What would it feel like to arrive at Dr Graham’s Homes for the first time – on the saddle of a bicycle while being serenaded by bagpipes?

That was the unlikely scene that greeted UK sponsor Karen Hills this autumn, when she and seven other brave souls travelled to the Himalayas for a four-day fundraising adventure in aid of the Homes.

“The route took us all the way from Siliguri, West Bengal, to the DGH campus in Kalimpong: a total distance of about 160km,” explains Karen, who took on the challenge in September – the first cycling fundraiser to DGH since the pandemic.

“Our group consisted of the current pastor of the school, two “OGBs” (ex-DGH pupils) from the US, one from Japan, plus four riders from the UK, two of whose family members had attended the Homes in the 1930s and 1970s.”

Up to the Tea Gardens

Leaving Siliguri, the team’s route took them up through the lush tea plantations of Darjeeling, where many of the Homes’ first residents were rescued from poverty by Dr Graham in the early 1900s.

“The evening before the start of the ride we were welcomed by members of the DGH Board of Management,” Karen explains. “They were there again the following morning to wave us off, and they followed us all the way from Siliguri through the tea gardens of Darjeeling to our first overnight stop in Gorubathan. Day two saw some challenging climbing along the Old Silk Route to Lava, then onwards to Pedong.”

Twelve miles of mud

One of the biggest challenges came on Day 3, says Karen, when the team struck out for the Sikkim border. “Upon leaving Pedong, we had to navigate a 12-mile stretch of mud! That was before crossing the border into Sikkim and then some more challenging climbs.

“That evening we were hosted by the Sikkim Grahamite Association at their annual DGH birthday celebration, where several OGBs pledged donations to our fund. Our final day’s riding took us along the Teesta river, then up into Kalimpong.”

A heroes' welcome

Exhausted but happy, the team finally reached their destination – to a rapturous reception from the teachers and pupils. “We were greeted and escorted up the hill by Homes staff, and on reaching the outskirts of Kalimpong we were met by the school pipe band!” Karen recalls.

“It was the most incredible experience being paraded through the town, then up to the school, whilst the band played Scotland the Brave on the bagpipes. On reaching the school we were welcomed by children and staff, who lined the route, waving their flags and cheering us all the way to the Lucia King building. The band continued to play whilst we were presented with ceremonial scarves, then we were guests of honour at a dance show put on by Homes children.”

Join us in 2024!

Looking back, Karen describes the trip as – literally – the adventure of a lifetime. “This was truly the most amazing experience of my life, and I have so many very fond memories of the journey and of the very warm welcome at the Homes,” she says.

In fact the trip was so successful that the team are now working towards a return visit in 18 months’ time. “There are plans for another ride in 2024, possibly from Kathmandu to Kalimpong,” Karen explains. “So if you’re interested in joining us, please do get in touch with Tenzing Norsang, the event organiser. We’d love to have you on board.”

If you'd like to get in touch with Tenzing (Member of GO and Bike Ride Organiser), please email him at bikefordgh@gmail.com