India, April 18 -- Strangely enough, this trip took shape over bread pakoras at a breakfast potluck. One of our neighbours, Manek, had just returned from a biking expedition in Rajasthan with 100 other riders from across India. "What an amazing road right through the Thar. At one point, I was at the very end and could see the entire convoy of 99 bikes ahead of me. Then we reached a stretch where the road curves upwards. I'll never forget that sight." Seeing our expressions, he continued, "You love to drive. You should get on that road at least once." He couldn't have been more convincing. A few weeks later, we were on that road ourselves. The Jaisalmer-Longewala drive turned out to be everything he had described, and much more.

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