Jammu and Kashmir Mountain and Biking Association in collaboration with Department of Tourism Sunday organized Cyclethon at the newly developed trails of the Shankaracharya Hills in which around 100 riders from different districts of the Valley participated.The Cyclethon was organized as part of the Valley Weekend programme of the department of tourism and also to celebrate International Mountain Day.The riders assembled at Zabarwan Park at 8:30 am were from they paddled to Shankracharya hills taking the route of Advanced Mountain trail which was recently developed by the department of forests.Later, prize and certificate distribution ceremony was held on the hill at which Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah was the chief guest.Speaking on the occasion, Director Tourism said Kashmir is blessed not only with natural beauty but with the unlimited potential for the adventure sports.He said the department is promoting adventure sports among the local youth so that they can guide adventure travellers across the globe in such activities in Valley.The Celebration of the Cyclathon also coincided with the International Mountain Day being celebrated on December 11 every year.
Director Tourism Kashmir assured full support to the association in promoting mountain biking.He said they have prepared the map of the trails on Shankracharya hill which the riders can use for doing mountain biking on this hill.Director of the Film Festival at Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) Maninder Kohli was also present at the certificate distribution ceremony.He hailed JKMBA for making mountain biking popular in the Valley.On the occasion, Best Rider of the Year award was given to Shajar Lateef, Zahid Iqbal and Yasir Makhdoomi. The event was also sponsored by Damnda Adventure, Amir Jo and Sons (Hero Dealer), Travel Impression, Hotel Jhelum and Legend School of Education.Secretary General Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Owners Federation Maqsood Ahmad, Basheer Dhamna of Dhamna Adventurers, Jamsheed Jeelani of Hero Cycles, Chairman Legends School of Education Imran Shah and Riyaz Wani General Secretary JKMBA were also present on the occasion who appreciated and encouraged the riders.