Originally posted as ‘Rising to the challenge’ in
Life section of Bangkok Post 12/01/2012. Article by Pongpet Mekloy

In Thailand, dozens of mountain biking competitions are held throughout the year, and each event attracts hundreds of riders, many of whom take part knowing full well they have no chance to get a place at the podium.

But except for the elite racers, who cares about winning? A lot of people race purely to have a great time. One of the reasons for that is the race tracks themselves.

Designed to test the bikers’ skill and stamina, race tracks are peppered with a variety of challenging obstacles, the very stuff that makes mountain biking fun. This Saturday, one of the most awaited event is taking place: the 19th Chom Bung Mountain Bike Competition.

This year, the famous race of Chom Bung district takes place at Khao Bin, the hill that houses Khao Bin cave, one of Ratchaburi province’s best known attractions. The looped race track, 16 kilometres long, zigzags through shady woods and bamboo groves, allowing you to enjoy your ride without being tormented by the scorching sun.

This year’s race course starts off near the cave’s parking lot, from where the riders have to sprint into a labyrinth of narrow passages marked with ribbons where they will have to negotiate tight turns at every 10-15 metres. Then they will have to pass a couple of very steep mounds before venturing into the long, tricky single track that winds up and down the hillside.

Along the trail, you’ll find all kinds of surfaces, from bare dirt and slippery layers of dry bamboo leaves to rough rocks and ankle-deep sand. And sand is what the Chom Bung race is known for. So be prepared for some uphill climbs on sandy trails, one such sections is as long as 500 metres!

Even on the course’s longest, slalom-style, downhill section, at some of the turns there are sand traps waiting to steal the balance of riders who are too carried away with the joy and excitement of the gravity-assisted speed.

Even though Khao Bin is not a big hill, the race track has been designed to make sure you will have to use all the gears on your bike, from the lowest to the highest. Gear shifting must be quick and precise, otherwise you’ll lose the needed momentum and time.

In short, this is a fun, technical trail where a riders’ skill is as important as, if not more than, his/her stamina.

About 300 students from the Mooban Chom Bueng Ratchabhat University, led by Acharn Chalaem Boonlum, a lecturer at the Department of Physical Education and the man behind the long-running mountain bike event, will be on hand on the race day to make sure the registration process and the races of all riders’ categories go smoothly as in previous years.

So if you’re looking for a nice trail to ride this Saturday, why don’t try this race track?

The 19th Chom Bung Mountain Bike Competition will start at 1pm but registration is 8am-12.30pm. Registration fee is 500 baht. Every racer will receive a race jersey and a souvenir trophy. Awards have been prepared for top winners, of course.

Chom Bung Mountain Bike 2012 Race Track

GPS info: N 13 35.365 E 99 40.007

Trail condition: Fun. Fun. Fun.

Distance: 16 km

Getting there: Firstly, get yourself and your bike to Ratchaburi, which is about 100km west of Bangkok, then find Highway 3087 (the road to Suan Phueng). Khao Bin, the location of the race, is exactly at kilometre 20 of the highway.

Parking: Plenty.

Food & drinks: At the parking lot there are many snack stalls, at least one of them also sells noodles and stir-fried dishes. A number of restaurants can be found along the road between Ratchaburi and Chom Bung.

What your family can enjoy while waiting: If they are not interested in watching the competition, they can explore Khao Bin cave or drive to nearby attractions such as Khao Prathap Chang Open Zoo to the east and Chomphon cave to the west.

Accommodation: There are at least three small resorts in Chom Bung. More, and more upscale ones, can be found in nearby Suan Phueng, plus hotels in Ratchaburi. Free camping space is available at the botanical garden just opposite Khao Bin.

Local contact: Call Acharn Chalaem Boonlum on 089-523-8503.

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