The second edition of world’s highest Enduro mountain biking race ‘MONDURO 2.0’ took place along the serene landscape of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh from November 9-13, 2022.
Surrounded by lush forest cover, verdant valleys, pastel green meadows and lofty peaks, Tawang is a mystical land perched at an altitude of 10,000 ft above the sea level. Therefore, the event aims to promote Tawang as a biking paradise and ultimate destination for adventure tourism.
‘Mon’ stands for Land of Monpas, and ‘Duro’ depicts Enduro format of MTB : related to a long-distance race for bicycles or motor vehicles, typically rode over rough terrain.
Organized by the Tawang Cycling Association (TCA), in collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh’s Department of Tourism, Spokehub Racing, WhackyTalky; this event aims to attract riders from across the globe, thereby reviving the forgotten history of ancient routes, once trodden by the 6th Dalai Lama.
According to Monduro official website, Tawang has a nascent mountain biking culture. The region has great potential to become known as a bicycling haven. There are numerous trails across the town, which were once used for commuting by local populace. For bike enthusiasts, it’s the ideal destination, due to its geography, history, and climate. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered people’ lifestyles, making it more important than ever to promote cycling and, by extension, health.
The budding event has gained massive popularity among mountain biking enthusiast in India and overseas. It has been supported by the Arunachal Chief Minister – Pema Khandu.
Speaking with Northeast Today, the Junior specialist & Orthopedic surgeon of Tawang District Hospital, & Chief of Tawang Cycling Association (TCA) – Dr. Dukhum Magu, noted that “Monduro embarked on its journey when a group of mountain biking enthusiasts from Tawang decided to promote Tawang as a Mountain biking paradise after discovering the long-lost trails with ancient significance along the Tawang township, which led to the formation of The Tawang Cycling Association.”
Dr. Magu highlighted “This year’s edition continued to mesmerize the participants with its gnarly trails and challenging environment. The Champ of the event – Mr. Christopher Ashok Keeling, a British National, took home the respectable title. The TCA also hosted an XCO event with the Indian Army personnel – Mr. Kamlesh Rana emerged as the deserving winner. The organizers aim to improve the event in the coming years and provide a larger-than-life experience for the riders in the long run.”
“It is already the highest Enduro race in the world at an altitude of 14,400 ft and could go higher in future editions. The trails incorporate of factors that an enduro usually consists – steep at times with rock gardens, streams, rides through rhododendrons-filled jungle and huge green grassland, and specifically stating Arunachal Pradesh has the best trails across the nation.” – added Dr. Magu,” – he added.
The TCA chief informed that the 1st edition of the event boasts of participants like – Mr. Rajesh Magar, the Nepal-based renowned cyclist who was conferred with the ‘Adventurer of The Year 2018’ title by National Geographic.