* 2023 REGISTRATION CLOSED. STAND BY FOR 2024 DATES! *
ITINERARY
TIGER RIDE ITINERARY
(Penang to Phuket) - 2023 CLOSED; 2024 date soon
The Tiger Ride’s Mad Dogs and Wild Cats categories both follow the same general itinerary. The main difference being the distance cycled, with the Mad Dogs category cycling the entire distance, and Wild Cats cycling approx 30km before and after lunch, scooting the rest in the comfort of a vehicle. The elevation profiles below are for the full distance (Mad Dogs category) - Wild Cats will ride a portion of each day, and this will also avoid large climbs.
21 November 2023 – ARRIVE IN PENANG
You’ll check into your hotel in Georgetown and hopefully have time to explore this lovely city. No doubt you will want to sample the famous Penang street food. You can’t leave without trying the unique Laksa! This is a very special place indeed, an appropriate start for an adventure on a majestic scale.
22 November 2023
Penang Street Art
GEORGETOWN, PENANG TO TASOH LAKE
MAD DOGS: 173KM
WILD CATS: APPROX 60KM
Those in the Mad Dogs category will cycle a short way to the ferry from Penang Island to the mainland, while those in the Wild Cats category will start the day with a comfortable transfer to leave the urban environment. You’re off! An exceptional day of exploring rural Malaysia’s very best awaits you – you’ll see the country’s sleepy backroads and vibrant greens – from the rice fields to the palm trees, the banana groves and the grassy verges. As you enter Malaysia’s smallest and northernmost state of Perlis you really will realise quite how far off the beaten track you have reached. You’ll spend the night on the banks of beautiful and remote Tasoh Lake which is only a few kilometres from the Thai border. (Breakfast, Lunch included).
Hit the road!
Tasoh Lake
Elevation +487/-461m
23 November 2023
TASOH LAKE TO YAN TA KHAO, TRANG
MAD DOGS: 172KM
WILD CATS: APPROX 60KM
The morning mist often adds to the allure of some mysterious karst scenery as the riders head towards the hilltop border. The day will start with a big (but not massive) climb up to the frontier, with utterly stunning views. Wild Cats riders will skip most of the climb.
Heading for the border
Outsiders rarely cross this remote border and Thailand welcomes the riders with a large bustling market as well as a glorious downhill into the countryside. Satun Province is safe and sees very few visitors, offering a privileged view into hidden parts of Thailand. (Breakfast, Lunch included)
Elevation +891/-922m
24 November 2023
YAN TA KHAO, TRANG TO AO NANG, KRABI
MAD DOGS: 175KM
WILD CATS: APPROX 60KM
You will spend the day enjoying the high-quality Thai roads and the very pleasant countryside. Possibly, being tempted by sweet smelling street stalls. As we skirt the town of Krabi, the karst topography becomes more intense, giving the final push toward Ao Nang a real buzz. The day gloriously finishes on one of the most beautiful and exotic seaside backdrops on the planet.
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Pleasant Thai Countryside
Reaching Ao Nang Beach
Elevation +832/-833m
25 November 2023
AO NANG TO PHUKET
MAD DOGS: 155KM
WILD CATS: APPROX. 60KM
After bidding farewell to Ao Nang by touring the bay, you will spend hours passing through the most beautiful, extraordinary karst scenery. The route darts into and out of villages as the local children wave. It then heads into the lush hinterland, then takes in some lovely coastal routes before victoriously crossing the stunning Sarasin Bridge onto the island of Phuket.
From here it’s a short distance to the finish on Mai Khao Beach for celebratory beers and a swim in the aquamarine sea. What an adventure, what an achievement and what a place to finish!
(Breakfast, Lunch included)
Dramatic karst landscapes cycling through Krabi
No place like the top of hill climb
The Sarasin Bridge leading to Phuket
What an adventure!
Elevation +1236/-1231m
26 November 2023 - LEAVE FROM PHUKET
You’ll wake up near the stunning beach with a great deal of satisfaction at the adventure that you have just completed. Perhaps you’re lingering for a few days, but equally you may be heading to the nearby Phuket Airport for the ride home. Surely you’ll first reward yourself with a dip in the turquoise sea!
Mai Khao Beach