FREE WHEEL
Last week I wrote in this column about Khao Samoh Khlaeng, one of Phitsanulok mountain bikers' two favourite training grounds. Today let's take a look at the other one, the Airport Track.
As its name suggests, this trail is located next to Phitsanulok Airport. Unlike the hill of Samoh Khlaeng, it's all flat here. But don't rush to judge that it's not as challenging.
Having spent an afternoon on this single track, I could tell that its proximity to the city is not the only reason the townspeople flock to ride here every day. Trust me, it's addictive.
Normally, the local bikers would come here after work. But actually this trail can be ridden at any time of day because the area is full of shady trees that protect riders from the strong sunlight.
I was there around 2pm one day in late April, accompanied by racers from different local teams.
Judging from the landscape, I initially assumed that the fun of the trail would be found in just zigzagging through the woods. But to my delight, I was wrong. There were also descents and ascents, some of the latter were so steep I had to jump off my bike and push it up.
So how on Earth could there be such climbs on a flat trail, you might wonder?
During the hot season, the deep ponds in the area dry up, leaving huge depressions in the ground which mountain bikers can use to hone their skill. Some of the steep down and up slopes were so close together that unless you manage to shift to lower gear at the right moment, you'll not be able to clear them.
On the other hand, if you come down at the right speed, make a good use of the momentum and get into the proper gear at the right time, it's a smooth ride all the way through.
These depressions were so much fun, I could have run up and down them the entire afternoon if I didn't have to rush back to Bangkok. Just before I started writing this article, I called a local rider only to be told bad news.
"You can't ride in those hollows any more. They are already collecting water," he said, adding that as soon as the rainy season gets into full swing the ponds will fill up and the bikers have to wait till the next dry season to enjoy riding them again. Parts of the trails have also become muddy, especially after rain.
However, there is still a dry route in the airport area, and local riders still flock there every late afternoon for their daily training. Oh, there was good news too: The trail on Khao Samoh Khlaeng? It's 100% rideable regardless of the season.
Well, see you here again next Thursday. Until then, if you have questions, news or biking insights you wish to share, please feel free to send an email to pongpetm@bangkokpost.co.th or go to "Freewheel Bangkok" community page on Facebook.
Pongpet Mekloy is the Bangkok Post's Travel Editor and a mountain bike freak.
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Writer: Pongpet MekloyPosition: Travel Editor
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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2013/06/30/a-hole-lot-of-fun/
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