a universal language in the bike traveling community, often accompanied by curiosity and empathy.

Finding Freedom on Two Wheels

James reminisces about the joy and sense of freedom he felt from his very first bike ride as a child to his grand adventures in the Himalayas. He shares how the simplicity of travel by bike allows him to feel unobstructed by the complexities of modern life. The bike has always been an emblem of freedom for James, letting him explore the world at his own pace.

One Day in McLeodGanj

One of the stories I especially loved listening to James share was from his time spent in McLeodGanj in Himachal Pradesh, India – the home of the Dalai Lama. An impactful time for James who recalls sharing bike rides with curious children who would surround him and his fellow bike traveller, often meaning they would take two children on the rear racks and two on the handlebars for rides down the street. I could just imagine the joy these moments not only brought these children – but also James as well.

Lessons Learned and Future Dreams

Reflecting on the transformative power of his Himalayan adventure, James recounts how the experience shaped his outlook on life. It equipped him to handle obstacles and fuelling his curiosity and sense of adventure that continues to burn brightly. His journeys taught him that anything is possible with the right mindset and that the world’s kindness is boundless.

While James has embarked on numerous other journeys, including cycling across landscapes in Australia and Europe, it’s clear to see that he never really stops dreaming up future adventures. He enjoys taking smaller trips on his trusty Brompton and lately has also taken to travelling in a vintage van. From exploring Georgia’s vast terrains to cycling toward the Gambia, his wanderlust shows no sign of slowing down. There is also a desire to finish the route he set out to complete back in 1986 – so watch this space!

Listeners – you can follow James’ future adventures by checking out his instagram account – @Baile_James or check out his blog.

The Seek Travel Ride podcast