Legendary ride explores the Mekong

BANGKOK Tourism Authority of Thailand will organise the second edition of ‘Ride to Khong’s Legendary 2017’ a long-distance cycle competition following a scenic route through four provinces in Thailand’s northeast region bordering the Mekong River.

The competition will run from 13 to 15 January, next year.

It was introduced last year and continues to use a name that is grammatically suspect and somewhat mystifying in the English language. It probably should read ‘Ride to the Legendary Khong’ or better still “Mekong.”

Khong is a reference to the Mekong River as spoken in Thai.

The ‘Ride to Khong’s Legendary 2017’ biking competition will cover almost 300 km (281.2 km for male riders and 274.9 km for female riders) through four provinces– Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom. The route follows a scenic road close to the Mekong River.

The competition will be divided into three stages:

Stage 1: Speed Hunter at Khon Kaen, following the style of a criterium at Bueng Khan Nakhon Lake over a distance of 3.8 km per round. (Criterium: Repeat laps around a short town or city circuit)

Stage 2: Mountain of Honour (King of the Mountains) starting at Kaeng Don Klang, Kalasin – King Chulalongkorn Monument and ending at Sakon Nakhon City Hall. Distance is 131 km (rolling start 8 km).

Stage 3: Charming of Khong at King Chulalongkorn Monument, (Charms of the Mekong) starting at Sakon Nakhon City Hall — Wat Klang (Temple) and ending in Nakhon Phanom. Distance: 131 km (rolling start, first 8 km).

The winners, based on the stated race categories, will be awarded with special jersey awards.

The event is designed for keen cyclists with a strong fitness level and some experience in racing, or sportive cycle events. It is open to Thai, foreign residents and tourists.

The ‘Ride to Khong’s Legendary 2017’ is part of an on-going TAT project to promote lifestyle and sports.

TAT expects around 1,400 cyclists both Thais and foreigners to participate in the event.

The first edition of ‘Ride to Khong’s Legendary,’ held during 29 October to 1 November 2015, covered 248 km through four provinces – Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan attracted around 1,200 cyclists.