The event, called the Phuket InterBike Hash, is the fourth such gathering of mountain bike hashers coming from different parts of the world. At last count, registrants represented 23 nationalities.
Like a regular ‘hash’, a route for a mountain bike (MTB) hash is marked by bits of paper, usually off-road and varies in riding time from 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail will cross forests, hills, coconut groves, jungle, rubber trees, and other sorts of plantations. In Phuket, there are lots of single track trails still to be found, thanks to the local folks riding motorbikes.
Most hashers, like nature, are quite social, looking for company, a bit sporty and eager to listen to silly talk while enjoying a drink. Although it is not a race, some just can’t hide their competitiveness but it is fine to ignore them, there is no trophy to win anyway.
After the ride, there is a get-together (or circle) to share stories about the ride, tease the people who took care of laying the paper trail. Those folks are called the hares. The after ride includes some food, a beer or two, soft drinks, and a good ole laugh shared by all. Be warned, hashers do get so excited that they will start to sing!
The hash is for anyone healthy enough to go for a low pace run or ride. Although, in all honestly, riding off-road can be quite exhausting. With heat and humidity, as in Phuket, it can be very hot and it can’t be stress enough the importance of drinking water, before, during, and after the hash.
Women and men from every nationality have a fun time and usually will gain more fitness; once started it’s easy to love and most are eager to join the monthly gathering.
Limited to 200 registrants, the Phuket InterBike Hash will take place in the Bang Tao, Thalang area. Find all event details, registration requirements, and contact information on the website - http//phuketinterbikehash.com. New to MTB hashing? Virgins are also welcome!