Mr. Sulochan Rajbhandari is an avid mountain biker, who loves exploring the varying geography of Nepal. Mr. Rajbhandari is the Managing Director at Gravity De Consult which deals with international liaisoning. Mr. Rajbhandari prefers to pedal his way around different places in the morning as a way of recreation and keeping his body healthy. So we talk with him about his love for mountain bikes and automobiles.

CAN YOU GIVE A SHORT INTRODUCTION ABOUT YOURSELF, HOBBIES AND YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?
I am a 51 year old businessman and an avid mountain biker. My life pretty much revolves around mountain bikes. The first thing I do in the morning after I get up is go for a quick ride which helps me keep my body in shape and it also helps me clear my mind.

HOW MUCH OF AN AUTO ENTHUSIAST ARE YOU?
By now you must have got the message that I am more of a mountain bike fanatic than an auto enthusiast. I have been into mountain bikes for a long time. But I have been driving for quite a long time too.

DO YOU PREFER DRIVING BY YOURSELF OR DO YOU HAVE A DRIVER?
Most of the time I drive by myself because it pleases me to handle my machine by myself. Only time I let someone drive is when I have a handful of work and multitask getting from a place to another. Because it is a wise decision to not drive when your mind is diverted. Also when you have a busy schedule finding a parking space is a big hassle, so getting rid of that problem by having a driver is a big time saver.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF OWNING A PREMIUM SET OF WHEELS?
There are tons of fun when you ride a premium mountain bike. The bike itself is pretty light, which makes every ride enjoyable on any terrain. Plus, you get that extra speed to maneuver in any kind of situations which no other normal bike offers you. The geometry of the frames and the suspension give you better traction and control in rugged terrain or when descending downhill. All of this cannot be expected from a cheaper mountain bike so there are more pros to owing a premium set of wheels. The only downside in owning a premium mountain bike is its maintaining expenses.

TILL DATE, ON WHICH CAR/BIKE/ CYCLE HAVE YOU HAD THE BEST EXPERIENCE DRIVING/RIDING?
I’ve been to many places on my mountain bike but one of the most memorable experience till date has to be at lower Manaslu Circuit. This amazing mountain biking experience is something that is hard to put into words or capture in pictures. You have to be there and feel it.

IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE, WHICH CAR WOULD YOU WANT TO OWN AS A DREAM CAR & DREAM CYCLE?
I think my dream car will remain only as a dream until there is a high way which deserves such kind of machine. I will wait for that day when the government comes up with good infrastructures. Until then, I choose not to dream of my dream car.

As for a cycle, I have always looked up to owning a Scott Contessa Spark 700. Since, I already own a specialized Stumpjumper, Contessa is something more than just another sets of wheels.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE CRAZIEST THINGS THAT YOU HAVE DONE BEHIND A STEERING WHEEL?
There are some sensible days and some crazy days. Some of the best moments in life are the ones you cannot tell anyone about.

DESTINATION TO DRIVE/RIDE IN NEPAL?
I personally would recommend Mustang for the best driving experience. This place is a combination of all kinds of terrain. Recently, the government paved asphalt which is pretty smooth to ride on your vehicles. Since the entire region is a dry land and has so much off road to offer. It is one of the best place to enjoy your mountain bike or off road vehicles.

IF YOU WERE GIVEN COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE COUNTRY, WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU BRING ABOUT IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SCENE?
If I had complete control of the country, first thing what I would do is make cycle lanes in as many places as I could. I consider myself an environmentalist when it comes to automobiles. By introducing cycle lanes, not only would people be encouraged towards bicycles but I believe that the pollution and the over population of vehicles will decrease gradually. It would also make cycling a lot safer as other vehicles would have their own lane and the cyclists will have their own.