Mountain Biking Himachal “The Trans - Himalayan Challenge” July 21st – August 3rd , 2009

Dec 11, 2008 at 9:11
by Vineet Sharma  
“HERCULES MOUNTAIN BIKING HIMACHAL”. Two weeks of high altitude mountain bike racing in one of the highest playgrounds in the world, “The Spiti valley” of Himachal Pradesh. 430 kms, 8 days of riding, over 16,000 meters in elevation gain, 2 Himalayan Passes as high as 4650 meters above sea level, thousand year old monasteries, prayer flags, a high altitude lake which goes by the name of “Chandratal”, meaning “Lake of the Moon”.
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A Billion years ago, Spiti's present location was the bed of Tethys Sea, separating Asia from the ancient continent of Gondwana. Gondwana joined Asia to form the Indian Subcontinent and in the process pushed up the intermediate ground of the Tethys Sea. Over time the sea dried up and the Himalaya sprang up, inching higher even now as the tectonic plate of the former landmass of Gondwana continues its movement under the Asian mainland. Ranges of the Greater Himalaya enclose Spiti in a semi circular arc, separating it from Lahaul on the west, Kullu to the south and Kinnaur to the southwest. They also prevent the moisture laden monsoons from reaching the region, thus creating in Spiti, a bleak and arid landscape in common with Ladakh and Tibet, located beyond the Zaskar Mountains to the north and east. Lacking vegetative growth, the exposed terrain is a geologist's paradise. It records every geological age from the Pre-Cambrian to the recent, in pristine formations. Spiti valley is formed by its synonymous river which rises on the slopes of Kunzum la (4551mts) dividing the Lahaul and Spiti district, and ends at Khab where it meets the Sutlej. From NW to SE the valley extends for 140kms. Along its course the Spiti river traverses beds of clay and rocks, out of which rise peculiar rough monument like masses honeycombed all over with deep holes as if scooped out by a sculptor. It can be a soul journey for those affected by the “mane walls”, fluttering flags, prayer wheels, monks, all beneath an ageless blue sky, in a primordial landscape. We invite you to visit this beautiful land and soak yourself in its beauty, culture and people. Mountain Biking Himachal – the trans-himalayan challenge runs extensively through Kinnaur and takes you into the interiors, uncharted, unspoiled and untouristed.

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The ancient kingdom of Guge, also known as Spiti—once part of western Tibet—is a fascinating Buddhist enclave that historically has had little contact with the outside world. Indeed, even the famous Himalayan caravan routes didn't pass this way, since snows keep Spiti's high passes inaccessible during the harsh winter months. It still lives in another century, an ancient world that begins where the paved road ends. Our challenging adventure takes you to moonscapes of stark yet evocative beauty, where you'll ride over high passes marked with fluttering prayer flags, see Buddhism practiced in its purest form, and admire an arid landscape brightened by shimmering willow groves and glacier-irrigated fields of yellow buckwheat and green pea patches. Along the way you'll meet the handsome Spitian people, among the most colorfully dressed of Himalayan inhabitants, and follow trails lined with some of the most exquisitely carved mani stones in the Himalaya.

This is the “Mountain Biking Himachal – the trans himalayan challenge”, a race bought to you by Himalayan Adventure Sports & Tourism Promotion Association (H.A.S.T.P.A), the organizers of the coveted “HERCULES MOUNTAIN BIKING HIMACHAL”. Two weeks of high altitude mountain bike racing in one of the highest playgrounds in the world, “The Spiti valley” of Himachal Pradesh. If you are initiated, love your bike and have that adventure soul, sign on to the first edition of the race, we can assure, you'll invariably go back a different person, after all, it is the highest mountain bike race in the world. Read on through the following pages, and once you hear the calling, let us know. We welcome you to the bike pilgrimage of your life!

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430 kms, 8 days of riding, over 16,000 meters in elevation gain, 2 Himalayan Passes as high as 4650 meters above sea level, thousand year old monasteries, prayer flags, a high altitude lake which goes by the name of “Chandratal”, meaning “Lake of the Moon”, this ride sure is through moonscape. Imagine, starting the race from a monastery with robed monks waving you good luck, stages which pass through some of the highest mountains in the world, through jeep tracks and single tracks, camping in the open at 4400 meters, staying overnight in a monastery again, camping by the high altitude lake side, Imagine which mountain bike race would have it all. Yes, “Mountain Biking Himachal – the trans-himalayan challenge”, in the fabled Spiti valley, promises this and much more. Racing for 50 kms a day in high altitude, sure is a test of strength, endurance and skill, count on our race package to make it a breeze for you, so you don't have to worry about anything else. Everyday finds us riding through two stages, with a free ride section (lots of time to capture photographs in the fabulous mountain country), with everything taken care of, nutrition halts serving energy drinks and fruits, lunch halt ensuring the bodily fuels keep the pedal running and the camp dining area dishing out the best Indian and International fare to suit all palates. Medical back-up, an inter-woven wireless communication network, massage is all included, so is accommodation on twin sharing basis in high altitude tents. You get transported to the race start at Tabo monastery, from New Delhi, acclimatize, race and then get transported back to New Delhi. Ensuring a lot of fun and some serious riding, “Mountain Biking Himachal – the trans-himalayan challenge”, is waiting for you. And yes, I forgot to mention, it does have a prize associated to itself other than the gifts of nature, a whopping total cash prize of Rupees 10,00,000/- (10 Lakhs) which would be given out to the winners in their categories.

A TENTATIVE DAY BY DAY PLAN

Sunday, July 19th , 2009 Arrive in New Delhi. Transfer to Hotel. Stay at the hotel overnight.

Monday, July 20th, 2009 Undertake the 12 hour road journey to Manali by race coach. Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel.

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 A brief orientation about the race in Manali. Stay at the race hotel overnight.

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 Undertake the 12 hour road journey into the high mountains, reaching Tabo monastery by late evening. Overnight stay in camps.

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009 A day for acclimatization as we also visit the 1016 year old Tabo monastery. Overnight stay in camps.

RACE START

Friday, July 24th, 2009: Start the race from Tabo monastery, and ride the stages through Sichiling, Dhankar Monastery & Lallung to finish the day at Lingti camps.(total 59kms)

Saturday, July 25th, 2009: From the camp, ride towards Kaza, the headquarters of the “Spiti valley” and follow the road till Kye monastery. Thereafter it's the most grueling uphill as we gain 600 meters in 22 kms to reach Langza, under the shadow of the Chau- Chau Kal Nilda, the highest peak of Spiti. A five km trail, almost level brings us to Komic Gompa, our stay for
the night.(60kms)

Sunday, July 26th, 2009: The morning ride is to Demul, in the Lingti valley and thereafter a downhill section to Kaza. Follow the trail towards Kye Monastery, our stay for the night.(42kms)

Monday, July 27th, 2009: From Kye monastery it's a grueling uphill to Kibber village, after which we traverse the highland pastures, and do the downhill stage to reach Kaza. A short day of riding as we stay put in Kaza for the night.(total 38kms)

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009: 61 kms of riding today, as we traverse the length of the Spiti valley along the Spiti river, to reach Losar. Most of the riding today is on tarmac. Overnight stay in camps.(total 61kms)

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009: The first pass of the race today, as we set out from the camps for another level ride towards Takcha (8kms), at the base of the Kunzum pass, the start of an uphill ride of 11kms, a gain of 800 meters. From the pass it's a downhill ride to the diversion, from where we ride a gravel section of 13 kms to Chandratal lake. Our camps are set up by the lake side.(43kms)

Thursday, July 30th, 2009: The region we ride today, is an interesting area, through a trail, cut through the Chandra river and melting glaciers, as three major mountain ranges of the mighty Himalayas meet together, The Pir Panjals, The Greater Himalayas and the Zaskars. A 41 kms ride through this region is bound to remain etched in our memories forever, as we reach
Chattru, our abode for the night.(total 48kms)

Friday, July 31st, 2009: Our last day of riding as we bid our bye-bye's to the mesmerizing Spiti valley, and head on towards Gramphoo (17kms) at the base of the Rohtang passes (3950mts), and begins the uphill ride (13kms) to the pass. This is the finish of the race. We get in our vehicles and follow the road to Manali. This could be a stage, however due to the traffic, safety rules prime. Reach Manali and check into Hotel.(total 33kms)

Saturday, August 1st, 2009: We relax a bit during the day, still fresh with our days of riding the Spiti valley, and in the evening we get ready for the thanksgiving and the prize distribution ceremony. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Sunday, August 2nd , 2009: Ready to pack and leave, as we board the coach to Delhi.

WHO CAN ENTER

Mountain Biking Himachal – the trans-himalayan challenge, is open to riders who are 18 years and above as on July 19th, 2009. There are only 60 open places and 5 are reserved for media entries. The race would be run in the following categories

a. Solo Men
b. Solo women
c. Masters (age 40 and above)
d. Teams ( each team consists of two members)

To participate in the race, fitness levels have to be high, and the organizers reserve the right to reject any entry based upon the doctor's report. All riders keen to enter the race have to submit a fitness certificate from a doctor. Also please ensure to mention about your riding experience in the entry forms. It definitely helps the organizers in the formation of the running plan.

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THE RACE PACKAGE

Mountain Biking Himachal – the trans-himalayan challenge takes place from July 21st, 2009 to August 2nd, 2009. There are two pre race days ie, July 19th and 20th. The group travels together from July 20th to Manali and on August 2nd the group travels back from Manali. The race entry fees, as described below takes care of all arrangements for the interested rider/s. There is also an insurance charge, (risk insurance) covering the riders for any injuries sustained during the ride. For all riders it is mandatory to fill out an indemnity bond at the registration at the Pre-ride briefing on 20th July, 2009, and also the indemnity form and the insurance form provided on the website.

ENTRY FEES

Solo men, Solo women & Masters Category
INR (Indian Rupees) – 39,999/- (Thirty Nine Thousand and Nine hundred and ninety nine Rupees)… FOR INDIAN NATIONALS and Riders with an Indian Passport, Nepalese Passport, Bhutanese Passport & Sri-Lankan Passport

USD (Us Dollars) – 2499/- (Two thousand, four hundred and ninety nine dollars)… For international riders, with an international passport.

INR (Indian Rupees) – 74,999/- (Seventy four Thousand and Nine hundred and ninety nine Rupees) ….FOR INDIAN NATIONALS and Riders with an Indian Passport, Nepalese Passport, Bhutanese Passport & Sri- Lankan Passport

USD (Us Dollars) – 4499/- (Four thousand,
four hundred and ninety nine dollars) ….For international riders, with an international passport.
THE LAST DATE FOR RECEIVING THE COMPLETED ENTRY FORMS WITH ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS & THE ENTRY FEES IS JUNE 20th, 2009.

WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
Airport/Railway Station Transfers:
All riders are requested to arrive in New Delhi on July 19th, 2009. Riders arriving in New Delhi on July 19th would be provided a pick up from the airport or the railway station, by our representatives.

Pre Race Accommodation.
All riders are provided with pre race accommodation on twin sharing basis in
a. New Delhi – July 19th morning to July 20th morning.
b. Manali – July 20th night, July 21st to July 22nd Morning.

Race Accommodation
From July 22nd to July 31st, the race accommodation is in High Altitude alpine tents, in our race villages, on twin sharing basis. The race villages are a complete set up with, a separate dining area, bike park, Massage area, Medical facilities, Chemical Toilets, Bathing area.

After race Accommodation
All riders are provided with hotel accommodation on July 31st night, and August 1st, on twin sharing basis in Manali. THE RACE PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE ACCOMMODATION IN DELHI FOR AUGUST 2nd, 2009.

TRANSPORT
July 20th – 2X2 AC coach transfer to Manali from Delhi. The coach would have ample space to store the bike boxes.

July 22nd – 4 riders would share one jeep, on the transfer from Manali to tabo monastery. The bike boxes shall be taken up to the high altitude desert
in a separate truck.

Support Vehicle.
Every rider for the duration starting from July 22nd, 2009, to August 2nd, 2009 gets a dedicated support vehicle, WHICH IS SHARED WITH THREE OTHER RIDERS. This support vehicle travels along with the rider through the course and can be used for your luggage, spares, as well as for riding to the camp after the last stage finish. In times when it just does not seem that you are going to ride, this support vehicle is always at bay.

Food
The food served during the trip is a mixture of local and Western, cooked for us by our highly trained camp cooks. The emphasis is on providing a high-carbohydrate and a vegetarian and non vegetarian diet, which we have found to be easily digestible at high altitude. Expect Indian Bread, Red Kidney beans, Pasta, Barbeque etc at the campsites. A detailed menu for each day would be displayed at the campsites every night. Pre Race and after race food, would be at the hotels where are staying.

Beverages
The Race package includes bottled water and non alcoholic beverages. It also includes energy drinks which are served everyday to the riders at the nutrition halts during the stages.

Massage
Massage is available for riders at the camps everyday.

Medical backup
A race of this magnitude, at this altitude requires ample medical back up. The race organizers ample expertise in organizing a similar event brings with them an assurance for safety and best practices. The association forged with the state government assures of five race doctors well equipped with four ambulances and all the necessary equipment needed to meet any emergency. For extra caution because of high altitude, altitude chambers are also being carried. A fool proof evacuation process is also in place to evacuate anyone in a rescue situation, with a
chopper being on stand by. The organizers team includes people who are well versed with the mountains and have done their professional mountaineering courses.

SERVICE
Limited service back up for your bikes. Two excellent bike mechanics would be travelling with the entourage to ensure minute bike problems are kept at bay. They would also be carrying basic spares with them (tubes, gear wires, punctures etc). We request riders to also carry bike specific spares.

MERCHANDISE and EXTRAS
There is official race merchandise which is being manufactured and each rider receives, a race T shirt, a race jersey, a race sweat shirt, a race jacket, a race bag, a race cap and a race mug. Also there are winning jerseys and finishing jerseys. THE TOTAL PRIZE MONEY BEING HANDED OUT IN THE RACE IS A WHOPPING INR 10, 00000/- (ten Lakhs). In addition to this each rider also gets the official Photo Dvd of the race and the video as well. This is just an over view of what the entry fees entails to a rider. Let us know if you have any special needs, we can ensure our team will work it out. After all we want you to have fun and share a lot of camaraderie as you set forth on the world's highest trails.

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MISCELLANEOUS DETAILS

Health & Travel Insurance:
Participants must be in good health and be experienced, well-trained mountain bikers. All participants are responsible for their own health and travel insurance. Participants will be asked to show proof of insurance upon registration and will not be allowed to participate in the event if they do not have the proper documentation. Proof of health and travel insurance is mandatory. MB HIMACHAL also hires an insurance company to insure the riders for the duration of the race. This is also mandatory.

Liability:
The organizers, sponsors, volunteers and event personnel are not responsible for any injury or damage that may occur during the event, or cancellations, delays or re-routing due to environmental concerns. Each participant will be required to sign a waiver upon registration declaring that they take full responsibility for, risk of injury, to themselves or their equipment and any lost or stolen items.

Entry Forms:
You may download the entry forms from the website www.mtbhimachal.com Completed entry forms along with your entry fees can be mailed to: HASTPA, Park Café, The Mall, Shimla – 171001.(H.P) India.
Your payment mode can be demand draft, cheque or bank account transfer to our account. Your entry is confirmed only at the receipt of your entry fees and completed entry form along with other necessary documents.

Doctor's Certificate:
It is mandatory that you have your medical check up done prior to participating in MB HIMACHAL by a doctor to certify that you are fit for the ride. One shall only be allowed to ride after this certificate has been produced, duly by an authorized medical practitioner.

LUGGAGE:
At registration each participant will receive a special sleeve imprinted with their start number. This should be used to mark your luggage. Each participant must drop-off their bag at the transportation truck on the morning of each stage (location and time will be announced). The bags will be transported to the next stage location where they can be picked up on arrival in the finish. This will include your bike box as well which will then be transported directly to Manali and can be picked up at the end of the race. HASTPA the organizers shall not be responsible for any lost or stolen items. If a rider does not want to use the transport truck for luggage transfer, one can put the luggage in your support vehicle.

Weather:
Since the valley is situated in rain shadow area, north of the Pir Panjals ranges the weather remains pleasant and quite comfortable during summers i.e. from May to mid Oct. This is the best season to visit this valley. It seldom rains, and the Mercury level does not exceed 300c and never falls below 150 c through out the period mentioned above. One can always enjoy bright sunshine wandering within lush green valley. There is little or no rain in monsoons. The climate remains dry & invigorating. The days are hot and night are extremely cold. Heavy/Light woolens are recommended.

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SUPPORTER PACKAGE:
Mountain Biking Himachal – trans-himalayan challenge, is a high altitude mountain bike race, being run in the Spiti valley. Where riders who are going to join in the race, it is always going to be important to ride well and race well and leave the worries to your team. This is where the role of supporters comes in handy to professional riders and amateur riders looking forward to do well. The organizers have also kept a entry for supporters, if someone wants to bring them in. The following describe the supporters' package.

Entry fees– Rs 39,999/- (for Indian nationals and supporters with an Indian, Nepalese, Bhutanese and Sri Lankan Passports)
$ 2499/- For supporters with an international passport. Riders registering with a supporter get a dedicated support vehicle for the duration of the event, which travels with them. From a race perspective this becomes your service vehicle. The supporter enjoys the same facilities as those of a rider. The support vehicle and the supporter enjoy access to race stages and other restricted areas.

WHAT BIKE TO BRING
Your Bike MUST be at least an “entry level” Mountain Bike - call us if unsure. Front suspension is highly recommended. Many of the roads and tracks we follow are only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles, and in many places not even these! A hard tail with front suspension or a short travel full suspension bike is ideal for Mountain Biking Himachal – The Trans-Himalayan Challenge, as there are long climbs, rough descents, single-track and extended tarmac sections. We cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring that your bike is in perfect working condition before you start this race. You are depending on your bike for both pleasure and to transport you during your race, across demanding terrain. It is VITAL to ensure it is THOROUGHLY SERVICED to guarantee it is in good mechanical order before the start. If you are not mechanically minded, get your local bicycle dealer to service it for you.

For home mechanics, points to note particularly are:
a) Check rims and if they are worn (concave) or cracked/dented replace with new rims to avoid wheel failure.
b) Check wheels are true and spoke tension is tight.
c) Check and grease ALL bearings and (QR‟s) Quick release skewers.
d) Check / replace brake and gear cables.
e) Check disc / brake pads, mounts and cables.
f) Check (lube / thread lock and tighten) bolts (especially suspension pivots and bottom brackets).
g) Check chain, cassette and chain rings for wear.
h) Have you got the right tires, inner tubes and BIKE SPECIFIC SPARES?
We recommend the following:
• 11-34t rear cassette with 22t inner chain ring gearing
• All round cross country tires.

TRAIL CONDITIONSTrail conditions include dry/sandy double track, unpaved switchbacks with steep drops on the side, stream crossings, extended sections of smooth and broken tarmac, single-track, and a few technical rocky runs with dropoffs. Please always ride within your ability and walk anything you're not fully confident in riding. On the whole, the trails should be dry. Expect climbs of up to 1500m in elevation, long and fast descents, village back roads with zealous kids and some short sections on main roads with chaotic, frenetic traffic!

BIKE RENTAL
You don't want to burden yourself by carrying your bike to the event all the way from your hometown, DON‟T WORRY, Subject to availability; HASTPA would rent out Mountain Bikes and other bike essentials for the race, which includes bike, helmet and gloves. These are charged @ INR 4,500/- for the whole event. Also a refundable security deposit of 5000/- INR needs to be deposited with HASTPA officials prior to renting out the bike. The bikes given out on rental are the responsibility of the rider and one has to assure and guarantee proper upkeep and service during the race. Damaged parts must be replaced. For more information and to book your bike please email dhananjayahluwalia@gmail.com

IMPORTANT INFORMATION- For International Riders Traveling with your bike
We have found that the best way to look after a bike on the flights is to partially dismantle it and put it into a cardboard bike box. This is the same type of cardboard box that all new bikes are packed in when they arrive at a cycle shop. All cycle shops have more of these cardboard boxes than they can easily get rid of and they are usually more than happy to give them away to local customers. For a small fee, the shop will often pack your bike in one of these boxes for you. To fit your bike into one of these boxes you will first need to remove your pedals, and take out your seat post. Then take off your handlebars, which you should tape (masking tape) under the down tube, you may need to release your front brake cable for this, be wary
of crimping hydraulic cables if you have disc brakes. Finally deflate your tires and air shocks, take off your front wheel leaving the back wheel in place, and your bike should fit in the box. You will probably have to take the skewer out of the front wheel, and you should keep this in a padded bag with your pedals. If you use disks place a piece of cardboard between the pads to stop the pistons from popping out. It is important to use as small a cardboard box as possible to fit your bike into, as a tight fit will help to protect your bike. A small bike box also helps to overcome potential problems at airport check-in. As an added precaution you should also fit a plastic fork end protector. These come with new bikes, and most cycle shops will have a few lying around - which they will let you have. Also purchase some pipe lagging (expanded foam tubing) from a hardware store and tape it around the frames tubes, shifters and back derailleur. You can also pack some of your clothing around the bike in plastic bags. Please be aware that your bike can entail its frequent loading onto support vehicles and while we will make all efforts to look after it, there is a good possibility of your bike being scratched. If you want to protect the paint work, you should consider keeping sections of the plastic pipe lagging taped onto your bike tubes throughout the trip especially for thin walled aluminum bikes. At the start of the biking, we flatten all bike boxes for easy storage. Because you will be using the same boxes for the return flights you will need to take with you an extra roll of packing tape to put your box back together and seal it for the return journey. Another option is to use one of the latest padded bike bags, which are easier to handle than a cardboard bike box, especially if your journey involves public transport on the way to or from the airport. DO NOT USE a purpose-made rigid bike box, as these are expensive, heavy (which puts you over your baggage allowance) and also too bulky to be easily stored or transported on the groups support vehicle.

Visa requirements
A valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining validity) and a current Indian Visa are required for this trip. You will need to apply for your Indian Visa in advance. Up-to-date information on visa cost and visa application can be had at your country Indian Embassy.

Vaccinations
You should see your doctor and dentist for a check-up. Your doctor will have access to the most up to date information on the required vaccinations for the country you are visiting. In general we recommend vaccinations against the following: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis„A‟.

Baggage allowance
Most airlines allow 45 pounds/20 kgs of check-in baggage on flights to Delhi. Your boxed bike will be one piece of baggage and your luggage will be the other. In addition, one should
carry small valuable items (such as your pedals, camera and film) in a small daypack, which you can take onto the plane as hand luggage. You can possibly overcome potential problems at check-in by advising the airline and your travel agent in advance that you will be traveling with a bike. One possible problem that one might encounter is that the boxed-up bikes are (strictly speaking) larger than the maximum size allowed for a single piece of luggage. It is very important in this regard that you use as small a bike box as possible. You can be charged extra if you have “oversized” baggage.

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THE ORGANISERS– HIMALAYAN ADVENTURE SPORTS & TOURISM PROMOTION ASSOCIATION
Himalayan Adventure Sports & Tourism Promotion Association (H.A.S.T.P.A) was initiated by a group of like minded people from varied backgrounds and disciplines in October, 2004. The motivating factor for forming the organization was to promote holistic adventure tourism in the state of Himachal Pradesh, encompassing pertinent issues of ‘Sustainable tourism', such as ‘livelihoods', ‘environment conservation', ‘community based tourism', etc. The natural resource base of any given area is the most valuable resource for its ecological as well as economical development. In the modern paradigms of development, tourism has become an activity that addresses the issues of community initiatives for sustainable development. Himachal Pradesh with its unique topography and culture is a great attraction to tourists. What also has to be considered in developing a long term tourism sustainability plan is the economic factors which motivate the local communities in taking the necessary steps to promote adventure based tourism in a consistent, phased manner preserving all that which today makes it an important part of the itinerary of the tourist visiting the region. To promote responsible tourism where the local communities become the direct benefactors of tourism in the state along with the preservation of the ecological and cultural environment, the H.A.S.T.P.A team began the process of planning for the promotion of responsible tourism in the State in 2004. Himachal Pradesh has immense potential as an adventure tourism destination. With its huge treasure of Trans Himalayan terrain and the lower foothills of the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is a Hikers, Bikers, Kayakers and a rafter's delight. The state has an extensive network of natural trails, which are best suited for the sport of Mountain Biking and Hiking. H.A.S.T.P.A adopted the sport of Mountain Biking as its core promotional activity. Himachal Pradesh is a popular destination amongst mountain bikers from around the world. However except for a few regular circuits most interiors of the state have not been visited by tourists. H.A.S.T.P.A aims to take tourists to these interiors and pass the benefits to the native communities. On the anvil are to develop trails in the state and in the next five years interconnect the whole state of Himachal Pradesh with these trails. HASTPA stands committed to the people of Himachal Pradesh to promote sustainable tourism and use Mountain Cycling as a tool to establish it as one of the premier destinations for cycling internationally. Future plans include, developing trails indigenously with the assistance and support of local Panchayats and pass the benefits to the native communities. A five year phased approach interconnecting the whole state through these trails should see Himachal Pradesh emerging as a world leader for Mountain cycling. With these aims in mind Team HASTPA organized the MTB HIMACHAL cycling event in 2005. The motive of the event was to showcase the immense potential of Himachali trails to cyclists from around the world. All the benefits the event accrues goes to develop trails and promote mountain cycling in the state. HASTPA welcomes volunteers who have the initiation towards adventure and are willing to work with the team towards implementing the dream of making Himachal Pradesh the best destination for Mountain Cycling in the world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT
www.mtbhimachal.com or drop an e-mail to
mtbhimachal@gmail.com
dhananjayahluwalia@gmail.com
hastpa@gmail.com

Author Info:
vineet avatar

Member since Jun 22, 2006
8 articles

23 Comments
  • 7 1
 Christ on a crucifix, this has got to be the most insane thing I've ever heard of. At that elevation, people are gonna be dropping like flies...
  • 3 0
 This trip would be fuking impossible!! i went to everest last year and you need a week of accilmatisation not just 1 day. Also despite being a good cultural experience: DELHI IS A FUKING SHIT HOLE!!
  • 2 0
 Thank the lord the race is nowhere near Delhi!!! Phew... agreed it's a shithole.. BUT the route the race takes is safely far away from Delhi and it's amongst the most beautiful scenery you may lay your eyes on mate! And on a mountain bike, you'll need to earn that scenery...
  • 0 1
 Listen Issac Newton: correct me if i'm wrong but does it not say: 'Sunday, July 19th , 2009 Arrive in New Delhi. Transfer to Hotel. Stay at the hotel overnight." And yer, i have been lucky enough to see the 'beautiful scenery' of Ladakh and the Nepalese Himalaya (as well as staying in delhi) and sure, the himalayas are a mesmerising and life changing place but i think its unrealistic to acclimatise in just 1 day!
  • 0 0
 Listen "fooooox" ... you will not be racing your mountain bike in delhi itself. delhi does happen to have the airport where your aeroplane will land from your country of origin. does that suffice, to say the least? hope you have a content year ahead.. judging by your pessimist attitude, that's going to be quite the challenge. chuckle.
  • 0 1
 Yer... ok... so then. please could you quote the exact place where i declared that any part of the race was in delhi. At least both of us are man enough not to neg/positive prop each other.
  • 0 0
 please could you quote the exact place where i declared that you claimed that any part of the race was in delhi?
as for props, I have better things to spend my time on.. :-D
  • 5 3
 You must have to be on Crack Cocaine if your even thinking about entering this! I saw the 5 available press passes and my eyes lit up. Then I read 16,000 metres of elevation, I struggle to walk up the stairs in the morning! If your fit enough get on this and and if you can read and write see if you can get us a Pinkbike.com race report. Godd luck..
  • 1 1
 Agreed on that
  • 0 0
 FOR ONCE IM GONNA BE NICE HAPPY NEW YEAR PINKBIKERS OR 2009 HOWEVER YOU WANNA SAY Razz
  • 2 0
 i agree , this as to be one of the most demanding MTB race in the world. trans Rockies and trans alps are super human , but this... this is over human IMO. just to ride this region must be very difficult for a lot of different reasons , to race is insane. some will do it tho , i wish them all the best ,this is a first time event.
  • 4 0
 This event will be like AM race. Full of gnarly trails... wicked downhill stretch to demanding climbs. But this is like racing on a diffrent planet. You gotta trust me on that one. And already people have done riding in this region.. so its not like no one can do it. And also you will be riding on some of the worlds highest trails.
  • 4 0
 I'd love to do this race, but I'd probably die the first day unfortunately.
  • 0 0
 Make that first minute for me, never been at altitude over 3250 feet, and at that i was skiing/trying not to die at the top of a glacier. And i havent done any kind of big XC riding for a period of time in about 3 years. Helilift up there? im in xD
  • 0 0
 There will be 4X4 backup jeeps just incase you get tired or some mech failure. However there is also a chopper rescue just incase any medical issue.
  • 0 0
 *UPDATE* - Based on your feedbacks & suggestion, it has been decided that :

1. Monday, July 20th, 2009 Undertake the 8 hour road journey to Shimla by race coach. Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel.
2. Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 A brief orientation about the race in Shimla. Stay at the race hotel overnight.
3. Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 Undertake road journey into the high mountains, reaching Tabo monastery by late evening. Overnight stay in camps.
  • 3 1
 i want to do it:\ ive been to the himalayas before and it has shanged my outlook on life!
  • 0 0
 This is going 2 be an insane race!!!!! If someone participating can post a report please!!! Big Grin I'd be willing to bet this is one of those adventures thats comparable 2 a trip up everest.
  • 1 0
 the guy that wins this must be built, like iron man..... Props to anyone who survives this!
  • 1 0
 CRAP i just re-read it 50KM a day ?!?!?!!?! at a high altitude to boot!!! wow is all i have 2 say.
  • 2 0
 That sounds like a challenge. Good luck!
  • 0 0
 WOW! this is some hard core cross country racing right here, count me and my downhill bike out!
  • 0 0
 thats rediculas!!!!







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