When Riders from Spain Found Their Road in the Himalayas
One of the greatest joys of running The Warehouse in Manali is the kind of people you get to meet – travelers, riders, creators, and storytellers from all corners of the world. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting Teo, the Head of the Design Team at Hero Moto Corp, along with his brothers Pedro and Alberto. Their visit turned into an evening of laughter, stories, and the kind of conversations that make you realize how beautifully diverse the world of motorcycles and creativity really is.
Teo, with his sharp insights into motorcycles and design, was a delight to listen to. As someone who leads the design philosophy for millions of motorcycles that run on Indian roads today, his presence at The Warehouse felt truly special. Sitting with him in the heart of Manali and hearing about his vision for design was a reminder of how passion drives creativity.
Pedro, the eldest brother, has already retired but instead of slowing down, he has shifted gears into full-time motorcycle riding. He rides a BMW GS 1250 and has covered an unbelievable seven lakh kilometers on all his motorcycles combined. His eyes lit up when he spoke about long journeys and open roads. His bond with his bike was a reminder that for many of us, motorcycles are not machines but companions that share life’s greatest adventures.
Then there was Alberto, the carpenter with a golden touch. Over the years, he has honed multiple creative skills, from building to music, and carries himself with an effortless charm. Alberto lost his left-hand pinky in an accident, but instead of it being a setback, he has turned it into a source of constant humor. He jokes about how he can’t make the “cool” rock sign or the “call me” gesture, because for him it just ends up looking like a thumbs-up. But the real magic is when he picks up his guitar – playing beautifully with just three fingers and a thumb, proving that passion always finds a way.
The brothers had come with a dream – to ride across the Himalayas and into Ladakh. Their excitement was contagious, and we all helped them pack their motorcycles before they set off. Unfortunately, as luck would have it, heavy snow at Baralacha La and other high passes blocked their route north. Rather than letting the setback weigh them down, they changed plans on the go and decided to take on the Kinnaur–Kaza circuit instead. Riding through the dramatic valleys and high-altitude landscapes of Spiti, they lived out an adventure that tested both spirit and skill. When they returned to The Warehouse, their smiles and the stunning pictures they carried back said it all – the journey had been a success.
We celebrated their return with a wholesome Army-style English breakfast, served outdoors in the morning sun. It felt like a little camp gathering, full of laughter and stories over food. After breakfast, they took one last ride up to Sethan, soaking in the mountain air before heading out again.
Meeting Teo, Pedro, and Alberto was more than just a chance encounter. It felt like forming a friendship with kindred spirits from another part of the world. Their stories, humor, creativity, and love for motorcycles left a deep impression, and I truly hope that someday I get to visit Spain and ride with them on their home roads. Encounters like this remind me why The Warehouse exists – not just as a space for riders, but as a place where stories, adventures, and friendships come alive.
