- Text and Photos by Anuj D. Adhikary and Jason Pickett
The Asian Enduro Series was founded to provide an opportunity for the region to experience international racing with a goal to unify racers from many cultures and backgrounds. Now in its third year, the AES has shown positive support, with over 17 nationalities represented across the series last year. This year is planned to be bigger and better than ever with races in Nepal, Malaysia, Brunei and finishing up with the final enduro festival in Thailand.
The panoramic vistas of the mountains seen from Nagarkot in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal are ready to welcome 133 racers from 21 countries for the first round of the Asian Enduro Series 2018, scheduled for April 4-9. Organized by Gnarly, based out of Kathmandu, AES in Nepal has gained steady support over the years with local government and community members fully supporting the event. We will also see a return of last years Elite winner and local crowd favourite Rajesh Magar, who recently was awarded one of the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2018 awards!
Spread across two days, AES Nepal 2018 hosts 8 awesome stages crisscrossing the hills of Nagarkot. The ride distance for each day is roughly 25km. Combine that with the altitude and this is sure to put even the strongest riders to the test! You will get your usual dose of roots, rocks and drops. Throw in the wondering cattle, quaint little villages and the amazing Himalayanbackdrop and you can be sure this is one special event.
From 50 participants in the first race and 80 on the second, to now 133 this year, enduro in the Himalayas looks like it’s just warming up. If you want to know more about the series you can visit enduro.asia or follow us on facebook.com/asianenduroseries. See you at the races.
