Loose Riders Travel: Shredding in Thailand and Indonesia - Video

Loose Riders Travel is a rider owned tour operator specialising in gravity trips in Asia and to kick off one of their new packages, they invited VinnyT and the Shaperideshoot crew to come out and sample the goods. Happy to escape winter in Europe, they packed up their bikes and joined us on a two week adventure across Thailand and Indonesia to ride some of the best trails the region has to offer, experience the local culture, breathtaking scenery and chilled out vibe...


The Indonesia Package is the star in our lineup! On this trip, we catch six flights, visit two countries, pass one timezone, cross the equator, see vastly different cultures and ride everything from hot tropical jungle, cool mountaintops, volcano crater rims to man made bikeparks and top it all with some surfing and chill time on the beach.

Our trip starts in Bangkok, the capital and most populated city in Thailand. From ancient temples to futuristic modern shopping malls, the sounds and smells of this buzzing metropolis are positively overwhelming. The City Of Angels is full of contrasts with something new and unexpected around every corner. After some cultural sight seeing we head down to the infamous Khaosan Road backpacker district for a few beers where Vinny ended up sampling some of the more exotic snacks on offer.


After a short flight from Bangkok we arrive in Chiang Mai. Thailand’s second largest city, located in the mountainous north of the country. In stark contrast with Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a haven of peace and tranquility - this laid-back city is nestled along green forest foothills of the Doi Suthep-Pui mountain range and is our home for the next five days. Chiang Mai’s downhill trails are arguably the best in Asia, here we do the most technical riding of the trip. From World Cup worthy rock gardens to long enduro epics and fast flowy single track, the region hosts a wide variety of trails. After riding Chiang Mai’s awesome trails we hop on a flight to Bali and Indonesia...





Bali sees more pro-rider attendance then any other place in Asia, and for good reason. The island is legendary for its beauty, surf, nightlife and laid back lifestyle. With some of the most iconic landscapes in the world and its unique Hindu culture, Bali has been a go-to destination for action adventure travelers, and now, due to our partner, The Chillhouse, Bali is now a top destination for gravity biking as well. The Chillhouse is Bali’s go-to bike and surf resort and runs the Loose Riders Bali Chapter and are in charge of The Bali Bikepark, an awesome man-made addition to the island’s natural trails featuring big senders, fun lines and fast shuttles.









Our next destination is Cikole on the main Island of Java. After a two hour flight we get to Bandung, located at 700 meter above the sea level - the cool air is welcoming after arriving from tropical Bali. Bandung is home to the Cikole National Park, surrounded by pine and turpentine tree forests on the face of the Mt. Thangkuban Parahu volcano. It's real hidden gem is one of the most fun riding spots in Asia, the Cikole Bike Park. Virtually unknown to the western world, this bike park has lines that can easily compete in flow and fun factor with the worlds top bike parks. With super fast lines, kickers everywhere, well built and seemingly endless berms, and the best dirt you have ever seen - this place is beyond fun!



The shuttles are fast and efficient - just ride until you are beat, chill out, grab some food and keep shuttling - the locals are super friendly and are always down to go for another run. Words really don’t do justice here as this place it has to be experienced! We stay in the buzzing city of Bandung and after riding sample some of the excellent local restaurants and bars playing alternative tunes, we refuelled for another day of shuttle madness!


After three days of sending it in Cikole, we make our way back to Bali for a day of well deserved rest and chilling out on the beach The next day we catch a flight back to Bangkok where our trip ends. If you want to join us and try our Asian flavored mountain bike experience, visit our website: looseriderstravel.com

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MENTIONS: @LooseRiders / @SCOTT-Sports / @ReyGaetan / @spank-bikes / @BaliBikePark

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