BIKER NEWS: 100 bikers to ride for eco tourism

BN- MANALI: Come September 19 and a group of over 100 bikers from across the country will ride their motorbikes to the newly-built road to Shinku-la in Lahaul valley with a message of eco-friendly tourism and safe driving. Tourism in tribal Lahaul-Spiti district is growing rapidly and learning a lesson from ban on tourism activities at Rohtang Pass, a group of tribal youth has founded Lahaul Eco Tourism Society, under which Rohtang Riders is organizing this event.

Riders from all across the country would participate in the event. The bike rally will start from Sissu lake in Lahaul, head for Shinku-la (17,000ft) and then return to Jispa after covering a total distance o f 149km. Earlier this month, Border Roads Organization completed construction of the road till Shinku-la and these bikers will be the first civilians to reach this height in their motorbikes. tnn

Rohtang Riders' president Sherab Gyaltsen said the motive of this rally is to spread awareness among the tourists. "Biking trend on Manali-Rohtang-Leh highway is increasing every year. But most bikers do not take follow safety measures. All bikes in this rally will have solo riders, who will ride with proper safety gears. We shall also spread the message of eco-friendly tourism in the valley."

Rigzin Hayerpa, founder member of Rohtang Riders, said BRO commander Colonel KP Rajendra Kumar will flag off the ride. "We organized Lahaul Festival in Jispa this year. Now we are organizing a bike rally. Our only purpose is to spread awareness among the local residents and stress upon eco-friendly tourism to strike a balance between business and environment," he said.

More: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/100-bikers-to-ride-for-eco-tourism/articleshow/48994637.cms