On your bike

Gay grooms are being encouraged to start their married life in the saddle by two of Thailand’s leading beach resorts Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga and Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi.

Both seaside locations are banking on bicycles attracting Iron Husbands on honeymoon with complimentary services for cyclists, including route maps, bicycle stands, bike cleaning and maintenance kits, pocket Wi-Fi for map apps and mobile phones for emergencies. Bike repair shop services and local guides are also available.

If you’re not planning on packing your own wheels, you can travel extra light and rent high-quality bicycles from leading local suppliers.

"We want to promote Thailand as a world-class cycling destination," says the hotel group’s founder and managing director, Anchalika Kijkanakorn.

"With thousands of kilometres of tarmac roads and challenging off-road tracks, riders have endless opportunities to challenge themselves while also soaking up the region’s stunning landscapes."

Riding tours will take you through traditional Thai villages, vineyards and along beaches. If you’re goals are more hardcore the Aleenta resorts have put pedal pressure on leading bike suppliers to offer a choice of high-quality equipment. Guests can hire the Allez E5 road bike, which features a lightweight alloy frame, a FACT carbon fibre fork and Shimano Claris 2400 eight-speed gear system.

Mountain bikers who prefer to blaze their own trails can rent a Specialized Pitch Comp, which features a tough M4 advanced alloy frame, FSR suspension and hydraulic disc brakes.

Sports tourism has become a focus for the country with the Tourism Authority of Thailand sponsoring Perth athlete Jack Thompson’s 14 day, 1380 km bicycle journey around the Gulf of Thailand to Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat and then across the peninsula to Krabi and Phuket.

“Cycling has emerged as an interesting way of travel that enables avid cyclists and repeat tourists who are looking for another way to experience the kingdom,” says TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn. 

“This offers them to closely engage with the locals, unique culture and welcoming hospitality. Also, the rising healthy trend these days has attracted an increasing number of people to cycle as an optional mode of travelling.”

After a long day in the saddle, cyclists at both resorts can enjoy a healthy post-ride smoothie, a protein shake or a soothing massage at the spa. Personal trainers are also available to help cyclists and triathletes preparing for their big race.

Visit www.akarynhotelgroup.com to find out more.