1. It is usually held on the first weekend in November on a Sunday although this year they are considering holding it in early December (awaiting confirmation)

2. I normally turn this into a 14 day trip based on the following itinerary:

3. I normally leave Sydney on the Wednesday 12 days before the event.

4. I arrive in Bangkok and stay in Bangkok until the Sunday morning

5. While in Bangkok (Thursday to Saturday) I get up in the morning and go for a ride around Benjakitti Park. After the ride I have a late breakfast and then head out to do a bit of tourist sightseeing. Night time there is a range of activities

6. On the Sunday I fly north to Chiang Rai and set up in our accommodation in the city and reassemble the bike

7. On Monday to Saturday I get up early and go for a ride in the Chiang Rai district. This can include a lot of flat terrain or steep hills (your choice). At times we catch up with some local riders. After riding we go out for some sightseeing around the area

8. Sunday is the fondo day. We normally choose the 110km course but there are 4 different distances ranging from 40km to 130km

9. Monday I fly back to Bangkok and then Tuesday I fly out for Sydney. So a total of 2 weeks

The event is cheap to enter (around $50) which includes timing chip , food and drinks after and a event jersey

We use great airbnb accommodation in Chiang Rai within easy walk of the restaurants