THE nine-man member of the OZ Racing Team left no stone unturned for their highly anticipated adventure ride of a lifetime billed as “Riding High Khardung La” on Aug. 20 to Sept. 1 at Leh district of the Indian union territory of Ladakh.
Knowing that they will be fully exposed to the elements, OZ Racing main man Zandro Fajardo, who is no stranger to the route, is making sure they have the essential gear in case of a casual tip-over or a serious accident.
“The safety and welfare of the participants is of paramount importance that is why we equipped ourselves with all the necessary gear for our maximum protection as we try to conquer one of the highest motorable passes in the world,” said Fajardo.
The team will be fitted with OZ Racing gears from the Balaclava, to the cold resistant gloves, pants, and jackets all the way to the bags. All are specially-designed for the team.
“Also, it is very important that riders should be in shape before going to this trip as we need our body to cope with changes in altitude as Leh is situated 3,500 meters above sea level. The further we go, and the higher the altitude increases, the atmospheric pressure drops and the number of oxygen molecules per breath is reduced. Our body has to adapt to the lack of oxygen. That is why acclimatization is very vital,” said Fajardo.
He will be joined by Camilo Bacalso Dacua, Christian Silva Netto, John Jedrick Syren, Wesley Syren, Joel Yuga, Jojo Yu, Kenneth Jude Timtim Villagonzalo, and Aristotle Dionisio in the 12-day Himalayan expedition, which will cover 1,300 kilometers at a formidable height of 18,380 feet.
They will depart for India on Aug. 18. Up ahead for them are eight spectacular destinations in Ladakh starting off in Leh to the towns of Lamaryu and Alchi. They will then head to Region Viz before taking on the main showcase in Khardung La. They will have two more stops in Pangong Tso and Chang La before winding up in Tso Moriri.
Held in partnership with Colokal (Explore beyond the usual), OZ Racing’s first international touring event is also sponsored by Benelli, Motul, Kojie San, Motovita, Zanovoy, Archway Motorcycles, RideSFO, Trans One Port Solution, JABBRE, ROC, Tito Rex’s Steak House and OZ Ex Moto Classic.
“It’s a daunting task ahead but we’re ready to rise above the challenge. We are doing this not only for personal pride, but also to make our fellow countrymen proud. We offer and dedicate this ultimate ride to the entire Filipino nation,” Fajardo said.