How about dirt biking, then?
Though not a new trend, the dirt biking culture is alive among the young motorbike enthusiasts. But there is a niche for people who dare to take biking to new limits.[break]
Meet Pasang Sherpa, Pramod Gautam, and Biswo Poudel.
Partly a hobby and a profuse passion for biking and adventure have led the trio to discovering new thrills in this adventure sport.
“Dirt biking is a combination of a sense of adventure, and love and passion for bikes,” said Gautam, 32, who is also a businessman.
Instead of going through concrete roads, these young bloods find it interesting to navigate new routes on their bikes and get up-close with the nature and cultures of the places they pass.
On their 400cc Honda XR, 26-year-old Sherpa has traveled in Nepal from east to west, while Gautam and Poudel have ridden on the off-tracks in the outskirts of Kathmandu and neighboring areas.
Poudel promptly talks about the routes—easy, difficult and interesting—they have conquered. He mentions their two-day ride to Dhunche that started from Shivapuri, passing through Chahare and Trishuli.
“There’s another route,” exclaimed the 30-year-old, the sound of excitement apparent in his voice. “It’s from Lubhu to Lakhuri Bhanjhyang, then on to Panauti, further to Namo Buddha, and then on to Dapcha and Bhakunde before finally following the highway to Kathmandu.”
With routes they have already discovered and new trails they have yet to explore, Gautam talked about the new prospects for adventure tourism. He said that it fits the definition of nature and adventure: “The view of the mountains, raw nature, sports and leisure.”
However, going on a ride is not easy, they said.
Sherpa, who also runs BikersNepal—a dirt biking agency, said one needs to have practice and should take the easy routes at least two to three times before setting off on rugged adventures.
Poudel agrees.
“Skills are required,” he said. “There are lots of bumps, sand dunes, terrains. You need to have good control of your bike, know its power, and be aware of the road conditions,” he said.
And with adventure come risks and challenges, too.
Sherpa, Gautam, and Poudel shared their stories and stressed on safety measures they have to follow, and the gears they use: knee-protection caps, proper boots, jackets, and special gloves.
And at times, the adventure also gets physical.
“Sometimes you have to carry the bikes when the bikes don’t carry you,” Gautam said, showing pictures of their trips when they ferried their bikes uphill with the help of locals.
But in the end, it is the adventure that pays off; it is what keeps the trio motivated.
“It’s a break from work, it’s a hobby, and it’s an attitude,” said Poudel, a banker.
“Dirt biking is an adventure,” he added. “Rather than going on roads, it’s a matter of skills, guts and adventure.”
BikersNepal offers one-day dirt biking trips on weekends and other long tours as well. Single-day rides costs approximately Rs 3,500.
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