I flew from India to England to learn mountain biking
MOUNTAIN Bike Skills, a small mountain biking company operating in the North West of England, had an unusual client this week - straight off the plane from India.
IT consultant Parvinda Singh booked a one-to-one course to further his mountain biking skills - hoping to put what he learns to good test when he returns home.
It appears mountain bike groups are popping up around the south of the city, proving that the sport is growing in the most unlikely of geographic locations.
Delhi isn’t the most popular mountain biking destination.
If you were lucky enough to be heading some nine hours east, you might think about riding Himalayas or the south indian mountainous treks.
Delhi, better known for its tuck-tucks and smog than life on two wide tyres, is unlikely to feature high up on your list
So no wonder IT consultant Pavinda decided to fly to the North West of England to get to grips with this fast-growing sport.
He signed up for one -to-one tuition with Mountain Bike Skills this weekend - and took to the trails around Rivington for some well-earned fresh air.
‘It is the first time I have come to England and I am staying in London for a few days but really wanted to take the opportunity to see the countryside and learn to mountain bike.
‘I am amazed how friendly the people are and how there is such traffic sense - a car actually slowed down to allow me to cross the road which is just amazing!’
Pavinda rode the trails around Rivington this weekend with instructor Mike Stafford.
He hired a bike and spent the best part of eight hours learning mountain bike skills. Cornering and step ups.
The route included sections around the pike, mastering drop-offs, braking techniques and more.
‘There is a lot to remember but Mike is a really good instructor. I have written down all the advice so that I can remember it all when I get home.
‘I would never cycle around Deli as it is too dangerous but I have heard of lots of rides that take place about 200km south of the city.
‘There are organised groups that go out.
‘There is a real need for instructors to come out and teach people how to ride properly. Spending time in England has been well worth it and I have really enjoyed it.’
tumble or two
The 36 year old escaped without a fall - until the last moment riding into the car park at Rivington barn.
‘It is always the way - you do all the really hard stuff and then get caught out when there is an audience. There has been a lot to take in and I think I must have just ended up being a little bit tired. I was thinking in my head whether I should have been pulling up or standing tall and in the end it just all went wrong!’
Instructor Mike added: ‘Pavindar was an absolute joy to have along and it is always great to see people from all over the world enjoying mountain biking.
‘I never imagined someone from Deli would be interested in coming here to learn how to mountain bike and getting to the top of the brideleway around Wilder’s Wood was quite hard work.
‘Technically speaking there is a lot to take in and it was no wonder Pavindar wanted to take some notes!
‘It would be great to one day go over to the hills in India and ride. I am sure we will hook up again soon.’
Find out more about riding to the south of Delhi at India Adventure. http://www.indianadventureportal.com/mountain-biking-india/
Holiday companies do operate in the area, such as:
http://www.adventurehills.com/mountain-biking-in-india.html
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You should have come to Southern California. That's where the best mountain biking is.
Posted by: tornadoes28 | June 19, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Maybe! If only everyone had the budget. I know I would love to!
Posted by: Clare | June 19, 2008 at 10:32 AM