The 1st MTB Himachal Biking Festival Janjehli was flagged off by Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, Ram Subhag Singh on 23rd June that is marked as Olympic Day.
Olympism seeks to create a way of life by blending sport with culture, that eventually can bring in social responsibility and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. Throughout the world, 23rd June is celebrated as Olympic Day, when athletes and people worldwide congregate to celebrate peace through sport.
One such congregation that happened this year was amongst the greens and whites of Janjehli, the beautiful valley located in the hilly terrain of Himachal Pradesh. The Biking Festival, organised by Himalyan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA), saw 60 riders coming together at the historic ridge from 8 different states of India to promote Cycling as a sport while showcasing the rich tradition and culture of India’s ‘Devbhoomi’.
HASTPA has been associated with adventure sport for almost 17 years and to continue their association with biking culture, the organisation conceptualised this event with the mission to bring together some of the best cyclists of the country to commemorate the Olympic Day.
Prithviraj Singh Rathore, the seasoned cyclist from Indore who has gone for several biking adventures throughout the country, is quite excited to ride his bicycle along the valley of Janjehli. 10-year old Kaustav and his elder sister, 13-year old Sambhavi are two of the youngest riders participating in the event. Belonging to Fagu village in Shimla, the brother-sister duo is eager to meet other young participants and simultaneously learn from experienced cyclists as well.
Maheshwar Dutta, aged 64, is the oldest participant who has been riding since 1977. Cycling to him is the “magic band that binds his physical and mental fitness”. Likewise there is 25-year old Astha Dobhal from Uttarakhand who just wants to savour the charm of the event.
The event was flagged off by Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, Ram Subhag Singh after which the cyclists commenced their journey on the first day of the event from Shimla to Daak Bangla via Sanjauli, Dhalli and Mashobra. In this 4-day event, the riders will cover a total of 180km and end at Janjehli.
Race Route
| 23rd June 2022 | Shimla- Sanjauli-Dhalli-Mashobra-Daak Bangla |
| 24th June 2022 | Daak Bangla– Sipur – Baldeyan – Naldehra – Basantpur – Chaba – Sunni – Tattapani – Alsindi-Kot Bank – Churag – Chindi |
| 25th June 2022 | Chindi-Chindi School – Kot-Karsog market – Sanarli-Shankar Dehra – Raigarh – Bulah-Janjehli market |
| 26th June 2022 | Janjehli – Jarol – Baniyaad – Thunag – Jarol–Janjehli |
