"Conquering Doi Inthanon", Road cycling race in Chiang Mai, Thailand!

Date Sunday 13 February 2011
Location: Chom Tong, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chom Thong Bike Club
Race up Doi Inthanon

It was still dark as we packed 4 bikes and 5 people into our van outside Crouching Tiger Cycling Tours Office.  It was 5 AM! Clutching cups of coffee to wake us up we set off for Chom Thong, 50 kms south of Chiang Mai, for the start of the 4th annual bike race up Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. As the sun rose over the local temple several hundred cyclists converged on the centre of the town.  What an amazing atmosphere; a sensory extravaganza, a mix of Asian culture together with modern day 21st  century life.
 

Wat  Phrathat sri Chom Thom.

Brightly coloured, lycra clad cyclists with their mountain bikes and carbon frame road bikes with a back drop of the magnificent Thai temple, Wat  Phrathat sri Chom Thong;  the golden architecture  gleaming in the early morning sunlight.

The exotic orange robed monks going on their early morning walk to collect food for the day. The market square bustling with locals cooking and selling fried chicken, fish and curries with sticky rice. The local dignitaries enjoying the occasion in true Thai style with 30 minutes of
speeches! And then finally the race was underway.  A truly unique and memorable occasion!




The Crouching Tiger Team was represented again this year by Marcus and three of his friends. Marcus’ 7th ascent of the mountain found him beating his previous best time by 10 minutes!  His comment at the finish line “I have always said cycling is 50% physical and 50% Psychological - riding up this mountain is a real test of both your will and your strength – this is such a tough race.”
The weather this year was perfect on the mountain. Because of the altitude, the cooler temperatures and this year a cool breeze, made a refreshing change to the heat in the valley.  Perfect conditions for cycling.

Marcus conquering the Doi!

Spot the tiger!

The ride up Doi Inthanon has to be one of the toughest road bike rides in this part of the world. Known locally as “The roof of Thailand” this mountain stands at 2565m The name of this arduous race in Thai is aptly “conquer Inthanon”. With a climb of 2300m over 48 km, and gradients of 15% to 20% in places,  this race is a challenge against yourself, as your strength, stamina and determination are tested to the limits along the steep climbs towards the summit.  Originally a mountain bike race, this year saw the first official road bike race category due to the ever increasing popularity of road cycling, particularly in the North of Thailand. The numbers of participants has risen steadily over the last four years with cyclists from all over Thailand, both Thais and foreigner alike, coming to test their endurance and racing skills. Numbers approached 1000 in this years race, a huge increase from the 200 participants just three years ago. 

Doi  Inthanon  is fast becoming a favorite road cycling challenge here in Thailand.  Road cyclists are fast discovering that Chiang Mai and the surrounding mountains  and roads hold huge opportunities not only for road cycling training but for anyone who enjoys riding their bike and discovering a country and culture that offers so much. 

Local dignitries start the race.

Crossing the start line!