This whole saga really began back in Nepal, when a spontaneous decision made me an owner of an 2004 Enfield Thunderbird. Bel and I managed to drive it to the border with Bangladesh but they turned us back, saying we didn’t have the correct paperwork. That was a serious adventure in it of itself, and now, two months later, I’m here in Kolkata trying to work out whether or not I can get the Indian side paperwork in one day.

I’m not going to try too hard, because when I was coming over the border from Bangladesh at Benapole, they let some American guy through who said he was only going to drive for three weeks and come back out again. So I know they will eventually let you through if you can give them the right reason and seem presentable when you arrive. Thankfully, I already have the Bangladesh side paperwork, so once the Indians give in I’ll be through with my Thunderbird.. a moment that’s been several months in the making.

I’ll post some pictures once I’m back across the border and tell more stories as I find the time…. today I’ve just picked up the bike after a two month hiatus, and tomorrow I’ll get it tuned for the journey. It had been sitting for over two months, but after a few dozen kicks I managed to get it going. As they say, an Enfield never betrays its rider….