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Munsyari MTB Report Preliminary Trail Exploration Study to test the viability of UKFDC Mountain Biking as a form of Eco-Tourism in Munsyari, Uttarakhand, Prepared for Uttarakhand Forest in the Himalayas Development Corporation (UKFDC) 15th September – 3rd October 2015 Munsyari Introduction 1 Study Team This report has been produced by Rowan Sorrell and SECTION Sam Burgess, two Mountain Bike trail design experts from the UK who were assisted during the Trail Exploration trip by MTB experts Pavel Hornik from the Czech Republic, Richy Taylor from Scotland, Herve Doulat from France, Andy Lloyd also from the UK and Project Liaison Officer Michael Maria Joseph from India. All of the international team volunteered their services to aid the exploration of this potential new region for mountain biking. The members of the group chose to volunteer in the interest of potentially developing the sport which they are very passionate about into new territories and cultures, and for the enjoyment associated with exploration. Munsyari Rowan Sorrell One of the leading Trail Experts in Europe, Rowan has designed many Acknowledgements stand out trails in the UK and Europe and developed Bikepark Wales First and foremost, the study team would like l Divisional Forest Officer, Pithoragarh one of the most significant Mountain Bike Facilities in Europe. to thank the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Forest Division, Sri.I.P Singh Sri. Harish Rawat for his enthusiasm towards l Ex. Sub Divisional Officer, the sport of Mountain Biking, his vision for Pithoragarh Forest Division, Sam Burgess Munsyari and for his continued support to Sri. Manohar Singh Semiya Working with Back on Track, Sam has gained a great deal of experience the project. We would like to thank the Chief l Sub Divisional Officer, Pithoragarh working on trails around the UK both in terms of their planning and Secretary of Uttarakhand Sri. Rakesh Sharma Forest Division, Sri. Anil Kumar design and also their construction methods. and Forest Minister of Uttarakhand Sri. Dinesh Shrivastav Aggarwal for their contribution in successfully l Managing Director of Kumaon completing the trail exploration and the Mandal Vikas Nigam, support extended. Pavel Hornik Sri. Dheeraaj Garbyal The founder of one of the best designed trail centres in Europe, We thank the Chairman of Uttarakhand Forest l Regional Manager (Kumaon) of Pavel manages its operation and development and see’s people Development Corporation, Sri. Harish Dhami Uttarakhand Forest Development travelling from right across Europe to ride his trails at the who was a pillar of support during the trail Corporation, Sri. M.P.S Rawat leading Czech MTB centre. exploration and showcased his enthusiasm l Regional Manager (Western) of towards the sport by ensuring all the backend Uttarakhand Forest Development Richy Taylor facilities. We also thank the Principal Chief Corporation, Sri. G.C Pant Conservator of Forests, Uttarakhand Sri. Richy has been working around bikes for many years in different l Regional Manager (HQ) of Srikant Chandola for his continued support to Uttarakhand Forest Development venues across Europe, recently he has been guiding groups in the project from its very beginning. We thank Corporation, Sri. B.K. Gangte Saas Grund in Switzerland and helping the resort to develop their Managing Director of Uttarakhnad Forest Introduction l Retd. D.G of Health Department, Development Corporation Sri. S.T.S Lepcha for Mountain Biking offer. Uttarakhand, Dr. Sri. Janardan Pangtey his kind support all along. l Divisional Logging Manager Herve Doulat This trail exploration study would have been (Ecotourism) of Uttarakhand Forest An experienced filmmaker and mountain biker, Herve has travelled almost impossible without the guidance and Development Corporation, Sri much of the globe with his bike riding and creating films that capture support of the General Manager (Production) of R.D Sati (Ecotourism), Sri. P.S Bora the true essence of MTB adventure. Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation (Khanan) and Sri. D.C Tewari (Nainital) Sri. Vineet Kumar Pangtey and we thank him l Deputy Logging Officers of for all his efforts. We also like to thank the Uttarakhand Forest Development Andy Lloyd General Manager (Kumaon) of Uttarakhand Corporation, Sri. Vinod Kumar Arya, One of the UK’s leading Mountain Bike Photographers, Andy has Forest Development Corporation Sri. J.S Suhag Sri. Jagdish Chand Joshi and Sri. for his kind support. Anand Kumar worked with many international publications and visited many venues l Statistician of Uttarakhand Forest and trails around the world. We would also like to extend our sincere Development Corporation, thanks to the following list of people who Sri. Trilok Singh contributed in various capacities to the trail l Range Officer of Munsyari Forest Together the team conducted the survey, explored the exploration program and without each of Office, Sri. Lavraj Singh Pangtey region and created film and photography content to whose contribution a successful completion of l Beat Officer of Munsyari Forest document the process and promote the region. this trail exploration was impossible. Office, Sri. Aan Singh Lwanl And last but not the least, our trekking guides at Munsyari Sri. Nerendra Kumar and Sri. Beeru Bugyal and many other Sherpas and staff who assisted at various capacities in the trail exploration study. Munsyari What is Mountain Biking? Mountain Biking is a sport where specially designed bicycles are used to ride off- road on rough terrain. The bikes are built to cope with the stresses and strains of the terrain, with sophisticated suspension front and rear, tyres that offer high levels of grip, gearing to allow for steep ascents to be conquered and powerful disk brakes for control when descending steep gradients. The sport is increasingly practiced on purpose built trails, though in mountainous regions, old hiking and trading routes are often utilised for mountain biking. People take part in the sport for different personal reasons, some use it simply as a form of exercise in the outdoors, some for the adventure and exploration, others as an exciting extreme sport pushing their limits of skill and risk. Much like skiing it is a diverse sport that caters for all levels of ability. As a worldwide participation sport it has experienced huge exponential growth over the past 10 years, with large industries grown around the sport to manufacture the Introduction equipment, to provide the venues and facilities where riders can participate, and tour operators and companies that offer and provide MTB tourism. Munsyari Study Brief Study Objectives The requirement was to perform an initial survey on some of the existing trails of the Munsyari region, to assess their suitability for mountain biking and subsequently the suitability of developing the region as a mountain bike tourism destination. The Study aims to document the process of trail discovery, assessment and development through film and photography and create a story that shows the natural beauty of the area, the cultural experience, and the excitement of riding the Himalayan trails. l To determine the viability of the existing pedestrian trail network as a potential mountain bike destination and, Key Project Objectives if appropriate, indicate the required amendments and improvements to the network. Two project objectives were raised by the UKFDC l To map digitally the routes identified above. 1. To develop a mountain bike tourism product in the region, working closely with the community, that can stimulate the local economy, create Introduction l If existing trails prove to be unsuitable for any reason, to employment and be eminently sustainable. investigate the feasibility of developing new bike specific trails in the region. The above recommendations to be 2. To train and enthuse the local young people from the Munsyari region presented in the form of a written report and routes with the knowledge and skills to complete mountain bike challenges and indicated on a map. compete in mountain bike events that reach much further and wider than the Munsyari region, further promoting the region to l To provide an honest appraisal of the existing routes, and the worldwide MTB audience. recommendations, where suitable, of how to progress the project to a viable stage. It is clear that the primary requirement and function of the project is objective one; however, through the development of this, the viability of l To produce media content that showcases an exciting point two becomes increasingly feasible in the future. story of mountain bike adventure and will provide the platform to launch mountain bike tourism in Munsyari through the mountain bike media worldwide. Munsyari Situation (Munsyari) Munsyari is a small mountain town located in the Pithoragarh District in the hill state of Uttarakhand, India. The town sits high up at 2,200m and is situated on the southwest face of the Johar Valley, along which the Gori Ganga River runs from its source at the Preliminary Study Milam Glacier. It remains one of the last accessible hill stations by motor road in the region. A preliminary study (Reconnaisance The climate in Munsyari varies with each season. Snow Survey for Mountain Bike Trails in Munsyari, cover in the winter may last for four to five months on the Uttarakhand) was conducted in October higher ground, before the snow melts and temperatures 2014 to provide an initial feasibility view as rise from mid-March. June sees the beginning of to the suitability of the Munsyari region as a monsoon rains which last until the start of September. potential mountain biking venue. The study The landscape is very dramatic with steep gradients on highlighted the importance of drawing on most of the ground. the international experience of a group of Introduction trail experts to further evaluate and Munsyari was identified as the potential hub for develop the proposals. mountain bike trails in Utturakhand and is the focus of our study, exploring trails that can be accessed directly The preliminary study was well received from Munsyari, and in the surrounding areas.
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