Mumbai’s teen challenges Himalayan raiders

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 10

Will power and passion for adventure define Shiana, a 17-year-old girl from Mumbai, in the 17th edition of Raid De Himalaya. 

Studying in Class XII, the youngest participant, Shiana, is among 75 bikers in the two-wheeler section in the extreme bike category of the motorsport which was flagged off form Hotel Peterhoff here today.

Riding her scooter (a gearless Rodio), an excited Shiana, who won two races at Bangalore and Mangalore in MRF Championship last year, says, “I am in love with adventure sport, especially racing, since I was in Standard IX.”

Flanked by her father, Sarvjeet Singh Virdhi, her ideal and inspiration, Shiana says: “All I want is to finish the race”. Ten persons would be competing on scooters while another girl, Sara, would be riding a Bullet in high mountains. 

Over 250 participants of 167 teams will undergo gruelling test of driving skills, endurance, physical and mental strength and team management in the 17th edition of Raid De Himalaya. 

The motorsport rally, covering 2,200 km, including 650 km of competitive stretches, will be tougher this year with major changes in routes. It will conclude at Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir on October 16. Of 167 entries received, 41 teams are in Xtreme four-wheeler category, 76 in Xtreme two-wheeler and 50 in adventure categories. There are five foreigners and 14 women participants. 

The participants would drive on flaky, rough and unfamiliar terrain in temperature ranging from 10° to 15° below freezing point in the backdrop of fascinating scenic beauty of mountains and valleys. 

The participants would drive past Shimla, Dalhousie, Srinagar, Manali and Rangdum. The new addition in the route is entry into the Bhadrawa area of J&K through recently opened Paddri Gali pass and a 66-km stretch on the ridge between Drass and Kargil. 

Elaborate safety measures are in place and the rescue crew would comprise two trauma  and eight mobile ambulances, and three fast intervention cars in every competitive stage, besides a standby helicopter. 

250 participants, 167 teams

• Over 250 participants will undergo gruelling test of driving skills and mental strength in the 17th edition of Raid De Himalaya 
• Of 167 teams, 41 are in Xtreme four-wheeler category, 76 in Xtreme two-wheeler and 50 in adventure categories

New routes from J-K

• The new addition in the route is entry into Bhaderwah through recently opened Paddri Gali pass and a 66-km stretch between Drass and Kargil 
• Raiders will cover 2,200 km via Shimla, Dalhousie, Manali, Rangdum and Srinagar, where the rally will end on October 16