Showing 21 - 30 of 62
Visiting the border-patrol police base of Huai Khok Mu
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 26/04/2018
» In Suan Phung, Ratchaburi's westernmost district, there are two border-patrol police bases that are well-known destinations among off-road enthusiasts, one at Khao Krachom and the other at Huai Khok Mu. The first was featured in this column almost four years ago. Today, I'm telling you about the latter.
Riding the hard trails
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 11/01/2018
» Khao Yai Thiang of Nakhon Ratchasima province is a well-known location for mountain bike competitions. Several trails have been built on the hill for enduro and downhill events. Unfortunately, after the races, riders rarely make use of them. No bikers means no regular maintenance. So eventually, most of the former racetracks have become unrideable because of overgrown vegetation and fallen trees, except for one.
Wiggling towards nirvana
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 23/11/2017
» To me, Bang Saray, a short drive southward from the more touristy Pattaya and Jomtien, has always been synonymous with great seafood. There are quite a few famous restaurants there, especially near the fishing piers. Recently, however, I've gotten to learn first-hand that Bang Saray has a lot more to offer than that, thanks to expat friends. They've even helped me experience nirvana.
Only the fun counts
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 03/08/2017
» Some people keep count of how many provinces they have visited. I used to do that too, when I was 25 years younger. Then one day I quit, not because I had travelled to too many places to remember, but because I came to realise that there is no point in continuing the practice. Even if you've set foot on all of Thailand's 77 provinces, it doesn't mean that you've seen all of this country.
Time travel, minus the DeLorean
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 27/07/2017
» Based on Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, many believe going back to the past is possible if one can travel at a speed close to that of light. But based on my experience, with due respect to the great scientist and his fans, at certain locales one can enjoy something near time travel just by doing the opposite -- going slow. The southern city of Songkhla is one such place.
Chestnut, fish-head curry and durian
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 25/05/2017
» Never judge a book by its cover. Likewise, don't overlook this week's featured trail just because the photos are lousy. Sometimes, when a track is so much fun stopping all your ride buddies just so you can take pictures is too selfish. This forest trail in Singapore is a case in point.
A dam fine ride
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 13/04/2017
» Most dams and the reservoirs they created are meant to serve several purposes, from irrigation and fishing to hydroelectric-power-generation and more. However, there's one activity that dam builders probably never thought of when they designed their projects: biking.
For a good cause
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 02/03/2017
» The school of Ban Phu Khem is less than 200km from Bangkok, merely 76km or so from downtown Phetchaburi. However, it is worlds apart from schools in urban areas.
Biking during the 'cool season'
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 02/02/2017
» Let's admit it, 2017 is not a new year any more. It's February already. So whatever plan you may have, don't just wait and regret.
Hittin' the curves
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 15/09/2016
» The long wait is over. With the Thailand Gravity Series (TGS) kicking off this weekend, downhill mountain bikers all over the Kingdom, elite and average alike, are hungry for action. The first of this year's four-race series will take place at Khao Phra, an otherwise unknown hill for people outside of Suphan Buri's Doem Bang Nang Buat district.