Kaja Osikowska-Tasz is telling the HERLA brand about her passion and lover for travelling by bike.
What was the inspiration for such a long… journey on a bike?
Well, some people like sandy beaches, others high mountains, the first ones – colourful cocktails, the others – contact with nature, dancing till early hours or silence. I definitely belong to the other group. I have always been enchanted by the Himalayas. Once somebody asked me: if you could go to any place in the world, what place would it be? I answered without hesitation: Nepal. It’s a magical place: shrouded in legends – the highest mountains in the world, vast, lands unspoiled by Western civilisation, exotic culture. I decided to go there.
Did you prepare for your escapade for a long time?
I’m going to surprise you here… I didn’t prepare at all. The whole journey was spontaneous! When I learnt that my friend, the owner of the MTB Academy, who is crazy about bikes, organises such expeditions, I knew: I’m going. I announced to my husband what were our plans for September, but he was sceptical. He wasn’t convinced to the very end, but I got my way. Dealing with all the necessary matters, rearrangement of work cost us a lot. To tell you the truth, to the very last moment we did not know, if we’d go. We packed on the night before the flight. We are no rookies, of course. We live in Zakopane, spend a lot of time in the mountains, especially in the winter, we are in good shape, we have adequate clothes, equipment. And we love bikes.
How do your travel on a bike?
Travelling by bike turned out to be a phenomenal way to meet beautiful, open people and their distinct culture. We weren’t separated by a car window, we couldn’t hide on a back seat on a bus. You are in constant contact with the place, space, climate and nature. To tell your the truth, we could feel the flavours of plants, hear the monkeys crying from up close, bask in the sunshine. Of course, we got cold after sunset and got our shoes drenches when crossing the rivers – it wasn’t just a stroll through a park. At the same time we weren’t restricted with a slow pace of marching. We could see a lot more during the day as we moved faster.
What does the ‘daily life’ look like during such an adventure?
There were eight of us. Each day we covered subsequent, planned section of the route. We started in the colourful and crowded Kathmandu and finally got to the Thorung Pass (5416 m.a.s.l). 300 km of a bike escapade through changing, absolutely magical worlds: small villages hidden in banana jungle, picturesque terraces, majestic waterfalls, suspension bridges, prayer flags flapping in the wind, temples and Himalayan summits. After each day we would stop in crude but very hospitable guesthouses. We spent long evening in the common space with the Nepalese, next to the burning stove, having delicious food.
How did you take care of your skin during the expedition? Heights, severe climate, limited access to hygiene products must have made it even more difficult…
Indeed, it wasn’t easy. For most of the time we travelled with light backpacks only, so we had to face the dilemma: what shall I pack? A towel or a spare T-shirt? Additional anorak or shampoo? Body balm or yet another lens? The Napali lead very simple lives. Sanitary contions there are, hmm, poor. Warm water was very rare and in higher parts, after sunset, water in pipes froze. In our last camp, in the centre, there was only one tap with dripping water. Micellar solution was like a treasure for me. Of course, I would always use a moisturising cream with with a high protection factor and sunglases. In higher mountains, also with a cream with anitfreeze protection. In such severe conditions you start to appreciate high-quality, verified cosmetics. And I could give up on any make-up.
Were your surprised by anything? Any situations that you had not been prepared for at all?
Of course, Nepal surprised me at every turn. And discovering how little we need to be happy was the biggest of surprises. In the daily rush, under the burden of duties, we often forget what is really important and how many things we take for granted without appreciating them. I was surprised myself on how satisfying was the rest after a very tiresome day, hearty meal or a warm bed. Close relations to friends, joint admiration, selfless help. Warm water in a tap. Fresh-smelling laundry. A telephone call home. Trivial things. I observed the Nepalese with awe. Despite really poor conditions they live in, they are joyful and open, helpful, honest and modest. Happy. We have learnt a true lesson on our journey.
And the most beautiful memory from the journey is…
It was a really physically challenging expedition. Stony and winding paths, leading upwards, hundreds of kilometers, heavy bike. And the humid heat in the jungle or the fierce, cold wind on cold nights in unheated, draughty buildings. Very thin air in the upper parts of the mountains, problems with breathing, a risk of altitude sickness. But on the other hand, the breathtaking views of eight-thousanders covered in snow, herds of grazing yaks on boundless meadows and dirty but happy kids. It was adventure of a lifetime. And the feeling that I made it!
And what are your plans now? Do you know where are you going on your next incredible journey?
Now I’m totally in love with such journeys. Completely! I’m sure one day I will go back to the Himalayas! But now the Atlas Mountains and Sahara in Morocco. On bikes, of course!
Girls! The dreams seem to be beyond the horison but in reality they are within your hand’s reach! You don’t need to be a superhero to ride through the Himalayas! Maybe making your dreams come true is easier than your think? Go for it!
I wish your further wonderful and amazing adventures on a bike. Thank you for the interview.
Kaja Osikowska-Tasz, a graduate from Adacemy of Fine Arts in Kraków, businesswoman, photographer (Pietruszka-fotografia), an enthusiast of mountain biking.
