On your bikes!

Taking place on November 11 and 12 at Siam Country Club Pattaya, the cycling and lifestyle event celebrates the joy of mobility on two wheels and will see riders take part in a variety of ride categories over the two days. Ranging from individual timed rides and a 90-minute fun ride to a team time trial, there is also plenty to do off the saddle with a village area that will include activities, shopping outlets and food.

The event will offer riders of all abilities the opportunity experience a ride on a safe and secure circuit – complete with an amazing race pack to round out the experience. Sponsored by Bangkok Bank, the CycleFest places a focus on the community and aims to provide children of Pattaya with the opportunity to enjoy the freedom and fun of a bike.

Riders signing up for the festival can choose to make a contribution to ‘Share the Ride’, a charity initiative that aims to purchase bikes and helmets for youngsters from local children’s homes. Joining the launch event at the EmQuartier were children from Banglamung Home for Boys, the recipient of 50 bicycles and helmets from the festival’s first contribution.

 “As per the global trend in health and wellness, cycling has become one of the fastest growing sporting activities in Asia,” said Thaweelap Rittapirom, director and executive vice president of Bangkok Bank. “With millions of cycling enthusiasts across the continent and in Thailand, cycling events are growing more and more popular, and given the rise of the affluent middle class in Asia, we can expect the sport’s growth to accelerate dramatically in the near future.”

 Bangkok Bank CycleFest 2017 offers six different rides for cyclists of all ages and abilities on a 15.5-km fully closed-road circuit around Siam Country Club. Organised by IMG, the festival promises to deliver the full experience of an international cycling event with an emphasis on enjoyment over competitive racing.

Former professional rider and Tour de France stage winner from Germany, Jens Voigt, will also join the event to talk about the importance of riding safely and sensibly to get maximum enjoyment from the sport.

“I am delighted to be an ambassador for this new cycling event here in Thailand. The growth of cycling in recent years, particularly across Asia, has been really impressive. To keep that going, we need to ensure people are educated about safe cycling, and the local communities and governments must do what they can to provide a safe cycling environment on the roads for everyone who wants to get active.”

He will be joined with local event ambassadors including actor Nutt Devahastin Na Ayudhya, actor and singer Patiparn “Mos” Pataweekarn, and actress Aroonnapa “Varn Varn” Panichjaroon.

To sign up, go to www.BangkokBankCycleFest.com. The first 600 Bangkok Bank cardholders to register will enjoy a discount, 25 per cent for Bangkok Bank Infinite or Platinum Leader cardholders and 20 per cent for Bangkok Bank credit card and Be1st debit card holders, off each ride’s registration price. All riders have the option to support “Share the Ride” with a donation during registration.