Event Gallery 2008 Sector 1   (Chiang Rai to Sukothai)

Sector 1 (Chiang Rai to Sukothai)      Sector 2 (Sukothai to Bangkok)     

Day 1  (8 Nov 2008) : Start Chiang Rai
By 10 pm the last participants had arrived getting ready for a 6 am breakfast. 		Photo Gallery
Day 2 (9 Nov 2008) : Chiang Rai to Phrao (156 km)  (GoogleEarth Track)
7 am 11 cyclists from Finland, Germany, The Philippines and Singapore together with 2 Thai guides set out from lovely Laluna Resort in Chiang Rai for a challenging first day ride.90 km on undulating road through beautiful scenery were covered at good speed thanks to some friendly tailwinds..Perfect weather, sunny, blue sky with some refreshing breeze. This air conditioning effect was most welcome when we encountered 60 km of steep mountain roads with no traffic and breathtaking views. Highest elevation passed was 1360 m. These climbs however seemed too much for some of us on the last 20 - 30 km on this first day and welcomed the great support of our 2 vans and divers. Nevertheless all arrived in good health and spirits at 5 pm in cozy Aomdoi mountain resort.
Photo Gallery
Day 3 (10 Nov 2008) : Phrao to Chiang Mai (100 km) (GoogleEarth Track)
At 8 am a colourful peloton - riders wearing jerseys from 2006, 2007 and 2008 TTOH as well as the one from Team David´s salon - started for a more leisurely ride. Just one smooth climb of 10 km followed by a wonderful descend of 30 km again at perfect slightly cool weather conditions. We arrived about 4 pm in central Lanna Palace Hotel.
For dinner we were gratefully invited by Marco, a Dutch cycling friend who just opend an Italian restaurant called ´Wald' for a sumptous carbo-laoding party. One more rider from Singapore joining as of today. 		Photo Gallery
Day 4 (11 Nov 2008) : Chiang Mai to Phayao  (100 km) (GoogleEarth Track)
Another early start at 7 am as lots of climbs were waiting for us after the first flat 20 km. The highest elevation pass was 1148m. Climbs were as hard as 25% gradient, a lot of leg work was needed to conquer this. However, with the long descent that followed, several cyclists achieved their personal best. We ended in Chaesom National Park where we enjoyed the hot springs after this challenging day at about 4 30pm. The natural smell of sulphur was around to remind us of this wonderful sight. It was indeed a blessing to many cyclists to relieve the much aching calf and thigh muscles. Please note : You must be brave to nude it out in the hot springs ! The stay for the night is at a very interesting resort, Raiya Chaesom, where our rooms were mostly created out of wooden tree trunks. After a much awaited dinner, we let off Thai paper lanterns (khomloi), which aided their flight up to the sky near full moon. 		Photo Gallery
Day 5 (12 Nov 2008) : Phayao to Lampang (80 km) (GoogleEarth Track)
Again a more leisurely start at 8 am leaving behind rustical forrest resort for an enjoyable  ride undulating between 200 and 480 m elevation. Most comfortable weather so far, sunny, dry and a bit warmer than the previous 4 days. Break at about 20 km visiting a public primary school, a very interesting experience for both sides. Arrived at 3 pm for late lunch by the river in Lampang. In the evening we joined the locals putting the Kratong - flower basket with candle - on the river and set free some small catfish letting flow away last years 'misbehaviours'.		 Photo Gallery
Day 6 (13 Nov 2008) : Lampang to Phrae (107 km) (GoogleEarth Track)
After last night Loy Kratong celebrations we started off only at 8 3o am. Straight main road out of town, after one hour mechanical break due to one fork problem - while we had only 2 flat tyres up till now. Then we had 60 km undulating road - the word of the week - till late picnic lunch in the pittoresque Mahatraj Rock Garden with lots of sticky rice. The last hour on the bikes were perfect riding, slightly down hill, winding road with great scenary including long stretches at the edge of bodies of water.		 Photo Gallery
Day 7 (14 Nov 2008) : Phrae to Uttaradit (75 km) (GoogleEarth Track)
Foggy morning but 8 am start as Martin and Stefan 2 had to leave us today to catch their flights back home. Fast 37 km before we reached a 4 km climb and a view point where we had a first lunch including fried cat fish. Then a 4 km down hill and flat road  partly under construction and we arrived at 12 30 at Seeharaj Hotel. After the farewell we had a second lunch - a steamy hot pot.   		Photo Gallery
Day 8 (15 Nov 2008) : Uttaradit to Sukothai (91 km) (GoogleEarth Track)
8 am start for a flat and fast 60 km ride till we were welcomed by the Sukothai Cycling club at their usual meeting place a bike cum coffee shop. After delicious home cooked lunch we continued the rest of todays journey together in a pack of about 30 riders. Arrived at 2 30 pm in the traditional Thai style Ruenthai Hotel for a refreshing jump in the pool, before we went of to visit the UNESCO heritage temple sites. 		Photo Gallery
Day 9 (16 Nov 2008) :  Rest day
After breakfast 3 had to leave us while 2 from Malaysia and 3 from Singapore joined us in the afternoon. Resting, swimming, massages, eating, sleeping .... and preparing for sector 2. 		Photo Gallery