MBLA Mountain Bike Guide Training

This month Himalayan Single Track was so happy to be able to bring Mr Al Seaton to Nepal so that he could deliver his invaluable guide and leadership training to our guides. Al’s company is Wheelie Cool Mountain Biking and he is an MBLA Tutor providing courses approved by the British Cycling Association that set the industry standard for mountain bike guide and leadership training. We are hoping that this was the beginning of a long term relationship with Al for training mountain bike guides in Nepal, not just for Himalayan Single Track but for all companies and tour operators.

The course was held at Life Cycle Resort in Hetauda, and we have to thank them humbly for providing free accommodation and meals for Al Seaton for the ten days he stayed in Nepal and also for the wonderful hospitality and food they provided to all participants of the course. Life Cycle and the surrounding country side was the perfect location for cycling, learning and making new friends. The best kind of classroom and super rider on single tracks.

The content of the course was an invaluable learning curve for the entire HST Team and we hope that we can use our newfound skills to improve the quality and most importantly the safety of the service that we offer our clients.

We work for the safety and experience of our clients and risk assessment planning is now part of every tour we offer, not just for the safety of the clients but also for the increased enjoyment of them. Guides can improve their confidence and skill in dealing with the clients and this will give clients a better understanding it’s an all round win win situation for Nepal, for tourism and for the guides and companies. Further more we can also implement our own localized training programs and create an industry standard for Nepal.

Team working for the future of Mountain Bike Tourism in Nepal was the key topic that came out of this.

Trail Side Repairs

The Tow-Rope

The art of learning how to Teach

Learning the Theory in the Class Room

Map Reading and Navigation

Practical Learning on the Trail

PARTICPANTS IN THE COURSE

Leadership

1. Santosh Rai - Himalayan Single Track

2. Jenny Caunt - Himalayan Single Track

3. Dawa Sherpa - El Yak

4. Mangal Lama - El Yak

5. Niraka Yakthungba - Life Cycle/Chain Bikes

6. Upendra Rana - Life Cycle/Chain Bikes   

Guide

1. Jeevi Limbhu - Himalayan Single Track

2. Bikash Shresta - Himalayan Single Track

3. Nikesh Kadha - Himalayan Single Track

4. Shyam Limbhu

5. Sonam Gurung - Life Cycle

6. Dinesh Shresta - Epic Bikes 

BASIC MOUNTAIN BIKE MECHANICS

So here you are kitted out and ready to hit the trails with your new mountain bike, have some fun enjoy with nature and friends…..but what happens when you are out on the trail and things go wrong? It happens, broken chains, flat tires, gear shifting problem….but the good news is this does not have to mean the end of your ride. Knowing what to carry as part of your cycling kit and how to use it to make basic trail side repairs is easy and will help you to keep enjoying the fun.

Common Trail Problems

Things that can happen on an everyday ride in the Kathmandu Valley are flat tires (caused by inner tubes getting punctured by debris left lying around on the road) broken chains, slipped seat posts and minor gear shifting problems. All of this can easily be fixed with the right tools and the right know-how.

What you Should Carry?

So before you set out on the trail, make sure you or your friends have the following items –

·         Spare inner tube that fits your bike, be aware of different tubes on the market, Presta, Shroder, 29 er make sure you have the correct one that fits your wheels.

·         Pump, to put air in the tires should be a multi valve function that works with both presta and shroder tubes. If you are going on longer adventures, sometimes it pays to carry a suspension pump for your air shock.

·         A patch kit which contains glue, patches, tire levers (tools that help remove the tire from the wheel rim) sandpaper.

·         Multi Tool with chain breaker. This tool is a compact pocket knife like item that contains different sized Alan keys, screw drivers and tools that can adjust, tighten or re attach most parts of the bike.

How to Use It?

Well this is not something we can easily explain in a blog but as with anything the more you use the tools and understand the basic mechanics of your mountain bike the better things will be. Join the Team of mechanics at Himalayan Single track for one of our three hour basic maintenance and trails side repair courses. Our course cover the following:-

·         Getting to know your bike – identify components and learn what they do.

·         What are basic trail tools and how to use them

·         Fixing Punctures and holes in the Tires

·         Fixing Broken Chains

·         Basic Gear and shifting adjustments

·         Basic Bike Maintenance– how to maintain and clean your bike between rides, use of oils and  greases, bike cleaning methods

Another important thing to remember when you are going out riding is your own “engine” without you the bike is not going anywhere so be sure to carry and drink plenty of water and high energy snack foods to keep you full of energy.

For more information about our Mechanics Course or about biking in Nepal Please visit our website or send us an email.

www.himalayansingletrack.com

info@himalayansingletrack.com

Happy Trails this Spring…..

MANASLU MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPEDITION 15TH October 2013……

Manaslu, at 8,163 m, is the eighth highest mountain in the world standing isolated and yet in the very center of the Nepalese Himalaya and the trail around this majestic peak is perhaps one of Nepal’s “Best Kept Secrets” and not only that, the area which is little traveled by tourists is ripe for the exploration of Mountain Biking. Not only are there exceptional views in every direction but the low-to-high range of altitudes presents such varied flora and, most noticeably, a wide cultural spectrum, including strong influences from Tibet mixing with Nepali ethnic diversity.

The trail involves crossing the challenging Larke Pass at 5135 meters which Shoulders the Mountain itself, the awe-inspiring views and scenery are worth the physical effort’s. The trail is by far not 100% ride-able, in fact it is perhaps one of the most challenging trails for biking in Nepal, with long sections of carrying and pushing, but the rewards of endless flowing single track are well worth it. A side trip to Tsum Valley and Mu Ghompa is in itself a mini expedition into another world, this flat bowl like valley is an extraordinary and beautiful place offering some breathtaking trails for mountain biking and a journey of discovery in to this hidden mountain culture and religion. Some of the trails themselves are not without danger, sheer cliffs and narrow trails heavily trodden with donkeys make the cyclist heed caution, as for the local people, donkey trains are the only way to get supplies into and out of the many villages that scatter the region.

Santosh Rai late last year lead our first trip around the Circuit and into Tsum Valley with Christine Schaffner and her Partner Beat 7 times World Mountain Bike Orienteering Champions and came back raving about the potential of the area for future mountain bike exploration. Hence forth Himalayan Single Track is planning our first commercial expedition around the Circuit and into Tsum Valley on 15th of October this year in conjunction with some independent guide book writers from Germany. This special tour is open for other intrepid mountain bikers to join and interested person should send us an email – info@himalayansingletrack.com. Places are limited so please get in touch with us soon.

PROGRAM

15th October: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
16th October: KATHMANDU TO ARUGHAT (608m)
17th October: ARUGHAT  TO MACHHA KHOLA (869m)
18th October: MACHHA KHOLA TO JAGAT  (1410M)
19th October: JAGAT TO LOLAKUWA  (2240M)
20th October: LOLAKUWA TO CHHOKKUNG (2960M)
21st October:  CHHOKKUNG TO MU GUMBA (3510M) – DAY TRIP
22nd October:   CHHOKKUNG TO DYANG (1800M)
23rd October: DYANG TO NAMRUNG (2660M)
24th October: NAMRUNG TO SHAMA GAUN (3530M)
25th October: SHAMA GAUN TO SAMDO (3690M)
26th October: SAMDO TO DHARMASALA (4460M)
27th October:  DHARMASALA TO BHIMTANG
28th October: BHIMTANG TO DHARAPANI (1860M)
29th October: DHARAPANI TO BESISHAR AND TRANSFER BACK TO KATHMANDU
30th October: END TRIP

COMING UP THIS SPRING SEASON.....

Winter is winding down now in Kathmandu and HST is out and about gearing up for the spring season. We have some great long tours on the go, check them out, better still join one! If you are just in town for a day or two join one of our guides on a day tour or downhill trip exploring some of the best trails in the Kathmandu Valley.

Hike, Bike and Paddle the Himalaya – 17^th April

Join in this ultimate adventure around the Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna trek is one of the most well know treks in Nepal and this tour allows you to take advantage of three of Nepal’s top adventure activities, Trekking, Mountain Biking and White Water Rafting. Trek along the Marasyandi River and the lush valley scenery up to Manang and then over the challenging snow covered Throng La at 5600 meters. From the holy temples of Muktinath it’s a wild downhill mountain bike ride all the way along the Kaligandaki Valley to Tataopani for a splash in the hot springs and then on to Maldhunga for a fun filled two and a half days of white water rafting on one of the most beautiful rivers in Nepal. This trip is certainly one of the best ways to spend your time in Nepal!

Annapurna Circuit – 5^th March/ 7^th April

For as long as Nepal has been open to tourism, The Annapurna circuit has been one of the most popular trekking trails. The gentle inclines and well maintained trails make this one of the best ways to get into the heart of the Himalayas on a Mountain Bike. This journey is a combination of biking and trekking, but as progression develops the trail to bring amenities to the remote villages, the way is becoming more and more bike friendly and will certainly offer you the experience of a life time. The route takes you around the massive Annapurna range and back into the Pokhara Valley, passing between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs. The ride is technical and highly challenging and is a journey that you will never forget.

Jomsom Muktinath – Every Monday

Jomsom is in the heart of the Himalaya and offers some spectacular trails for mountain bikers. Peddle up between the Nilgiri Massifs to one of the holiest temples in Nepal, Muktinath at the foot of the mighty Throng Pass on route from the Annapurna Circuit. From here there are many options for some amazing single track and downhill riding along the beautiful Kaligandaki River, one of the deepest gorges in the world, past ancient monasteries and traditional villages. Bump along on cobble paths and get your feet wet in ice fed streams. This is surely one of the most spectacular short mountain biking holidays in the world.....you gotta do it once in your life!

For more information send us an email - info@himalayansingletrack.com

Happy Spring Trails Everyone....

Riding for A Cause – Kathmandu Kora Cycling Challenge

A bike is a means of travel, yes its true but to our cycling community in Nepal it’s so much more than that, it’s part of us, part of our daily routine, a means to get from a to b, to have fun, for some people a chance to race, to show skill and talent, but for most of us a simple form of enjoyment with nature, friends and our bikes! And if we can use our passion in riding bikes to raise money for a good cause then what better reason to get out there on July the 21^st and ride the Kathmandu Kora, have fun, make new friends, challenge yourself and help this cause.

So what is the Kora? The kora is a circuit route of the Kathmandu Valleys lower hills, suburbs and sights. About 50km of riding will take us in a complete loop of Kathmandu.

The event coordinators have a fundraising target of 500,000 nrs which will be spent in the Rukum to help improve facilities at the local birthing center. Money will be used to purchase mattresses for birthing beds, stainless steel scissors, torch lights etc for Birthing Facilities which at the moment are very inadequately maintained and equipped. The idea is to help combat the 25,000 deaths per year of new born babies in Nepal.

So get involved, be a rider taking the challenge or sponsor a rider and help this cause. Himalayan Single Track is entering a team in the Kora and we have a target to raise 50,000 rupees towards the cause, so please help us by sponsoring.

BE a SPONSOR: We are asking people to pledge Rs. 100 per kilometer that each rider rides. Say, we have 100 riders who each do 50 kms – that’s 5000 kms – If we get Rs. 100 for each of that kilometer, we will have raised Rs. 5,00,000 – OUR TARGET

You could sponsor just a few kilometers, or a number of riders, or the whole amount.

Get involved.... lets make cycling work for charity.

Himalayan Outdoor Festival – A beginning

Last weekend saw the opening of the inaugural Himalayan Outdoor Festival, the festival is the brain child of some very inspired outdoor types who wanted to bring all kinds of outdoor sports together under the pine needle roof of Hattiban. The festival held over three days was a big success and those of you who missed it should pen it in your calendar for next year! This event is going to get bigger and bigger and is exactly the injection that outdoor and adventure sports in Nepal needs to kick things up a few notches.

Friday 11am not much was going on up at Hattiban, but as the skies opened with rain, hordes of volunteers and event organizers descended from no-where and battled the heavy winds to transform the pine forest and Hattiban Resort into an outdoor sports paradise.

Up hill race winners

One of the first events of the festival was the Uphill Mountain Bike Challenge powered by Marmot. Races lined up at the bottom of the hill and awaited dusk; this race was perhaps the first of its kind in Nepal. 20 or so riders battled out the steep, bumpy climb from the road to the resort in the dark, most of them without lights! Cheering crowds got the festival into the spirit of things. Naryan Gopal won the race, but we also need to plug our own Aayman Tamang who normally is about ten minutes off  Naryan’s pace, he came second just 1 minute behind him! Super improvement this year from Aayman, we think he’s almost ready to take the top step of the podium!

At the climbing wall

An overnight windstorm and rain almost flattened the venue, but did not damper the spirit of the event. The day kicked off with the Hattiban Super Challenge MTB Race, powered by Himalayan Single Track held over a 2.5km track which slipped and slid its way around the pine trees. 10 and 5 k trail running was also held on this day. Runners and riders finishing at the same time added to the spectator enjoyment. It was also nice to see women participating in both events, though most where foreigners…come on Nepalese girls where are you all….? The time is now for you girls to get into the sports like mountain biking and running and there are plenty of people ready to support you. 

A tight XC Course

In the afternoon was the Downhill Super “D”, the team from Chain and Epic pulled out all stops to make a brilliantly fast and challenging short course which the riders ripped up! It was good also to see some new faces in the downhill line up and the fast and furious pace was much appreciated by the hordes of spectators who turned up to watch the boys on big bouncy bikes!

The best thing about the festival was the sports converging on each other, climbers, runners, XC riders, down hill riders all had the chance to mingle and understand other disciplines and even better was the chance after all the huffing, puffing, running and racing was over, there was a huge party with live music and food so everyone could relax, mingle and tell their tails of triumph or woe or just plain old fun. This kind of community building is essential for the long term stability of all sports in a developing country like Nepal and it was a very brave step to take by the event organizers….and one we LOVED!

Taking a flyer in the Super D

It was super fun and many lessons were learned about how this event can go bigger, badder and better in 2013 and we hope that more people will attend, support and sponsor such a great event. May long live adventure sports in Nepal! And a huge thank you to everyone involved.