‘Dark Knights’ shall come swerving down the Margallas
An event for adventure buffs in the capital.
An exciting event is lined up for the extreme sports enthusiasts of the capital. On November 12, the first ever downhill mountain bike night race in Pakistan will take place at the Margalla Hills, said a press release issued by Red Bull on Thursday. The competition is titled Red Bull ‘Dark Knights’. All that interested participants need, is a mountain bike and their own skills to nail the race.
The hills will be transformed into an exciting, but tight course, carved through the jungle, packed with twists and turns, side banks, and obstacles such as ramps, humps, and gaps. The course will be a fierce test of skills and talents of the cyclists and will be aided by very few and strategically placed lights. Participants are encouraged to wear ‘head lamps’ and place bike lights to ensure a smooth run downwards at night.
There are two race categories- open for amateurs and open elite, both for people aged 15 and above, for professionals and semi-professionals. Open riders have the option of by-passing the obstacles, but will lose time if they do. Open elite riders must hit all obstacles.
The track is a 250m long steep jungle course lined with marker tape. There will be an elevated starting and a ‘hot seat’ for fastest times.
Red Bull Dark Knights is not only for the participants in the race. It promises to be a thrilling experience for spectators as well.
A spectator zone will be there alongside the course, where the audience will see live, all that is happening on the track. The base camp will be at the foot of Margalla Hills and will have a live performances and screening of the races. It will start at 6pm.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 11th, 2011.