I am in Chiang Mai for the next 5 weeks and want to visit as much of the surrounding area and mountainsides as possible while i am here. I have a road bike so need routes suitable for a road bike. I have searched myself and the only one that comes up is the large loop from centre to Mae Rim, Mae Raem, looping back through the mountains and i think it came out at Hang Dong and back up to Chiang Mai. I'd love to see some hill tribe villages, natural beauty sites, temples, markets and good cycling roads.

If anyone is also interested in joining me on some routes then great too! I look forward to any replies...

There are two "classics" for road bikers in Chiang Mai. One is up Sriwichai Rd. from the zoo to Doi Suthep (650m climb) or all the way to Doi Pui (1150m climb), very good cardio exercise. The other is the Samoeng loop around the same mountain on Rds. 107, 1096, 1269 which is lengthy (> 90 km) and involves around 1000m climb, for endurance training. Another trip I can recommend is the canal road (not Chonlaphatan!) that runs parallel to Rd. 1001 from Sansai to Mae Taeng (about 50k one way). Furthermore: Rd. 3009 that runs off Rd. 107 from Mae Rim to Mae Taeng (picturesque route). All these roads are smooth, in good condition, with relatively low traffic.

Cheers, CM-Expat

fantastic, just what i needed, thanks a lot...