“SLOW LIFE RIDE in Hidden Cities”, part of Nation Broadcasting Corp and the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s bid to get more cyclists touring the upcountry provinces, began last Sunday with 300 people riding around Phatthalung.
The “hidden cities” are the Tourism Authority’s 12 urban centres “you can’t say no” to, a designation designed to boost visitor numbers, promote sustainable tourism and raise environmental awareness.
The 300 cyclists who gathered – mostly from across the South – at Phatthalung’s Wildlife and Nature Education Centre last weekend received “passports” in which they had to collect stamps at three checkpoints along the 30-kilometre route.
The ride was indeed slow and enjoyable with lovely natural scenery and cultural amusements. The participants pedalled past picturesque Thale Noi, a lake blossoming with pink lotuses, before arriving at the first checkpoint, Baan Chai Khlong School.
As part of its corporate social responsibility programme, Mitsubishi Electric Kang Yong Watana -the main sponsor of the ride – donated electrical machinery and planted Ixora (West Indian Jasmine) around the school. Several of the female students put on an impressive folk dance for the visitors.
The road to Thanon Chaloem Phra Kiat 80 Phansa, connecting Ban Thale Noi in Phatthalung with Ranot in Songkhla, features a 6.5km bike lane. Along the way there were great photo opportunities, first at a house abandoned in the wetlands by the labourers who built the highway, and later at a spot where Chinese fishing nets were on display.
The final checkpoint was a village involved in the Otop scheme (One Tambon One Product), where the Plai Trok Ruam Chai Group of Agricultural Housewives showed how they weave krachud (bulrushes) into charming souvenirs.
Thick bundles of krachud drying in the sunshine presented another irresistible chance to take pictures. The riders learned that the bulrushes are dried for two days and then pressed flat ready for weaving.
The rest of the “Slow Life Rides” are set for Rayong on June 26, Chaiyaphum on July 24, Nakhon Pathom on August 28 and Lamphun on September 25.
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This source first appeared on The Nation Life.