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Mountain biking expedition under way in Himachal

     Shimla: An audacious bunch of bikers on Sunday roared through the dirt tracks of mountainous Shimla in a bid revive the dying sports. The two-wheeler race 'Shimla Motorcycle Challenge 2008' was organized by the Motor Sports Club of Shimla in association with Himachal tourism. The third round saw 28 participants from the states of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Mumbai edging past each other on rugged yet beautiful surroundings. The bikers were supposed to take the eight-kilometer single lap thrice. Manoj Biswas, President, Shimla Motor Sports Club said the main objective of the motorcycle rally was to revive motorcycle motor sport in the country. "Motor sport was dying in the country and there was no major event happening under this category over past ten years so we thought of reviving the motorcycle motor sport. The objective behind this rally was to keep it very as reasonable as possible for the competitors so that maximum numbers could participate. It involves a lot fun, lot of skill and learning. Lastly we have tried to make the rally as safe as possible," said Biswas. In January the first round of the challenge was held on the rural tracks with frozen ice and snow on the roads, while the second round took place in April 2008. The excited participants said that the hills of Himalayas provided the much-needed challenge and add to the adrenaline rush. "Participating in this rally is too adventurous. I love speed and the thrill of riding over the mountains. This is what sets me apart from the ordinary people," said Saurav Kapoor a biker from Punjab. The sport is dying in India because of lack of sponsors. The hilly state of Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the country due to its exotic valleys, glorious slopes and snow-capped mountains and the State has the excellent potential for the motor sports which sadly has not be tapped.
-Sep 14,  2008