THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand in the Northeast is shortening the routes for its annual Tour of Isaan cycling event so that the riders flying in from Bangkok have more time to get to know the people there.
“This time we’ll all be riding together while appreciating the |natural beauty and learning how the local people live,” says the agency’s Yupa Panrod.
“We want to get local people more involved in the event, so in Loei they’ll be handing out pineapple in Baan Rai Muang, corn in Tak Ngai and macadamia nuts elsewhere. It shows visitors what the local speciality is and also boosts revenue for their communities.”
Yupa says picturesque Phu Pa Poh – “Thailand’s Mount Fuji” – will be a highlight of the tour with its rainy-season mists, and the cyclists can park their bikes and grab a ride up the slope on an e-taek, the modified farm tractor typical of the Northeast.
The Tour of Isaan will as usual focus on Loei and Bueng Kan, but the distances will be shorter so that the participants can spend time meeting the residents. The first leg, “Loei Classic II”, is set for June 5, while “Bueng Kan Classic II” takes place on September 4.
The Loei route will cover 35 kilometres from amphoes Wangsapung to Nonghin. Cyclists will leave Baan Khok Khamin, ride to the Pha Ngarm stone garden and hop on an e-taek for the jaunt up Phu Pa Poh.
Atop the mountain they can take self-portraits with another peak, Phu Hor, in the background, to be posted on Facebook for a chance to win a prize. And along the way the participants will be treated to Tai Dam ethnic folk dancing.
In Bueng Kan the cyclists will ride 50km to Phu Sam Wan, famed for its panoramic views, and board a boat to the Phu Tham Phra Waterfall. Then it’s a short flight on Air Asia to Udon Thani and a two-hour bus ride to see the province’s giant velvet tamarind and maybe fish in the Mekong River.
“No one has to worry about being able to cover the distances,” says organiser Boonchai Patjareesakul, founder of the Coffee Bike Club. “If you feel worn out, we’ll have volunteers, including our Michelin mascot, to push your bike for you.”
Thai Air Asia and Siam Michelin are both sponsors of the event, the latter also planning its own activity, “Waad Fun Pan Suk Thiew Sanuk Thua Thai”, the winner of which will receive the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Cup.
“We and the TAT have the same vision – to encourage people to travel from place to place,” says Siam Michelin director Seksan Trai-Ukos. “With our separate competition we want to encourage innovation, and that comes from knowledge and imagination.
“We’re also giving away 200 motorcycle helmets this year. If you don’t wear a helmet, you’re risking to death and disablement. Last year we distributed helmets to youngsters in Bangkok and this year it’ll be Isaan.”
The 2016 tour is Air Asia’s first involvement in cycling. “Lots of Thais travel to Loei in the winter to enjoy the cold climate, but this is an interesting activity for this season,” says the low-cost airline’s Krid Pattanasan.
“It will be our first time transporting bicycles. The owners pay for the initial 20 kilograms of cargo and then they can take aboard an extra 20kg at no extra cost.”
Aim Northeast
– The Loei and Bueng Kan trips |are limited to just 300 people each.
– Find out more and register at www.Facebook.com/tourofisan2
This source first appeared on The Nation Life.