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Biking
& Cycling is one of the fastest
growing and exhilarating adventure sports
in India today. The mountain biking
courses offered by Indian Himalayas
are just awe-inspiring, full of fun
and help you to expand your horizons
in this challenging sport. Those who
like their adventure at a leisurely
pace might like to cycle down to know
the various areas of India thoroughly.
Motorcycling has become increasingly
common as a means of travelling in India
. It is pretty generally agreed that
the Enfield Bullet 350 and 500 are the
best bikes to do India on. You can hire
both bikes and cycles, quite cheap,
all over India . You can also buy cycles
and bikes which you can later sell second-hand.
It will be better if you try cycling
or biking in India only in the cooler
months or the chances of heat stroke
and other heat-related problems become
sharply increased. |
| The
Himalayan region in India has a number
of adventure sport spots that has made
the Himalayas a favorite among adventure
travelers. But adventure sport is not
everyone's cup of tea. One needs to
be in perfect shape both physically
and mentally to take the adventure tours
in India . The beauty of the nature
can be enjoyed the best while riding
on a two-wheeler. The pace of the ride,
the pollution less environs, the lightly
trafficked roads and the ample space
promise a great adventure holiday. The
cycle and the motorbikes keep you in
contact with the local people in the
villages and market place. |
| Cycling
and motor biking are two of the adventure
activities that many people enjoy on
adventure tours in India . The Himalayan
region in India with its varied geographical
landscape provides some great trails
for cycling and motor biking. As you
trudge up the Himalayan roads to reach
some of the highest towns and villages,
you see a different India unfold -which
is rustic, pollution free, serene and
charming. In fact there is no better
way to discover a tiny hamlet or a non-descript
town in the foothills of the Himalayas
than on a mountain bike or cycle. |
| Cautions
and Essentials for – Biking & Cycling
|
International
Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) has
set the following rules for safety on
the trails.
Ride on Open Trails Only -
Respect trail and road closures, avoid
trespassing on private land, and obtain
permits and authorizations whenever
required. Federal and state wilderness
areas, along with many regional open
space lands are closed to cycling.
Leave No Trace - Studies
have shown that mountain cycles, when
ridden well, cause no more wear to a
trail than other trail users. The two
occasions that cyclists can cause significant
trail damage are when they skid their
tyres and when the trails are muddy.
Skidding your tyres is not the fastest
or safest way to stop, and does cause
significant damage. Riding in muddy
trails leaves grooves, and not just
enhances erosion but dries up to form
permanent marks. This of course means
that the rider is not sensitive to his
environment. |
Control
Your Bicycle - Even a momentary
distraction can cause problems. Ride
according to the set speed limits. What
might seem perfectly reasonable speed
to you may seem like out of control
to a hiker or an equestrian. Respect
other trail users and if seen approaching,
slow down or stop even if there is plenty
of room. If another trail user moves
out of the trail in fear, they may believe
they were "run off" the trail.
Always Yield The Trail -
Don't startle others but warn them well
in advance of your approach by tinkling
the bell. Anticipate that other trail
users may be around corners or in blind
spots. Your fellow cyclists traveling
uphill on a narrow trail have the right
of way! Stop and let them go by if you
are traveling downhill. You can get
going again easily, they can't! |
Never
Spook Animals - All animals
get startled by an unannounced approach,
a sudden movement, or a loud noise.
Please note that this can be dangerous
for you, for others, and for the animals.
Give animals extra room and time to
adjust to you. Running cattle and disturbing
wild animals is a serious offence.
Plan Ahead - Know
your machine like the back of your hand,
your capability with it and the area
in which you are riding and then prepare
accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all
times. Do not forget to wear a helmet,
keep your machine in good condition,
and carry necessary supplies for sudden
and unannounced changes in weather or
other conditions. A well-executed trip
is a satisfaction to you and not a burden
or offence to others. |
The
following equipment is required for
your ride on a trial. Don't ride without
them !
Bicycle
- The most obvious need of
course is to have your own bicycle.
For off-road riding, it is recommended
that you buy a true mountain bike, not
a hybrid one. Usually, an appropriately
sized mountain bike will have at least
2 to 4 inches of room between the top
of the frame and your crotch when you
stand above the bike. You should be
able to reach the handlebars such that
you can bend over at a 45 degree angle
without feeling cramped.
Helmet - Buy one that
fits right and wear it. Not only is
a helmet required in many local parks,
but it is a good thing to have on when
in an accident. It can save your life.
Pump - Get one to fit
your valve type. Compact pumps are light,
popular, and fairly efficient. Many
adapt to either style of valve.
Clothing & Accessories -
It is very essential to dress right
which should be according to the weather
and riding conditions. The weather on
the trail is often much different than
where you live. Be prepared and make
sure you have the following:- |
- Gloves , these
will keep you from compressing nerves
in your hand, getting blisters,
and in the event of a fall, save
your skin.
- Padded Bicycling Shorts
, these are not only more
practical on a bike than loose fitting
shorts, the chamois prevents chafing.
- Windsheeter or light jacket
, For spring, fall or winter
riding.
- Mountain Bike Shoes ,
these will help
you in your ride. You can ride in
tennis shoes, but since the soles
are not stiff enough, they would
not provide enough comfort (pedals
dig into soles) or help in transferring
power. Try cycling shoes.
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| So,
don't fear and get going for the most
adventurous vacation of your lifetime
in India . |
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