Cycling Tour: Putting the best foot backwards

A few epic cycling tours have wheeled their way through Phnom Penh in recent months, but certainly none have taken the alternative approach of Nepalese rider Biresh Prasad Dahal. The 27-year-old is pedalling his way across the globe from the opposite side in his quest to promote world peace and respect for cultural diversity, as well as setting a Guinness world record.

Perched precariously on the handlebars and pushing his heels down on the pedals, Dahal steers the bike backwards for his entire journey. Everywhere, every time, he told The Post yesterday when asked when he travels this way.

It's a labourious method, one that would be made easier with eyes in the back of his head with his speed limited to around 25 kilometres per hour when loaded with baggage. I get a stiff neck and redness in my eyes, added Dahal.

Despite his obvious impairment, he claims not to have suffered a single crash. God blesses me, said Dahal, although he is also aided in no small part by his vigilant cycling companion Babin Basnet, a friend since childhood from their hometown of Triyuga municipality in the Udayapur district of Nepal.

Dahal takes the lead, while Basnet, 26, trails behind riding forwards and spotting potential hazards. The idea to set off around the world on the back foot perhaps stemmed from his occupation as a comedic performer and singer in Nepal, with a strong sense of humour clearly a virtue. I want my name remembered for something, he said.

Dahal and Basnet began their adventure on March 26, 2004 from their hometown, and have since snaked their way across Nepal, India, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia. They plan to head up to Laos, before visiting Vietnam, China, Macau, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan.

Future legs in Sri Lanka and Pakistan are slated, as well as trips through the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Their goal of notching up 100 national stamps in their passports is planned to keep them busy until 2017.

A week ago, the pair were presented with brand new mountain bikes from Andre Gurung, a Nepalese businessman based in Bangkok. Dahal noted he was struggling with the compatibility of his new ride, but said it was getting easier by the day.

Both men are keen on attracting private and corporate sponsors to help fund their trip, with advertising opportunities welcomed. We will wear clothing or display signs, said Basnet, adding that they can be contacted on 0972170418 during their time in Cambodia. They plan to stay a few more days in Phnom Penh before heading on. More details and email addresses can be found on their website, www.cyclistbiresh.net.ms.

Dahal said his time in the Kingdom, which included a ride through the Angkor Wat complex, has been rewarding with fond experiences of happy and helpful folk on the roadside. Many hold up their hands and say How are you? I like Cambodia, he added.

Currently the only record set in backwards cycling found on the Guinness World Records website was that of the longest distance in 24 hours, set by Darl Bonnema of the United States who cycled 180.177 kilometres at Disney Wide World of Sports Complex, Florida from November 19-20, 2004.

Source = phnompenhpost