Mountain Biking On Samui.

[ScubaBuddha]

Hi All. Any one have any good maps or directions to/of good mountain bike trails for Koh Samui? Any reason to take the bike across the ferry to Koh Tao?

This looks interesting:

But I'm not sure there is enough detail on that map to be able to follow it.

Thanks in advance.

SB

[itishothere]

I was hoping someone else might answer this as well!

I mountain bike (-ish) but have yet to come across any proper trails on Samui. There are plenty of side roads you can go down and into the paths running through the land around the coast, but nothing too challenging. Anything going uphill usually starts with a main road, and then it is trial and error with regards to any paths etc. Maps aren't really of much use. I am always a little apprehensive about going too far off-road in case I get lost, or stuck!

KT and KPP are similar really. The lack of bike hire shops really sums up the level of interest out here I am afraid.

[Birdman]

I mountain biked a lot some years ago, but gave it up because of the long and stressful access routes through the busy ring road. An easy trail orientation wise started opposite Wat Khunaram (mummified monk) up to a view point restaurant and from there to the left to the Magic Garden or to the right to the Overlap Stone. Actually that is also a nice hike.

Maybe they have more infos: http://www.redbicycle.org/

Edited January 16, 2010 by Birdman

[itishothere]

Thanks Birdman! I suspect with the new tarmac, the ring road might be a little easier, but still not much fun. I have driven that route you described - and yes it would be a great ride, if my legs could take it. The restaurant up there has a view to die for, assuming the climb has not already killed you!

Red Bicycle I think, were/are just outside Lamai on the ring road. Run by a very interesting American woman. Sadly they are no longer there, although the shop does still exist and hires out bikes. Any trails they had were of their own making and probably needed a local guide as I have never seen any signs/markings etc.

[ScubaBuddha]

Thanks for the replies all. Ended up not getting out for a ride at all, as it rained each morning right when I had planned to go explore. Maybe next time i will stop by the redbike place for info. They will probably want you to sign up for a guided tour though.