Cyclists assemble at the starting
line.
Warunya Thongrod
More than 300 bicyclists pedaled through Pong, Huay Yai and Nongprue
sub-districts as the Pattaya Press Association joined local associations for a
charity bike ride.
Former MP Poramet Ngampichet opened the March 2 ride co-sponsored by the
Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration and Tourism Authority of
Thailand as part of the National Press Day commemoration and to promote
eco-tourism.
Riders were split into two divisions: a 40km trek for 300 baht, and a 10km “VIP”
outing for 1,000 baht. The first 300 applicants in the citizen’s category and
100 applicants in the VIP category received a shirt and a medal upon crossing
the finish line. Profits from the event were donated to the Children’s Welfare
Protection Center (Baan Khru Ja).
“Collaborating with the press association is another mission of DASTA, which
believes in the importance of following the organization’s policies to promote
all aspects of tourism in the area,” said Thaweepong Wichaidit, manager of
DASTA’s Pattaya Special and Adjacent Areas Office.
“This is a good activity that can very well promote eco-tourism by exposing the
three routes used for the event: Huay Yai, Nongprue and Pong sub-districts,”
Poramet said. “Pedaling allows people to achieve better health and helps reduce
pollution.”
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and former
MP Poramet Ngampichet sound their horns to signal the release of participants.
Thaweepong Wichaidit (right),
manager of DASTA’s Pattaya Special and Adjacent Areas Office, announces that the
purpose of Bike Week is to help restore Pattaya tourism.
Detchana Bunyapraphachot (left),
manager of Banglamung Cable TV, presents a medal to one of the first 300
bicyclists to finish the 40 km race,
Kittisak Montkaew (right), deputy
permanent secretary of Pong municipality, presents a medal to Deputy Mayor
Verawat Khakhay (left) for finishing the 10 km distance.
The little one along the route is
wondering what all the fuss is about.
After a quick repair, they were back
out on the course.
There is plenty of time to reflect
on life along the route next to Mabprachan Reservoir.
Racing through the first curve
towards Mabprachan reservoir.
Head down, racing to be the first to
reach the finish.
Chatchawan Supachayanont (4th left),
general manager of Dusit Thani Hotel, Pattaya, inspires the Dusit Bike Club to
participate in ‘Bike Week’.
Show off!
Organizers made sure there was water
along the way.
City Councilman Manoj Nongyai leads
Pattaya Bicycle Club members out onto the course.
All smiles on a beautiful day for a
ride.
Now there’s something you don’t see
every day, a bicycle built for two.
In some places the scenery is
absolutely stunning, including this tree tunnel near the Thai Polo field.
Getting ready to hit the streets.
