Chiang Mai Bikers Turn Parched River into Motocross

Dirtbikers practice Sunday on a dry stretch of the Ping River in Chiang Mai province. Photo: Pakon Gunman / Facebook

CHIANG MAI — As the drought crisis grows worse across the country, residents have adapted by transforming a rocky, dried out stretch of the Ping River into a temporary motocross track.

In February the river through Chiang Mai’s Chom Thong district and Lamphun’s Ban Hong district went completely dry. Ban Thung Mak Num village chief Nirut Atama said it was the first time in memory, but locals chose to turn the crisis into opportunity.

The 850 meter by 500 meter area was transformed into a dirt bike track by volunteers from a local motorcycle club who will stage a motocross rally this weekend.

Advertisement

Pakon Jaimoon, the head of Enduro Chom Thong, said locals usually fish and produce rafts for tourists but have lost their incomes since the water vanished.

Advertisement

Part of the money earned from the racing events will go to support a public campaign against road races, Pakon said.

The Chom Thong Enduro Charity @ Cyclecross No. 1 race will take place Sunday.
 

201603141354453-20021028190509.jpeg

201603140943037-20021028190509.jpg

10524335_10206352593509904_1120224442654704691_n.jpg

Poster for the Chom Thong Enduro Charity @ Cyclecross No. 1. Photo: Pakon Gunman / Facebook