Years ago, every time at the start of a downhill run, I secretly prayed to make it to the end of the trail with no bone broken. But mountain biking is no different from other activities that require skill. The more you do it, the more experienced and confident you become.
These days those trails that used to intimidate me have become my good friends, except for one, the ICU.
It's not for no reason that this legendary downhill trail in Hua Hin, the original one on Hin Lek Fai Hill, was so named. The ICU challenges riders with some steep rocky sections that can see the unlucky ones end up being rushed to hospital. Over the past few years, with newer and safer trails built on the other side of the hill, the ICU has been abandoned and almost forgotten.
Recently, however, some of the local riders decided to bring the ICU back to life. Parts of the single track that had been covered by overgrown vegetation have been cleared. A new line was made, resulting in the trail being 100m or so longer.
Dangerous parts have been "fixed" to make them rideable. And that's good news for an average rider like me. I rode the ICU five years ago and still remember how hard my heart was pounding with fear as I decided to get out of the saddle and walk the bike down certain sections.
Still, there is one spot -- the U-turn -- that the trail-builders cannot figure out how to tame. Over the years, the tropical elements have made it even scarier.
The U-turn, as you can see in the main photo, is a tight switchback on a steep rocky hillside. You can approach it via either of the two lines available, neither of which is a chicken line.
The left one now has small drops that you need some speed to clear but that is likely to shoot you off the curve immediately ahead. The other one, on the right of a big rock that separates the two lines, seems to allow you to make a wider turn at first but because of the slope, it's not what you think. As you cannot maintain the speed at this point, your rear wheel tends to slide down the rock, prohibiting you from making the sharp left turn which can be done only if the back wheel is higher than the front.
I tried both lines but could not clear it. The local riders couldn't either. On my second attempt on the left line, I changed my mind and decided to do as I did five years ago, walk the bike down.
The fast but rough stretch right after the U-turn, like the other technical sections before it, I could pass without a problem. Overall, the ICU is more fun to ride than before. The trail builders want more riders to come and try the new version of the trail. They also would love to get suggestions from visiting mountain bikers on how they could improve this DH track. Most of all, they need ideas on how to make the U-turn possible to clear.
Well, see you here again soon. 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.
GPS co-ordinates: 12°33'59.09" N 99°56'43.62" E Trail condition: DH single track.
Distance: About 1.2km.
Getting there: Khao Hin Lek Fai and its hilltop scenic lookout point is one of Hua Hin's famous attractions. The hill can be reached either via Soi Hua Hin 88 to its south or Soi Hua Hin 70 to its north.
Parking: At the hilltop observation deck there's a parking lot. Be extremely careful of the monkeys. Some can be very nasty, especially when they see you holding bags which look like they have food inside. The trail end on the low ground also has space for a shuttle vehicle. No monkeys there.
Food & drinks: Beverage stalls can be found at the lookout point's parking area.
What your family can enjoy while waiting: They can stay at the hotel, the beach or any of Hua Hin's many malls.
Accommodation: Hua Hin boasts hotels and resorts for all kinds of taste and budget.
Local contact: Call Thagoon Laokosakul of Velo Hua Hin bicycle shop at 089-201-7782. He also has DH bikes for rent so you don't need to lug yours along.
