Join a Club

There are many cycling clubs in Bangkok nowadays, where bikers of all levels get together to enjoy the simple thrill of riding. Most of these are more like meet ups, meaning that you don’t even have to pay for membership. The main advantage of joining a club is that you can learn from experienced bikers who know the routes well, making for a safer journey. Also, you can expect to meet like-minded people and make new friends. Joining a club has become a popular choice for keen bikers in Bangkok. First of all, though, you should know your cycling strength: beginners, for example, shouldn’t attempt trips longer than 30km. For the more adventurous, many groups offer night rides which tend to go from about 6pm to midnight, with organizers usually guiding members to famous local restaurants to enjoy food together. A few popular destinations for night trips include Asiatique, Chinatown, Chocolate Ville and Sanam Luang. Popular weekend destinations, meanwhile, include Ayutthaya, Amphawa, Bangkrachao, Rattanakosin Island, Sapan Phut, and the historic Bangrak fire station.  

Get in touch with popular bike clubs:  

BKK Wheels at www.facebook.com/BKKWheels

Bangkok Bicycle Campaign at www.facebook.com/BangkokBicycle

Thailand Folding Bicycle Club at www.facebook.com/pages/ชมรมจักรยานพับได้ประเทศไทย

Thai Cycling for Health Association at www.thaicycling.com

Save our Cyclists at www.facebook.com/savecyclists

Bianchi Club at www.facebook.com/bianchiclub

Ride Independently 

If you have some experience and feel confident in your ability, going independent can be even more fulfilling, allowing you to stop off where you like and travel at your own speed. However, you are advised to do some research about the routes you plan to take, make sure your bikes are in good condition, and familiarize yourself with local traffic regulations. Thankfully, there are many organizations and publications to help you stay up-to-date, such as the Thai Cycling for Health Association (www.thaicycling.com), Thailand Cycling Alliance (www.tcabike.com), Cycling Plus Thailand Magazine, Bicycles United Magazine, Mountain Bike Tours Thailand (www.mountainbiketoursthailand.com). Another popular website with good local information is Thai Mountain Bike (www.thaimtb.com). Recommended routes include Benjakitti Park to Khao San Road (12km), Bangkok to Ayutthaya (76km) and around Bang Kachao or Phrapradaeng (3km trail). Other cycling hotspots include Muang Boran or the Ancient City (www.ancientcity.com), Khao-Eto in Prachinburi province, Ampawa floating market and Wachirabenchatat Park (Suan Rot Fai).  

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) offers bike rental services at low rates available from 17 rental stations in the city center. Rental is free for for the first 15 minutes and just B100 for an eight-hour period. However, you do have to become a member beforehand. The application fee is B320 which also includes insurance. For details, visit www.punpunbikeshare.com or call 087-029-8888. 

Use Guided Tour Agencies 

This is perhaps the safest and most convenient option if you’re new to cycling. You don’t need to bring anything, just yourself, some money, and perhaps a camera. Most tour companies will present you with a long list of available programs, ranging from a half-day tour in Bangkok to a week in a neighboring country. You can choose a tour that best suits your interests and level of strength. The fees usually cover bicycle and helmet rental, accident insurance and an English-speaking Thai tour guide. Some of the best-known agencies are Spice Roads (www.SpiceRoads.com), Grasshopper Tours (www.GrasshopperAdventures.com), Co van Kessel Tours (www.CoVanKessel.com), Follow Me (www.FollowMeBikeTour.com) and Recreational Thailand Biking (www.bangkokbiking.com). 

Spice Roads, for example, offers a half-day tour to Bang Kachao at B1,150, a day-trip to Ayutthaya at B2,950, and a four-day, three-night trip through central Thailand covering Samut Songkram, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-in and Bangkok at B17,500 per person. The company also provides a mini-van that follows the group so that you can grab a rest whenever you need it. Though most of these packages are more appealing to tourists, you may want to consider using guided tour services when you plan a trip to upcountry destinations you are unfamiliar with. 

LIFE CYCLE

Upcoming bike events to set your wheels in motion.

LEARN TO RIDE #2

Date: Sunday, Jan 26

Location: Faculty of Sports Science, Chulalongkorn University

Organized by the Thai Cycling for Health Association (www.thaicycling.com), this event is highly recommended for beginners since it gives instructions on how to ride a bike properly, how to choose the right bike for you and suggests safety measures to deal with Bangkok’s roads and traffic. Free.

100KM WITH BIANCHI CLUB THAILAND

Date: Sunday, Jan 26

Route: From Nakorn Nayok to Prachinburi

The Thailand Cycling Alliance (www.tcabike.com) and Bianchi Club Thailand will hold a friendly bike tour from Bangkok to Nakorn Nayok and Prachinburi. Though the journey is 100km long, beginners are welcome as the maximum speed allowed will be 40km/hour. Setting off from Bangkok at exactly 9am, participants will head for Ingtharn resort in Nakorn Nayok to take a rest and have lunch. There will be a party and lucky draws for membersฃ in the afternoon. Entry fee is B200 for newbies, which also covers club membership for two years.

TOUR DE KHAO YAI

Date: Jan 25

Location: Bonanza International

Speedway, Khao Yai Bonanza International Speedway, the international standard race circuit for cars, will for the first time hold bicycle races on its tracks. There will also bea fair with bike shops and accessories together with stalls selling food and drinks. If you are interested in joining the races, call 085-669-3000 or 085- 669-4000. Entry fees are B400-B500 and B700 at the event.

THAILAND BIKE & VEHICLE 2014

Date: Mar 6-9, 10.30am-8pm

Location: Impact Muangthong Thani, Hall 2-4

If you are looking for a new bike or bike accessories, don’t miss this event. The fair is a one-stop shopping spot for bikers, featuring about 150 booths selling bicycles, spare parts, cycling outfits, helmets and all kinds of bike accessories. For more information, visit www.thaibikeshow.com. Free entry. Learn to Ride #1 Spice

JANUARY

Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Ice Festival

Date: Jan 4–26 

Location: Hwacheon Stream and five villages in Hwacheon county, South Korea 

The festival is held every year in January in Hwacheon county in Gangwon province, the coldest region in Korea. The area is known for its natural beauty, specifically its mountains and rivers, which are home to many otters and freshwater trout. At this time of year, the river is frozen over with ice, meaning you can try your hand at ice fishing — actually using your bare hands to catch mountain trout. Don’t leave without sampling some of the freshly caught fish, served raw and grilled. Attracting a large number of visitors each year, this festival also features ice sculptures and a fun park where you can enjoy sledding, bobsledding, ice football and various rides. Details at www.visitkorea.or.kr   

Athi-Atihan Festival 

Date: January 10-19

Location: Kalibo, Aklan, The Philippines 

Featuring a parade where tribal dancers paint their faces dark and don colorful indigenous costumes, this street festival is one of the Philippines’ most striking events. The festival centers on religious processions in honor of Santo Niño (the infant Jesus), who locals believe will protect them from harm and illness. It’s believed to have started in the 13th century when a group of Malays, or Datus, migrated from Borneo to Aklan and made a trade with the Ati people, which was followed by a welcome feast and festival. Later on when the locals were struggling with their harvest, the Datus offered them food and in return the Ati people danced and sang for them. As such, the highlight is undoubtedly the tribal dance contests which make for many colorful photo opportunities. Details at www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com

Dinosaur Exhibition

Date: Jan 25-Jul 27

Location: Art Science Museum, Marina Sands Bay, Singapore 

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Through collaborative efforts between scientists and artists, Southeast Asia’s largest dinosaur exhibition will fill 3,700-sq-meters of floor space at the Art Science Museum, Singapore. Featuring over 400 fossils and models, and over 50 original artworks, the highly interactive exhibition will take you on a journey 600 million years back in time to the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Learn about prehistoric species, their behavior and how they evolved as part of this educational exhibition for all ages. Open daily from 10am–7pm. For more info, visit www.tinyurl.com/q6rztvb

Tropfest 2014

Date: Jan 25

Location: Penang, Malaysia 

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Originally launched in 1993 in Sydney, Australia, Tropfest (www.tropfest.com) is the world’s largest short film festival, which has since expanded to cover many cities worldwide, and now includes Southeast Asia. The original event in Sydney just took place in December (having been moved from its normal February slot), but the first Tropfest SEA will occur on Jan 25 at the Esplanade in Penang. The event puts the spotlight on creative short films (less than seven minutes) made by rising talents, while big-name directors and Hollywood A-listers often fill the roles of judges on the big night. For updates and a full lineup, visit www.tropfest.com/sea

FEBRUARY

Java Jazz Festival

Date: Feb 28-Mar 2

Location: Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta, Indonesia

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Java Jazz Festival is one of the world’s largest events of its type, attracting a large number of leading artists and jazz royalty from all over the world. Marking its 10th anniversary in 2014, the three-day event will welcome big-names such as Jamie Cullum, India Aurie, Natalie Cole, Earth Wind and Fire Experience and Sadao Watanabe. Details at www.javajazzfestival.com

Hong Kong Arts Festival

Date: Feb 18-Mar 22

Location: Various venues, Hong Kong 

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Held every year since 1973, the Hong Kong Arts Festival is one of Asia’s premier cultural events featuring a wide range of performing arts from Asia’s top talents and a long list of leading international artists. This year will see appearance from the likes of Geurzehich Orchestra Cologne, London Symphony Orchestra, II Giardino Armonico, Yulianna Avdeeva Piano Recital, Trisha Brown Dance Company, Scottish Ballet, Gregory Porter, and Madeleine Peyroux. For a full program, visit www.hk.artsfestival.org. You can also get closer to the artists through activities such as lectures, demonstrations, workshops, meet-the-artist sessions, play-reading and guided tours. 

The Lantern Festival

Date: Feb 14

Location: China, Taiwan

If you’re stuck for ideas to surprise your loved one on Valentine’s Day, why not take a trip north. Also known as the Shangyuan or Yuan-Xiao Festival, this event is held every year throughout China on the 15th day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar to mark the end of New Year celebrations. Even better, this year’s festival just so happens to fall on Feb 14. Provinces all over China will hold fairs where you’ll see decorated lanterns hanging outside houses and in public areas. In Taiwan, there’ll be giant Zodiac animal lanterns and countless small colorful lights adorning major cities. There’ll also be parades, cultural performances and firework displays—all making for a rather romantic scene. Details at www.taiwan.net.tw

Singapore International Jazz Festival

Date: Feb 27-Mar 2

Location: Grand Theatre, MasterCard Theatres and Event Plaza, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

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Held as a counterpart of the Java Jazz Festival, “Sing Jazz” is the largest jazz event in Singapore aiming to invigorate and inspire the local music scene. The festival will kick off on Feb 27 with Jamie Cullum performing at the Grand Theatre, followed by three days of performances from established names like Natalie Cole, James Morrison, India Arie and Incognito, as well as rising stars like Gregory Porter, Allen Stone, and local artists Glenn Fredly and Jeremy Monteiro. Details at www.sing-jazz.com

The Sapporo Snow Festival

Date: Feb 5-11

Location: Hokkaido’s capital of Sapporo, Japan

Held for one week every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most famous winter events, attracting over two million visitors each year. Featuring snow and ice sculptures, the event takes place on three sites: the Odori Park, the Susukino site and the family-oriented Tsu Dome site. The main site sees large snow sculptures, over a hundred smaller snow statues and concerts. Located just one subway station away is the Susukino site, which is a nightlife district, showcasing over a hundred amazing ice sculptures. Catering more to those with families, the Tsu Dome site will feature snow slides, snow rafting and sculptures with many food stalls available inside the dome. Details at www.jnto.go.jp

MARCH  

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Date: March 26–April 20

Location: Melbourne, Australia  

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Held in Melbourne for three weeks every year, this is one of the largest comedy festivals in the world. The main attractions are the stand-up performances from local and international comedians at various venues across the city. If you’re in search of more entertainment, there’s also cabaret, theater, street shows, movies, and visual arts for you to enjoy, making it one of the largest cultural events in Australia. www.comedyfestival.com.au

Future Music Festival Asia 2014

Date: Mar 13-15

Location: Mines Wonderland, Mines Resort City, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Organized by Future Music Australia and Livescape Asia, this three-day event is promoted as Southeast Asia’s largest music festival. This year it will feature an eclectic lineup headlined by Deadmau5, Paul Van Dyk, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon of Wu Tang Clan, Baauer, Eric Prydz and Armin Van Buuren. The festival’s theme this 2014 is “safari.” Deadmau5 will take the stage on the opening day, followed by trance veteran Armin Van Buuren on Mar 14. The main festival, though, will take place on Mar 15 across four stages. Details and full line-up at www.futuremusicfestival.asia

Hong Kong International Film Festival

Date: Mar 24–Apr 7

Location: Various venues, Hong Kong

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One of Asia’s oldest film festivals serves up an array of flicks ranging from indie films to multi-million-dollar productions, with a large focus on local talent. The festival will feature more than 330 titles from more than 50 countries screened at 12 major cinemas in Hong Kong. There will also be seminars by international filmmakers, film exhibitions and parties. Details at www.hkiff.org.hk

F1 Malaysian Grand Prix 2014

Date: Mar 28-30

Location: Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia

Started in 1999, the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit was Southeast Asia’s first F1 racing event and remains one of the most exciting of the season due to the demanding track and the steamy weather. Get in early and reserve seats to be one of the 130,000 spectators watching leading drivers like Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton from world-famous teams, including Ferrari, Renault, and Mercedes, racing over the 5.543 km track that packs in 15 turns and eight straights. The race weekend will start with practice on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and the big race on Sunday. Details at www.tinyurl.com/pd2js6n

Mosaic Music Festival 

Date: Mar 7-16 

Location: The Esplanade, Mosaic Studio, Mosaic Club 

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Started in 2005, this is one of Singapore’s largest music festivals and one not to miss for world music and jazz lovers. The ten-day line-up covers everything from folk and R&B to hip hop and electronic rock. Judging from previous years, nearly 100,000 visitors from all over the world are expected to enjoy the extensive list of artists headlined by Alpine, Kurt Rosen, The Cat Empire, Young Dreams, Charlie Lim, The Big Pink, Buika, Caspian, Neko Case and Olafur Arnalds. Details at mosaicmusicfestival.com/2014