THE KHANCHENDZONGA MOUNTAIN BIKING EXPEDITION
I'm looking into this stage race in the North Eastern state of Sikkim in India. The link has last years race details, but I am told they are the same for 2009. Last year only 38 people did the race, mostly do to the location. The entry fee of $500 gets you 12 days of being taken care of. 9 of those days are racing 15-42 miles a day on the mountainbike. They don't seem like long days, but the climbing is going to be the biggest challenge.
The numbers are a little confusing, and I've been in contact with the tourism department to get some clarification.
9days
430km
14,000m of climbing
highest elevation is 6600ft. But in the region with the third highest peak in the world.
three hotel nights
9nights in two person tents.
Food, breakfast, dinner
Flights from JFK to New Delhi are looking to be in the $1000 dollar range. But once there a second flight needs to be taken to the closest airport, BAGDOGRA AIRPORT.
KAYAK has the best search engine for finding flights.
The promoter is trying to get discounts on the flights for international racers.
If you are interested in going let me know. From the research I've been doing, the event will be the experience of a lifetime, at a very inexpensive price. The tourism department is very motivated to get international participation. If you want to ask them any questions direct your questions to me or Mr. Saroj Nayak (sarojy2k@gmail.com).
It looks like I am going to be the US public relations person for the race. So if you decide to sign up, let the promoter and myself know. We will do what we can to make the trip planning go as smoothly as possible.
Some related links:
http://in.news.yahoo.com/ani/20080310/r_t_ani_nl_nri/tnl-mountain-biking-expedition-gets-unde-d03182a.html
http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/3/12/95442/7231/travel/Mountain+Biking+in+Thin+Air:+Khanchendzonga
http://sikkim-himalayanreview.blogspot.com/2008/03/padam-kulbir-kaur-and-ang-win-in.html
http://sikkim-himalayanreview.blogspot.com/2008/03/nepal-duo-wins-khanchendzonga-mountain.html
http://sikkim-himalayanreview.blogspot.com/2008/03/nepal-rider-going-great-guns.html
I'm gathering more information daily.
