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.
The DH track where the fourth round of the Thailand Gravity Series (TGS) took place last December is still pretty much intact. It's one of the most challenging rides in this part of the country.
During the event, several racers were injured. The time achieved by top elite racers was over five minutes, both on the test run and the actual run. Normally, it takes these guys less than half that to finish a racetrack.
I didn't make it to the December event but as soon as time allowed I rushed to Khao Yai Thiang to see for myself what could have been the cause of all the injuries and the unusual race results.
I found that the racetrack was the same one used for another TGS competition a couple of years ago. That event took place in the rainy season and much of the trail was covered with mud which made steep sections very slippery but at the same time also made other parts soggy and sticky. Despite such conditions, if my memory is correct, the best race time was still better than that of the recent competition, which was held during the dry season.
The mystery was solved soon after my ride buddy and I rolled down from the start point next to Channel 5's TV signal transmission tower on the hilltop. What used to be moist ground and sludge has now become fine powder, at certain places a thick layer of fine powder.
This looks harmless but the fact is such a surface is no less slippery than when it's wet. Even the rocky section is covered with loose dust. A little excessive pressure on the brake and your wheels will lock and the bike will skid due to loss of traction. Frankly, on the first run I was too chicken to stay on the bike while coming down the rock garden. I walked instead. Only on the later runs did I feel confident enough to clear the section.
It's daunting yet manoeuvrable when you come at an easy pace. But in race mode, riders naturally go at a higher speed than they normally do. With the wheels locked, either by the brake or the protruding rocks, the result is nothing but disaster. No doubt, it was on this section that most of the accidents happened during the December event.
The rest of the track is flowy and fun, with a few more technical sections that, thank goodness, are not as risky as the rock garden. The total distance has been extended by a few hundred metres by incorporating what was left of a stage from last year's Thailand Enduro Series, which also took place at Khao Yai Thiang.
It would be a pity if this awesome trail became neglected and gradually reclaimed by nature. At least during this dry season, it is still fun to ride. The more bikers using it, the longer the trail will remain rideable.
By the way, the fifth and final round of the TGS 2017 will be held at Khao Phra in Doem Bang Nang Buat, Suphan Buri, on Jan 20-21. I hope that trail, too, will see downhillers return for fun rides after the race event.
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.
Khao Yai Thiang, Nakhon Ratchasima
GPS co-ordinates: 14°47'08.87" N 101°32'47.32" E Trail condition: DH single track.
Distance: About 3km.
Getting there: Khao Yai Thiang sits on the south side of Highway 2 (Mitraphap). The access road up the hill is opposite to the gate of the Electricity Generating Authority's Lam Takhong power plant. The trailhead is on a hilltop, next to the signal transmission station of TV Channel 5.
Parking: Space is available both at the start point and the finish point.
Food & drinks: A small number of restaurants can be found on the hill.
What your family can enjoy while waiting: They can check out the hilltop reservoir and the nearby wind turbines.
Accommodation: There are several resorts on the hill. Some of them are perched on the cliff top and offer a beautiful view of the small valley below.
Local contact: If you need a guide or a shuttle service, call Mad on 084-552-9005.
