Pedal through the Kumaon and bask in the rain

ALMORA: Mountains in the rain is a sight to behold, which most give a miss to avoid the dangers associated with it. But to increase tourist footfall during monsoon, Almora-based cyclist Kunal Tiwari and his group, Mountain Riders, have started riding during the monsoon. Tourists can pedal through the cycle tracks of Kumaon Hills and enjoy the rain during weekends.
Although, cycling is sometimes risky during the rains, it is an attractive challenge for adventure seekers, sports enthusiasts and fitness freaks.
Kunal and his team use social networking sites to invite cyclist and tourists from around the world to come to the Kumaon region and bask in the rain.
“Kumaon has many excellent bicycle tracks. The routes are moderated with heights and slopes. The scenic beauty of the greens and floating clouds make these routes extraordinarily beautiful. We have been exploring the tracks and are asking people to join us,” the 35-year-old Tiwari said.
Recently, Kunal cycled around 90 km to the Someshwar valley from Almora. “One can explore the landscape and the rich diversity of the state on mountain bikes. People also set up camps for the night, cook food and share insights on the place and the cultural significance. This time, I halted at a famous shop and had the Kumaoni dish ‘Dubke-bhaat’,” Tiwari said.
Tiwari along with around five youngsters usually plan trips to the Someshwar valley, around Jageshwar and sometimes from Almora to Nainital.
Ajeyamitra Singh, 27, another member, said, “Nowadays, youngsters are more inclined towards drugs and we want to incorporate the good habit of cycling in them. Kumaon has tremendous scope but unfortunately nobody comes forward to explore the opportunities in the region. The government will have to make conscious efforts to encourage cycling in the region.”
This year the group is planning to organize a ‘Monsoon Cycling Event’ and is looking for sponsors to provide them with mountain bikes and other kits. “We are looking for sponsors but not many people are ready to host a budding sport in this region," Tiwari said. Rohit Joshi