Why would anyone want to spend time and effort cycling around the world?

In Nepal the obvious answer seems to be to raise awareness for peace, though personal popularity might come a close second. Whatever the cause, the number of cyclists who have decided to tackle the world on two wheels have grown. It seems to be the thing to do and why not? It is healthy, adventurous, requires little financial backing (you can always beg) and is for a good cause: peace that our country and the world desperately need.

The noble cause was first taken up by Nepal's most popular cyclist, Pushkar Shah. When Pushkar decided to hop on his bike and go around the world in November 1998 many people were sceptical. "They thought I had lost my mind," he says. But seven years, 160,000 km and 70 countries later, Puskhar has proven himself.

The idea of an 11-year world tour represented everything important to the Charikot native: a purpose in life, adventure and the message of peace. The going has been tough and Pushkar has certainly got his share of adventure. In the past seven years he has been mugged on the streets of New York, kidnapped in Mexico and had his bicycle stolen in New Zealand where Sir Edmund Hillary came to his rescue buying him a new one.

Cycling around the world is not always about fun and health and Pushkar is living testimony to the hardships faced by a world cyclist.

Cycling has recently gained popularity in Nepal both as road racing and mountain biking. Cycling around the globe on the other hand is a phenomenon started by Pushkar but not one that ended with him. Many others have been inspired by his adventure.

Yam Lal Rasaili is one such cycling enthusiast. In spite of being handicapped this spunky cyclist embarked on a journey from Mechi to Mahakali. The younger generation seems to be getting more and more imaginative. Twenty-year-old Dipendra Nembang from Damak rode reverse on his bicycle from the Mechi Bridge to Kathmandu, a distance of 651 km.

The latest group of long-distance cyclists are more in tune with Pushkar's aims. Four of them set out earlier this year. Narayan Prasad Kharel, Thakeswor Chettri, Lok Bandhu Karki and Khadga Siwakoti rolled off aiming to travel to 113 countries in nine years. They plan to make Brunei on the first leg of their tour and reach Japan on the second. They have not only followed Pushkar's trail by embarking on the world tour but have also taken up his worthy cause: peace.