That morning was different, with 50 motorcyclists, their Royal Enfields thumping in chorus, about to chase a dream across the Himalayas.

They were decked up in riding gear and their mission was to reach the world's highest motorable mountain pass - the 18,350-foot Khardung La in Jammu and Kashmir - during a 15-day trip, covering a distance of 2,500 km as part of the Himalayan Odyssey 2009.

Though everything was perfect - an Innova sedan at my disposal, my luggage comfortably placed in the truck, I was all set to accompany the riders as part of the media - just one worry haunted me. Being the only woman in the group, would I be able to break ice with them?

'No other girl joining you?' asked J.S. Mann, a participant from Delhi. When I replied in the negative, he said, 'We all want to give you company and I am sure if you want to learn riding, everyone will come forward to teach you!'

The sojourn began with the flag-off from Delhi on June 13 and we reached Chandigarh amidst sweltering heat. The next day on our way to Manali I was thrilled at the sight of the first snowcapped mountain and a river flowing next to the road. After all, it was just the beginning.

The drive from Manali to Rohtang Pass was an agony for cars because of the never-ending traffic and I was envious of the bikers who could easily negotiate the jams and move ahead to enjoy their first brush with snow on the trip.

As the crowd and road traffic thinned, my encounters with hills, delightful little waterfalls, yellow-beaked crows and big stony mountains began in right earnest. 'Dhabas' or makeshift eateries on the roadside at regular intervals became harder and harder to spot; the choice of food came down to steaming bowls of Maggi noodles, glucose biscuits, momos and dal-chawal.

'I am carrying my stock of chocolates and some dry fruits and energy bars,' said Mriganka Sarkar, a participant from Kolkata.

It was during lunch breaks that my interactions with the bikers would take place - I guess they realised they would not get rid of me any time soon. So they surrendered to my constant queries.

One thing I observed was that some bikers took good care of their skin by applying and re-applying sunscreen, borrowing moisturizers, sharing lip balms and last but not the least, discussing the sun protection factor (SPF) of their sunscreens!

With the weather becoming cooler, the clothes too started piling up. When we faced heavy snowfall, on our way to the 16,040-ft Baralacha La pass, there was zero visibility.

I couldn't resist the snowfall and came out of my car to experience the small, soft, crisp, white fluffs of snow that fell continuously.