Mountain biking kings take to the road in Shimla

     Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): The tourist hill resort of Shimla is playing host to the first Hercules MTB Mountain Biking Rally, 2005, which was flagged off on Thursday. After covering a distance of about 500 km over eight days, the rally will end in Manali, another resort town of the state. Top mountain bikers have begun pedaling their way through the steep and winding hill roads of Himachal Pradesh. The Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA) have organized the rally in association with the State Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation. The Chennai-based cycle manufacturer Hercules Cycles is sponsoring the meet. "This rally is important because it's happening for the first time in India. Moreover, it would be a promotion for tourism with the backdrop of beautiful mountains, Himalayas," said Mohit Sood, the president of the HASTPA.

     Sixty bikers, including 28 foreigners are participating in the event. Some of the best known names in mountain biking, including Warren Lewis of Belgium and Carla Coolberg of the US are participating in the rally. Besides Indian participants, several bikers from Europe, North America and other Asian countries are also taking part. "The event is so unique because it's happening in India, especially for people coming from abroad. It's a very different culture here and it will be a fantastic experience. Interacting with villagers and witnessing the excitement of the school children will be fun. Whole thing is just going to be fantastic," said Carla Coolberg, a cyclist from USA. The organizers, who plan to make the rally an annual event, say the rally will put Himachal on the world map of the mountain biking. "It's a big thing for me. Cycling since childhood has fascinated me. I just wish that government supports such more sports and events," said Sibasas, a amateur cyclist from Mumbai. Organisers say 'Transworld Sports' will telecast the rally in 140 countries. Himachal Pradesh has taken a lead in this sport as it has done in the promotion of other adventure sports like para-gliding, river rafting, heli-skiing and motor rallying. .
-Oct 7, 2005