MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©Dan Millner

MoDrop Discover India

Colorful, cultural, chaotic, mystical, hospitable, wild: "India is definitely an adventure," says professional mountain biker Steffi Marth, trying to put into words what is almost impossible to describe. With ABUS, she has embarked on an adventurous journey through the land of contrasts. The goal: to discover the wildest trails in India. Always with her: the MoDrop - our MTB all-rounder for big mountain days and unforgettable adventures.

RAILWAY ADVENTURES: ON TRACK TO THE BEST TRAILS

To experience the essence of this country, its people and its traditions unfiltered, the crew around travel photographer Dan Milner and MTB pro Steffi Marth traveled on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway - a narrow-gauge railroad from the British colonial era. Affectionately known as the "Toy Train," it winds its way up from Siliguri to the famous Hill Station Darjeeling in West Bengal, a breathtaking 2,200 meters above sea level. "Perfect for making stops along the way and exploring the best trails for mountain biking," Steffi tells us. 

MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©Dan Millner
Beyond the Trails: Embracing Culture and Connection

„For me, a trip like this is not just about the sport: a trip, for me, includes the people, the culture, the food. That's why the train was very exciting as a complement to the mountain bike. We drove through numerous small villages, could literally reach out of the train window into the stores of the inhabitants, had breathtaking views and contact with the most diverse people.“

Explore the highlights of her journey through India with Steffi Marth: from idyllic tea fields to breathtaking Himalayan peaks - immerse yourself in an adventure full of challenging trails and epic moments. 

See the whole journey here

The scenery is characterized by endless rows of green tea bushes stretching across rolling hills and mountainsides. On the trails through the tea fields around Kurseong, the lively hustle and bustle of India stands in stark contrast to the peaceful nature: "It was quiet and somehow majestic because the plantations are so expansive and the light has something fairytale-like about it - perfect for a flowy and epic ride," recalls Steffi Marth.

MoDrop: Embracing Nature's Palette

The rich and lush color palette of this backdrop is reflected in the MoDrop's color variations: deep red like the evening sun in the sky above Kurseong or dark green like the tea fields swaying in the wind. "I think the MoDrop's high-impact designs are just cool. For the India trip, I chose the white version because it matches the spirituality of the country," says Steffi.

MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©ABUS MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©ABUS MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©ABUS MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©ABUS MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©Dan Millner
MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©ABUS

EXPLORING THE JOURNEY’S HIGHLIGHTS TIGER FOREST NEAR DARJEELING

An air of mysticism surrounds this trail near Darjeeling. An old, abandoned villa awaits at the entrance to the trail - like a gateway to a fairy-tale world, it casts a spell over the surrounding area. A fitting start to an unforgettable stretch of the journey: the dense vegetation and captivating atmosphere blur reality and imagination, legends suddenly seem to come to life. "The trail became more and more exotic until we finally arrived at the so-called 'Tiger Forest'. It is said that this was once the home of a white tiger," says Steffi Marth.

MoDrop: Guardian in the Wild

„The narrow and densely wooded paths were a real challenge," Steffi recalls. "The whole forest was full of razor-sharp bamboo branches. It was super narrow and we could only make our way through the forest with our experienced guide. Luckily, unlike many other helmets, the MoDrop has an extra-long visor. In the Tiger Forest, the branches really whipped around our bodies - so you don't get a branch in your face, the visor was just worth its weight in gold. Plus, I'm really scared of insects. Under the vents, the MoDrop has a mesh insert so that nothing can crawl in. That has already calmed me down a lot.“

MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©ABUS
MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©ABUS
MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©ABUS

The Singalila Ridge is a mountain range in the Himalayas that stretches along the border between India and Nepal. Located in the Sikkim region of northeastern India, it is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, spectacular views and challenging trekking routes. "Mountain biking up there with the snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the background was just epic," recalls Steffi Marth. "Sleeping and breathing at an altitude of more than 3,500 meters was tough - but it was worth it: I just couldn't get enough of the panorama. This day of our trip is unforgettable for me." 

A challenging downhill awaits on the way back: the trail winds its way downhill over 2,000 meters. Steep and technical sections give way to a dense jungle with muddy and narrow stages. "It was a bit like a computer game," says Steffi Marth.

MoDrop: Seamlessly Transitioning from City Heat to Mountain Peaks

The MoDrop proved to be an indispensable companion on the trail: "It had to cope with the difference in altitude and thus the different temperatures," emphasizes Steffi Marth. Down in the hot and humid cities and on challenging climbs, it provided excellent ventilation. On the sun-drenched mountain peaks and high plateaus, the GoggFit mount was particularly practical: "This meant I always had my sunglasses at hand as soon as the sunlight became too intense," says Steffi Marth.

MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©ABUS MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©ABUS MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©ABUS MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©Dan Millner MoDrop – Made to Discover | India ©Dan Millner
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