Royal forest the setting for ‘Chon Buri Cycling’
“Chon Buri Cycling 2017” coming up in the eastern province next Sunday (September 24) is part of an “Excite & Experience” campaign and a great chance to see the royally initiated Siri Charoenwat Forest Plantation Project.
Project leader Meechai Leelachewchankun says the province has done well in managing its diverse attractions and has enjoyed a steady increase in visitors.
“This cycling event is ‘sports tourism’ and will be following a new bike path through the forest,” he says. “This is more than just a forest of benefit to the people living nearby. It was a loving gift from Their Majesties the Queen and the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. That’s why we call it the Forest of Love.
“And the forest is close to well-known tourist attractions, such as Wat Yansangwararam, Buddha Mountain – Khao Chi Chan – and the Silverlake Vineyard, in addition to the magnificent beaches and sea views.”
The forest was established in 1990 in Sattahip district and features a facility filled with information about its trees, wildlife and water-resource projects initiated by the late King. The plantation project was undertaken to protect the forest, wildlife and natural resources as a 60th-birthday gift to Queen Sirikit.
It’s a wonderful place to get to know the forest in all its aspects. Visitors are free to study or roam around and can help build dams, plant shrubs, or make foliage-encouraging “EM balls”. There’s even a recreational area with adventure challenges.
The 17.9-kilometre Cycling 2017 event was announced at a press conference within the forest, after which celebrities including Chill FM 89 DJ Ake Krisnavarin, Natalie Davis, Supakorn Kitsuwon and Jirapa Seetabut took a ride around the beautiful lotus pond.
With conservation in mind, registration for the cycling event is limited to 1,000 riders. Sign up for free at www.Facebook.com/chonburicycling2017.
