Cycling is something you’re highly passionate about. Is there anything else that you’re just as into?

As a kid I played a lot of cricket with my friends around my neighbourhood. I’m an ardent supporter of New Zealand and the Mumbai Indians. I’m very into music and I developed a taste for the guitar very early in life. I still find myself strumming along to old songs whenever I’m free from work.

Tell us about your first bicycle.

My first bike wasn’t technically mine, but my brother’s. It was an Avon. Single speed, V brakes and a heavy metal body. My brother and I would take turns riding it. I was probably six or seven and was thrilled by the sensation of speeding through narrow alleyways. Unfortunately, this led to a minor accident in Mangalbazaar. I was speeding and maneuvering through a thick crowd of people when I jammed my brakes, but they didn’t work. It wasn’t till many years later that I saved enough money and bought a full-suspension Oscar, which was green in colour.

What’s your favourite bike and why?

After riding on an Avon and an Oscar I switched to a Proflex and later to a GT. However, I’d definitely consider my current choice to be my favourite. I ride a Commencal Meta AM and adore the way it handles technical trails that require focus and precision.

What do you think of the rise of the cycling culture in the city and country?

I think that it’s great!  There are many new franchises that give customers a wide variety of bikes for all skill levels. Cycles are a great way to keep you in shape and I think it’s great that people are realising this. I hope that this trend continues to pick up.  

Would you recommend that people switch to cycles as a proper commuting means within Kathmandu?

We should definitely switch to cycling. Kathmandu will be better off with more cycles instead of noisy, polluting automobiles. Unlike many capitals of the world, where travelling across them takes hours on a car or train, in Kathmandu it doesn’t. Godavari to Budhanilkantha, for example, is just an hour away. Kathmandu’s also fantastic for adventure. Whereas in other countries, cyclists need to load their bikes onto their cars and travel far away from the city to get an adrenaline rush, trails naturally surround the periphery of this city.

Are there any trails around the Valley you would recommend that all bikers can tackle?

I would highly recommend Lakuri Bhanjyang for riders of all levels. Many years ago, the roads were single tracks, but as the area has developed now, the tracks have also widened into trails and motorable roads. Other than this, I think the trails that Shivapuri National Park provides are superb for all levels of expertise.

What should people look for when buying a bike?

When you buy a bike, I think it mainly comes down to how much you’re willing to spend on it. Unlike in the past, bikes now come in all sorts of categories, companies and sizes. Everything from cheap Chinese bikes to robust Indian ones and highly specialised imported bikes are now available. Price tags vary just as widely. After allocating a rough budget, it mainly comes down to the buyer’s riding style. I would also highly recommend that people just starting out go with a second-hand bike and upgrade accordingly.

Do you have any tips that you would like to relay to Kathmandu’s growing number of cyclists?

It would be great if people who look to pedal the streets of Kathmandu, or any other city, are informed of the basic functions and safety tips. Simple things like wearing protective gear such as pads and helmets go a long way. Helmets are compulsory! Riders should try wearing reflective gear or put reflectors at the ends of their bikes so that drivers are well aware of where a cyclist is in the dark. And most importantly, never forget to lock your bike! You don’t want it to get stolen.