PROFESSIONAL RIDERS IN NEPAL – LETS START THE FUTURE

The current situation for professional riders in Nepal is not ideal. For the first time in 2012 Mountain Biking will be recognized as a National Sport and the National Championships will be held with support of the Nepal Sports Council. This is the first of many positive steps required for building professional mountain biking in Nepal. 

Events like Yak Attack and Trans Nepal are trying to bring the world spotlight onto Nepal’s mountain bikers to help them in the future. There are some extremely talented riders here with far superior climbing and technical skills than any one would expect and with the right sponsorship and support they can certainly make a brake on the world stage within the next five years.

But presently races are few and far between, when they do happen they are poorly sponsored, riders get maximum one week notice prior to races making it impossible to train and prepare, and prize money is little. Most riders work full time and the average salary they earn is between US$60 to US$200 per month and with families to support as well as rent and living requirements there is no money left to fulfill the proper nutrition requirements for training, let alone to purchase and maintain performance bikes and the equipment associated with riding on a professional level. Yet despite this, each year Nepal’s top four riders manage to compete in the Asian Mountain Bike Championships, fill the top two or three position in Himcahal the 8 day stage race in India and to date have always filled the top ten positions in Yak Attack one of the toughest stage mountain bike races in the world on sub-par bikes, without proper clothing and surviving on local food and rice! The caliber of riders in Nepal is incredible; imagine if this potential was nurtured to its fullest. We believe that with the right support and sponsorship, within five to seven years a Nepalese rider can be competitive on the world circuit. Himalayan Single Track is aiming to be an active part of that process by helping the riders get the support they need to succeed.

With the help of many friends and fellow mountain bikers we started the Yak Attack Riders Fund, a support base that raises funds to help riders with the entry fees and other expenses associated with competing in Yak Attack, now we want to take this one step further and with Extreme World Challenge Uk also coming to the table with a riders fund we are talking about creating a solid fundraising/sponsorship base with extensive training programs, nutritional support and help with access to bike parts. Our joint aim …. Getting Nepalese riders into the 2016 Olympics. Right here right now this seems like a huge task, with something as important as a regular yearly  National Championships and long term sponsorship for riders no-where in sight it seems like an unachievable  task, but our dedication and work starts right here right now. We want to build the blocks that will help riders achieve these dreams.

Proper management of funds, and the support and commitment of riders and all parties involved is critical to the success of the project. So we are posting this blog to put the idea out there to the local and international community that has a stake in mountain biking in Nepal and we are looking for your comments and interest in this project which is in its infancy. We are not doing this for ourselves but for the future of professional mountain bikers in Nepal, to build the sport to an elite level with a permanent fixed calendar of races, a pool of sponsors and funds for riders and to help some pretty talented athletes achieve their full potential.

Oils Aren’t Oils – Wet, Dry, Wax, Ceramic Which One is Best for Your Bike?

So are you confused about which oil is the best for your bike? Finnish Line produce a range of chain oils suitable to different riding condition and riding Needs, Let Himalayan Single Track help you out deciding which oil is the right one for you:-

Why Use Oil? Chain oil, now days also referred to as Chain Lube has advanced away from straight oil based substance to variations of synthetic, wax, teflon and ceramic blends. We use Chain Lube on our chains to keep them lubricated and running smooth. A dry chain cases abrasion, wears down fast the cassette and chain rings and does not run smoothly on the bike. A lubed chain runs smoother, prolongs the life of your components and if you use the right lube in the right environment can prevent your chain from “gunking” up!

When to Use: - Basically you should check your chain before every ride, if its dry apply your lube. First you should just wipe down the chain then apply in small drops to the chain while rotating the peddles. If using a wet Lube give your chain a light wipe after applying.

Wet Oil – Finnish Line’s wet oil is perfect for cross-country riding, its goes on wet and stays on wet. Best used in wet/muddy conditions it coats the chain with a protective film. The down side of this oil is that it can gunk up in dusty conditions due to its absorbing properties and though the application last longer than ceramic, dry or wax lubricants its requires more often cleaning of the chain. Best used for long distances and extreme weather riding … Like Nepal Monsoon!

Dry Oil  - Dry Lube delivers a stronger and drier friction fighting film, attracts less grime, offers better rust protection, runs cleaner, and withstands higher extreme pressures, increasing the time between lube applications! Its milky white appearance lets you visually see where it is, and where it is not. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so thanks to the new color and consistency, you can be sure that every link is properly lubed and protected! This lubricant is perfect for on or off-road riding - especially in dry, dirty, dusty conditions, while providing improved wet weather performance. 

Wax Lubricant - Finish Line's WAX Lube goes on wet, but dries to a hard, dry, super-slick wax film. No oily greasy film to attract or absorb dust and dirt. This kind of lubricant is the best to protect the lifespan of your chain/cassette/crank rings and also produces a good performance in dry dusty condition. This Lube has to be applied more often than most other forms of Lubricant. The best part of this lube is that it repels dirt and you rarely have to clean your drive chain before re- applying. Perfect for cyclists who value cleanliness over all else.

Ceramic Wax Lubricant – A wax-based lubricant featuring nano-sized platelets of ceramic boron nitride and micron particles of fluoropolymer. Ceramic WAX creates a coating with an extremely low coefficient of friction. Every time Ceramic WAX is applied, the ceramic coating is enhanced, ultimately providing the durability of many oil-based lubricants! Ceramic WAX ensures total drive train cleanliness without the ‘distance’ compromise that other wax lubricants require. With Finish Line Ceramic WAX there is no ‘wetness’ or stickiness on your chain or parts, so dirt or grime are not attracted or absorbed by the lubricant. By avoiding abrasive wear, parts run more smoothly and last much longer!  Best used on performance bikes and high end drive chains.

Heli-Biking in Nepal - The New Age Rush......

It seems that Nepal is becoming an adventure capital for tourists and in keeping with this theme Himalayan Single Track introduces a new package “Heli Biking”. Fly high above the Kathmandu valley, hover over World Heritage Sites and tourist attractions well above the crowds, noise and hustle and bustle of the city. Get a unique bird’s eye view of the living breathing culture of Kathmandu, seeing where the modern meets the ancient, then fly over the rural fields and above the National Park on the rim of the Valley. From here the skies open up to rolling valleys and the snow capped peaks of the Himalaya.

Chisapani, our destination, is a Traditional Tamang Village nestled on the edge of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park on the Kathmandu Valley Rim. This small village boasts some of the best views of the Himalaya possible from Kathmandu and in itself is a worthy place for a day trip or overnight stay. The snow capped peaks march along the horizon and seem so close you can almost reach out and touch them. In Chisapani you can visit the local Cheese Factory and Buddhist Monastery and enjoy some local Nepalese Tea before starting your ride.

From Chisapani two trails snake their way back down into the Kathmandu Valley. The first is a fast and fun unused jeep trail. Beginning with four kilometers of gentle descent passed the Natural Dhaps (Wet Lands) and then drops down through un-spoilt Rhododendron and sub tropical jungles alongside the fast flowing waters of the Nishnumati River. It’s fun and scenically beautiful. As we emerge out of the jungle there is a section of technical single tracks followed by another steep and fast descent back down into the Valley. The ride concludes at Sundari Jal, a great place to visit the “Beautiful Water” as its name suggests, have a picnic lunch or visit the Sundari Mai Temple.

 

The Second Trail is a more direct descent, steep and fast. But first you have to push and carry a little bit to get to Borland Bhanjyang. From here follow the trekking trail as it plunges downwards. Hard packed clay that can be a bit slippery in the monsoon but in the dry season it offers the chance to pick up some speed as you pass through the jungle, by small villages and then onto the long stone stair case that spurts you our at Mulkharka. This trail is defiantly for experienced mountain bikers and is most enjoyed on a full suspension bike.

If you are an adventure seeker looking for something new, then you should put Heli-Biking in Nepal on your adventure calendar for 2012.... email the team at Himalayan Single Track for more information. Chisapani is just one destination for Heli Biking, throughout 2012 we will be writing about other destination in opening up for the ultimate downhill rush....

THIS OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER EXPERIENCE NEPAL WITH HIMALAYAN SINGLE TRACK.

Well the monsoon is just about over and the streets of Thamel are filling up with tourists. Winter season is almost here and Himalayan Single Track is excited to unleash some new adventures, we are also very excited about the clear weather and mountain views. Kathmandu Valley is at its very best right now for biking.…

PEDDLE AND PADDLE

Morning Ride ...

So you just have a couple of days in Kathmandu and are seeking some action and adventure, then this is the package for you! This journey takes you to the scenic heights of Nagarkot, Kathmandu’s premier hill station from where, on a clear day, there are simply stunning views of the Himalaya from Far West to Far East. Let your wheels take you downhill along quite jeep trails, past terraced farm lands and traditional villages down to the Melemchi River from where we drive to the tranquil settings of the Last Resort nestled in the hill side above the Bhote Kosi River. The second day is a heart pounding voyage down one of Nepal’s wildest and most famous short rafting rivers, The Wild Bhote Kosi with its raging waters hailing from the snow capped peaks of Tibet! Buckle in and get ready for the ride of a life time. If that’s not enough Adventure for you, you can always add on an extra day and go Bungy Jumping or Canyoning with the Last Resort Team.

MORNING RIDE – 6am to 9am

A great way to beat the heat and traffic, three hours of early morning exploration around the Kathmandu Valley. Ride with our staff and other local riders, the route changes every day, but it’s always fun, there always single tracks and of course we always stop for Chai, Channa and Anda (Nepalie Tea, Chick pea Curry and Boiled Eggs).

Ride with one of Nepal's Pro Riders

MEET THE PRO’S – HALF DAY RIDE

Are you a serious cyclist and want to experience a fast track ride around the north of the Kathmandu Valley and discover some fun and technical single tracks? Then sign up for this ride and not only will you enjoy, but the  proceeds go directly to the top ten rider who is your guide. Meet one of Nepal’s best professional riders and enjoy this half day of riding, then get to know them a bit over lunch and coffee.

RIDE AND REJUVENATE

Morning Ride, Breakfast and Massage. Experience the Kathmandu Valley Trails at their best, in the crisp early mornings. Three hours of riding takes us around the north of the Valley, through rice fields and traditional villages. Let our experienced guides show you secret single tracks and hidden temples before returning to Kathmandu for a hearty breakfast and Coffee in Mandala Street. Make a quick trip to your hotel for a freshen up and then head to the Serenity spa for a 60 min rejuvenating massage. A great way to start off your day in Kathmandu.

ANNAPURNA CHALLENGE – TREK, RIDE & RAFT

The Ultimate Annapurna - Hike, Ride & Raft

The perfect holiday package in Nepal. 15 days packs in Trekking in the Amazing Annapurna region over the challenging Throng La, then mountain biking all the way down from the holy temple at Muktinath to Tatopani for a soak in the natural hot springs, then rolling on down to Maldhunga for three days of rafting and camping on the Kaligandaki River, sleep under the stars, raft the wild white water, mountain bike some of the most exciting trails and trek one of the world’s most famous trekking routes! This is one of the best adventure packages on earth so pack your bags, tie your shoelaces and get ready to trek, bike and paddle you way around Nepal!

POKHARA VALLEY BY LAND AND AIR 2 Nights 3 Days – Ex Pokhara

Soar high above the beautiful Pokhara valley amidst the eagles and snow capped mountains, feel the peace and silence of the wind as you glide cross country, the world shrunk into insignificance below you. Tandem Paragliding is perhaps the closest that you can get to free flight and a true exhilaration. Now you have seen the valley from above peddle your way along country trails traditional villages, gently climbing to Dhampus, a lovely tea house village nestled high up on the hillside with spectacular views of the Himalayan Peaks. The following day roll down hill and cross country to Tatopani Hot Springs and back to Pokhara with a visit to the famous Mahendra Cave on the way. A brilliant way to end a short stay in Pokhara.

 

Get ready to ride your way to adventure today with the team at Himalayan Single Track. See you in Nepal soon.