The Golden Triangle Challenge 2006

Five challenging cycling stages, riding 400 kms
from Chiang Mai to the Golden Triangle

Dates: Sunday 15th October - Saturday 21st October 2006

Challenge Outline Ititnerary

Sunday October 15th 2006
Day 1 – Arrival in Chiang Mai

Participants arrive in Chiang Mai on individual basis, and make their own way to the hotel. Please try your best for an early arrival in Chiang Mai today, as all participants must go through the bike fitting in the afternoon. Dinner and arrival briefing at the hotel. We will give a detailed briefing of the logistics of the overall challenge. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Monday October 16th 2006
Day 2 – Chiangmai to Chiangdao – 90 km

Early morning departure (bike start at 7:30am) is scheduled for this first stage of the challenge. We depart the hotel and follow the Ping river valley up north. As we continue north we will be cycling through rural small roads passing into the "land of a million rice fields" until we reach the main northern road. Cycle for another 20km to reach Chiang Dao town and our hotel for overnight. Simple hotel.

Tuesday October 17th 2006
Day 3 – Chiang Dao area - Chiang Dao – 65 km / with off-road trails

Early departure as we pass by the Chiang Dao caves before joining rarely used roads and trails. We cycle on half paved roads and some off-road uphill towards the north, passing through stunning limestone mountains in the backdrop. Overnight in Chiang Dao area.

Wednesday October 18th 2006
Day 4 – Chiang Dao - Thaton – 95 km

This long stage, all on paved road will bring us to Thaton, a small border village on the bank of the Maekok River. We begin the ride with an 8 km climb with a golden buddha at the top. We then follow quiet roads through lynchee orchards and other plantations. Ride on the main road to reach the small town of Fang for lunch. After lunch cycle again on mainly small roads, to reach Mae-Ai district and eventually Thaton for overnight. The valley ride is mostly flat and takes us through many villages and rural roads. Overnight in hotel, overlooking the River.

Thursday October 19th 2006
Day 5 – Tha Ton - Chiang Rai – 50 km

Depart Tha Ton on the highway and then onto smaller roads across the Kok River on unpaved road to the boat station. Embark on a local long tail boat for a journey down river (2 hours). Disembark for a packed lunch on the river bank. After lunch, continue cycling on undulating road to reach Chiang Rai and our hotel in the city. Dinner at the hotel, and evening is at leisure. There is a small night bazaar in town, and those who wishes can try a traditional Thai massage.

Friday October 20th 2006
Day 6 – Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle – 90km

Today is an early start for the final day of the challenge. Leaving Chiang Rai, we will ride on quiet roads, before reaching a hilly valley. We aim at cycling the first 70km of the stage before lunch. Then ride the last section along scenic Mekong River through the old capital city of Chiang Saen. The arrival and finish line of the challenge should be reached by mid-afternoon, and it is located at the Imperial Golden Triangle hotel, in the heart of the Golden Triangle.

Rest of the afternoon is at leisure and there is plenty of time to walk around the area, shop around, or hike a short, steep climb for a view over the Mekong River over to Laos and Burma. This is the last stage and end of our cycling challenge, so we will have our celebratory dinner and farewell party at the hotel. Overnight at the Imperial Golden Triangle, a 4 stars property overlooking the Mekong river.

Saturday October 21st 2006
Day 7 – Transfer back to Chiang Mai & fly out

Breakfast and time at leisure at the Golden Triangle. An optional excursion to Laos will be organized. At 11am, we will transfer by coach back to Chiang Mai, via Chiang Rai city for lunch.

Arrive in Chiang Mai at approximately 4pm.
-End of the challenge, and end of our services-

From there participants can:
Stay another night in Chiang Mai for the week-end (contact us for hotel reservation).
Take a plane to Bangkok and home (flight should be after 5pm).

Notes: for participants with little time, it is possible to fly directly from Chiang Rai (CEI airport) in the morning of this day (day 7) to Bangkok. Contact us for more information.

Itinerary and program subject to change without notice according to local conditions, weather and the organizer's decision.

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