In August 2014 when I first visited the then newly opened Bung Makham Thet-Bung Sakae Ngam Sam Duen public park on the eastern outskirts of Bangkok, I was told that in the next few months a BMX track, the first in the capital, would be added. A year passed but the planned BMX facility didn't materialise.
Earlier this year, however, the long awaited dream of Bangkok BMXers came true. The racing track was finally built. The park, now known by the new, and shorter, name Waree Phirom Park, last Sunday played host to the final round of the BMX National Championship Series.
The new Bangkok track may not have a grand feel as some in other provinces but it did look awesome in the live broadcast of the race on ThaiPBS, the TV channel that gives much importance to bicycle race events.
Currently, most of the track has laterite surface, with asphalt cover only on the banked corners. Many racers hope that the track will one day be 100% asphalt, otherwise it may succumb to the tropical elements way too soon. As a matter of fact, during the competition last Sunday, the pro line which allows riders to do bigger jumps had to be closed for safety reason since the ground in that area was still soaked with rainwater.
I was told by one of the seasoned racers that the new BMX track is fun to ride, except for the first section. He said the first jump was too small, not in proportion to the tall starting ramp.
"Racers naturally sprint out of the starting gate, down the steep ramp. But they need to brake before they hit the first jump, or else the speed would be too high and they would end up crashing on flat ground far beyond the landing slope," he explained. "If you simply glide down the ramp, the speed will be just right for the jump. But in a competition, you can't do that."
The BMX track at Waree Phirom Park may not be perfect for a race but for practice, it is pretty cool. Open every day during the park's opening hours, the BMX track can be used free of charge.
For those who prefer a mellower ride, the 4km-plus cycling lane of the park is not just car-free but also delightful, passing by the two adjacent lakes that lend the park its original name and vast rice fields. Buffaloes and birds, including egrets, are a common sight, not to mention the fresh breeze. For some, it's hard to believe there's still such a place in Bangkok. Rental bikes are available for those who do not bring their own rigs.
Well, see you here again next Thursday. Until then, if you have questions, news or biking insights you wish to share, please feel free to send an email to pongpetm@bangkokpost.co.th or go to Freewheel Bangkok community page on Facebook.
Pongpet Mekloy is the Bangkok Post's travel editor and a mountain bike freak.
Waree Phirom Park BMX track, Khlong Sam Wa, Bangkok
GPS co-ordinates: 13º51'34.96" N 100º46'13.38" E
Trail condition: It's a BMX racing track.
Distance: 380m.
Getting there: From Ram Intra road (No.304), go east and turn left when you find Nimit Mai road. On Nimit Mai, the first side road on the opposite side is Pracha Ruam Chai road. Follow it to Soi Pracha Ruam Chai 47, the access way to the Waree Phirom Park. The BMX course is on the northeastern corner of the park.
Parking: There's ample space next to the track.
Food & drinks: Shops are available outside the park.
What your family can enjoy while waiting: They can take a leisurely ride on the park's cycling lane and take in the refreshing rural atmosphere.
Accommodation: In case you really need a place to say overnight, there are a number of small resorts in Khlong Sam Wa and nearby Min Buri area.