MTB Himachal 2005

The best images one can conjure up of a biking event would be of
Tour De France where we can see hundreds of bikers vying with each
other to be the leader leaving behind people lined streets of towns
stung by the event's popularity with the event promising to test
the endurance of the bikers. Here in the other part of the world
where biking is not much more than the means of poor man's transport
comes an event which has the competence to come out as the world's
only real endurance testing biking rally for the real adventure
bikers who take their relationship with the bikes and nature
seriously. I'm talking about Hercules MTB Himachal, the mountain
enduro put together for the real enthusiasts by HASTPA ( Himachal
Adventure Sports & Tourism Promotion Association) along with the
Himachal Tourism and the Indian bike makers Hercules and taken
around the world by IMG.

One can never imagine what kind of event it would be until you are a
part of the event and are there where the action is happening
because it is there that one can feel the enthusiasm, the sweat, the
excitement and pure pleasure of adventure. As we the Rotaractors
from Rotaract Shimla Midtown joined in the organizing team after all
the hard work had been put up by the organizers, we could feel the
atmosphere filled with excitement, anxiety and feel of
accomplishment. We could not have asked to be part of a better
event. Our first day at the event saw us welcoming the participants
and preparing their database. With a heady mix of professional,
amateur and fresh bikers from different parts of the world and of
different ages and professions one could not stop but think of the
best Himalayan experience in store for all. Some flying in directly
for the event, some coming in after completing an equally
adventurous event and some freshly from their boardroom meetings.
Imagine people from diverse areas – Corporate heads, Teachers,
Students, Industrialists, Professionals and adventure entrepreneur
coming together with their experiences and sense of adventure, and
we were right there welcoming them.

Then started the 8 days of the Himalayan Adventure that would leave
a mark on everybody's mind and soul and that too refreshed ones.


Day – 1

The start to the mega event took place from the historic Peterhoff,
where the sun had started to shine cutting through the cold morning
chill. The participants had started with their last minute
adjustments since early morning not leaving anything for later. The
early morning chill didn't bother anyone as we could see hectic
activities happening around. We could also see some last minute
arrivals. Soon we could see the bikes lining up to be flagged off by
the Commissioner, HP Deptt. Of Tourism Mr. Shreedhar, who seemed to
be as enthusiastic as the participants and not to leave behind the
ever active HASTPA team, with the media gunning for their
President's words. The flag off took at 8 AM with the bikers led by
the pilot, taking them through the historic roads of the Queen Of
Hills ie our own Shimla. The participants went through the Mall
Road, Ridge towards the Raj Bhawan with a few missing the marks on
their way but catching up later and we could also see some starting
problems with bikers which later weren't worth looking back to.
As the main town passed by the bikers took to the outskirts of the
town the Himalayan outback started to shower its wonders. The first
of the many break points to come was at a picturesque meadow among
the deodar trees with the participants resting on the greens. A
refreshing break indeed. As for after a while they had to start with
the competitive section which was really competitive. As the bikers
started getting into their groove one could just look in awe to
their skills and speed. The sped past through automobiles and
motorbikes as if the bikes were motorized. We weren't ready for such
an experience and sights. This was just the beginning. There came
lunch points in between. The off track roads were testing the
endurance well. The competitive ended when the riders touched the
tarmac. From there the bikers took their leasurely time to get to
the camp site which was set up at the high altitude training camp of
the National Sports Authority. An open green ground, with wind
blowing as the bikers started pouring in.
We could see the riders not wasting much of their time , they set to
work on their bikes with detailed precision. In the evening hot
pakoras were served with piping hot tea which went down pretty good
with all the riders. The darkness brought in time for the first day
celebrations, everybody sharing their experiences of the day sitting
by the camp fire in middle of the tents with an open sky above them
filled with stars. The night sky was as much inviting as the songs
rendered by special invitees. Finally the jersey presentation took
place among the lights of the fire and jeeps and it went to the
young and experienced Norbert. His actions spoke for themselves as
he couldn't speak English. At last dinner with a sumptuous meal and
then lights out.

Day – 2

The morning started with a chill in the air, everybody looking
forward to a great day ahead. With the breakfast served The bikers
rode upto Narkanda Pass from where the competitive section began.
Narkanda which is a gateway to upper Himachal has in it beautiful
orchards and mountains. The bikers were in for a real treat during
the day as they went through the loops taking them through fields of
flowers, apple orchards and above all the smiling faces of the
school going children who stood by to wish everybody luck.
The loops did get some people confused , missing them altogether. We
couldn't have let the riders miss the ancient temple on the way so
we marked the route through the 1000 yrs old temple which was down
in the valley by the rivulet. The speed of the riders mesmerized us
as they were going at 70 kmph at times. The competitive ended early
and the riders took their turns to rest under the trees by the
water, as they had to hit the main highway in a while. Nobody would
had suspected of what lay in store for them as it was one of its
kind where the bikers took turns to get to the other side of the
river through a pulley which took everybody by surprise. In the end
it was a first time experiences for every rider and they thoroughly
enjoyed it. And another 15 mins ride from their got them to the Very
school ground our camp site for the day.
Another day of riding gone we could see the riders busy tending to
their bikes. With the announcement of tea time everybody jumped to
that. As the night set in the days experiences were shared and
jersey presented to Frank, our leader of the day. A beaming Frank
shared his experiences around the fire sipping on the hot soup
before the dinner which was served in no time. Everything done for
the day it was good night everybody.

Day -3

An early morning as usual but instead of the chill factor we had
thirst factor. All the bikers getting ready for the day, one could
see activity all around. The hot breakfast served, all was set for
the day. Last minute biking adjustments , the bikers lined up for
the start and the Sun God giving them his blessings. The bikes
rolled on for the day three, a much more relaxed day as the bikers
were much more acclimatized with the terrain. Initially an uphill
ride where we crossed into the Kullu Valley where the nature is at
its best. The spirit of adventure was thoroughly visible among the
riders as many were seen stopping by on the way to take a good look
at the nature and appreciate its beauty and to capture it. The route
was marked by traditional homes in hill architecture and people in
their traditional attire. The smiles and claps egging on the bikers
to put in their best.
The camp for the day was at the Nither school grounds. It was the
perfect place for the valley view. A warm day indeed and the riders
started to touch the finish line one by one. What greeted them was
the beautiful view of the valley and a treat of local fruits freshly
farm picked. The riders took their time to rest and then set about
their daily routine of getting their bikes back in shape. By the
time it was done it was snack time which everyone looked forward to
everyday and it started getting windy by this time. The night sky
couldn't be better setting for a warm musical night by the bonfire
where the ritual of sharing the days happenings took place. Franz
from South Africa was the day's winner. The need of the hour, a
healthy dinner was served hot. Wished good night everybody retired
into their tents.

Day – 4

On the day four, every body woke up to a clear sky and a
breathtaking view. The morning rituals took place and so did a
protein rich breakfast. A sunny day, with all the riders all set to
go. The day included rides through tarmac, off track roads, uphill
and downhill. Each rider set their priorities accordingly. There
were some good uphill riders and some were good downhill. An
exciting day in the offing. The beverage points were lined up at
scenic places which would give energy to the mind as well as the
body. The ride uphill tested the riders good. The camp site was the
Khanag school campus. The school lined up among the tall fir and
birch trees giving it a cooler feel. Right beside it was an old
English cottage beautifully set among the trees. What greeted the
bikers to the camp was a light drizzle with cold weather. It was the
highest camp site in the itinerary at 2550 m. A cold evening with a
cricket match among the bikers and organizers. Everybody kept
themselves busy to beat the cold. The evening snack help beat some
of it. Day four saw the riders regaling the audience with their
musical notes. Norbert again the man of the day. Adam too happy to
help him out with the translation. The bonfire was handy so was the
dinner to keep warm. After that nobody could resist the warm
tempting sleeping bags some even missing the good night's.

Day – 5

A cold good morning. Everybody hurrying to get started. A hurried
breakfast, a hurried check on the bikes. It was the shortest
competitive section of the event and it was to take us to the
highest point of the enduro at 3100 m, the Jalori Top. The 5.5 km
ride was to test who makes to the top fastest and it saw a very
closely fought contest and an interesting one too. The only photo
finish of the event saw Norbert just scraping past Franz in the last
10 mtrs and just a second keeping them apart. A young lad of 24 and
the other 48 yrs adventure enthusiast. Riders took their time to
rest in the feet of Jalori Mata temple. What lay ahead was the
awesome beauty entrapped in the Himalayas. Some took a ride to the
lake near the temple and some started their downhill decent. The
downhill decent had tall trees lined on both sides, one side we
could see the sun kissed mountains with a sparsely populated areas.
This area is part of the breathtaking Kullu Valley. On the way down
everybody stopped by the café along the stream where everybody had
their share of coffee. The ride ahead was equally enthralling. The
days camp site was a beautiful setting. An open green grass laden
land with a stream flowing beside it and to the other side we had
the local wooden houses and market. A picturesque place indeed. As
soon as the riders started coming into the Gada Gusaini camp on
could start hearing the traditional musical instruments being played
at a distance. The lunch was served at the camp site with fresh aloo
poories being relished by both Indians and foreigners. A trip by the
riders to the market place saw them enjoying the site of Local
Deities being taken to Kullu. There were colorfully dressed people
and music , something for the eyes and ears both. Culture, adventure
at its best. Everybody totally enjoyed the camp site. No evening
ended without music and chit chat and same was here. Norbert taking
the honors again.

Day- 6

A beautiful day to start with. Everybody set to roll. An enjoyable
ride to the Kauli village where the competition for the day started.
A lot of hiking had to be done in the day. The riders, marshals,
etc everybody on foot and bikes. The hike took everybody through
woods lined by beautiful scenes, fallen logs, birds chirping and
meadows with wild horses. A hard but beautiful day. After a long
wait the riders started reaching the Thunag finish point, and
completing the last stretch was getting wet for most of them. Coming
riding from one point and a dip in the water and then recollecting
to get to the finish. All refreshed everybody started to the camp
site at Bagsiad school one by one. Indeed a leisure ride. Surprise,
surprise for everybody at the school. The students were waiting for
them with garlands and smiling faces. Everybody was given a
traditional welcome and they didn't miss wishing Frank Happy
Birthday. Everybody seemed to be enjoying the moments. The images of
the day were marvelous. Norbert again led the day.

Day- 7

In the morning the riders were given a traditional send off. As the
day set in there was a drizzle making the tarmac slippery testing
the skills of the riders. With a downhill decent on tarmac in offing
we saw some high speeds. It was an early end to the days riding,
with the riders reaching Pandoh dam finish point. Everything and
everybody got packed into the vans waiting giving time for riders to
move in 4 wheels and resting their bikes. We moved on to Kullu along
side the Beas. Passing through Kullu we could see the Dusherra
festivities beginning. The Bashing Police Grounds Camp site had open
space for everybody to have fun. There were cricket match at one end
with Frisbee catching at other end. In the evening everybody was too
eager to get to the Dusherra grounds and take a look at the
congregation of Deities from all over, the fair and the exhibitions.
There were loads of people in their traditional dresses and some
unexpected familiar faces.
As everybody got to the camp by dinner time, we could see them in
Kullu caps and sharing the experiences. Everybody was now gearing
for the final day. Norbert again who led the day.

Day – 8

The final day , the final finish line. We couldn't let them go away
without treating them to some more of the Himalayan finery. The
bikes rolled in from the camp site towards Naggar famous for its
Roreich Art Village, from where they took a track towards the Bijli
Mahadev Temple pearched on top of the mountain, looking after the
areas of Kullu, Bhuntar, etc and providing a glimpses of far off
mountains. The hike to the temple was short and steep and the decent
was smooth and dirty. The finish was exciting so was the ride to
Manali, where we were putting up at the Mountaineering Institute,
one of its kind in the region. Everybody seemed to be in a free mood
as they got to the camp. The evening saw a party for everybody , at
Manali. Everybody danced, sang, shared their experiences and had
relaxed conversations with each other. A late evening it was. Many
riders had to get back on the very day and the rest stayed back for
the prize distribution.

Next day we had the prize distribution scheduled at the
Mountaineering institute's auditorium. Everybody could be seen
making preparations for the same since morning. The hour came with
everything set. And the winnerssssssss

Norbert
Peir
Franz



As the first year of the event came to an end everybody knew that
it is something very grand that they have in their hands. Over the
years this event would be one among the best internationally, as is
the dream of the President and his men. This event showcased best of
everything. Right from the management, riding, nature and
adventure. With just minor teething problems the event was
successful and without problems for everybody.
Hercules MTB Himachal 2005 has been a great start for a great event,
and we wish to be associated with it as it starts its journey.

All the best!!!!