The Amazing Thailand Cycle Challenge '99

This is a copy of an article published on the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) website in 1999

A Key Milestone For Thai-Irish Relations & Adventure Travel

The upcoming Amazing Thailand Cycle Challenge '99, which takes place between April 3 to 10, 1999, is the latest in the series of Irish Blazing Saddles adventures organized by the National Council for the Blind Of Ireland. This high profile event is being held in the spirit of friendship between the two countries and is fully supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thai Airways International.

The designated route for the Amazing Thailand Cycle Challenge 99 takes some 100 ardent cycle enthusiasts through some of the most scenic landscape from Chiang Mai to the Golden Triangle. The participants will be peddling cross-country a total of 656 kilometres in 9 stages over a period of 8 days. Yet another exhilarating way to experience the unique charm of Northern Thailand.

Timed to coincide with this event, Thai Airways International flight TG 917 will be making its 747-400 inaugural flight to Dublin and the Blazing Saddles will be on board the return flight bound for the Land Of Smiles, arriving in Bangkok in the evening of March 31.

In Thai tradition, TAT will be on-hand to warmly welcome the Kingdoms guests from Dublin including the facilitation of fast track customs and immigrations clearance upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport. The Amazing Thailand Cycle Challenge '99 then kicks off with a formal welcome reception at Delaneys Irish Pub and Restaurant on Convent Road, Silom district on Thursday, April 1, 1999, jointly hosted by TAT and Delaneys. This promises to be a fun evening with entertaining Thai and Irish cultural highlights! According to Mr. Eamon Duffy, Amazing Thailand Cycle Challenge 99 Events Director, members of the Irish St. Patricks Day Society will also be at the welcome reception.

The Chiang Mai Provincial Governor will preside over the official Amazing Thailand Cycle Challenge '99 Opening Ceremony on Saturday, April 3 at the Rincome Amari Hotel with the race starting at 07:00. Marching bands, entertainment and colourful decorations organized by TAT will make the opening ceremony in itself quite a lively and festive event. Hundreds of local cyclists will also be joining the Irish Blazzing Saddles in the ceremonial start. The Irish Blazzing Saddles are expected to cross the finish line between 11:30 to 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 10 at Le Meridien Baan Boran Hotel, Golden Triangle. To mark the close of the cycle challenge, TAT will be organizing a fireworks display at the Gala Awards Dinner on Sunday, April 11.

To ensure the greatest success of this landmark event, TAT is actively promoting details of the Amazing Thailand Cycle Challenge '99 event highlights through its publicity and promotion channels. In doing so, TAT is also taking every opportunity to showcase the many aspects of Thailands natural attractions as well as the Kingdoms rich cultural heritage, traditions and way of life.

In the wake of the recent PATA Adventure Travel Mart and Ecotourism Conference held in Chiang Mai, the active involvement of the TAT in this important event is a reflection of TATs commitment to the development of adventure travel as an innovative niche market option in the range of travel and tourism product offered by Thailand.

Read about other past events...