In the Himalyas:
Cyclists from across the globe will undertake a mountain biking rally from Shimla to Manali, one of the toughest routes ever. At the same time, the rally will highlight the need to protect the Himalayan eco system.
Seventy cyclists from across the globe are all set for a race on 700 kilometres of some of the most unforgiving yet breathtaking terrain here in the heart of the Himalayas. The race will last ten days.
"It's the adrenalin rush. That's what we're all looking for," says Andrei, a cyclist.
"The trail is actually pretty tough and you've got to survive nine days. So it's not about a 100-metre dash. It's about survival. And the guy who endures it is the winner. It's a mind game," says Ashok Mehta, another cyclist.
Among the fiercely competitive lot, there's a group of Zen bikers soaking in the scenic view.
That's what pulls Dicky Bhai back to this competition, year after year. He is 45 and this is his fourth trip.
"Trekking is too slow and motor biking is too fast. Cycling allows you to see the beauty of the mountains. You're on the move yet discovering new things at the same time. Even if you do the route again, you always see new things,'' he says.
NDTV will be tracking the Himalayan mountain biking rally through the next week.