This past May in the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka, Canadian expat Patrick Bernie found an unexpected passion and a vibrant community, all ignited by his exhilarating ride in the Asia Enduro Series race.

Bernie mingled with other riders at the race, especially those from Nepal. The event opened the door to a world filled with adrenaline, camaraderie, and the enchanting allure of the Himalayas.

Meeting a motivated group of riders in Sri Lanka was a delightful surprise.

“I didn’t come to Sri Lanka expecting to meet such a motivated group of riders, which eventually led to me getting back into racing. To my surprise, I won a race after being off the saddle for so many years,” remarked Bernie, who competed in the Masters ‘A’ (30 plus) category.

“I learned about Pokhara after participating in my first Asia Enduro race in Sri Lanka,” Bernie recalls, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

He had heard about these races in Nepal from some of the local guys he rode with, in Sri Lanka. “They said it would be amazing, and after further inquiry with the Nepali riders, it solidified what I could expect if I ever decided to go ride in Nepal,” he shared.

Their vivid stories and experiences painted a compelling picture, making the idea of competing in Nepal irresistible.

For Bernie, the allure of Nepal extended beyond the races. “I have always wanted to travel to Nepal and be immersed in the vastness of the Himalayas,” he confessed.

The energy from the organisers and fellow riders at the Sri Lanka race left him craving more. Winning his category in the Sri Lanka Enduro race was the cherry on top, opening doors for him to compete in Pokhara and the Nepal leg of the Asia Enduro Series race scheduled for the first week of December 2024.

Bernie’s journey to this point has been quite an adventure. His roots in cycling run deep, dating back to his youth. As a teenager, he used to race cross-country (XC); however, enduro racing was a completely new challenge.

“I only really started biking again about five years ago after my friends bullied me into buying an Enduro bike,” he laughed. That nudge reignited his love for biking, blending the two styles of riding. “The mix of XC and the aggressiveness of the downhill got me hooked.”

Looking ahead, Bernie has big plans. “The plan now is to go back to Canada, work to save a bit of money for my travels, and get as much riding in back in Quebec, Canada,” he said.

From rediscovering his love for biking in Sri Lanka to setting his sights on the Himalayas, Bernie’s journey is a testament to the power of community, passion, and the thrill of the ride.

This trip promises to be the adventure of a lifetime, and Bernie is gearing up to make the most of it. “I’m trying to ride as many different trails as possible to be ready for whatever Nepal is going to throw at me!”