Get into gear at Phuket Cycling Fest 2014

PHUKET: If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the beauty of Thailand up-close and personal, then make a note in your planner to join Phuket Cycling Fest 2014, which will be held on September 6 and 7.

Surrounded by some of the best natural scenery in southern Thailand, the fest aims to promote Phuket as an ideal destination for cycling tours – encouraging foreign and domestic tourists alike to find out more about local attractions while pedaling through stunning valleys, cool coconut plantations and picturesque villages.

Activities kick off on Saturday with three separate cycling tours ranging in length from 80 kilometers for the fittest cyclists, to 35km and 10km for those wishing to set a more pedestrian pace.

All three tours begin and end at 5am in Queen Sirikit Park.

During the two-day fest, a bustling bicycle fair will also take place at Queen Sirikit Park, boasting the booths and stalls of bicycle specialists, with supporting activities including demonstrations of bike fittings and displays of the more antique velocipedes of yesteryear.

On Sunday events will start at 1pm, there will also be a “Night Ride” starting at 6pm, which is expected to be attended by a number of local celebrities.

The Phuket Cycling Fest is organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). For further details, contact Khun Saharat on 080-583 3933.

— Mark Knowles