Location - Nubra valley ( Between Thoise and Hunder ) July 2017
And the Story goes like -
On the way coming back from Turtuk I realized there is a nail in my rear tyre just after few kms from Turtuk. I was extremely surprised as I was experiencing a tube tyre not getting flat inspite having nail ( Tyre - Michelin Sirac street ). I waited and tried to feel if there is any leakage , surprisingly not . I started riding towards Hunder-Diskit as I heard there are some mechanic over there. I felt lucky again when I found mechanic fixing tyres 10-15kms before Hunder. I asked if he can fix the problem , he said yes , I felt sorted as next day I have to pass Khardung-la for going back to Leh I could not pass it with nail in the Tyre . He pulled the 2" nail out and fixed the tube . But he could not able to assemble the wheel back . In few minutes all inexperienced people around started giving advice using there past experience . And after 2 hours of operation wheel was finally set . When I started moving the bike it was completely stuck not moving an inch then loosing the main wheel bolt it started moving with heavy resistance . I paid him double the price he asked. For his effort of two and a half hours . I moved with speed of 10-15km/hr till Hunder . Where I found that there is no mechanic , there was immense heat in the rim of wheel but I had no option other than further moving 7km to Diskit. After reaching there I found that the only 2 mechanic are not in town gone to Leh for some work . I had no option other than Loading my bike to Leh . I asked few local for loading vehicle . I was helped by a Kashmiri vegetable and fruit seller by arranging my night stay at their place and loading vehicle next day. In Leh mechanic told me that there is no bush and barring in the rear wheel :) . Bike Fixed , Life fixed.
I have no bad thoughts for the mechanic in Nubra he did best of his knowledge . This was my first trip with my friend. We were two noob riders. We have never rode more than 200 kms in a go before this trip(Jaipur -leh-turtuk ) .We managed this whole ride on our own . No back up vehicle , no mechanic , no tour operators or guides . This was just a small trouble. Everything is experience . I loved the trip very much .
Few learnings from the incident are :
Always have much information about your machine on long motorbike trip.
Never get tense out , there are always some or other solutions .
'Experiences' are the things which we travel for. Welcome and Enjoy them .