Tour de Thailand:help on wheels

Thailand-based American cyclist Christopher Byrd is off on another ride across the country next month to raise money for charity and promote eco-tourism.

Byrd expects to have 250 other cyclists with him for the SangSom Tour de Thailand from Chiang Mai to Phuket, covering more than 2,000 kilometres.

The cyclists will leave Chiang Mai on December 2 and reach Phuket's Patong Beach on the 28th, passing some of country's most popular destinations in Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.

"The Tour de Thailand is such a great way to see the country and meet its people, as well as do a good deed at the same time," says Boyd, a native of the Atlantic state of Maryland.

"Thanks to overwhelming demand from international cyclists and the receipt of local support, we've been able to establish the Tour de Thailand as an annual international charity cycling event."

During the 27-day event, the Tourism Authority of Thailand will host welcoming receptions with cultural shows and culinary demonstrations at 26 tourist attractions in 16 provinces.

The authority's director of events promotion, Jakarin Phudpong, says the tour helps showcase Thailand to foreign devotees of eco-tourism.

"Cycling from north to south, they'll be able to explore the country's beauty, in the landscape, the different cultures and the local people themselves," Jakarin says. "And of course we're especially delighted that the cyclists' enjoyment will also help those in need."

Cycling enthusiasts can sign up to tackle the whole route or any segment and get T-shirt. There is no registration fee for local day-riders.
To register or get more information, call (02) 663 4631.
Nation Nov.06