New Delhi, June 28 : The fifth edition of the 'Himalayan Odyssey 2008' that will test the endurance of 50 bikers on the rough hilly terrain was flagged off from New Delhi on Saturday.

The odyssey offers the best way to the 'Enfield' biker lovers from different parts of the country to put their wheels, hearts, spirits and beats together with the mighty Himalayas to experience the lofty mountain ranges from the saddle of a motorbike.

The 15-day adventure ride will traverse about 2500 kilometres in some of the roughest terrains, breathtaking corners, and highest mountain passes in the world.

Passing through the Khardung La pass, the world's highest motorable road, this biggest grand daddy of all motorcycle rides promises the toughest, highest and most fun filled ride above sea level.

From last year an exciting new section on the return leg from Keylong to Amritsar was introduced.

Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Eicher Motors Limited, flagged off the first leg of this Odyssey from historical India Gate in New Delhi.

"It's a ride which we have been organizing for last five years. It is the soul of Royal Enfield because before this the riders used to go on their own to Himalayas enjoying the ride. What we said that we are going to organize it in such a manner in which they (Riders) enjoy it more, where the organization is good because in the middle of the hills you don't get very good organisation. So here we have back up trucks, we have mechanics and the people who know the trip very well and we have the best riders in the country who are accompanying these people," said Lal.

While safety is the main concern, the main pre-requisite for participation is that the bikers have to be physically fit although a doctor is always at hand on demand.

"For past one year we have been working on this to get our bikes and everything set up. We have lot of equipment that we are carrying with us and we do have 24 hours doctor at hand on demand. So it's damn safe to go with Royal Enfield and we love it," said Aditya.

This year the entourage includes two lady bikers as well and Snigha, a biking enthusiast from Chennai is one of them.

"I have participated last year in this rally too. My last year's experience has encouraged me to participate this year too and I want to have that experience this year too. Last year I made a lot of new friends and I'm expecting to make a lot of new friends this year too. Besides this every day is a new day in the rally and I want to experience a new challenge which comes with each day," said Snigha.

A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield Motorcycles has been a pioneer of clean four-stroke technology in India from 1955. It is one of the oldest motorcycle companies in the world.

The Himalayan Odyssey will conclude in New Delhi on July 12.

ANI