Doi Suthep Cycling Tour - The Highlander’s Route

Cross Country Ride with downhill

National forest and plantation access dirt road with ruts, rock gardens, mud and sand traps, some steep down hills, turning into single track completely unused by vehicular traffic, long steep uphill, and great if you are in top shape very rewarding.

Our 4 wheel drive transportation takes us to the top of Doi Pui Mountain (5300 feet) above the Palace and Doi Suthep Temple. After viewing Doi Pui Village below and some stretching we prepare our Cycles and get ready to ride down to our favorite coffee plantation . This first part of the trip helps us to evaluate your riding ability and we talk about techniques to make your downhill cycling even more enjoyable. Everyone is encouraged to practice the newly learned techniques. Further downhill we turn west at the forest intersection where we continue gradually downhill, enjoying higher speeds and control. After passing a high country Royal Planting Project, we enter the great divide, a barely used and unmaintained path. We practice our art of Mountain Biking, moving in and out of ruts, over rocks and roots, and quickly arrive in the deep jungle gully between the two mountains. Now at 3200 feet elevation, we notice the tropical forest emerging from the pine woods, with huge banana leaves and plenty of bamboo filtering the light.

Once at the bottom of the gully we begin a long and rewarding uphill back to 4100 feet, some ride, some walk, concentrating and preserving energy on the way to our summit. A 200 year old bamboo grove greets us at the top, where a lengthy and well deserved break is taken.

Continuing along the high road with fantastic views of the valley below we ride a gradual, long downhill. Warmed up we play in and out of ruts and holes, sand traps and rocks. The challenging terrain forces us to maintain full concentration on riding and moves us into “the zone” of the sport. The hill tribe village at the end of the forest trail brings us back to civilization.

Once in the Mesa Valley we enjoy a beautiful winding paved road downhill all the way to our favorite eating spot near Wat Ampawan.

Technically challenging at higher speeds and easy at slower speeds, but definitely an achievement.

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