Shimla, June 2 (IANS): A banker by profession, Vamini Sethi wants to inspire other women to follow their dreams while delicately balancing professional and family lives. With a "can-do" attitude, she is all set to pedal across Sri Lanka for 1,200 km in nine days from June 14.

Based in Gurgaon, Vamini admits to her love for mountain biking. And her past laurels speak for her determination and love for the sport.

She conquered India's toughest multi-stage mountain biking race 'Hero MTB Himalaya' last year in Himachal Pradesh. She won the two-day XC UT MTB Shimla in 2013 and was runner-up in MTB Shimla in 2014.

"The solo ride (in Sri Lanka) is aimed at inspiring young women to explore the extraordinary qualities in them," Vamini told IANS on Tuesday.

Help is at hand for the doughty pedaller to realise her noble objective: Shimla-based Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA) has decided to provide technical support to her for the Sri Lanka ride.

HASTPA's mountain biker Ashish Sood will accompany Vamini during her pedalling odessey on the island nation.

"We want to promote the sport of mountain biking amongst women and Vamini is the perfect ambassador for the purpose. She will be HASTPA's brand ambassador for promoting riding amongst women in India," HASTPA president Mohit Sood said.

Vamini, a self-confessed "risk taker", said she started mountain biking just four years ago.

Her pedalling adventure in Sri Lanka will be supported by UT Bikes, a premium bike segment of Hero Cycles.

Vamini will pass through Colombo, Puttalam, Vavuniya, Kinniya, Kalmunai, Monaragala, Tissamaharama, Matara and Galle on her bicycle.

"UT Bikes has been supporting the growth of cycling in India and will be an integral part of this wonderful initiative," UT Bikes business head Gopal Krishnan said in a statement.

Every year, HASTPA organises the MTB Himalaya rally, billed as the third toughest mountain biking event in the world after Trans-Alps Challenge (Europe) and Trans-Rockies (Canada).