Buzzwoo! Active MTB Trail Trip
The Buzzwoo! Active campaign is a wonderful initiative that encourages members to accumulate distances, which are then converted into donations. The funds go towards supporting children who have been victims of human trafficking and helping stray dogs in various temples and other locations. This time, we had the opportunity to organize an MTB Trail activity, hosted by Trail Head.
Introducing TrailHead
TrailHead is a company that specializes in organizing mountain biking trips. Whether you’re going as a group or solo, they have everything covered. From providing bikes, transportation, and meals to necessary equipment for the trip, they ensure a comprehensive and professional experience. They also offer guides, safety kits, and first aid, ensuring that everything is taken care of. Their professionalism is their standout feature, and I can attest that they live up to their reputation. You can choose the type of trip you want, with varying levels of difficulty. For those looking for an intense challenge, the “Stairway to Heaven” trail is a great option, while we opted for the “Buffalo Soldier” trail due to the varying fitness levels of our group. TrailHead offers other options as well, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
The Journey Begins
We gathered at the Buzzwoo! office at 8:30 AM, with everyone fully prepared in their gear, ready for an adventure. The TrailHead team arrived around 9:00 AM, perfectly on time, with a van to transport us to our starting point and a trailer loaded with bikes.
No one knew where exactly we were being taken, but there was an air of excitement. We boarded the van and set off. I initially thought we’d be starting near the Hmong village before reaching Doi Pui, but we continued further. By this time, everyone was starting to feel a bit dizzy from the winding roads. We finally stopped just past the summit of Doi Pui, where we got off the van, ready to begin our adventure.
Gear Check
The TrailHead team brought an impressive array of equipment. They briefed us on the route, explaining where we’d be going and how to use the safety equipment, including knee pads, helmets, elbow pads, and backpacks. Everyone received their gear, adjusted it for a perfect fit, and was briefed again on what to do in case of accidents.
The bikes provided were KONA BIKE’s TRAIL DS PRECEPT DL model. I really liked it – it was highly adjustable, and the team, who were all bike enthusiasts, knew everything there was to know about the bikes. They helped us set up the bikes to our preferences, ensuring we were comfortable before we set off.
Starting the Ride
Once our bikes were set up, we began with a casual ride downhill on the road, testing the bikes to see if any adjustments were needed. We then did a short downhill test run, allowing the team to divide us into groups based on our speed: fast, moderate, and slow. I was placed in Group A, the fast group, which consisted of about four people.
Entering the Trail
After the test run, we hit the real trail. The first section was a slightly downhill, muddy path. The guide gave us tips on how to shift gears properly and how to ride both uphill and downhill. Everyone was excited, enjoying the muddy descent. After the muddy section, we had a short uphill stretch where many ended up walking their bikes. After testing our legs and stamina, we took a break at a local coffee shop, where they served fresh coffee – grown, roasted, and brewed right there. It was a much-needed break after the initial climb.
The real challenge began after the coffee break, with a steep climb that only three of us managed to ride up without stopping. The rest had to walk their bikes up the hill.
Into the “Mae Nai” Track
After some time on the trail, we reached a cow pen, where we had a choice: continue on a steep climb or take a left towards a village. I, along with Sven G, Pet, and Mitr, decided to take on the “Mae Nai” MTB Track, while the rest waited for the slower group to catch up. The track was familiar to me from my running days, and I knew it would be a tough Cross Country challenge.
Mitr suggested I go ahead, as he wanted to record a video. I pushed on, but soon realized I was running out of steam. With my water supply running low, I had to ask Pet to share some. The heat was intense, and I found myself walking my bike up every hill, questioning my decision to take on this track. “What am I doing here?” I thought, imagining the others enjoying a cold beer somewhere. But I kept pushing, determined to finish the track.
I’ll have to come back another day to run the “Mae Nai” track again and redeem myself.
Impressions and Thanks
This trip was a fantastic experience, thanks to the excellent organization by TrailHead. They provided everything we needed, from the awesome bikes to the delicious food at the end of the ride. They even sent a truck to pick up Nutkung when he couldn’t continue. I can’t think of a single thing to criticize – it was all top-notch.
If you’re not satisfied yet, we’ve got more photos and videos for you!
Enjoy reliving the adventure!