THANKS TO THE ROYAL THAI ARMY, URBAN MOUNTAIN-BIKE FREAKS NOW HAVE A PLACE TO LET IT ALL HANG OUT
Bangkok was built on very flat land, but you no longer have to venture beyond the city limits to find a decent place to go mountain biking.
The Club11 bicycle trail is more than just a good training ground for Bangkok mountain bikers. Time trial-style races are occasionally held here. The next one will take place in May.
Located in Bang Khen district within the compound of the 11th Infantry Regiment (Rap Sip Et, in Thai), the Club11 bike club maintains a three-kilometre-long track which offers cycling enthusiasts a much-needed space for keeping in shape and preparing themselves for that next upcountry expedition on two wheels.
Twisting and turning through a wooded plot of land, something very hard to find in the greater metropolitan area these days, this single-track trail is well marked but technically challenging. Along the route you'll encounter berms, jumps, mounds, fallen logs, a sand trap and a narrow wooden bridge; features guaranteed to hone your biking skills but in an enjoyable way.
Those are the official obstacles. Then there are the resident monitor lizards, some more than 2.5 metres long, which like to bask in the sun on the more exposed sections of the trail. They look fearsome but these creatures are very wary of humans and will quickly give way, darting into the nearest body of water, the moment they sense your spinning wheels approaching. Pythons can also be spotted here from time to time, but they're unlikely to pose a problem either since they're more interested in hunting rats and other small animals than messing with mountain bikers.
The length of time it takes to do a circuit depends on the speed at which you like to cycle and your fitness level. Some riders have no problem completing the task in 10 minutes, or less, and will then eagerly continue, doing several more laps without a break. Others, however, may take 15 minutes or more to reach the end and are often so exhausted when they emerge from the woods that they throw themselves to the ground and lie there panting for ages. You may be on a military base but this isn't boot camp. So, if you want to enjoy the experience, know your limits and don't force yourself.
Afterwards, or between rides, you can buy refreshments at the army canteen which is just a few steps from the Club11 workshop. There are toilets and showers, too. For cyclists who own hard-tail bikes but want to try this track on a full-suspension rig, two such bikes (Trek Ex 5.5) are available for the purpose, free of charge. To cover maintenance of the trail and the other public facilities all bikers are asked to pay the extremely modest fee of 30 baht.
After you pass through the gates to the barracks, head for this workshop near the car park. Everybody is required to check in here before using the trail.
No need to worry about your bike getting dirty.
HOW TO GETTHERE
The 11th Infantry Regiment is located on Phahonyothin Road, between the Lak Si roundabout and Bang Bua Canal. There are several entrances to the barracks, but to reach the Club11 bicycle trail you need to use the one next to the bridge over the canal.
At the gate you'll be required to leave your ID card, which you can pick up on your way out.
The trail is open every day from7amto 5pm. For more information, call 089-452-3445.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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