T
o keep up the good work, it is always
refreshing to travel to some place
that not only brings joy to your ride
but also gives you an adrenaline
rush. Here is a list of few of the world’s finest
cycling tracks in India and abroad.
THE FRIENDSHIP HIGHWAY, CHINA
The most beautiful ride in the world is said to
lie between the Tibetan city of Lhasa and the
Nepalese border. It is one the highest riding
routes on the planet and passes through three
road passes of more than 5,000 meter altitude,
reaching a maximum of 5,220 meters over the
Gyatso La mountain pass.
It surely does sound exciting but is no
child’s play and of course, isn’t for everyone.
But, as an old saying goes, “life’s a climb, but
the view is great!”, a big surprise awaits you
as you reach Gyatso La mountain. Your reward,
on a clear day, will be a distant view of the
Mount Everest.
The conditions can be challenging and the
distance between cities will require a careful
planning with ample resources. The sensitive
political situation in Tibet can also be tricky
at times for individual travellers.
True adventure awaits those who are
committed to explore the religious and cultural
wonders of Lhasa and Gyantse, the Gampa La
mountain pass with turquoise lake and Yamdrok
Yumtso in the valley below.
If you think this more than enough, the
route ends with a 3,500 meter drop of the edge
of the Tibetan plateau. Thank us later!
OTAGO PENINSULA, NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand never disappoints when it comes
to natural beauty and adventure sporting.
Otago Peninsula in New Zealand is an ideal
place to cycle as it comes with great views of
the ocean. Unlike The Friendship Highway,
the terrain is comfortable for both beginners
and experienced. The Otago biking route offers
astonishing natural beauty and you will be
able focus on your biking.
The peninsula, Dunedin is situated on the
east of the South Island. It consists of a 20 km
long harbour which is home to magnificent
world famous marine wildlife in abundance.
If lucky, you can also grab a look at New
Zealand’s Sea Lion which is one of the rarest
theseal species in the world.
November, 2018
g
17