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Tour: Thaton Trail Ride
Description: This two day one night ride takes you from Chiang Rai to Thaton in Chiang Mai province. The ride is along the Mae Kok River, on dirt roads and on single track. The first 22 km of the ride are on quiet paved roads and take you to a hotspring where you are welcome to soak a bit and have a bite to eat. The next 20 km are on good dirt roads through the jungle following the Mae Kok river. The riding is never difficult although there are a few hills. Here we stop for lunch and a swim if so inclined. After lunch the riding becomes truly adventurous. It starts with a river crossing and for the next 5 km, the trail is single track through the forest. There are muddy sections where you have to carry your bike and small bamboo planks to small streams. Beginners can opt out of this section by taking a boat. Eventually the trail becomes easier and although single track, there are no places where the bike needs to be walked. After another 10 km the trail riding ends at a Karen Village where we stop for some food. At this point the rider has a choice to ride the last 25 km to Thaton on paved roads or get a ride from the support vehicle. The night is spent in a beautiful resort along the bank of the Mae Kok river. Swimming with the local children is welcome as well as sitting at a quiet table with a cold drink. Dinner is at a leisurely pace. After eating we sooth our aching muscles with a one hour massage. The second day starts after an early breakfast. The bikes are driving near the summit and although the first km is a steep uphill, after that, the majority of the ride is downhill. The riding starts with 4 km of steep downhill on dirt road. In the dry season the road is covered with a fine dirt that requires a delicate touch on the brakes to avoid having the bike slide out from under you. Only those with much experience will enjoy this section. The next 25 km or so is on dirt roads through rolling hills and idyllic hill tribe villages. The riding is very enjoyable and not especially technically difficult. The scenery is spectacular. The road eventually joins up with the road from the previous day and takes us to the hotspring where you are again welcome to soak away any aches or pains. The final 20 km on paved road can again be opted out by riding in the support vehicle.
Price in $US: 95
Vehicle: mountain bike
Technical Difficulty: 5
Physical Difficulty: 4
Experience Necessary: y
Includes: mountain bike, transport of your luggage, support vehicle, lunch both days and breakfast the second day, spare tube, 1 hour massage the first day, t-shirt
What to Bring: riding gloves, toiletries, 1 change of clothes, snacks, light-weight long pants and shirt for sun protection, shoes you can get wet and muddy
Date(s) of Tour: upon request


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