Twenty-two stories in Grit, Gravel and Gear chronicle Dhruv Bogra’s epic solo ride on a touring bicycle named ‘Quest’. In 2016, Dhruv embarked on a journey of discovery, adventure and peril when he chose to plunge into the far end of the planet to fulfil a childhood dream to explore the lands and indigenous cultures of the Arctic, the Maya, the Zapotec and Aztec in Mexico and Central America, and the world of the Inca in Peru.
Cycling alone for 15,000 kilometres across ten countries—from the cold and barren wilderness of the unforgiving Arctic Tundra to the thin air of the Andes—he endured hardship, misery, catharsis, happiness, and unbridled joy. Riding on the saddle for thirteen months, he encountered bears, wolves and moose as also touring cyclists, indigenous peoples,artists, writers, hunters, farmers and homeless hitchhikers experiencing extraordinary kindness from people in the villages and small towns.
Grit, Gravel and Gear is about the author’s voyage of discovery and how he stumbled upon unusual wisdom, deep life lessons, an endearing love for a woman and the land that gave birth to his soul.
