International Mountain Bike Competition

Pedal power

Cyclists, it's time to test your endurance and get into training for the Sixth International Mountain Bike Competition around Bhumibol Dam in Tak province, which this year takes place on August 29 and 30.

Named after His Majesty the King, the dramatic landscape around the reservoir is ideal for cycling and is also a popular nature trail with hikers.

The mountain bike competition is open to all local and foreign bikers, and you don't have to be a fitness fanatic to join in. The challenges vary from funny rides to rally cruises and include a trail ride as well as a long distance race. On the sidelines, folk music bands entertain to create a family atmosphere.

Call TAT Tak office at (055) 514 3413 or visit www.BhumibolDam.EGAT.com

Print and board

Air China passengers buying electronic tickets are able to complete checkin procedures, select seats and print out boarding passes, on A4 paper, at Air China's Chinese and Thai websites.

The check-in procedures can be completed from 8am (Bangkok local time) on the day of departure until three hours before takeoff.

With the printed boarding passes in their possession, passengers only need to confirm their identification at the airport, and then they can directly enter the departure lounge.

This service is also available for Air China flights departing from Hong Kong, Tokyo and 58 cities in Mainland China. Visit www.AirChina.co.th.

Pattaya's new 'Lost World'

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, the first themed beach resort hotel in Pattaya, enjoyed its soft opening on July 27, as scheduled.

A 5star property designed to a Lost World concept, the hotel features 555 rooms and suites, all facing the ocean. The Lost World theme includes an extensive water park with swimming pools, lazy river, waterfalls and other aquatic activities.

As a destination resort hotel, the Centara Grand Mirage offers exciting specialty restaurants and bars and features a large and versatile convention centre with a ballroom that can hold up to 1,200 people.

Classic rides

The Vintage Car Club of Thailand is organising a caravan of vintage cars to Nakhon Pathom next Saturday. Under the theme "This August take Mom to the Museum in a Vintage Car", the caravan will visit museums and other interesting places in Nakhon Pathom as well as donate teaching and learning equipment in support of education to Ban Khlong Krachan School. The caravan will leave Bangkok at 7am, and providing the engines run well, expects to return to Bangkok at 6pm.

For more information, call (02) 641 8444 extension 507 or visit www.VintageCarClub.or.th.