Going on a biking trip can be a wonderful way to explore new places, stay active, and immerse yourself in nature. Whether you're planning a short day trip or a longer adventure, here are some steps and tips to consider:
1. Choose Your Destination: Decide where you want to go for your biking trip. It could be a local trail, a scenic route through the countryside, a mountainous terrain, or even an urban exploration. Research the route, distance, elevation, and road conditions to ensure it aligns with your biking skills and preferences.
2. Plan Your Route: Using maps, GPS apps, or online resources, plan your biking route. Consider factors like distance, terrain, elevation changes, and points of interest along the way. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the route to avoid getting lost.
3. Check Your Bike: Before setting out, inspect your bike to ensure it's in good condition. Check the tires, brakes, gears, and overall frame. Make any necessary repairs or adjustments. It's also a good idea to carry basic tools and a puncture repair kit.
4. Pack Essentials: Pack the essentials, including water, snacks, sunscreen, a first aid kit, a bike lock, a map or GPS device, and a fully charged mobile phone. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable, breathable clothing and a helmet for safety.
By the turn of this century, McKean had been recognised as one of the leaders in leprosy and community care, setting an example followed by many other countries around the world. Today the handicapped, those in need of surgery, rehabilitation and the very poor come to McKean seeking health and help. The able bodied help those less so, there is vocational training, education, and all number of support and help for those in need. McKean has even opened up a retirement home for Thais and expatriates on its grounds.
5. Start Early: Begin your ride early in the day to take advantage of cooler temperatures and quieter roads or trails.
6. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Bring enough water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout your ride. Plan stops at places where you can refuel and rest.
7. Pace Yourself: Ride at a pace that is comfortable for you. Don't push yourself too hard, especially if you're on a long journey. Take breaks when needed.
8. Enjoy the Scenery: One of the joys of a biking trip is the opportunity to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of your surroundings. Stop at viewpoints, take photos, and appreciate the natural beauty around you.
The McKean Senior Center is located on the Ping River south of Chiang Mai. It is owned and run by the Presbyterian Mission. In 1908 the Minister of the Interior of Siam, the High Commissioner of Chiang Mai, and Prince Intawaroros Suriyawong of Chiang Mai, gave Dr. James McKean permission to establish a leprosy colony. They granted the Presbyterian Mission 66 hectares on the southern half of Koh Klang (“Middle Island”). This was the first time that the government had ever set aside land for people with leprosy.
Foundations of Chiang Mai Leprosarium
By 1908, there was an embryonic leprosarium, consisting of three cottages and six adults. Over the next twenty years, under the care of Dr. McKean and Chantah Indravude, the leprosarium would grow dramatically. He viewed leprosy as infectious and incurable.
Dr. McKean recognized that the disease was not hereditary. He also understood it was infectious only to some individuals while the rest were immune to the disease. It was transmitted only by “prolonged and intimate contact.” He believed that quarantine was an effective control measure that had divine justification in the laws of Moses.
McKean is a Chiang Mai Heritage
We consider McKean Senior Center a Chiang Mai Heritage that should be protected. We will encourage people to visit McKean, either by bicycle or by vehicle. There are some beautiful old and unique buildings such as the Thaw Chapel and the McLanahan Memorial Hall. The compound of McKean has not changed that much in the past 100 years. It is like a journey back in time.
The small museum is worthwhile.
It shows photographs of McKean’s history and of the visit of King Rama VII in 1927. The center is the residence of physically handicapped people who handicraft small souvenirs.
A small souvenir shop sells these souvenirs. Sunday is not the best day to visit McKean: the museum, workshop and souvenir shop are all closed on a Sunday.
There was no cure for leprosy until the early 1980s, but patients at McKean received care and support – food, comfort and compassion – and most importantly for many, shelter from the stigma of society as well as a well organised community. McKean’s residents grew so large, and were so socially cut off from the greater population, that soon there were schools, shops, community centres, their own currency, and even an island police force. After the cure for leprosy was widely available, new cases of leprosy dwindled to such an extent that there were only a few hundred new cases in Thailand per year (500 cases in 2007) and by the mid 1980s McKean began to adapt, turning itself into a rehabilitation centre. There is an old people’s village in McKean, however, where the elderly, cured of leprosy, but with no family left – nor willing – to take them in, continue to live.
Chiang Mai: McKean Senior Center
McKean Senior Center, formerly known as the McKean Rehabilitation Center, is one of our favorite places in Chiang Mai. It is also one of the most under-visited places. Local people know this former leprosy colony simply as McKean. On any given day you might meet groups of cyclists pedaling through this park: it has featured on the itinerary of bicycle tours for many years. Apart from the cyclists, very few tourists visit this beautiful compound with its 100-year old trees. If there is one place that screams for an official heritage it is McKean. If you ride your bicycle on the three shrouded lanes you will have the temperature drop a couple of degrees. The giant trees have this cooling effect. It is wonderful. There are very few vehicles in McKean so it is very safe for cyclists and pedestrians.
McKean is a wonderful place where thousands of people over the years have found not only medical cure, but personal happiness. If you have a moment, grab a bicycle, and take a ride around this historic island.
9. Be Mindful of Traffic and Safety: If you're riding on roads, obey traffic rules and signals. Stay visible by wearing bright colors and using lights if you're riding in low-light conditions. Always be aware of your surroundings.
10. Respect the Environment: Whether you're biking in a natural area or an urban setting, make sure to leave no trace. Dispose of trash properly and respect the environment and local communities.
11. Know Your Limits: Listen to your body and know when it's time to rest or turn back. Don't hesitate to adjust your plans if conditions change or if you're feeling fatigued.
Remember that biking trips can be both physically rewarding and mentally refreshing. Enjoy the journey and the sense of accomplishment that comes with exploring new places on two wheels!
Wiang Kung Kam, a historical landmark of Chiang Mai. It is an important ancient site that everyone wants to come. A horse-drawn carriage or a tram ride is available to visit 9 temples and guides will explain its history. Gained very good knowledge, the most important thing is to help villagers in the community earn income.
Wiang Kum Kam (เวียงกุมกาม)
It's worth visiting for 1-2 hours. It's considered quite good. The ancient site is quite complete. Just attached to it as an ancient site that was discovered after the title deed was issued, so it had to be mixed with people's houses. Can't do landscapes like the Ayutthaya and Sukhothai Historical Parks.
Before getting in the car to visit, there is a small exhibition room for you to watch the video. There is a replica of the inscription found here. and antiques to look a little There was a staff explaining the history of Wiang Kum Kam. On boarding the tram, there was a volunteer guide uncle who came to explain the details of each point as well. It is known as the Underworld because it is located deep underground. During the visit, the flood water had just receded, causing the water to be stagnant and unable to walk. I want to come and see It supports the intentions of the responsible agencies that are trying to develop historical sites.
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