- Pranburi Dam & Reservoir - Cost 1,900 Thb/person
At Sea Hill Mountain Biking we take pride in the beautiful scenery we travel through on all of our rides. However, this ride has to be our most spectacular offering to date.
The Pranburi dam was built in 1978, to protect the lowland next to the coast against flooding; and also to provide a steady waterflow for irrigation use. The 42 m high and 1500 m wide earthen dam creates an artificial lake, which covers an area of 35.2 km² and has a capacity of 445 million m³. The facts and figures don't do it justice, and you need to 'be there' to appreciate the beauty.
We start the ride above the Pranburi Dam and hurtle down hill on a cinder track for over 1km to immediately get your adrenalin pumping and 'set you up for the day'.
After climbing a tarmac road to put you up above the reservoir, you will enjoy fabulous views across the reservoir for mile after mile.
The ride consists of many stretches of 'roller coaster' track, with climbs and descents the whole way. None are too dramatic, and the whole ride is a cycliists 'mecca'.
The 'basic' ride is 26km, however the finish point has three options, so if you want a little (or a lot) more riding, we can go on further. Finally, and depending on the route we take, we go on to a nearby restaurant for a Thai lunch.
The photographs in the following gallery 'paint the scene', however they don't do the spectacular views justice!!
- Ride Information
Ride start time- You will be collected from your hotel at 8:00am to 8:20am. Please wait in reception. Return to your hotel will be around 3:00pm
Ride GRADE GUIDE- Active (Click here for more information)
Distance- 26km (16 miles)
Riding Time- Approximately 2.5 to 4 hours 'in the saddle'. Total trip time 7 hours
Cycling conditions- The majority of the cycling is along dirt and 'cinder' tracks (about 90%). There are quite a few hill climbs, and some of them are quite long, (but not too steep) however the 'payoff' is fantastic down hills at the other side. The ground under the wheels can get 'rough' so we recommend that only competent cyclists tackle this ride
Support vehicle- During the whole trip we are tracked by our support vehicle, with fruit, water and first aid support. The vehicle is never more than 10 minutes away. (Actually because of the rough tracks, the truck struggles to keep up!!)
Other information- Although we start early in the morning, it can get very hot, and we suggest you wear sun lotion. Also, bring a camera for the views!
Also, because the tracks are 'dirt', it is advisable to wear cycling glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes from the dust.