Introducing the latest addition to the Kona Bhutan Bike Team - Endurance and Adventure Rider and Ultra Runner, Jigme Tenzin.
A former defender for both Paro FC and the Bhutan National team, Jigme now works for Drukair in the role of Flight Operations Officer, is an accomplished outdoor athlete and a devoted father to 2 year old Jamphel (aka Billy) who is almost ready for his first bike.
To date Jigme’s achievements include completing the Druk Path Trek in 6hrs 30mins (trekkers take 4 days) and he has also run and ridden from Paro - Mt Jhomolhari Base Camp and back. He has competed in the 100km Dantak MTB Race (Thimpu-Paro-Thimpu) three times and the Tour of the Dragon twice and is planning to race the 268km again later this year.
Jigme’s other plans include a bike packing adventure around Laya and Lingshi, to ride to every Bhutanese Dzongkhag (district) and to enter more international MTB races, Ultra Marathons and even an Iron Man event.
Jigme writes “My Kona is the Hei Hei CR - I have been mountain biking for 10 years and have ridden many different bikes. The Hei Hei’s geometry is what I loved, it is longer, slacker and lower (and very light too) - perfect for my long endurance rides but equally nimble and forgiving when hitting some technical trails. It’s a really fun bike that I am looking forward to riding for many many more miles!”
And about his solo adventures “When I am alone far away in the mountains with just the trees, the air and rivers, I feel so much alive and so much at peace. The connection with Bhutan’s nature, history, culture and the people are what make mountain biking in the kingdom so special - no Treadmill or gym can replace this.”
If you encounter Jigme out running or riding in the wilds of Bhutan do say hello!
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