The “Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal-2008” was flagged off today by the Chief Minister P.K.Dhumal as he asked the participants to be the ambassadors of Himachal Tourism and motivate people to encourage tourism and treks in Himachal. The rally, organized in association with “Himalyan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association” expeditions was flagged off from Hotel Peterhoff today.
The flag off which also marked the celebrations of world tourism day would see its last phase on 6th of October at Manali. The rally not only put the cyclists guts to test but also introduce them to part of the state which is pristine and undiscovered.
The CM welcomed all the participants and wished them the best and memorable time. Manisha Nanda, Secretary Tourism welcomed the Chief Minister and said that the State was committed to promote unexplored tourism and that the State had adopted the policy of “Himachal for all seasons and all reasons”. Mohit Sood, President, Himalyan adventures sports and tourism promotion association welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed the events while Raghu Ram,Vice President of Hercules cycle also spoke and encouraged the participants.
It is extremely sad for me to see India mistreat her land by permitting as destructive an activity as mountain biking!
Mountain biking is one of the most destructive activities ever allowed in natural areas, and NOT something that a school or university should be lending its name to or promoting. It accelerates erosion, creates V-shaped ruts, kills small animals and plants on and next to the trail, drives wildlife and other trail users out of the area, and (worst of all) teaches kids that the rough treatment of nature is okay (it’s NOT!). What’s good about THAT? Nor is mountain biking acceptable on dirt roads: the laws of physics and biology are IDENTICAL on dirt roads and trails. For the science on mountain biking impacts, see http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande/scb7 and http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande/mtbfaq.
Hello aall of u.only 1 Indian women rider.