Mountain Biking in Thin Air: Khanchendzonga
The tiny Indian state of Sikkim is home to the world's third highest peak, Khanchendzonga, and its craggy landscape ranges in elevation from 920 to 28,000 feet. It's probably one of the most ridiculously difficult places in the world to ride a mountain bike. But, man, the things people will do for money.
The Khanchendzonga Mountain Biking Expedition is a ten-day, 370-mile-long course that winds through all of Sikkim's four territories. The prize money totals $25,000.
The event kicked off on March 3 and drew about 60 competitors. Most were from India, but a handful were from other countries, including one from the United States. The race was organized largely to help boost tourism in the region. (They probably could've started by fixing up their website.)
Related Stories:
· Mountain bike expedition gets underway [Yahoo]
· India Travel coverage [Jaunted]
· Mountain Biking coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: d ha rm e sh]
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