How to prepare for Hero MTB Himalaya

Mountain biking is one of the toughest extreme sports in the world. However, an experience of completing a gruelling race is extremely satisfying considering the difficulties one goes through in the race.

Remember when you were a kid and used to cycle around for fun. Mountain biking is just that, with added difficulties and a scenic background. A race along the mountains adds competitiveness to the above. Pick a cyclist and he would vouch that mountain biking is one of the most difficult, grinding, yet an extremely satiating experience.

Hero MTB Himalaya is near the pinnacle in terms of the most difficult bike races in the world. And hence, it is not surprising that it takes a lot of preparation and hard work if one wants to participate in the 9-day one of a kind event.

Todd Wells, a famous BMX rider, had this to say right after his first mountain bike experience, “I raced expert BMX at the time so I figured I would race expert MTB. It just about killed me. I slept for 16 hours after the race.”

A participant needs to have stamina in abundance if he intends to complete the race, which covers a distance of 500 kms with the elevation changing more frequently than a pendulum. The first thing one needs to do is get in shape. Although, you are allowed to get off the bike and walk along with it if you are too tired, that breaks the momentum and makes one even more fatigued. So, it is ideal that the rider has a healthy body and is willing to endure the grind even if he/she is there just for experience and not as a competitor.

Cross-training can help firm up the muscles used generally mountain biking and also gives endurance you'll need for long rides. Weight-training, swimming, hiking, stationary-bike riding are just few ways which are extremely effective, yet not time consuming.

Choosing the right gear

If you are preparing for the Hero MTB Himalaya, it is necessary that you are in the pink of health and cycle for long distances everyday. Once you are in the best physical condition, the next step is to choose the right gear.

Make sure the bike you use is appropriately-sized. The bike would be your best friend for the duration of the race, so make sure you spend ample time and money for one.

Safety first – A helmet is a must and one that is durable and would be able to take a few hits as it is near impossible to complete a mountain bike race without a fall. The helmet should also be such that it does not block your vision and fit perfectly on your head. Gloves, shin guards, arm braces, knee and elbow guards are a must and should be an integral part of your gear. A good pair of sunglasses with UV protection is a must-have and you can't go into the wild without a water bottle.

Ahead of the event, make sure you eat right so you are in the best possible condition before the tournament. Warming up 20-30 minutes ahead of each time you take to the bike prevents injuries and gets the blood flowing so you are in a better condition for the long stretch.

As the event takes place in the Himalayas, the rider must be prepared to experience extreme conditions during his exhausting trek.

Follow this, put your shoes on, hop on your bike and ride on through the mystic Himalayas!