UPDATE: Noppachai Klaharn wins the King’s Cup in the Thailand Cycling Championship 2017, which was held in Soi Dao in Chanthaburi province from 10 to 12 March 2017.
Organized by the Tubsai Municipal District and the Thai Cycling Association, the event was the third of five rounds in a nationwide competition that took fitness junkies over hill and dale through one of Eastern Thailand’s most spectacular scenic zones.
Piya Lawakul, Hotel Manager of Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao Chanthaburi, welcomed participants and distinguished guests to the event.
Pol Lt Arthit Boonyasophat, Director-General of Provincial Administration Department, presided over the event.
Other VIPs included Phiranat Ratanaworn-opas, Chief of Pong Nam Ron District, and Somsak Phaniangthong, Chief of Tubsai Sub-district Municipality.
"Everybody agreed that the event was an unrivalled success enjoyed by both competitors and spectators alike with the burning question on everybody’s lips being 'When’s the next one?', a press release issued by organizers says.
The course included both mountain and flat road sectors.
Here’s a quick overview of what took place:
- 10 March 2017: Bike for Health took participants from the Pongnamron District Office to Lake B of the Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao Chanthaburi and back to the Pongnamron District Office. Bike for Health is free of charge.
- 11 March 2017: Two events were held. (1) Bike Time Trial started at the Pongnamron District Office, proceeded to Wat Nam Kiew, and returned to the Pongnamron District Office. (2) Mountain biking proceeded around the mountains at Klong Phra Phut Reservoir.
- 12 March 2017: Road biking circled Lake B of Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao Chanthaburi.
The entry fee was THB 350 per day for the events on 11 and 12 March.
How to Prepare for a Cycling Competition
Here are some tips on how to prepare for a bicycling competition:
- Participants should practice riding the actual bicycle that they will use in the competition.
- Participants should practice riding the actual distance – or longer.
- Participants should practice riding across some steep bridges.
- Participants should get at least eight hours sleep before the event.
- Participants should eat at least two hours before the event. Their meal should consist of easy to digest carbohydrates and protein and avoid fatty foods.
- Participants should not perform any activities immediately following their meal.
- Participants should warm up five to 10 minutes before the competition starts to prepare their lungs and heart and stretch their muscles.
- Participants should wear clothing appropriate for cycling with good ventilation, a comfortable helmet, and good sunglasses.
- Participants should check their bicycles, making sure that brakes are correctly adjusted and tires are filled with the right amount of air.
- If participants become hungry during the competition, they should only eat foods that are easy to digest such as resin, sun-dried bananas, or sports drinks.
- Participants should bring water to drink, but they should not drink it all at once, sipping some every 15 to 20 minutes when their lips become dry.
These tips are based on an article published in Destination Thailand, but they have been completely re-written. They are for information only. Make sure to do your own due diligence.
Personal Note
I cannot over-emphasize the importance of checking your equipment before embarking on a biking expedition.
I booked a mountain biking tour at a resort hotel in Phuket a few years back. On our ways back to the hotel along a stretch of smooth, flat road, the cyclist in front of me suddenly and unexpectedly hit the brakes, forcing me to do the same.
The brakes were overly sensitive and locked. As a result, I was sent sailing head over heels onto the pavement. While I was not seriously injured, I did tear four tendons in my shoulder and had to take physical therapy for the better part of a year.
Fortunately, I had travel insurance, which covered all of my medical expenses. And fortunately, I was wearing a helmet.
Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao Chanthaburi
Known as the Breathtaking Highland Sanctuary, Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao Chanthaburi is set amid 1,600 acres of lush greenery with breathtaking views of Soi Dao Mountain.
There is an 18-hole international class course designed by Denis Griffith, which was recently upgraded by GolfEast.
There are 47 guestrooms with balconies overlooking the green. Included are 15 deluxe rooms measuring 40 square metres and 31 grande deluxe corner units, which also measure 40 measures. The opulent Soi Dao Suite measures 80 square metres.
Facilities include a Club House featuring a restaurant serving Thai and international dishes, a fully-stocked Pro Shop, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Overlooking the swimming pool, the Pool Bar serves snacks, meals, and drinks.
Wi-fi is complementary. Nearby attractions include the Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary and Khao Soi Dao Waterfall. The town of Chanthaburi is 46 kilometers away.
Soi Dao is located in the northern part of Chanthaburi province in Eastern Thailand on the shore of the Gulf of Thailand. It also borders Cambodia.
The resort hotel is located within a three and a half hours drive of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. It is one and a half hours from Trat Airport, which offers flights on Bangkok Airways to Bangkok, the nation’s capital.
Where
Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao Chanthaburi, 224 Moo 2, Tambol Tubsai, Amphoe Pong Nam Ron, Chanthabun, Thailand. Telephone: +66 (0) 89 9343008. Check rates and book rooms at Chatrium Golf Resort/TripAdvisor