Fit to Ride: What Leh Taught Me About Fitness, Focus & Freedom of Two Wheels

Somewhere between the heat of Delhi and the thin air of Khardung La, I realised—it wasn’t the horsepower that would get me through this ride. It was hydration.

When people think of motorcycle touring, they imagine power, speed, and open roads. But after riding more than 65,000 km on my Indian Springfield, over 40,000 km on the Royal Enfield Himalayan, and recently doing 3,000+ km across Himachal and Ladakh on a Suzuki V-Strom, I can tell you this: riding is less about the bike and more about your body.

The Leh Ride That Changed Everything

In 2024, I organized and led a 15-day, high-altitude ride to Leh—covering everything from dusty plains to icy passes. It wasn’t the terrain that tested me the most; it was the toll it took on my body. Without fitness, hydration, and posture in check, this would’ve gone from dream to disaster.

What Riders Often Miss: Fitness Isn’t Optional

You might roll up to Khardungla Pass wearing the most advanced riding suit, strapping on Michelin Anakee Wilds and firing up a 80‑bhp adventure bike—but the moment your lower back seizes under the weight of 16 hours in the saddle, or your grip falters halfway down Khardungla’s switchbacks, all that kit and power become simply window dressing. 

No amount of tech can override a body that’s worn out, dehydrated, or poorly aligned. It’s the strength in your core that holds you upright when the road tilts, the flexibility in your hips that lets you shift your weight seamlessly, and the endurance in your forearms that keeps your clutch and brake hands steady when every twist of the throttle counts. In high‑altitude touring, your fitness isn’t optional gear—it’s the single most critical upgrade you’ll ever make.

The Health Toolkit Every Rider Needs

Morning Rituals Matter: Start with a litre of water before you even gear up. Add electrolytes if the day’s looking intense. Trust me, by the time you’ve suited up and mounted your bike, you’ll already feel the difference.

Stretch Before You Ride: Five minutes. That’s it. Loosen the neck, hips, calves, wrists. Especially when it’s 6 a.m. in Kargil and your body is frozen but your throttle needs precision.

Core Strength Is Your Best Co-Rider: No matter the machine—be it a 400 kg cruiser or a nimble ADV—your core is the bridge between control and chaos. Regular planks, twists, and light strength work in your off-bike days add up when the terrain gets rough.

Ride Posture Isn’t About Looking Cool: Bend those elbows, drop your shoulders, and keep that spine neutral. It reduces fatigue and keeps you riding sharp even after 12 hours on the saddle.

Breaks Aren’t Weakness: Every 60–90 minutes, pull over. Hydrate. Stretch. Even a two-minute breather at Zozilla pass can prevent wrist pain or lower back stiffness.

Nutrition Over Nonsense: Eat light, smart, and often. Carry trail mix, dates, and fruit bars. Skip the heavy fried stuff before key stretches—it’s a mistake you’ll feel on every bump.

Real Talk: What Reddit & Riders Say

“Use your legs. Let your arms breathe.”

“Hydration > horsepower.”

“Fitness lets you enjoy the ride, not just survive it.”

These aren’t fitness influencers talking. These are real riders who’ve been there, done that—and learned the hard way.

My Founder Perspective

At Asteride, we live and breathe the spirit of the open road—fostering a global tribe of riders who share routes, swap stories, and lift each other up at every turn. We’ve built our platform around connection: from mapping hidden mountain passes to sparking conversations about the latest gear innovations. Yet, as vibrant as our community is, all the route recommendations and real‑time weather alerts in the world can’t substitute for your own physical readiness.

You might discover an epic new trail or join a legendary group ride through our app, but when you’re halfway up a 5,300‑meter pass, it’s your hydration strategy, core strength, and well‑timed rest stops that keep you moving forward. At the end of the day, Asteride can guide you anywhere—but only a body trained, fueled, and conditioned for the journey can truly turn those digital plans into unforgettable on‑the‑road achievements.

That’s why I believe rider fitness should be a core part of every community conversation. Whether you’re rolling on an Ducati , Royal Enfield, a Jawa, a KTM, or a V-Strom—make your health your first mod.

🛠️ Use Asteride to Ride Smarter

• Plan rides—solo or with your crew

• Discover routes, groups, and pit-stops

• Relive your ride memories with Roadbook

• Stay informed with riding tips, weather updates, and events

📲  Download Asteride  – Built for riders who care about every mile.

Disclaimer: This blog is based on personal riding experiences and fitness routines. Fitness needs vary for every individual. Please consult a medical or fitness professional before undertaking any high-altitude or long-distance motorcycle tours. Always refer to official travel and safety advisories before planning your route.