Biking and Motorcycling in Uttarakhand
Biking and motor cycling 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. An India 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.
Cycling and motor biking in the Himalaya are not only about negotiating hair pin bends and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the region, but also about facing challenges that the terrain and climate in this region pose to travelers. It is here where you need to follow some basic guidelines before you finally hit the dirt track. First and foremost, it is imperative to take permission from the concerned authority/authorities for cycle or motor biking tours in the Himalaya. The reason being, most of the tracks you may follow on your cycle or biking tours adjoin the border of neighbouring countries. If the terrain is rough one needs to take more sophisticated cycles or motorbikes to meet the hard conditions of the track.
Buy or Rent
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. Cycles usually come within the range of Rs 1500-2000. New bikes come within the range of Rs 34,000-80,000; you can also buy bikes second-hand which greatly reduces the price, to about Rs 25,000-Rs 40,000. Remember to bargain. For second hand bikes don't forget to get ownership papers in your own name. Also ask for a No Objection Certificate from the Motor Vehicles Department from the seller if want to take the bike home. Spares for the Enfield bikes are no problem all over India and come quite cheap.
Permit
For all biking tours in the Himalayan region, one needs to take clearance six months prior to the tour from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. A Liaison Officer is deputed for the expedition, who is of immense help in case of emergency. He is the one who coordinates with various government agencies for the smooth completion of the adventure tour. Travelers need to pay royalty for mountain biking, which is charged according to the popularity and height of the destination.
When and Where
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 increase sharply.
The Terai areas in the Himalayas like Nanital in Uttarakhand and some stretches in Himachal Pradesh are ideal for cycling. These stretches offer magnificent views of the surrounding areas.
Safety
The 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.
Biking Essentials
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.
Appropriate Clothing
- 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 (of course one can never be completely 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.
- sheeter or light jacket: For spring, fall or winter riding.
Shoes
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.
Toolkit
When out riding, you must always have a fully equipped tool box. Some of the essentials of the tool kit are:
- Spare tube(s): For when you get a flat on the trail, it's easier to replace the tube, then patch the flat one at home where it's cool and there aren't any flies.
- Patch kit: Carry this when you use your spare tube and later get another flat!
- Tyre irons: You will need these to help take your tyre off in order to change your tube.
- Small screwdriver: for adjusting derailleurs.
- Small crescent wrench: for removing wheels without quick-release.
- Small metric wrenches 8, 10mm: For a number of uses.
- Allen wrenches: same as above. Get a good selection, and check them against the bolts on your bike.
- Rag: Essential for various miscellaneous things.
- Chain tool: for fixing a broken chain.
- Spoke Wrench: for tightening loose spokes, or removing broken ones .
Other Essentials
- Water: At least two water bottles, it's good to have a spare bottle in an emergency. Moreover you will lose a lot of water as you ride. Drink water to prevent dehydration.
- First aid kit: to fix damage to riders.
- Sunglasses: to protect your eyes from both the sun and dust.
- Backpack
|
