Pokhara Enduro New Trails New Thrills
Nepal’s adventure capital sets its sights on becoming a global MTB hub following a successful inaugural international race.
Read the Pokhara Enduro Race edition 1 success story on the MTBMagAsia – Pages 21 to 29.
Rama and Laxmi hog limelight as maiden Pokhara Enduro race concludes
In a thrilling display of skill and endurance, Indonesia’s cycling sensation Rama Teguh Ady Pratama has clinched the Men’s Elite title at the Pokhara Enduro International Mountain Bike Race.
The race, which had 56 riders from 11 countries, concluded at Mahaprabhu Dham in the Arba Hills, Pokhara, on Saturday. The event drew a large crowd of spectators, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Laxmi Magar won the Women’s Open title, while Pokhara rider Rajan Bhandari lifted the Men’s ‘A’ (30-39) category, and Suraj Panday secured the Men’s ‘B’ (40-49) category. Similarly, Prashanna Gautam emerged on top of the E-bike section, Beepul Thapa (Men’s Junior) and Lal Bahadur Ale (Veteran’s Men).
The challenging terrain of Arba Hills provided the perfect backdrop for the intense competition, where Rama showcased exceptional prowess and secured a comfortable victory.
Having won Friday’s prologue by a margin of over seven seconds, the Ertap Sports Management rider completed the four-trail course in 7 minutes 4.66 seconds on Saturday.
“The course was demanding, but I felt in sync with my bike and the terrain,” Rama said, expressing his excitement after the presentations. “It’s an honour to compete against such talented riders, and I’m thrilled to come out on top.”
Rama’s performance stood out as he navigated the rugged landscape with precision and speed. That opened up nearly 10 seconds for an overall lead over UK rider Christopher Keeling (10:16.97) to more than 17 seconds as the latter struggled to carry pace on corners.
Keeling acknowledged Rama’s dominance. “His speed was truly impressive. Today. It was a tough race, and he deserved the win,” he said. “I have to work hard on the cornering speed, as I was 2-3 seconds late on each trail compared to Rama.”
Nepali rider Prachit Thapa Magar of Gnarly MTB finished with an aggregate time of 10:36.16 to complete the podium.
In the Women’s Open, Magar put in another dominating display of controlled descents and speed around the corners for an aggregate of 9 minutes 53.48 seconds.
Mingma Sherpa came home with more than 90 seconds in 11:25.31, while Singaporean Eevon Chia stood third with a timing of 15:35.36.
Magar praised the event’s overall atmosphere and the riders’ camaraderie. “The enduro community is like a big family, and events like these bring us together. We all pushed our limits without incidents,” she remarked.
In the Junior class, Nepal’s Beepul Thapa overcame a blip on SS2 to trump favourite Elijah Steward of the United States, earning applause for his spirited performance. Thapa finished the course in 8:25.77, more than 17 seconds earlier than Steward. Coming home at 9:12.68, Deepesh Thapa stood third.
Winner Thapa shared his experience, saying, “Competing alongside international riders is always a learning experience. The Arba Hills track was challenging, but it’s an incredible feeling to be part of such a competitive race.”
Rajan Bhandari dominated the Men’s ‘A’ category to complete the course in 11:21.06, finishing more than 25 seconds ahead of second-placed Mangal Lama in 11:48.99. Kunga Woesar claimed third place in 12:10.29.
The Men’s ‘B’ category race saw Suraj Panday use his downhill skills to good use for a comfortable victory. He finished the loop in 12:18.39, Rabi Karki (13:11.89) came home second, and Nayan Manandhar (13:18.47) completed the podium.
Singapore-based Nepali rider Lal Bahadur Ale claimed the Veteran’s class, completing the course at 11:10.05. Sulochan Rajbhandary (11:22.05) finished second, while Saisab Pradhan (11:36.39) came home third.
Ale was happy to have won his maiden race in Nepal. “I competed in the Singapore Open Enduro last week. I was careful not to throw caution to the wind. But winning the title came as a bonus,” he said.
A spectacular presentation ceremony held at the main venue served as the event’s culmination. The cheers of the crowd echoed through the mountains as each rider stepped up to receive their well-deserved recognition.
Pokhara Metropolitan City Sports Development Committee chief Deepak Godar and Pokhara Metropolitan City Ward 13 Chair Kiran Baral gave away prizes and certificates to the winners.
The Men’s Elite winner was awarded a cheque for Rs50,000, the runner-up Rs30,000, and the third-place finisher Rs20,000. Similarly, the Open Female category winner received Rs35,000, while the runner-up took home Rs25,000, and the second runner-up Rs15,000.
Prestige Consulting, Jewel Trek, and the Nepalese Society, Singapore, sponsored the cash prizes for the two categories. The organisers also provided sponsored gifts from Gravity Nepal and The Loose Riders from Singapore to the top five finishers in other categories.
Prologue prowess: Indonesian Rama sets the stage for a showdown with Chris Keeling from the UK on Saturday
While races are not won or lost in the prologue, it does serve as a quick litmus test for contenders before the main event.
Indonesian rider Rama Teguh Ady Pratama set the tone for Saturday’s race by winning the prologue in the Elite category on Friday afternoon, following two practice sessions at the Pokhara Enduro.
Rama, representing his native Ertap Sport Management, was the only biker to complete the prologue run at Mahaprabhu Dham in under three minutes, clocking in at 2 minutes 54.86 seconds.
“It was a difficult but enjoyable route,” he said after the prologue. “It was rocky and loose with some off-camber stuff, but I ran a well-planned lap that wasn’t too difficult.”
Coming to Pokhara after finishing second at the sixth edition of Monduro in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, he was the only one in the 13-man field to complete the 1.42 km Pro Trail (SS5) in under three minutes.
Rajesh Thapamagar of Nepal won the Monduro title, with defending champion Keeling finishing third to complete the podium.
The prologue result has Keeling of the United Kingdom trailing the leader by more than seven seconds at 3:02.74 heading into Saturday. Prachit Thapamagar of Nepal finished third in 3:10.37.
But Keeling, who was born and raised in Nepal, is eager to fight Pratama on Saturday.
“I just wanted to ride without taking too many risks and take smooth lines. But I’ll try to make up the difference where I can tomorrow and see what happens,” Keeling said.
Rajan Bhandari of Himalayan Single Track will enter Saturday’s final with a lead of more than 8 seconds in the Men’s Masters ‘A’ (30-39 age group).
He finished the prologue course in 3 minutes and 21 seconds, while Mangal Lama of Scott MTR crossed the finish line in 3:29.35. Gravity Nepal’s Kunga Woeser finished in 3:38.32.
Bhandari was pleased with his prologue performance. Explaining his admiration of the trails, he said, “It was technical and slippery, making mistakes easy. Following practice sessions, I tuned my bike. Things are going well in these extreme conditions, which gives me even more confidence.”
Suraj Pandey, representing Temple Rides Nepal, established a lead of more than 12 seconds in the eight-man Men’s ‘B’ (40-49 age group) field.
Pandey finished the trail in 3 minutes 37.57 seconds, Nayan Manandhar in 3:50.04 seconds, and Rabi Karki in 4:00.54 seconds.
In the e-bike category, Prashanna Gautam finished the prologue run in 8 minutes 51.29 seconds, just ahead of Vishwas Modi, who finished in 10:07.35.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s Laxmi Magar looked strong heading into Saturday’s Open Female race, with Mingmav Yangzi Sherpa, Singaporean Eevon Chia and Danish rider Stine Heiselberg likely to challenge her.
Chia, is all praise for breathing beauty of Pokhara, will be looking to take inspiration from her decent performance in the Singapore Open Enduro last month.
Sherpa, on the other hand, said that she would go for broke on the race day. “I will give it my all. I’m looking forward to an exciting race.”Tik Gurung, Sulochan Rajbhandari, Lal Bahadur Ale, and Saisab Pradhan appear to be podium contenders in the Veteran’s (50+) category. Raj Gyawali and Shailendra Bahadur Khatri are also in the running.
While the spotlight is typically on seasoned professionals, an intriguing story is unfolding in the Junior category, where a burgeoning rivalry is quietly simmering.
This rivalry in the eight-rider field is expected to be significant not only for the immediate competition but also for its potential to shape the landscape of professional cycling in the years to come.
Prologue Results:
Pokhara Enduro Race: Mahaprabhu Dhams exciting triumph
After over three years of painstaking preparations, the long-anticipated Pokhara Enduro has been officially unveiled in the picturesque Mahaprabhu Dham. Pokhara Mayor Dhanaraj Acharya inaugurated the three-day event amid a function on Thursday.
Hundreds of enthusiastic spectators lined up along the road leading to the main competition venue to welcome the riders. The anticipation and excitement among the local community were palpable as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the participants.
A total of 56 riders from 11 countries are participating across seven categories in the first-ever international enduro mountain bike race in Pokhara. Two days of practice sessions and a prologue will culminate in the race on Saturday.
The event has not only brought together adrenaline-fueled enduro racing but has also provided a platform for the community to unite and celebrate their love for adventure sports. The carnival-like atmosphere extended beyond the event itself, with various activities and festivities organised around it. Food stalls and other entertainment options are expected to contribute to the overall festive vibe, turning the Pokhara Enduro event into a memorable experience for both participants and spectators alike.
Race day nutrition plan
The day is almost here when all your training will come together, and you get to hurtle down a mountain over 4 stages all in one big day.
Last week, I touched on carbohydrate loading and how important it is to keep those fuel tanks topped up before race day. Today, I’ll cover what you should be trying to do to keep the energy high.
First, you’re going to need a good breakfast. You should aim to eat about 2-3 hours before the race starts; this allows the food to be moved from the stomach into the intestine for absorption and ultimately turned into energy. Breakfast should consist of easy-to-digest carbohydrates, oatmeal topped with banana and some honey (my favourite), 2-3 slices of toast with peanut butter and banana with Nutella is also a good option. The meal should be around 300 cal or 60-90g of carbohydrate. I would stay away from milk or yoghurt as the upcoming intensity can cause stomach issues. Rice, pasta, vegetables and fruits are also a good choice.
You should be drinking water (500ml) along with your meal to aid digestion and hydration; it’s best not to mix a carbohydrate drink as this can be far too much for your gut to handle.
CAFFEINE….yes, definitely. If you have a cuppa before your rides, then do so; a cup will NOT dehydrate you; however, it can cause your bowels to get agitated, and that is not pleasant.
About 30 minutes from the start, if you wish, you can consume a gel with some water; if you have tried this in training, then all is well and good. Now is not the time or place to try something new.
So, now you’re in the zone, and the flow is strong.
DO NOT forget to get some calories in.
A combination of sports foods and whole foods can be included depending on individual preferences and tolerance. The aim here is 30-60 grams of carbohydrates per hour, that is, either two gels, four bananas or two jam sandwiches. If you use gels, you must aim for 200-300ml of water only, avoid other mixed sugar drinks as they can cause stomach distress.
You can take on calories with a carbohydrate drink mixed with a 6% glucose solution. Poweraid, Gatorade and pre-mixed solutions like that are perfect. Depending on heat and altitude, aim for a minimum of 500 ml up to 1000 ml if it’s hot or you are a big sweater; during the race, it is not possible nor necessary to replace 100% of fluid losses during the event. Understanding individual sweat rates will help to determine an appropriate fluid intake plan for racing.
There you have it; keep it simple, easy to digest and carry. Do not panic and start throwing food down if you forget to eat; your body will be under enough stress; remember that a lot of blood will be used in your arms and legs, so there will not be a lot to digest solid foods in your stomach.
Plan your race and race your plan.
Good luck, Coach Derrick
Pokhara Enduro sets the wheels of change in motion
Our contributing writer Suman Malla takes a tour of Arba to find out how mountain biking is transforming this once quaint village into a thriving hub of hope and adventure.
With its panoramic views and breathtaking landscapes, Arba matches the charm of its neighbouring villages. Yet, this village has remained in obscurity despite its proximity to Pokhara City; it is merely 7km from the lakeside.
It cries for publicity—a chance to shine and share its untold stories with the world.
The tale begins with grand plans to develop an ancient shrine of Lord Shiva called Mahaprabhu Dham on the hilltop into a pilgrimage centre.
The murmurs of divine transformation echoed through the village, kindling the hopes of the residents. As time passed, these whispers turned into silence, leaving behind a community teetering on the edge of despair.
“Our community donated about 200 ropanies of land for that purpose. But the lack of tangible results cast a shadow over the once-bright hopes,” said Navaraj Baral, who served as the chairman of the Arba Village Community Forest Board for over 18 years until 2018.
Many villagers abandoned their roots in search of greener pastures in the city. Some migrated to the downtown hustle of Pokhara; others went even further afield to the capital, Kathmandu, or overseas. The village seemed destined to become another casualty of rural-to-urban migration.
However, a beacon of change has emerged, steering this once-forgotten village towards a new destiny. The vehicle of transformation is an unlikely one: mountain biking.
A group of daring mountain bikers, drawn by the untouched beauty of the landscape, carried out a reconnaissance mission in 2018. The community forest in the Arba Hills became the unexpected stage for a transformational journey. They saw potential lying dormant in the hills, while others saw despair.
“Arba has immense potential, and we are committed to harnessing it sustainably. Our goal is to strike a balance between preserving our cultural heritage and embracing the opportunities that come with responsible tourism,” said Sunil Chandra Sharma, race director of Dawn Till Dusk, the mountain biking company that manages the Pokhara Enduro event.
The company has been working hand in hand with the local community to develop trails that showcase breathtaking landscapes while respecting the environment and cultural heritage.
The authorities took notice of that bold endeavour. They acted quickly, driven to bring about a long-lasting change by the mountain bikers’ vision.
Over the next three years since the COVID-19 pandemic, the once desolate and neglected dirt track that wound through the Arba Hills has been transformed into a smooth, paved road.
This seemingly small infrastructure improvement had a cascading effect on the village. It breathed new life into the forgotten community, drawing a growing number of visitors to the ancient shrine and the freshly developed mountain biking trails. Arba encompasses significant religious sites like Mahaprabhudham, Manideep, and the Ganesh temple.
During the Dashain festival last month, the ancient shrine on the Arba hilltop experienced a revival of its own.
The former community forest board chairman, speaking with a glint of pride in his eyes, reminisced about the Dashain festival when more than 300 people—the most in recent memory—visited the shrine.
“It was the biggest crowd ever at this shrine, as far as I could remember,” the septuagenarian Baral remarked, reflecting on the recent transformations. “I’ve never seen this much vibrancy in Arba. It’s heartening to witness our village coming alive again.”
Residents who had previously left their hometowns in search of a better life started to trickle back, spurred on by newfound optimism. Entrepreneurs emerged from the community, envisioning a future where Arba could thrive on its terms. They have set up small businesses and lodging to accommodate the growing number of visitors drawn to the ancient shrine and the charm of mountain biking trails.
One of those returnees is Ram Chandra Sunar, who traded his bustling gold shop in Pokhara for a guest house named Arba Resort in the serenity of his hometown. This property has become a focal point for the burgeoning biking scene, with the Pokhara Enduro organisers booking it for almost a month until the final day of the thrilling bike race on November 25.
Beaming with pride, the 41-year-old said, “I never thought I’d see the day when Arba would be a hub for mountain biking enthusiasts. It feels great to be back and contribute to the growth of our village.”
Sunar, who also cultivates vegetables in his fields, adds a personal touch to the hospitality of his resort by offering guests fresh produce from his adjacent farm, capturing the spirit of local growth and sustainability.
More inhabitants in the neighbourhood are eagerly anticipating the mountain biking event as the wheels of excitement set in motion.
A short trek of 200 metres from the guesthouse leads to a small settlement where Mahadev Devkota resides in a house with his parents and seven siblings. The Devkotas share boundaries with the ancestral home of Kiran Baral, the current chair of Pokhara Metropolis Ward 13.
With entrepreneurial zeal, the 31-year-old sees an opportunity to provide refreshments and essentials to both residents and adventurous tourists.
“I’m planning to open a kiosk to cater to the influx of visitors. I’ll sell fresh home produce like corn, lemonade, and buttermilk,” said Devkota, who works at Sujal Diary in Pokhara. He envisions a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, where these hills serve as a haven for both spiritual reflection and thrilling outdoor experiences.
Now, Arba Village echoes with the laughter of children playing, the hum of entrepreneurial activity, and the wheels of mountain bikes tearing through the once-silent trails.
The pilgrimage centre that never materialised may have left the villagers in despair, but the resilience of the community and the unexpected partnership with mountain bikers have given Arba a new identity—one of hope, growth, and a future that embraces both tradition and progress.
Standing amidst the rejuvenated surroundings, Pokhara Metropolis Ward 13 Chair Baral spoke of hope and potential. “Arba Village is no longer the forgotten sibling. Its revival is a testament to what can be achieved when the community, local authorities, and adventure enthusiasts work together.”
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How to fuel for an Enduro Race?
Coach Derrick Murray gives you a spot-on guide on how to fuel for an Enduro race.
You’ve spent many months working on your aerobic base, doing high-intensity power workouts and perfecting your set-up, but have you been practising your nutrition strategy?
Studies have shown that enduro riders train on average 10-12 hr/week, most of that time spent in the aerobic zone, the so-called Z2 (80% MHR).
The body has a very good way of storing energy for use during exercise; if we accept that enduro mountain bike racing is mainly aerobic, I will focus mainly on carbohydrates as the major fuel source for competition.
To put it simply, carbohydrates are sugars and starches that fuel our bodies, keeping us alive when we sleep and fueling our athletic endeavours and daily lives when awake.
Our body converts consumed carbohydrates into glycogen stored in the muscles and liver. The only problem with this stored fuel is that it’s limited to around 2500 kCal. This amount of glycogen supplies the energy needed to exercise for about 2 hours at a moderate intensity (80-85% MHR), making the addition of extra carbohydrates necessary during long efforts and races to avoid depletion and consequent dizziness (aka “bonking”) and profound muscle fatigue (aka “the wall”).
Each gram of carbohydrate contains ~4 calories worth of fuel. Athletes should aim to load their plates with 45-65% carbohydrate while meeting daily energy demands and can expect to store about 4.2 grams (18 calories) of glycogen per kilogram of lean muscle tissue and an additional ~100-125 grams (400-500 calories) within the liver. This is why loading up with quality-based carbohydrates 2-3 days before an event is essential; this practice is more commonly known as “Carb Loading”.
Carbo Loading aims to keep our glycogen fuel tanks topped up to the max, thus allowing for optimum performance on race day. What you should not do during those 2-3 days of loading is to binge eat so much that you feel bloated and sick (been there, done that); I recommend you lay off the spicy curries, high fat and fiber foods along with some dairy products too.
So what can we eat? I hear you ask.
Lucky for you, white rice is an effective carb-loading choice because it is rich in carbohydrates and provides minimal fiber; white rice is fat-free, which is beneficial because fat slows down digestion; pasta, bread, grains, simple sugars, root vegetables are all excellent sources for carbohydrates for loading. The aim is to eat as normal amounts as possible while reducing the training load; you can add a sandwich or snack 2-3 times a day to gain a few more calories. During this carb-loading period, 85-95 % of your calories should come from carbs.
It would help to increase your carbohydrate intake to 8-10g per kilogram of body weight (Anita Bean, The Complete Guide to Sports Nutrition, (A C & Black, 2003). It is worth pointing out that if you step on the scales while carb-loading, expect to be above your usual weight. With every gram of stored carbohydrate, you store an extra three grams of water, which means you will be well-fuelled and hydrated at the start line.
Pokhara Enduro Race trails
Pokhara Enduro race trails nestled within the arms of the Arba Hills greeted riders as the autumn tapestry unfolded its flaming hues, providing a test of mettle befitting the season’s spirit.
A group of mountain bikers gathered under the morning sun on a hilltop adjacent to Mahaprabhu Dham, an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Each rider was adorned in colourful riding gear, and their rigs were fully equipped to handle the rigours of the uneven terrain. Their excitement was palpable as they lined up to shred the newly built trails.
They set off, and soon, the sounds of the multiple bicycle hubs became a constant companion. With each turn of the crank, they propelled themselves deeper into the heart of the forest, their laughter and shouts of exhilaration echoing through the trees. In the end, they emerged from the wilderness, tired yet fulfilled, their bikes and bodies bearing the marks of a day well spent.
“This is truly a mountain biking paradise,” said Deepak Man Joshi, a proficient enduro rider who had flown in from Kathmandu for a trail audit in the Arba Hills ahead of the Pokhara Enduro race. “The care taken to maintain their natural shape sets these trails apart.“
Joshi, who has completed numerous adventurous mountain biking trips with fellow rider Sulochan Rajbhandary over the years, felt a profound connection with nature as they weaved through the woods, challenging their limits and finding solace in the rhythm of the ride.
Each of the six Pokhara Enduro Race trails, measuring under 1 km to 2 km in length, prepared for the Pokhara Enduro in the Arba Hills has been carefully designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. “All of them are beautifully crafted, but Pro Trail provides riders with a thrilling roller coaster experience,” said Joshi.
Pro Trail, or Special Stage SS5 – the event’s main feature – is a thrilling track specially developed for highly skilled riders. It presents challenging off-camber switchbacks and steep drops that demand nerves of steel and precise control. The trail also features rocky sections, constantly challenging the riders and pushing their braking and riding skills to the limit.
“Each trail presents its own special set of difficulties and pleasures,” said Rakesh Manandhar, another member of the audit team, who is a seasoned enduro rider.
“When following these paths, hikers must frequently adjust to the nuances of the landscape and learn to use its qualities to their advantage,” he added. “Every curve is a challenge to overcome, and even the smallest hill is a source of pride and satisfaction.”
These paths offer a remarkable feature that allows bikers of varying skill levels to enjoy them.
Experts seeking adrenaline-fueled thrills, like Joshi and Manandhar, embraced the challenging terrain, yet they are also welcoming to those honing their skills.
“Arba Hills’ trails feature something for everyone, providing a unique opportunity for riders to grow and progress in their mountain biking journey,” said Sulochan Rajbhandari, a more recent convert to enduro-style riding.
“It’s not only a ride but also an intimate interaction with the hills themselves,” Rajbhandari said, referring to the trail-building team’s careful approach. The designers and builders of these paths have tried to minimise environmental impact by preserving the natural contours and effectively managing water runoff.
The Pokhara Enduro organisers have been following the method widely practised in some of the top MTB parks in the world. It helps maintain the hills’ health, ensuring the trails’ long-term sustenance. Enduro trail building in the Arba Hills is a collaborative effort involving local authorities and avid mountain biking communities, according to Sunil Chandra Sharma, co-founder and race director of Pokhara Enduro.
As the audit team noticed, Every curve, turn, rock and root has been meticulously examined, chosen, and arranged to test the racers’ skills. Debris has been carefully cleared, creating features that seamlessly merge with the landscape. Rocks and roots have become integral parts of the path, challenging riders to navigate twists and turns skillfully.
“As an organiser of the race, our goal was to craft trails that would challenge the most seasoned riders while maintaining the integrity of the environment,” Sharma said.
He believes the sustainable development of these trails promotes responsible tourism and safeguards the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
Installations of signage at crucial trail junctions have further heightened the excitement. They provide clear directions and essential information to riders, offering a more welcoming and secure experience for those navigating the expansive network of trails.
“This has helped both experienced riders, who can now confidently explore more challenging paths, as well as newcomers who can now navigate the area with greater ease,” said Sujan Hamal, a rider from the area. The trails remain open to the public until 17 November 2023, when they will be closed for race preparations.
Word spread quickly in the riding community about these enduro trails, and soon, riders from near and far flocked to test their skills. They marvelled at how the trail integrated with the environment, offering a challenging and thrilling experience while leaving no trace of their passage.
While the organisers are paying attention to detail in preparations for the first international enduro event in Pokhara, they have a plan that goes beyond that. A commitment to regular trail maintenance ensures that the trails remain in good condition and minimises the risk of erosion and environmental damage.
“We’ve been in talks with the local authorities in this regard. While we’re doing our bit, we expect Pokhara Metropolis to extend its support for the long-term maintenance of the trails and the ecosystem,” said Chhimi Urken Gurung, managing director of Dawn Till Dawn, who is organising Pokhara Enduro.
Local stakeholders believe these biking trails are an exciting new opportunity for the village.
The Pokhara Metropolitan City Ward 13 Chairman, Kiran Baral, said: “The new mountain bike trail is an excellent addition to the many different outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in our city.
“This initiative has the potential to further the appeal of the Arba Hills as a premier destination for mountain bikers,” he said. “We expect such an event to contribute positively to the local economy and environment.”
In the end, the team of trail builders had achieved their dream. It became a symbol of what was possible when passion, respect for nature, and a love for enduro riding combined in perfect harmony.
Story: Suman Malla
Also, Read A tale from Arba’s thrilling trails – audit of Pokhara Enduro race Trails.
How to stay relevant during COVID-19 lockdown -Mountain biker’s perspectives
Five riders from Australia, Nepal, Singapore and Malaysia met over a zoom conversation. They deliberated on the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown imposed in their countries and how to stay relevant during these uncertain times and into the future.
In January 2020, these guys met on a trip to Nepal to recce and build Pokhara Enduro race trails scheduled for April 2020. The race was postponed due to the lockdown, but the memory lives on. We will meet for the Pokhara Enduro race in November 2023.
Pokhara Enduro Reece Trip
Pokhara Enduro Reece Trip
When we were tasked by Sunil Sharma, director of the upcoming Pokhara Enduro, to conduct an exploratory trip of the hills immediately outside Pokhara, Nepal, we were initially unsure. The tourist mecca – an essential stopover and staging point for mountaineers and adventure-minded backpackers – had mountain biking on its comprehensive list of outdoor activities. But otherwise, it was not the critical highlight – Pokhara’s steep geography and its interaction with prevailing climatic conditions make it a haven for paragliders; its extensive network of footpaths offer passage to trekkers of all abilities; its rustic lakeside views are punctuated by affordable yet quaint bars, eateries, and accommodations chasing the tourist dollars. Read the complete story on PinkBike.
