GET YOUR PULSE AND PEDALS GOING FOR SHIVALIK SIGNATURE
After the triumphant success of its five editions, Shivalik Signature returns with boundless enthusiasm and fresh vigor in the much-anticipated Shivalik Signature Edition VI. This marks the sixth edition of Shivalik Signature, a relentless 600+ kilometer Ultra Cycling Race Event set to unfold in the charming town of Hoshiarpur, traversing through numerous towns, villages, and cities that paint the canvas of the beautiful state of Punjab.
Shivalik Signature Edition VI: A Symphony of Endurance
More than a mere cycling event, Shivalik Signature Edition VI promises an immersive experience for pedal enthusiasts across the country. It beckons cyclists to embark on the road less traveled, inviting them to explore the magnificence of Punjab in all its vibrancy, color, and beauty. Through fields lining the canals, picturesque villages, architecturally stunning old
towns, and culturally rich historical sites, participants will intimately witness a state alive with stories of courage, valor, love, and hope—where warriors and saints once joined hands to make their birthplace pulsate with life.
Unearth the Unseen Dimensions of Himachal Pradesh & Punjab
Shivalik Signature offers riders a unique chance to get up-close and personal with the unseen and unheard facets of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of its people, savor the renowned cuisine, and absorb the essence and rootedness of this culturally rich region.
A Challenge for Every Rider
This non-stop and distinctive event, Shivalik Signature, not only tests the physical and mental mettle of solo riders but also provides an opportunity for teams to shine. With both solo and relay team categories, solo riders will endure up to 30 to 32 hours on their bikes, while team event participants will take turns in a relay format—a true test of teamwork, strategy, and grit.
RAAM Qualifier and RAAM Style Event
The Solo race is more than just a challenge; it’s an official Race Across America (RAAM) Qualifier (RQ). Finish within the cut-off time frame for the RAAM Qualifier, and you’ll earn the prestigious RQ finisher medal, along with eligibility to participate in the world’s toughest bicycle race—the Race Across America.
Shivalik Signature: A Legacy of Evolution
Shivalik Signature boasts a storied history. Initially hosted from Chandigarh for the first two years, it proudly proclaimed itself as the easiest RAAM Qualifier for India. The aim was clear — to bring more riders into the culture of ultra racing, showing them that it’s not an insurmountable task if they’re already accustomed to long-distance cycling. When COVID hit, the event took a one-year hiatus, and with changing times, the strict COVID norms necessitated a shift of the starting point to Raipur Maidan in District Una for two consecutive years. Since 2023, the event has found its true starting point in Hoshiarpur, and it’s here where it will always commence, in the heart of its origin.
The Most Challenging Stretches
The race’s most demanding part spans the initial hours from Hoshiarpur to Una via Bankhandi climbs, and from Una back to Hoshiarpur via the Mubarikpur region. The route takes riders through the Dasuya Forest Reserve via Hariana to Kamahi Devi climb, navigating challenging terrains such as the Kothi and later the Pathankot climb.
ULTRA BICYCLING RACING: A Test of Tenacity
Ultra Bicycling Racing is not for the faint-hearted. Covering distances typically ranging from 600 to 5000 kilometers, it stands as a true test of tenacity and determination. The RAAM Qualifier (RQ) system comprises 45 independently owned and operated ultra-bicycle races in 15 countries, showcasing some of the toughest races globally. These high-quality races provide athletes around the world with the opportunity to refine their ultra-racing skills, pushing the boundaries of human endurance.
Gear up for Shivalik Signature—where every pedal stroke is a note in the symphony of endurance, and every kilometer conquered is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Join us as we redefine the limits of endurance cycling and create a legacy of courage, resilience, and triumph on the roads less traveled.
History of Shivalik Signature Edition I: Overcoming Challenges and Paving the Way
In the inaugural edition of Shivalik Signature, held on 6th April, a total of 30 solo riders registered for the grueling 615-kilometer Ultra Cycling Race. A testament to the diversity of participants, 27 riders appeared at the start line, spanning the age categories of 18-49 and 49+. Out of these, an impressive 16 successfully qualified for the prestigious Race Across America (RAAM).
In addition to solo riders, the event saw the participation of 21 teams, adding a layer of camaraderie and teamwork to the challenging race.
Dedicated Team of Officials: Enabling a Smooth Race Day
A team of 22 officials played a crucial role in ensuring the seamless execution of the event. From registration to photo shoots, inspections, and briefing on April 6th, the officials were on top of every detail. En route, the same number of officials, accompanied by 10 official vehicles, managed marshalling duties. To maximize efficiency, officials even doubled up as support in racer follow vehicles during the night.
Challenges in Monitoring and Enforcement
The race presented unique challenges, with instances of teams attempting to gain an advantage by spying on others. Organizers addressed this by enforcing strict communication protocols, warning and reminding teams to adhere to the guidelines. Penalties were imposed for violations, both at the start line and during the race, ensuring fairness and adherence to safety measures.
Media Coverage: A Spotlight on RAAM
Media officials, representing photographers and videographers, played a crucial role in capturing the essence of the event. Interviews with each racer, coupled with on-the-road interactions, showcased the determination and spirit of every participant. Despite challenges related to narrow roads, the media team successfully highlighted the brand RAAM in the region, contributing to building a positive image of the race.
Navigating Mixed Feedback: A New Challenge for the Region
As the first edition unfolded, the event garnered mixed feedback from the community. Participants who successfully completed the race expressed satisfaction, highlighting the positive aspects. However, some who faced challenges during the race attempted to find fault, making claims such as insufficient water and nutrition support. Organizers emphasized that all necessary information was provided in advance, both personally and through the website, and participants were expected to be well-prepared.
Navigational challenges were also raised by some participants who took wrong turns. Organizers reiterated that a clear route book had been provided, and participants were expected to follow the provided guidance. Despite these challenges, the organizers remain committed to refining and improving the event for future editions, ensuring a fair and memorable experience for all participants.
Shivalik Signature Edition II: A Triumph of Endurance
The Shivalik Signature Ultra Race, a grueling 615-kilometer cycling challenge, unfolded on October 19th, concluding at the iconic Sukhna Lake Sports Complex in Chandigarh. This challenging route connected major cities across Punjab, including Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana.
Race Categories and Qualification
Shivalik Signature serves as the qualifying race for the renowned Race Across America (RAAM), a 5000-kilometer endurance cycling race. In its second edition, the race featured both Solo and Team Events. The Solo Race, a RAAM Qualifier, presented different age categories: 18-49 and 49+. Participants in the 18-49 category aimed to finish 615 kilometers in 30 hours, while those in the 49+ category had a slightly extended timeframe of 32 hours. Additionally, the RAAM Style events, structured in a relay format, required teams to complete the race within 28 hours.
CEO of Race Across America, Mr. Fred Boethling, personally officiated Shivalik Signature Edition II, adding prestige to the event.
Environmental Stewardship: ‘No Plastic Bottle’ Initiative
Shivalik Signature organizers took a proactive stance on environmental conservation. A ‘No Plastic Bottle’ initiative was promoted, making it mandatory for teams to abstain from using plastic bottles during the race. Any instances of littering led to penalties, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining environmental sustainability. This eco-friendly approach was not a one-time effort but had been in place since the previous year.
Endurance and National Participation
Ultra Races are known for testing the limits of endurance, and Shivalik Signature Edition II attracted around 50 racers from diverse cities such as Gujrat, Rajasthan, Jammu, Delhi, Ganganagar, and, notably, a significant contingent from Hoshiarpur, Punjab. This small township has witnessed a cycling renaissance, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the NGO Punjab Bikers Club. Their initiatives, including cycling workshops, weekend rides, and mass events like Cyclothon, have contributed to the flourishing cycling culture in Hoshiarpur.
Race Journey and Format
The event was divided into three significant phases: Registration day, Race Start Day, and Race Finish Day. Registrations took place on October 18th at Sukhna Lake Sports Club. The race commenced on October 19th at 5 a.m. from Sukhna Lake Club, adopting a staggered start with racers sent off at intervals, following a Time Trial format. As the race unfolded, the initial closeness between racers gave way to increasing gaps, reaching a maximum near the finish line—a characteristic pattern in ultra-racing.
Promoting Health, Fitness, and Clean Environments
Ultra racing demands meticulous planning over months, requiring racers to be in peak physical and mental condition. Beyond the sporting aspect, such races contribute to developing a culture of health, fitness, and environmental consciousness. Shivalik Signature has played a pivotal role in fostering this culture.
About Bharat Alacrity: A Catalyst for Change
Bharat Alacrity, the driving force behind Shivalik Signature, envisions creating a platform for India’s amateur cycling community to experience international-level ultra-cycling events. Their journey, starting in 2014, aimed at instilling an endurance riding culture in Punjab. Abhishek Kashyap, the Director of Officials and a former mariner, founded the NGO Punjab Bikers Club. The NGO has been instrumental in promoting safe, proper, and healthy cycling through workshops, brevets, cyclothons, ultra-cycling races, and officiating the first CFI Road Racing event in Punjab.
Shivalik Signature Edition II stands as a testament to the dedication of Bharat Alacrity and the growing passion for endurance cycling in India.
Shivalik Signature Edition III and IV: Triumph Over Adversity
The third edition of Shivalik Signature marked a significant chapter in the event’s history, overcoming the challenges posed by the global pandemic. The initial two editions were successfully organized from Chandigarh, but the onset of COVID-19 disrupted the momentum, leading to the cancellation of the scheduled race. Moreover, the strict COVID norms in Chandigarh made it increasingly difficult to organize Shivalik Signature from its traditional location.
Undeterred by the obstacles, the organizers took a bold step and chose a remote yet picturesque location to kick off the third edition: Raipur Maidan in Una district. This small township, devoid of the familiar surroundings of a bustling city but blessed with a challenging terrain featuring difficult climbs from Raipur Maidan to Una city, added a new dimension to the race.
Post-COVID apprehensions lingered, causing a significant drop in the number of participants. However, against all odds, ten daring individuals stepped up to take on the formidable challenge. The perceived ease of the initial years of Shivalik Signature was quickly dispelled, as the racers discovered that the event had transformed into a more rigorous and demanding race than anticipated. Every participant gave their best, contributing to the resilience and fortitude of Shivalik Signature.
In the following year, 2022, the challenges continued, and only two participants stood on the start line. Many anticipated the cancellation of the race due to the minimal turnout. However, adhering to their unwavering commitment to ultra racing, the organizers approached the event with enthusiasm, organizing it with the same fervor as in previous years. The belief in the importance of commitment and continuity propelled Shivalik Signature forward, showcasing the resilience and determination embedded in the spirit of ultra cycling.
Shivalik Signature Edition III stands as a testament to the event’s ability to adapt, overcome adversity, and continue to thrive in the face of unforeseen challenges. The journey from Chandigarh to Raipur Maidan symbolizes not just a change in location but a triumph of will and a commitment to the enduring spirit of ultra racing.
Shivalik Signature Edition V: A Homecoming to Hoshiarpur
The history of Shivalik Signature Edition V is a tale of strategic planning, adaptability, and a return to the roots. From its inception in 2018, this ultra cycling race was initially planned from Chandigarh, later shifting to Una due to unforeseen circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the organizing team embarked on planning the fifth edition, a realization dawned upon them—why had they missed the opportunity to start from the race’s birthplace, Hoshiarpur? The decision was made to bring the race back to Hoshiarpur, situating it in the heart of where it was originally conceived. This shift aimed to not only reconnect with the race’s origins but also to fulfill its purpose of attracting more people to the vibrant region nestled in the foothills of Shivalik.
Hoshiarpur, with its picturesque landscapes and the race’s route passing through the Dasuya Forest Reserve in the Kandi region, provided a unique and challenging backdrop for the participants. The decision to make Hoshiarpur the permanent start point reflected the organizers’ commitment to the race’s essence and its connection to the local community.
In this edition, two racers from Hoshiarpur took part, marking a significant milestone. One Sikh participant, making a personal choice, wore a turban instead of a helmet—a unique feature of Shivalik Signature. This event proudly stands as the only ultra racing event in India that allows Sikhs to wear a turban, showcasing a celebration of diversity and individual choices within the racing community.
Shivalik Signature Edition V encapsulates not just a race but a homecoming, a reconnection with the spirit of the event, and a commitment to fostering local participation in the ultra cycling culture. The journey from Chandigarh to Una and back to Hoshiarpur epitomizes the race’s adaptability, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection to its origins.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
The Shivalik Signature is open to solo racers, tandems, 2-person team, 3-person team, 4-person team and 8-person team. While the solo category is aimed at serious athletes, the team categories are open to cyclists of all abilities.
Solo racers ride the entire distance and crew provides the full support during the entire distance.
Team racers take turns to ride during the event. At a time one rider races and rest of the riders take rest in their support vehicles and take their turns to ride during the event.
WHY TAKE PART?
To qualify for RAAM
You may want to challenge your limits
To experience the ultimate sense of achievement
To see north region like you never have before
Race Schedule
| SUPPORTED EVENT DATE | 21st September, 2024 |
|---|---|
| DISTANCE | 615 km |
| RACE START VENUE | The Bike Store Hoshiarpur (P.B.) |
| PRE RACE REGISTRATIONS | 20th September 2024 3 pm onwards |
| VEHICLE AND BIKE INSPECTION | 20th September 2024 4 pm onwards |
| RACE BRIEFING | 20th September 2024 5 pm onwards |
| RACE FINISH VENUE | JIO BP Petrol Pump, Bahowal (P.B.) |
| MEDAL DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY | Hoshiarpur (P.B.) |
Race Route
Route of the Shivalik Signature is a distance wise challenge. It goes mainly through the major cities of Punjab. This year we’ve changed the starting point to Una Himachal Pradesh.
Starting from Hoshiarpur, it goes through the mild rolling climbs of Bankhandi, Una, Mubarikpur to Hoshiarpur then plain and smooth highways of Punjab and patch less link roads joining Hoshiarpur, Kothi (Kamahi Devi Top), Dasuya, Pathankot, Holy city Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Ropar, Anandpur Sahib to Una.
Categories And Timings
Racer Categories
- Solo Racers (Male and Female) – 1 Racer racing the entire distance on a regular bicycle
- Tandem (Male, Female and Mixed) – 2 Racers sharing the entire distance on a tandem bicycle
- 2-Person Team (Male, Female and Mixed) – 2 Racers sharing the entire distance
- 3-Person Team (Male, Female and Mixed) –2 or 3 Racers sharing the entire distance
- 4-Person Team (Male, Female and Mixed) – 3 or 4 Racers sharing the entire distance
- 8-Person Team – between 5 and 8 Racers sharing the entire distance (there is no official gender distinction)
- Mixed – indicates there are at least one male or one female member
Bike Type Categories
- Upright single (Road bike, Hybrid or MTB)
- Tandem
- Any mixing type bikes are allowed depending on the Indian road conditions
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Fee Structure
We’ve come up with one of it’s kind of fee structure in which all the participants would be benefited as the number of participants increase in the event. At the time of Registration, one would have to pay as per minimal participants structure mentioned as shown in the table. Excess amount of fee would be refunded to the rider after his/her participation in the event (As per the number of participants shown in table)
Note: Final number of participation would be announced one day prior to the start of the Race. Effective Refund would be transferred one week after the Race.
Category Fee (Rupees) (0-10 Entries) Fee (Rupees) (11-25 Entries) Fee (Rupees) (26-75 Entries) Fee (Rupees) (76-100+ Entries) Men/Women (Solo)SELF SUPPORTED 25000 22500 20000 18000 Men/Women (Solo)SUPPORTED 25000 22500 20000 18000 Team of 2 (per person) 20000 19000 18000 17000 Team of 3 (per person) 18000 17000 16000 15000 Team of 4 (per person) 15000 14000 13000 12000 Team of 8 (per person) 14000 12000 11000 10000
Overview of Rules & Regulations
A) FOR SELF SUPPORTED CATEGORY:
Rules are framed in order to ensure:
- Safety of all persons involved
- Running a Clean and Healthy race with a level playing field for all
- Creating a Race of International standards
- Protecting Race integrity and reputation
Overview
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- Minimum age of Participation: 18 years; Minimum age for crew: 18 years
- Racers must ride the entire route and must follow the exact course.
- Front light, tail light and helmets are a must.
- Rider number must be displayed on the bike being used. Bib showing rider number must be visible to the marshals.
- Aero bars are allowed; Disc wheels are allowed.
- Front and rear lights must be on 24 hours.
- Bicycles ridden at night must be fully visible.
- Lighting must meet the following requirements:
- Headlight (visible from 150 meter, 150 Lumens or more)
- Red tail light (must be solid) with minimum three LED bulbs (visible from 100 meter)
- Reflective tape on side of
- Front fork (15c.m.*1c.m.) Rear seat stay (15c.m.*1c.m.)
- Rear of pedals or heels of shoes or back of crank arms (3c.m.*1c.m.)
- And each side of wheel (3-4 pieces of 3c.m.*1c.m.)
- Penalty structure:
- 1st Penalty 10 minutes
- 2nd Penalty 20 minutes (Total – 30 minutes)
- 3rd Penalty 40 minutes (DISQUALIFICATION)
Time Penalty is that of 10 minutes. (For getting late at any reporting time or for misbehaving with Officials)
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- No drafting of vehicles, non-motorized vehicles or other riders is allowed.
- Clock begins at the start of the race, and does not stop for any reason. Your finish time is when Racer crosses the official finish line as per race Route book. Penalties will be added to Racer’s final time, and that will be official finish time, under all circumstances.
- All participants must obey all applicable traffic laws.
- Two Racers at a time, can ride together for 10 minutes in 12 hrs. period of time.
- Distance between two racers should be minimum 10 meters. In case they are close to each other, the racer who is behind should pick speed after changing the lane and other one is supposed to maintain the same distance among themselves.
- At any time Racers can be asked for their Urine Samples during Race to undergo DOPE TEST.
There’s fixed code of conduct. Be respectable to all the Officials and Media during the event. Failing to do so, there will be time penalty or Direct Disqualification from the Race.
B) FOR SUPPORTED CATEGORY:
Rules are framed in order to ensure:
- Safety of all persons involved
- Running a Clean and Healthy race with a level playing field for all
- Creating a Race of International standards
- Protecting Race integrity and reputation
Overview
-
- Minimum age of Participation: 18 years; Minimum age for crew: 18 years
- Every solo and team must have support vehicle with crew/support team. Minimum crew size is 2.
- Any mixing type bikes are allowed depending on the Indian road conditions. Change of bicycles is allowed.
- Racers must ride the entire route and must follow the exact course.
- Front light, tail light and helmets are a must.
- Rider number must be displayed on the bike being used. Bib showing rider number must be visible to the marshals.
- Aero bars are allowed; Disc wheels are allowed.
- Front and rear lights must be on 24 hours.
- Bicycles ridden at night must be fully visible.
- Lighting must meet the following requirements:
- Headlight (visible from 150 meter, 150 Lumens or more)
- Red tail light (must be solid) with minimum three LED bulbs (visible from 100 meter)
- Reflective tape on side of
- Front fork (15c.m.*1c.m.) Rear seat stay (15c.m.*1c.m.)
- Rear of pedals or heels of shoes or back of crank arms (3c.m.*1c.m.)
- And each side of wheel (3-4 pieces of 3c.m.*1c.m.)
- Penalty structure:
- 1st Penalty 10 minutes
- 2nd Penalty 20 minutes (Total – 30 minutes)
- 3rd Penalty 40 minutes (Total – 70 minutes)
- 4th Penalty 80 minutes (Total – 150 minutes)
- 5th Penalty Disqualification
Time Penalty is that of 10 minutes. (For getting late at any reporting time or for misbehaving with Officials)
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- Vehicles should have Racer No. stickers on four of it’s sides, at rear it will always be displayed on the extreme Right hand side. Slow-moving vehicle triangle is MANDATORY (it will be brought by the racer).
- “Caution Bicycles Ahead” sign; and racer numbers on front, rear and both sides (signage stickers will be provided by the organizer at the time of registration).
- Riders as well as crew members must wear reflective vest from 1800hrs to 0600hrs during the race.
- No drafting of vehicles, non-motorized vehicles or other riders is allowed. Any number of team racers can be on the road at any time. Teams may draft, but only among their own team mates.
- Clock begins at the start of the race, and does not stop for any reason. Your finish time is when Racer crosses the official finish line as per race Route book. Penalties will be added to Racer’s final time, and that will be official finish time, under all circumstances.
- All participants must obey all applicable traffic laws.
- Support vehicles should always display rider information and crew vehicle stickers.
- Hazard lights should be on at all the times while on the road and parked on the roadside.
- Support vehicle should follow the rider and not drive in front of or parallel to the rider.
- Support vehicle must be completely off the road when providing leapfrog support or exchanging riders, can drive along the rider no more than 4 times in one hour to handover food and drinks. Caution needs to be exercised so as to not block oncoming traffic nor cross the median.
- No hand offs are allowed from vehicle in motion.
- Hand off duration allowed is 1 minute per hand off.
- Support must be “leapfrog” during the day and “direct-follow” at night. Racers cannot advance at night without a follow-vehicle.
- In day hours, “direct follow” under the bridges/road construction sites is recommended (As notified by the Organizer).
- Maximum distance between Racer and Support Vehicle should be ~ 10 meter (Direct Follow support).
- Two Racers at a time, can ride together for 10 minutes in 12 hrs period of time.
- Distance between two racers should be minimum 10 meters. In case they are close to each other, the racer who is behind should pick speed after changing the lane and other one is supposed to maintain the same distance among themselves.
- Participants and racers must not impede traffic. If two or more motorists and/or a single motorist are backed up behind a support vehicle for more than 2 minutes, the support vehicle must pull over as soon as possible to allow other motor vehicles to pass.
- Crew leader should ensure that adequate sleep time is assigned to all the crewmembers to avoid exhaustion and accidents.
- Vehicle’s hazard lights should be on all the times and its headlights on during the night/early mornings.
- Racers need not stop at the time station in day hours (All Time Stations will be manned). Its mandatory for the Crew to stop at TS and check-in. It’s the responsibility of the crew chief that Racer card is signed at each time station.
- In case of Team Event, Rolling as well as Stationary Exchange can be done during day hours but only Stationary Exchange at night is allowed. If there is a second Support Vehicle, it must be parked for at least one (1) minute before the Racer Exchange happens and must remain parked for at least one (1) minute after the Follow Vehicle leaves.
- If any crew member notices that the rider is falling asleep and refuses to sleep, please notify a marshal or the Race Director to ensure safety of the ride.
- At any time during the Race, our officials can sit in Racer’s Support vehicle.
- At any time Racers can be asked for their Urine Samples during Race to undergo DOPE TEST.
- Only Racer himself or CREW Chief will have direct telephonic conversation with our officials.
- Crew Chief and Racer will send their whatsapp live location after every 7 hours.
- No one will call Race Head quarters after three hours themselves.
- You will get calls from Race headquarters to know about your location if required.
- Call from your end will be only in case of Emergency or something very serious.
- At all the time stations, our officials will be deployed. So Time Station reporting won’t be an issue.
- At unmanned controls, or in case Racer is taking break somewhere longer than 30 minutes, again that won’t be on call but you are supposed to put MESSAGE on whatsapp 5 Kilometres prior (In the whatsapp group as well at provided Officials contact numbers). One of our official will be deployed to check the updates of this whatsapp from time to time. Our Officials may call up Racers anytime.
There’s fixed code of conduct. Be respectable to all the Officials and Media during the event. Failing to do so, there will be time penalty or Direct Disqualification from the Race.
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