Blue Mountain Biking

Exploring the Mountain Biking Trails of Chiang Mai

After 8 years in the 'big smoke', Bangkok I recently moved to Chiang Mai and having travelled in the region extensively I was looking forward to exploring some of the well know mountain biking trails of Chiang Mai.  Having barely unpacked our bags in the new apartment I was travelling with a group of friends up to the Hmong village on Doi Suthep for my first downhill experience in the region.  The choice of trail recommended by our guide for the day was the 'ATV Trail', not the most imaginative name but nevertheless we were raring to go.  Having unloaded the bikes at Sam Yek (3 crossroads) at an elevation of around 1,500m we prepared ourselves for what is considered one of the more technical downhills. 

 

From the roadside there was an immediate steep single track down into the woods with barely any let up to allow for a rest.  From the group of 10, I was the only person on a hardtail but despite the uncomfortable ride I was able to keep up and the trail was exhilarating from start to finish.  There were many casualties on the 7km trail with plenty of spills on the loose rocky surface, and the incredibly steep hills were a challenge for all just to stay on the bikes but it was a fantastic first downhill experience. 

After some lunch at the foot of Doi Suthep we rode back to Huai Kaeo near Chiang Mai zoo and took another Songtaew up to the summit of Doi Suthep for the next ride - the Bamboo, one of the better known mountain biking trails of Chiang Mai.  This was less technical than the ATV trail but more flowy and fast, with some jumps thrown in for good measure.  We actually combined part of the summit trail with the Bamboo trail which is very difficult to find for first timers as it is not marked and you have to find a section of road barrier to cross to get onto the trail, but the total length was just under 10km of downhill, it is easy to see why Doi Suthep downhill trails are so highly regarded, it was certainly the best trail I have done in Thailand  All of this in 1 day!  No doubt there are plenty more trails to explore, and it is easy to see why Chiang Mai is considered the epicenter of cycling in Thailand.