Monduro 2024

The winding mountain roads of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh welcomed me once again for 2024. I’ve raced (Downhill) in Arunachal a few times before, this time, it was my second Enduro race appearance. An Enduro race that has the crown of being the ‘World’s highest altitude Enduro race‘ – the MONDURO. A two day Enduro race in the magical land of the Monpa tribe of Tawang.

Hidden in the North Eastern state of India, Arunachal has some epic mountainscape to soothe our eyes to. Add some mountain biking on those hills, it makes it remarkable! Add an enduro race to it, an ‘Asian Enduro series’ round that too, and things are bound to become memorable.

For 2024, I enrolled myself into the 4th Edition of the MONDURO event in ‘Masters category’. Suiting my age group and relaxed riding mode. With racers joining in from Singapore, Nepal, Bhutan, France, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Monduro is an event you don’t want to miss.

As the high altitude of Tawang became familiar through the practice days, I got my race run plans set with my race number getting strapped on the handlebar.

It was time for the timing chips to be triggered on and to race against the ticking clock. Race runs, as much demanding as they are, we can’t deny that it is one of the most exhilarating things to experience! Monduro’s trails are some of the finest in the world. Rough, raw, cattle pounded trails that’ve been imprinted on these hills over decades.

We’re lucky to get the opportunity to ride, let alone race on such beautiful lower Himalayan forest trails.

As my fun meter kept logging in excitement points in my jersey pocket, my race run propelled me forward onto the 2nd spot in Masters Category. Taking home little souvenirs from Tawang – a medal, a cheque and some fragrant memories to share with buddies.

Huge shout out to the organizers of MONDURO, the Tawang Cycling Association, the sponsors of the event, the trail builders who toiled to prep the race trails, the competitors who put on a great show and to all the friends and family who are behind the riders sharing the good vibes so we can go ride safely!

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