You can rise early, offer alms to the monks, and get a blessing in return. Or you can sleep in and become one with the road after a breakfast of local market treats or something heartier. Technique and training tips are freely dispensed out front while everybody is strapping on their gear, and our staff waves us off as we embark on non-stop adventure. Eddy will help you preserve memories with a video record of the Thai time of your life.
Where Will We Skate?
Sessions will start and finish at the resort and we'll travel along the roads in the surrounding countryside. Many miles can be made in many directions. Some destinations are nearby Khlong Nam Lai Waterfall, Papa Wintachai's ricefields in Pang Sila Thong, Khlong Lan Waterfall, Mae Wong National Park, Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, Kang Ka Roi river, and more. Depending on how you feel, you can always catch a ride back from the morning destination in the picnic truck. Hardcore skaters and bikers are able to power themselves back home. Scooter escorts may be also be arranged for those who want extra support on challenging trips. Click here, or on the map at left to see GPS data on actual routes.
How Far Will We Travel Each Day?
It's up to you to decide how far you wish to skate or bike each day. You can
join the social touring (10-15 miles per day), fitness (15-25 miles per
day), or the hardcore group (25-60+ miles per day). When mixed groups
are present, everybody usually takes off together in the morning and are met
by a picnic vehicle, which becomes the early shuttle back to the resort
(first massage!) while the others do a return loop under their own
steam.
What Are The Road Conditions Like?
Though you may need to navigate a rough patch or two, the roads in Thailand are the stuff of dreams, wide and smooth with ample shoulders. You'll have to contend with cheering kids on their way to school and a little reciprocal sightseeing from the locals. There are also completely traffic-free practice zones, such as concrete pads used for drying tapioca, a Buddhist temple that welcomes fitness buffs, and a wide road atop a reservoir dam.
Although braking is an essential skill, in Thailand you can pretty much get away with not having already learned how to stop, since most routes are nice and flat with only the occasional light ascent or descent. On this vacation you will learn a variety of stopping methods, but when uncertain, Eddy is always happy to help you ease downhill.
Here's an unedited assessment from one of the 2011 participants:
1. Skating
a. Roads generally smooth and flat that went on for miles and miles (or kilometers and kilometers!)
b. Low traffic; vehicles friendly and would give space
c. Nice variety of routes that often led to a destination (waterfall, hike, mountain)
d. Music party while skating // the day when the band (music truck) followed us - I don't know if you can work this into *every* session, but it would be awesome if you could :)
e. Technique lessons and specific advice, supplemented by video (optional, if desired)
f. Water/Nutrition stops available everywhere (included!)
g. Vehicle/moped SAG (if needed)
h. Perfect weather! (not guaranteed, but still)
Although braking is an essential skill, in Thailand you can pretty much get away with not having already learned how to stop, since most routes are nice and flat with only the occasional light ascent or descent. On this vacation you will learn a variety of stopping methods, but when uncertain, Eddy is always happy to help you ease downhill.
Here's an unedited assessment from one of the 2011 participants:
1. Skating
a. Roads generally smooth and flat that went on for miles and miles (or kilometers and kilometers!)
b. Low traffic; vehicles friendly and would give space
c. Nice variety of routes that often led to a destination (waterfall, hike, mountain)
d. Music party while skating // the day when the band (music truck) followed us - I don't know if you can work this into *every* session, but it would be awesome if you could :)
e. Technique lessons and specific advice, supplemented by video (optional, if desired)
f. Water/Nutrition stops available everywhere (included!)
g. Vehicle/moped SAG (if needed)
h. Perfect weather! (not guaranteed, but still)