Bike for Elephants
This year Bike for Elephants started in a very different way than the previous years. Before departure, this time we didn’t pass bottles of sun crème around, but raincoats instead. A smaller number of participants as well, nineteen cyclists and ten supporters. Despite the dark clouds, everyone was excited to get started. But at the first off road part, we got stuck completely. The clay was so sticky and strong, that it was not even possible to push the bikes forward. Brakes, gears and wheels were completely covered in clay. The only solution: clean and repair bikes, take them on the shoulder and walk to the nearest paved road. A la minute we changed the route, and adapted the event to the new circumstances. On the way we had to stop many times to fix flat tires and make minor repairs of broken bikes. Halfway we ordered three new mountain bikes, to replace the worst ones. But with all these challenges Bike for Elephants only became more fun. Click ‘more’ for the picture report of the weekend.
Photos: Jerry Nelson
Photos: Lek Onkate
The nurse team was so impressed with the spirit of the cyclists, that they wanted to cycle too. One nurse on a bicycle, the other in the safety truck. After this event, for sure we can count on their support as a nurse team again.
Much later than planned, around 5 pm, we arrived at the Elephant Nature Park. After a brief encounter with the elephants, and a conversation with Lek, we had some time to freshen up in the huts. Because of bad weather, we couldn’t camp on the beach this year. But a cosy bed with private shower was a welcome relief after such a hard day. After dinner and the documentary Return to the Wild, we had a big bonfire on the beach. But around ten o’clock the whole group was in bed already.
Photos: Lek Onkate
The participants woke up with the sounds of elephants and lots of sunshine. After breakfast they went on a morning walk with elephants, in order to learn more about the background of the elephants. After handing over the cheque with the proceeds of Bike for Elephants (125,437 baht - 3,069 euros) we started cycling and immediately had to climb to get out of the valley of the park. Half an hour later everyone was breathless and overheated. Such a different weather than the previous day! The route of the second day was mostly off road. Finding the perfect route has taken us one week, so we hoped we didn’t need to adjust the route again. Fortunately the trail was still in good condition and everyone could enjoy the beautiful ride. When we cycled out of the forst, we had a water stop at the magnificent temple Wat Daan Den. From there it was only one and a half hour cycling to finish at the houseboats on the Mae Ngat reservoir. The Bring the Elephant Home team crossed the finish first, while we were not leading. One of the last signs had disappeared and all the first cyclists went straight, climbing up a steep hill to end at a wrong finish. After some confusion we had the whole group together at the right place, so everyone could cool down in the water. After the awards, some snacks and drinks Bike for Elephants 2012 was finished. Without a doubt, one of our most enjoyable events.
Many thanks to the sponsors of this event: SpiceRoads, Fah Lanna Spa, Park Plaza Hotel and DE Lanna Hotel, and of course the participants and volunteers of Bike for Elephants.
