| |
 |
| |
|
| |
| Cycling
in the Himalayas really involves a combination
of travelling by bus, walking and cycling.
There are sections of one’s journey
which involve long, uphill climbing
which are best covered by mounting one’s
cycle onto a bus so as to arrive at
the starting point of one’s real
journey. For instance, the road sections
from Kalka to Shimla or Kathgodam to
Nainital, or Chandigarh to Manali where
the road climbs steadily upwards for
kilometre after kilometre and where
bus and car traffic are heavy, give
no pleasure to the mountain cyclist. |
| Cautions
and Essentials for - Cycling |
| 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. There are
a wide variety of models in the market
from which one can choose. 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.
The main trunk routes, which enter the
Himalayas, are not suitable for the
recreational cyclist. The truck and
bus traffic that flows along them almost
throughout the year makes cycling hazardous
and unpleasant. But there are dozens
of less frequented routes in the mountains
where travelling by cycle is an entirely
joyful experience. Some of the best
places in Himalayan are Ladhakh, Uttrachal,
Himachal, where you can enjoy your ride. |
| So,
what are you waiting for…!!
Just pack your bags and head towards
the natural wilderness, Now! |
| |
 |
|
|
