About Us Western Race Director - Greg Vann
Greg got his start cycling at the age of 2. His mother would hold the back of the seat on a very small two wheeled kid's bike as Greg learned to pedal. Soon his Mother would let go of the saddle without his knowledge and Greg was riding along without any assistance. Hes been on 2 wheels ever since with only the bondaries of where he rides changing.
With his first trip to Nepal in March of 1983, Greg has been mtn-biking there for a very long time. He has lived in Nepal for many years all the while mtn-biking literally from one end of the Nepal Himalaya to the other. Besides leading groups of mtn-bikers into the Himalaya, Greg also operated a bike shop of sorts from within his residence in Lazimpat. Numerous cyclists from around the World paid Greg's house a visit for all their cycling needs.
Between trips to Nepal Greg found time to race mtn-bikes in the US, India and Europe. He has helped with the organization/sponsoring of Fat Tire Bike Week in Crested Butte, Colorado and the Tour Du Pont, the US pro road race during the 1990's. Greg also worked as a marketing consultant for a lubication product in the bicycle industry. His contacts and friends within the international bike industry range from the who's who of cycling to those who are instrumental in making our bikes what they are today. A deep passion for and understanding of cycling is what made Greg the person he is today.
Now, with all his experiences in mtn-biking, Greg would like to bring you the next adventure in his life, The Great Himalayan Challenge, an expeditionary style mtb adventure race.
NEPALI RACE DIRECTOR - Thagendra Gurung
Thagendra is one of the elder statesmen of mtn-biking in Nepal. He has been riding mtn-bikes since 1985 when he accompanied Greg on a trip into the Himalaya. At that time two other Nepali mtn-bikers were getting their first taste of mtn-biking, too. Jeet Tamang and Sonam Gurung, rode with us as well. It was these three Nepali who were the first to enjoy mtn-biking in their own country.
Thagendra now owns and operates his own trekking/mountaineering/mtn-bike agency in Nepal. His company is the host for our races which take place in Nepal. Besides this he also works as a certifed bike mechanic in Switzerland during his summer months. He is a family man, too. His latest project in his village is to complete a water system for everyone there. All in all Thagendra is a very special person. His professionalism and courtesy stand out immediately when you meet him. Hes a pretty good rider, too, having competed in races such as the TransAlps, Nepali MTB Championships and more.
