Two Weeks On the Edge: A Motorcycle Journey Across the Highest Peaks of India

Sometimes, you need to leave your comfort zone to truly experience life, and that’s exactly what I did when I embarked on a two-week motorcycle journey across some of the highest peaks in the world. What started as a casual plan, quickly turned into one of the most exhilarating and humbling experiences of my life. Riding through the rugged terrains of India, all the way up to the Tibet border, tackling both paved and dirt roads, I found myself in a landscape that was as unforgiving as it was breathtaking. And then, of course, there was the challenge of crossing the world’s highest motorable pass at over 19,000 feet.

 


How It All Began
This incredible adventure came about thanks to my membership in Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), a global network of 18,000 entrepreneurs from all over the world. EO is more than just a business network—it’s a community of like-minded people who thrive on experiences that challenge and inspire. Members can create trips and invite others to join, which is how I ended up on this life-changing ride. When Franziska Iseli, author of The Courage Map, created this motorcycle journey through the highest peaks of India, I knew I had to be a part of it.


The Road Less Traveled
The roads in India were nothing like I had experienced before. Paved highways would suddenly give way to narrow dirt tracks, often with sharp turns that tested every ounce of my riding ability, but these roads also led to stunning views—snow-capped peaks that seemed to touch the sky, valleys so deep it felt like the earth might swallow you whole, and endless open landscapes that made you feel small yet completely alive. 




Along with the thrill came the challenge of driving on the left side of the road, which took some adjusting. It wasn’t just about remembering to stay on the left, but also about navigating through tight corners with the occasional truck barreling toward you at breakneck speed. Passing these massive trucks on narrow roads was a heart-stopping experience every time, but also a reminder that this trip was all about pushing boundaries.

 


Reaching the Top of the World
The highest motorable pass in the world, Umling La, sits at an altitude of over 19,000 feet. Riding a motorcycle up there is no easy task. The air thins, making every breath feel labored, and your body starts to remind you that you’re far outside its usual environment. But the view at the top? It’s hard to put into words. Looking out over a landscape that stretches endlessly in all directions, you realize how small you are, yet how capable you can be when you push yourself.


Of course, altitude sickness was a real concern, and at times, I felt light-headed or short of breath. But with the support of the group, I pushed through, remembering why I’d come in the first place. This wasn’t just about riding; it was about discovery, both of the world and of myself.

 


Immersed in New Cultures
This trip wasn’t just an adventure through landscapes—it was a journey through culture. Along the way, we visited ancient monasteries perched on the sides of cliffs, offering not only serenity but also a glimpse into the deeply spiritual life of the region. The monks, draped in their vibrant robes, welcomed us with a quiet grace, and the peaceful atmosphere was a welcome contrast to the rugged roads outside.

 


I also had the chance to try foods I’d never experienced before, a true dive into local cuisine. From spicy curries to simple, hearty meals made in the homes where we stayed, the food was as diverse as the people we met. Each meal was an opportunity to sit down, reflect on the day, and engage in conversations that helped me better understand the local customs and traditions.

 


Riding in a Pack
One of the unexpected joys of the trip was the camaraderie that formed within our group. There’s something about shared adversity—whether it’s dealing with high altitude, navigating tight mountain roads, or tackling water crossings—that bonds people. Over the course of two weeks, we became more than just a group of riders. We became a pack.



At night, we’d gather around dinner tables in homestays, sharing not just meals but the highlights of the day. Each of us would recount moments that stood out—whether it was a particularly challenging stretch of road or a view that left us speechless. These evening reflections weren’t just about the technical aspects of the ride but also about how the day had affected us. Some talked about feeling a sense of accomplishment after pushing through tough terrain, while others shared how the landscape or the culture around us left them in awe.

 


Adding to the adventure were the unexpected obstacles we had to navigate. It wasn’t uncommon to find ourselves dodging cows casually strolling through the streets or slowing down as herds of sheep were guided across our path by local shepherds. These moments added a whole new dimension to the journey, reminding us that while we were there to push limits, we were also visitors in a land where life moved at its own pace.

 


It was during these conversations that we really connected, learning not just about each other’s riding styles but also about what the journey meant to each of us on a personal level. The homestays themselves were a highlight—simple, rustic accommodations that offered a real glimpse into the local culture. Meeting the families who hosted us and sharing their food made the trip even more personal and meaningful.

 


Embracing the Uncertainty
Perhaps one of the biggest lessons I took from this journey was learning to embrace uncertainty. Riding through unfamiliar terrain, facing unpredictable weather, crossing rivers on a motorcycle—each day brought a new set of challenges. And yet, there was a strange comfort in the unpredictability. You learn to adapt, to trust your instincts, and to rely on the support of those around you.

 


The water crossings, in particular, were a nerve-wracking experience. Seeing the rushing water in front of you, knowing you have to ride straight through it, tests not just your skills but also your mindset. But crossing those waters felt like a victory, a testament to the power of persistence.

 


Leaving the Comfort Zone
This trip was not just about adventure—it was about growth. Being outside my comfort zone, far from the routine and safety of daily life, forced me to look at the world differently. It reminded me that sometimes, the best way to grow is to throw yourself into situations that scare you a little, where the outcome isn’t guaranteed, and the journey itself is the reward.

 


India’s highest peaks may have been the backdrop, but the real journey was internal—discovering that there’s always more to experience, more to learn, and more to challenge ourselves with. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

 


As I rode back from the mountains and reflected on the journey, I realized that while the roads were often tough and the altitude difficult, it was these very challenges that made the trip one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. For anyone thinking about taking on a similar adventure, my advice is simple: DO IT!

 



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Kimberly Mitchell
Partner Development Manager

 

Kim is a Partner Development Manager with 10 years of experience working with Strategic Partners. As a 19-year veteran with Intuit and a history of driving growth and sales results within the QuickBooks echo system Kim, brings a wealth of knowledge to our team by assisting us with sales and marketing initiatives while helping us strive for the highest net promoter (clients satisfaction) scores. Kim is passionate about creating and nurturing new partnership opportunities through the relationships she has built over the past 25 years of sales experience.

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Sean McCaffery
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Sean McCaffery has more than 15 years of experience leading channel sales and cloud solutions in the US and Internationally. Sean has held leadership positions with Avaya in Europe growing the channel business with resellers and distributors in key countries driving double-digit growth. He then joined Rackspace Technology and was instrumental in developing sales growth strategies in cloud adoption for customers and partners. Most recently, he ran channels at Dizzion responsible for dynamically growing and expanding the partner ecosystem through SaaS-based VDI solutions before joining Intuit. Currently, he runs the QuickBooks Solution Provider Program supporting the strong business that solution providers and ISV partners have established as well as finding new opportunities to drive emerging mid-market growth together!

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Gabor Terebesi
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Gabor Terebesi is an Account Manager with the Payments Team of Intuit for over 15 years. He works in the partner division for Intuit payments to ensure Intuit partners along with any clients of theirs are in the most suitable and financially cost-effective solution accepting payments through eCommerce, QuickBooks, mobile payments, or any other options necessary for their business.

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Aimee Garneau
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Jeffrey Siegel
CPA, CEO

Jeff has spent the last twenty years working providing solutions to emerging growth businesses. After graduating from Northeastern University, he spent five years working with two multinational CPA firms in an auditor capacity building a foundation for understanding how business work. He later went on to work in various controller and CFO roles before starting Siegel & Associates (previously Siegel Financial Group) in 2000. In those roles, he sold a company to ADP, raised funds for a major expansion of a large regional IVF clinic, and helped set up accounting and financial structures for dozens of companies. Since starting Siegel & Associates, Jeff has worked with hundreds of clients providing accounting system solutions. Those solutions include setting up QuickBooks in a single-user environment putting in QuickBooks Enterprise in a 30-user environment and integrating various add-ons including inventory, CRM, and e-commerce. He is a Certified Public Accountant, a QuickBooks Pro Advisor, a QuickBooks Advanced Pro Advisor, and an Intuit Solution Provider certified in Enterprise Solutions, Point of Sale & QuickBase. Jeff is also a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

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Client Support Manager

After graduating from Boston University, Lori spent eight years working in various managerial positions for two national companies. In those positions, Lori developed the skills necessary to manage multiple projects, clients, and resources. She later went on to work for a management company that handled over 25 real estate properties with multiple tenants. Lori joined Siegel Solutions in 2003 as a client services manager where she utilized her skills developed to manage multiple clients and multiple staff. She recently moved into the client support manager role where she is responsible for meeting with and onboarding new clients, managing and maintaining our technology stack along with QuickBooks setups, conversions, training, and consulting.

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Associate

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Outside of work, Kristin enjoys hanging out with family, friends, and the family’s black lab named Clyde. Kristin is a New England Revolution fan and goes to as many games as possible each season.

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Senior Associate

Kathy graduated from Framingham State College. She then attended Bently College in their Accounting Certificate program, while also working as an Assistant Payroll Supervisor and Compensation Specialist in the corporate offices of a large contract employer. After many years of experience as a Full Charge Bookkeeper for a private investment firm, and various small CPA firms, Kathy joined Siegel Solutions in 2001. She enjoys learning about different types of businesses working for Siegel and the satisfaction of tailoring our role to best serve each client's needs.

During her free time, Kathy loves spending time with her family and her dog. She also enjoys DIY projects and exploring the beautiful New England coast.

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Janet Jodoin
Bookkeeping Associate

Janet joined Siegel Solutions in May of 2022 as an Associate Bookkeeper. In her younger years, while raising her family, she completed her degree in Business and she spent 20 years in the trades as a custom designer. Janet also has 16 years in corporate management. Her strong team support, training, and development led her to support and manage Human Resources. Janet's desire to change careers has led her to return back to bookkeeping at Siegel Solutions. In Janet's free time she enjoys spending time with her growing family. Her personal favorite is creative landscaping in her yard. She also enjoys working alongside her partner in construction and remodeling.

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Tricia Gullage
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Tricia Joined Siegel Solutions in 2022 as a bookkeeper and works with our clients to keep their day-to-day bookkeeping in order. Tricia has 12 years of bookkeeping experience working for a large construction company for 10 of those years handling all their accounting and Payroll. She met Jeff our CEO while working there and decided she wanted to join our team.

When not working Tricia enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She recently moved up to the lakes region in NH and loves going to concerts, enjoying her time boating and snowmobiling.

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Ed Jaworski
Professional Services Manager

With over 21 years of corporate experience at PeopleSoft Consulting, Sun Life Financial, and KPMG, Ed brings a big business approach to small business solutions. Prior to joining Siegel Solutions in 2022, Ed helped small businesses get the most out of QuickBooks for 21 years as a co-founder of SMB Partners and the founder of Solutions for Office Software.

Ed is an Advanced Certified QuickBooks® ProAdvisor, a Certified QuickBooks® Point of Sale ProAdvisor, a Certified QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions ProAdvisor, and a Certified SOS Inventory Consultant. Ed holds an MS in Computer Information Systems from Bentley University and a BS in Business Administration from Northeastern University.

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Debby Mono
Firm Administrator

Prior to joining Siegel Solutions in March 2023, Debby had been working in administrative and executive assistant roles for many years in various fields. Her extensive background in these positions has provided her with a range of skills and knowledge that are valuable in her new role as a Virtual Administrative Assistant. She graduated from Suffolk University with a Bachelor's Degree.

Outside of work, Debby can be found at football fields or dojos cheering for her sons. She also enjoys hikes with her dog, Sawyer, reading, sports, and live music. She and her husband also love to entertain family and friends.

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Senior Associate

Letitia has an accounting degree and has been working in the Accounting/Bookkeeping industry for over 25 years. Tish is also an Acumatica Business Consultant. Outside of work, Tish has 4 grown children and 5 grandchildren, she loves to ski, hike, bike, and be outdoors. Tish has worked with Jeff for over 10 years.

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Senior Associate

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When Ashley is not working, she loves spending time with her husband and 2 kids, extended family, and friends and watching her Boston Sports Teams!

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Alison Pickwick
Associate

Alison joined Siegel in 2023 as an Associate. She enjoys producing a product that assists company owners in seeing the big picture of their company. Previously, she put this passion to use as an auditor and as a financial advisor traveling the country to various companies in many different industries. With her passion, she also brings years of experience and vast knowledge to Seigel. After hours Alison doesn't stop working. She gardens, has chickens, teaches her godkids carpentry and small engine mechanics, fishes, makes maple syrup, and even brews her own wines and beers. Whenever she can, she goes to her family camp in northern New Hampshire where you can find her working on a project from planting blueberries to building a shed.

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Andrea Alencar
Associate

Andrea graduated from Bridgewater State with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. Andrea joined Siegel Solutions in 2022. Andrea has gained accounting experience working in various industries including a CPA firm, legal, hospitality, and telecommunications. Before coming to Siegel Solutions Andrea previously worked as a bookkeeper and staff accountant.

Andrea has 4 kids which keep her busy. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys spending time with her kids, being outside, cooking, and going to softball/baseball games.

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Mike Derrico
IT

I started my career in 1983 when I designed and built a device to share a computer program, written by the president of a local bank and his son, running on an Apple Lisa computer. The device allowed the large and expensive Lisa's computer to be shared with bank employees. With this program, and with my device, we started a company to market this unique solution to banks. At this point, computer networks were just starting to be used in businesses. I transitioned my efforts to providing support for migrating banking terminal/mainframe functions to the emerging Personal Computer networking platform. For the next decade, I worked with, and beta tested, numerous technologies to integrate the banking functions from dumb terminals into the now smart desktop computers. After working with a few small consulting firms, I started my own company focusing on providing I.T. support to SMBs. More recently I am now doing the exact opposite by helping customers migrate their PC applications and data from their local computers to The Cloud. A few years ago, I joined Siegel Solutions to add my years of I.T. experience to their firm.

In my spare time, I like to travel, fly my drone and, most importantly, spend time with my family. I also still enjoy tinkering with technology.

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Pat Jaworski
Associate

After spending most of her corporate career in the insurance industry, Pat joined a QuickBooks consulting firm providing bookkeeping services to several small companies. Late in 2022, that firm merged with Siegel Solutions, Inc., bringing Pat and her clients to the group. She provides services to clients in a variety of industries: fitness, construction, beauty, equine care, and medical billing, to name a few. She enjoys supporting her clients by keeping their financial records in good shape and allowing them to focus on growing their respective businesses.

Pat resides in the 495/MetroWest area with her husband Ed, daughter Abby and Duffy, their lovable, energetic golden retriever.

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Noah Tan

Associate

Noah has over 12 years of experience in accounting and graduated from the University of Bedfordshire in the UK. Prior to joining Siegel Solutions in August 2023, he has worked with clients in Asia and Europe across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, software, e-commerce, and education. Noah specializes in real estate, property management, and construction enterprises.

Noah is a passionate and results-oriented individual with a proven track record of success. He is skilled in financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting with expertise in business process improvement and risk management. Noah is committed to helping his clients achieve their financial goals.

Noah loves to travel and has been to over 50 countries and 4 continents with his wife. He is passionate about financial market analysis and enjoys using stock charts to identify trends and patterns.

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Tari Crowley

Administrative Assistant

Tari Crowley joined Siegel Solutions in September 2023 as a part-time Administrative Assistant. She actually wears many hats not just in her position, but in her every day life! She is also a real estate agent, softball coach, wife and full-time mother. When she isn’t busy with everyday life activities, she enjoys spending time with her chocolate lab, Bailey, as well as having fun and laughing with her family.

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DeeAnna Keyes

Sales and Marketing Associate

DeeAnna Keyes, has been our Sales and Marketing Associate since December 2023. She brings a wealth of experience, having worked at Intuit with a focus on Quickbooks Online and Quickbooks Desktop. With a robust sales history and a license as a real estate agent in Virginia, DeeAnna is a versatile professional. Outside of work, she cherishes family moments, indulges in camping with friends, and finds joy in entertaining at home with her husband and four children.

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