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| Day 3 on rocky Himalayan terrain |
| Wednesday September 30, 2009 |
| After a sound night's sleep, it was time to wake up, time to ride my cycle again for yet another grueling day. This was just the beginning of a long journey which more than 50 of us are doing. It's been the case each year with riders coming from across the globe, some returning, like me. We had to ride for a few kilometers to reach the start of the day's first racing stage. The first stage was a challenging uphill which lasted for 14 km. I was happy with my time on this one after a disappointing time on the saddle the previous day. There were 2 more stages left for the day. So I sipped some water, electrolytes and moved on. Stopping frequently to respect the enchanting beauty of our very own Himachal,land of the mountains. Having coming here last time, I feel a special connect with this place which makes me return year after year. Not to forget the good friends I make each time I visit Himachal. 2nd stage was supposed to be another tough climb, only longer than the first. I happened to find crates of apples being handed over to our organizing team from a total stranger. We thanked him well, and distributed all apples amongst the riders. I started on a doubtful note, but then lunch was only being made available if we finished the climb, which if I think now was a blessing in disguise, as it made me look forward to the end ! Stage 2 completed, after a good lunch it was time to gaze at the super beautiful snow capped mountains visible in the distant clear blue sky. The time I spent at these points along the race route is what defines this event which i think is great for a country like India. After stage 2, stage 3 had to be canceled as there was little time left for the day, and as many riders were still on sections of the preceding stages. So it was time for yet another easy peaceful ride to the camp about 15 km away. The ride was amazing with curving roads going sometimes faintly but also with gentle slopes, with lots of Himachali kids cheering you on. After a quick stop-over at a village tea shop it was time to hit the camp, and get some much needed sleep ahead of the next challenging day which awaits. In Pictures: MTB Himachal 2009 |
Sriram is another participant at the 'MTB Himachal 2009' and is passionate about cycling. 
