Monthly Archives: April 2016

Bums On The Saddle (BOTS) began in 2006 when Rohan Kini and his best pal Nikhil Eldurkar decided they wanted to spread their joy of cycling. In a few years, the business grew to include three stores – one in Pune and two in Bangalore, a fast-spreading riding community and lots of rider events.Back when they began, the riding community in India was very nascent and most bicycle manufacturers and retailers simply sold products with the aim of making a sale. Through BOTS, Kini and Eldurkar changed the outlook and offered a more passionate rider purchase experience.

They host rides every week, service equipment and organise talks related to cycling. Their approach has helped many riders look at biking from a different perspective.

To read more about how BOTS has helped change cycling in India, visit RED BULL

More links:
BOTS website
BOTS Facebook

By Ankush Arya and Dielle DSouza for BigRush

MTB Shimla is one of India’s most awaited races. With more than 100 participants from over 10 states and four countries geared up, it promises a thrilling off-road weekend with bikers bumping across 120kms over 3,000 metres in two stages.

There will be forests, grass and jeep tracks From Woodville Palace to Kanechi on the first day, and all the way back via another route, distracted by arresting views of the beautiful mountains all around. The race is being conducted by the Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASPTA), and will see high profile athletes including two-time champion Shimla Devender Thakur, veteran Dutch rider Johan Bentick, Sarah Appelt, Anita Groser, and others.

If you’re planning to ride, here are a few practice trails to try out ahead of the race.

1. Taradevi to Mehli
2. Mashobra to Sipur to Bekhalti
3. Shimla to Taradevi – Sadhupul and back
4. Shimla to Kufri to Theog
5. Shimla to Mashobara to Bekhalti

To read more about why we picked these trails, visit RED BULL

More links:
MTB Shimla
MTB Shimla Facebook
HASTPA
HASTPA Facebook

More than 100 participants registered for the fifth edition of Hero MTB Shimla this year, a race that takes them across 120kms of gruelling trails in two stages. There are riders from across the world competing in the event, which gets bigger each year.
Among them, are upcoming Indians looking to shine on the world stage. Here are the top four:
Akshit Gaur, 16
This student from Shimla started cycling in earnest only two and a half years ago, but has excellent technical skills.
Sandeep Madaan, 23
He got caught in the whirlwind of cycling at MTB Himalaya 2012 where he was a volunteer, and now immerses himself through and through at his job with sporting company Decathlon.
Shiven, 18
Shiven loves sprinting and has been riding his bike on errands for as long as he can remember. The teenager from Lahaul has participated in a number of events in India.
Akshay Chaudhary, 19
City life in Delhi has done nothing to cramp his style as a rider. Starting with freestyle, he has now developed a deep love for downhills.
To know more about our four upcoming Indian cyclists, visit RED BULL

More links:
MTB Shimla
MTB Shimla Facebook
HASTPA
HASTPA Facebook