I've been in Chiangmai for almost 9 years now, and when I first came here, I never saw a Thai person using a bicycle as a form of exercise. Maybe an old lady strolling through the mooban, but actually dressed up like Lance Armstrong, ready for the Tour de France, no.

Now, it's a major trend. What happened? Why did the natives decide cycling is their calling? Had they never seen or heard of it before, and someone recently introduced it to them? Was there a famous Thai cyclist that made it catch on, similar to Thaiger Woods mainstreaming golf? What does this phenomenon tell us about our neighbors?

Enquiring minds want to know!

Back where I come from you now see lots of cyclists (mainly male) wearing Lycra with all the advertising just like Lance and the others. Unfortunately, it is not just idiots Farangs doing it now, there are a few Thais jumping on board. They are usually extremely fit and are just showing off - and like playing chicken with cars and trucks and buses. They are usually on their way to/from 2 things: work in a non-decscrpt loser's job; or a cafe with their boyfriends . In my book they are worth 150 points, second only to Greenies carrying placards (200 points) .

But seriously - there are so many ways that nature tries to ensure the survival of the species - it is all genetics. This is just another method that nature uses to try and clean out the gene pool.

I'm not sure, but I wish that it was not spreading to tourists. Thais are usually pretty good on bicycles, but most tourists are dangerous to themselves and everyone else on the road.

At one time before motorbikes took over, almost everyone in CM rode bicycles (same as china) look at old photos.

At one time before motorbikes took over, almost everyone in CM rode bicycles (same as china) look at old photos.

Not talking about those type. I'm sure there was a time when everyone walked everywhere, too. Probably no photos of that, though.

What is wrong with people learning something new? I lived in Bangkok when Clark Hatch opened the first health club in the carpark across from the US Embassy. People laughed and said Thais don’t and won’t exercise. Now there are busy health clubs everywhere.

Cycling is just another form of exercise which has become more popular with access to better bikes and more information about cycling. Make it easy, accessible and advertise it in popular media and show charity rides with well known people riding and it grows in popularity.

What could possibly be wrong with that? Being fit is not a crime.

It is about time for me to put on my lycra and enjoy a beautiful 70 to 80 km ride around my area.

What is wrong with people learning something new? I lived in Bangkok when Clark Hatch opened the first health club in the carpark across from the US Embassy. People laughed and said Thais don’t and won’t exercise. Now there are busy health clubs everywhere.

Cycling is just another form of exercise which has become more popular with access to better bikes and more information about cycling. Make it easy, accessible and advertise it in popular media and show charity rides with well known people riding and it grows in popularity.

What could possibly be wrong with that? Being fit is not a crime.

It is about time for me to put on my lycra and enjoy a beautiful 70 to 80 km ride around my area.

Have fun!

Something a little more like this.

Except today I will be out on my road bike, like this one.

What is wrong with people learning something new? I lived in Bangkok when Clark Hatch opened the first health club in the carpark across from the US Embassy. People laughed and said Thais don’t and won’t exercise. Now there are busy health clubs everywhere.

Cycling is just another form of exercise which has become more popular with access to better bikes and more information about cycling. Make it easy, accessible and advertise it in popular media and show charity rides with well known people riding and it grows in popularity.

What could possibly be wrong with that? Being fit is not a crime.

It is about time for me to put on my lycra and enjoy a beautiful 70 to 80 km ride around my area.

I gues you missed my point. I think it's great people are out exercising, definitely nothing wrong with cycling. I've done a fair share myself. But, it's not like bikes were invented yesterday. What has changed? With your example of the health facilities, now the gyms are here, before they weren't. Bicycles aren't new, and I don't think are distinctly more affordable today then they were yesterday. Sure, Thais have gained some wealth, but not significantly to the point where a 10k mtn bike is now a drop in the bucket now and wasn't a few years ago.

We also now commonly see people riding on big motorcycles high off the ground with the container things on the back and the side.. Never saw those before, but now everybody's gotta have em? What gives. I think the reason lies in the social nature of Thais.

My decision to go out and start exercising on a bicycle has nothing to do with my neighbor doing it. Does it for you?

To reiterate my point, I am more interested in why, I don't have a problem with people cycling.

Although, I do think people are NUTZ for riding a bicycle on these roads. My friend knew of three people that got mauled in a two week period here in Chiangmai. I mean, if riding a bicycle brings you a ton of joy, have at it. I find it to be pretty boring.

Cycling in ''Thailand'' ??? never, far too dangerous, maybe if it was off the road, but i would still worry about stray dogs, or the likes...

I do miss Cycling, but not daft enough to get killed or injured on a Thai Road...

Its the Thai herd mentality. They like to follow and show they can afford to follow trends. Im sure when they stop for a break the first words they ask each other is "how much"? It was the same with fixed wheel bikes a year ago....

TAO RAI!?!?!?!

Increased wealth and global awareness

Some Thai "super"star was probably seen to be doing it so they rushed out to buy a bike and same lycra outfit....

Increased wealth and global awareness.

My brother and sister-in-law come to CM for a month and cycle often and long. Both are very fit and he has cycles 20 hours a week for years and that is hills. They would not be caught dead in Lycra faux racer garb. It is strictly for dorks ,posers and Walmart shoppers.

To reiterate my point, I am more interested in why, I don't have a problem with people cycling.

Although, I do think people are NUTZ for riding a bicycle on these roads. My friend knew of three people that got mauled in a two week period here in Chiangmai. I mean, if riding a bicycle brings you a ton of joy, have at it. I find it to be pretty boring.

"I think the reason lies in the social nature of Thais."

I am not sure you are really interested in why. I sounds like you have already made up your mind as to why. As with big bikes, there are more options these days and they are easier to find. With over 60 million Thais don't you think there are a few who have interests outside of the bar scene? I cycle alone but cycling in a group is easier for most people and many people find it enjoyable. It is not some genetic flaw.

Ok, so people have increased wealth, and so they run out and buy bicycles?

I ask why it's happening, and villagefarang tells me cycling is good exercise. Wasn't it ten years ago, too?

It is the latest fad for Thais. Pretty much everyone on Facebook has a friend posing with lycra and a bicycle.

Like everything the fad will pass but a few will decide they actually like cycling and carry on.

It is the latest fad for Thais. Pretty much everyone on Facebook has a friend posing with lycra and a bicycle.

Like everything the fad will pass but a few will decide they actually like cycling and carry on.

When it gets hot, the lycra will be gone and it will be a motorbike to the corner shop as usual.

Maybe someone will find a budget for an air-conditioned velodrome.

10 years ago riding a bicycle might have been seen as someone being too poor to buy a motorbike, today thais hopefully see it as a conscious choice based on wanting to stay fit (the obesity epidemic is now undeniable), get around faster, and not contribute to the rising pollution (which again is undeniable).

That said, thais often seem surprised when they learn that I either walk or bicycle (here in CM), so I think we have some way to go before we reach a tipping point.

I'll address some of the commenters as well as the OP.

A developing nations developing with a good thing is a good thing. Would it be better if they sat at home watching soaps with a Singha?

As for riding only to show off etc. I enter a local race every now and there can be 500 participants, many who are strong riders. They are happy to have the few of us falang join, a great way to do something together w/o the necessity of verbal communication.

I do see that fads here take off quickly, as they do everywhere, but maybe here even more so.

I love to ride, I started with my tricycle as many of us did but I just didn't stop. One of the main reasons I moved here from the south was that the Mt Biking was much better here. But as to riding on the roads I basically don't except to get to the hills (5 min on small country rds which is why I live where I do in CM) or on backroads I know have very few cars. Dangerous? Yes! A reason not to bike? NO!!

There is particular purpose for the lycra and other gear (like a helmet) and I assure you I don't don it for the sake of the trees in the jungle as I usually never see another person where I go.

Now as for the Thais who won't ride their Mt Bikes off-road as not to get them dirty, that is because they don't understand the sport nor likely to have or will make the effort to learn how to do it. But I give then kudos for getting out and trying a new thing that is actually positive in many ways.

But why has it grown so quickly here? Firstly I think it has in many places. My friends in America who use to post on Facebook pics of them in marathons then they started doing triathalons and I think this helped the cycling industry. Now many Westerners post pics of their new bicycles too. But Thailand not only picks up trends quickly but they emulate foreigners who are all about the bike these days too!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/recreational-cycling/10900074/Commuter-cyclists-do-you-really-need-to-wear-Lycra.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/recreational-cycling/10900074/Commuter-cyclists-do-you-really-need-to-wear-Lycra.html

Let's do a quick 50 km in 33 C, I'll wear lycra and you can wear your jeans and t-shirt and then tell me it's just for posers!

Most Thais never understood the importance of staying fit. They hate to walk or run , mayb e it's because of the hot climate here but we see foreigners enjoying their walk every day here in Pattaya.

But maybe some Thais now understand the importance of exercising and cycling is good way to get around, I see more cyclists on the roads here than 3 years ago.

I own an electric bicycle made in Thailand , the Nimble 24.6 . I admit I'm often tempted to use the battery instead of the pedals. The price for this model including the battery is 25000 baht. And it's worth it . Very good quality compared to others I've seen.

Cheap form of transport

Getting Exercises at thw same time

Im doing it

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/recreational-cycling/10900074/Commuter-cyclists-do-you-really-need-to-wear-Lycra.html

Let's do a quick 50 km in 33 C, I'll wear lycra and you can wear your jeans and t-shirt and then tell me it's just for posers!

All I did was post a link to the Telegraph, you're the one being defensive about posers.

http://stevekeeling.smugmug.com/Sports/Audax/Cycling-event/

The above link takes you to some shots I did covering AUDAX Australia's 1200k in three days event. These people were from all over the world and in last years event a large number flew into Perth from SE Asia. So they are seeing a noticeable increase in interest for what is really extreme cycling. I am a follower of cycling but not a participant. As a photographer I do pick up on the reasons people do this sort of thing. Often it is reflected in a societies financial development but a lot of these people are not necessarily wealthy but a reasonable financial background is a must as the gear is not cheap. The gear is a great part of the thing. just as fishermen and motoring or motorcycle enthusiasts talk endlessly about gear, so do cyclists. There is also a great camaraderie amongst those that share an interest and a challenge and there is no doubt that serious cyclists are health conscious. Cycling is a great way to see a place as the speed is such that you don't fly past things and you notice more. I spend hours in the car following events as an official photographer and even I have found a closeness to the environment that I don't get hurtling along at normal speeds.

I first noticed a real cycling group in BKK (outside MBK) some five years back. There were about fifteen or twenty riders, well kitted out and led by an experienced rider who worked for the Shimano factory in Thailand. He was talking about the increase in interest to me. Last year I noticed several groups of road cyclists touring to the north and northeast of CM.

Other cyclists, like my son., are more into short road races or track racing. At fifteen he would cycle 50k to a venue do a flat out 45k race in an hour and then ride home. Others are more into touring and others Mountain biking. The immense popularity and TV coverage of le Tour has also made people more aware of the sport as well.

As for lycra and padded seats etc - they are for a reason - as is shaving the hair off the legs. The lycra is far cooler and dries off in the wet better than cotton. Also cotton once wet chafes badly. The shaving of the legs is so that when you come off you slide and the hair does not tear half your flesh away. It also helps keep wounds clean and aids the healing process.

Cycling is a great activity and I admire those that give it a go in whatever form.

I prefer to wear loose cotton shorts over my lycra. I've seen myself clad only in lycra, & wouldn't want to upset others