Riding through craggy terrain, dirt roads and treacherous paths are like child's play for mountain bikers. And this new adventure sport is a trend that is catching up among thrill seekers for that extra adrenaline rush.
‘Mountain bicycling challenges every bit of you and requires perfect synchronisation of mind and body. It tests your endurance and willpower. Every time your body gives up, your mind encourages you to pedal harder,’ said Vamini Sethi, a mountain biking enthusiast.
Sethi, who owns two high-end bikes - Trek 2.1 and Trek 4300 - said the thrill keeps all of them going.
Like her, there are many biking enthusiasts who are getting into this niche area for the love of the thrill and the challenge it offers, Sethi said.The numbers are slowly growing, despite it being an expensive hobby.
Some of the credit for making mountain biking popular goes to the Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA).
Formed in 2005, it is the brainchild of Mohit Sood, who with the support of a British friend decided to venture into this unknown territory.
Ever since then, he has been successfully organising the MTB Himalaya international biking challenge, a gruelling seven-day trail from Shimla to Kullu, covering 550 kilometres. ‘Mountain bicycling is not everyone's cup of tea. It requires passion and ultimately gives you the thrill,’ Sood says.
‘Mountain bicycling challenges every bit of you and requires perfect synchronisation of mind and body. It tests your endurance and willpower. Every time your body gives up, your mind encourages you to pedal harder,’ said Vamini Sethi, a mountain biking enthusiast.
Sethi, who owns two high-end bikes - Trek 2.1 and Trek 4300 - said the thrill keeps all of them going.
Like her, there are many biking enthusiasts who are getting into this niche area for the love of the thrill and the challenge it offers, Sethi said.The numbers are slowly growing, despite it being an expensive hobby.
Some of the credit for making mountain biking popular goes to the Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA).
Formed in 2005, it is the brainchild of Mohit Sood, who with the support of a British friend decided to venture into this unknown territory.
Ever since then, he has been successfully organising the MTB Himalaya international biking challenge, a gruelling seven-day trail from Shimla to Kullu, covering 550 kilometres. ‘Mountain bicycling is not everyone's cup of tea. It requires passion and ultimately gives you the thrill,’ Sood says.