Ride Report: Trails South Of The Samoeng Loop, West Of Ban Pong

[BBbUn]

After being inspired by Tonto and Tdog's adventures in Mae Taeng, I set out to do a little more exploration in my own backyard. Khi Lek is a great area, but is still a 40 minute drive north for anyone coming from town.

I was first taken on this route by some buddies (one of them is known on ridewithgps.com as Earl Grey) on an overnight camping trip!

This ride runs over 50 kms with about 700 m of climbing. Terrain is a mix of road, dirt road, single and double track - but nothing too technical or treacherous. Still, I wouldn't bring an unskilled rider here - be warned! Bring your girlfriend at your own peril!

Its easy to ride to from town and if you have 4 hours, it can be a "leisurely" ride with photo and coffee stops. If you have an XC or cyclocross bike - perfect. Any tires over 35mm will probably suffice.

I won't try and describe the path - that's what google earth is for Looks like there is lots more single and double track to explore out there, be great to hear more from anyone who's done it.

Google earth file:

birthdaytrail.kmz

Tracks begin at Ton Payom market, a good place to meet and grab a bite at the same time.

Dodgy donut bits and nescafe. Not to everyone's taste but good fuel for this ride.

CMU agriculture area

Finally some dirt!

View atop one of the climbs.

If you get to ride the bit of single track and cross this bamboo bridge, the trail is about to come to a muddy end. Turn around and take the middle path of the 3 pronged fork.

This has become one of my favourite stops on the Samoeng Loop for coffee.

[craigt3365]

Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

Thanks for posting that. I have ridden that main forest road to the banana plantation but did not know there was a route north.

I had tried a spur north but turned around thinking it was dead end. Will try it again. Thanks

Also there is a nice trail going from the back of the under construction Wat Ban Pong temple that connects to the main paved road. It's fairly easy to find from the back of the temple and drops out a steep driveway to the road.