Cyclists show solidarity at KORA Challenge

Kathmandu KORA turned up the fun and adventure when around 2,000 riders made their lively participation in the cycling challenge on Saturday.

With Patan Durbar Square becoming the initial and end stop, the riders made a mud-spattered journey throughout the ride. Kora initiated this fun riding campaign in 2010, and has witnessed an increasing participation of adventurous riders every year ever since.

The event was organized in the joint collaboration of Social Tours and Cycle City Network Nepal (CCNN). The journey had three trails – 50 km, 75 km and 100 km. Every participant rode the 50 km ride, while the 75 km and 100 km rides were made by pro riders.

This initiative would help mark and market local trail destinations to benefit cycle tourism in Nepal. Organizers of the event believe that promotion of cycle tourism can lead to reconstruction in Bungamati and enhance its development.

This movement of solidarity summoned up a variety of people belonging to diverse cultures. Beating the preconceived notion of sports being a spot only regaled by young population, the journey was indeed made by a multitude belonging to diverse age and culture.

Being a national downhill rider, Luja Dangol has been cycling for four years now. It is a huge achievement for an 18 year old to come this far in cycling. When asked further, he expressed that he likes cycling because it is eco-friendly, fast and good for the health. “This is the fourth time I have participated in the Kathmandu Kora Cycling Challenge and the 50km ride that I experienced today was tiresome yet adventurous, which added more fun to the ride,” said Luja.

Every rider shared the mutual motive and the inspiration was quite extra ordinary. 48-year-old Laxmi Bahadur Maharjan was keen to cycling after his son inspired him. He expressed that running marathons and indulging in sports helps him lead a healthy and happy life. “I have been cycling for the past 12 years now and I have been participating in the ride since the inception of Kora Kathmandu. This is the fifth time I have joined the ride and I thoroughly enjoyed it” said Maharjan.

The journey further was truly graced when the 2017 Adventurer of the year, Mira Rai, joined the ride despite her recuperating from ligament surgery that she underwent a few months ago. Although she has been cycling for a couple of years now, this was the first time she rode for Kathmandu Kora Cycling Challenge. “It was fun and adventurous as I had expected it to be. The journey definitely was tough and though we had cuts and bruises, it was all worth it”, Mira said gleaming with joy.

With thousands of riders making a united move, the marks of solidarity hit the muddy streets of the Kathmandu Valley. Making a hollow and serpentine ride throughout, the riders though were mud-caked tip to toe, the soft gleams of victory could be vividly seen on their faces.

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