King of the Hill in Vietnam: Racing, Challenges, and an Unforgettable Experience
Earlier this month, we flew out to Da lat for the annual King of the Hill event — and what a ride it turned out to be. The plan was simple: spend the morning riding trails for fun, then head into the afternoon for a hill climbing competition. Of course, with dirt bikes, nothing ever goes exactly according to plan.
Warming Up on the Trails
The first couple of hours were pure fun — just riding through the trails and getting a feel for the terrain. Spirits were high, bikes were roaring, and everyone was gearing up for the real challenge: the hill climb.
When it was finally time to race, the setup was straightforward: one wide hill climb, three rounds, and the fastest would move forward. I was up in the semi-pro class, ready to push both myself and my bike.
Racing Challenges: Bike Issues and Close Calls
My qualifying race started with a problem. As soon as we hit the climbs, my bike began losing power. Competitors would overtake me going up the hills, and I’d claw my way back in the corners. Stressful? Definitely. But the fight kept me sharp.
On the final lap, I managed to build a small lead — until a rider clipped me in the corner. Thankfully, neither of us were hurt, but my bike wasn’t so lucky. At that point, I wasn’t sure I’d even make it to the finals.
Borrowing a KTM and Lining Up for the Finals
Luckily, my friend Bin came through and let me borrow his KTM 350. That generosity changed everything.
At the start of the final, I misunderstood the signal and took off dead last. Not ideal. But with a few quick passes, I fought my way to the front. From there, it was just about holding steady until the checkered flag.
Against the odds — and on a borrowed bike — I managed to take the win.
The Ride Back and the Realization
Just when I thought the drama was over, I discovered I had a flat tire. That meant riding all the way back to the city with it, which was sketchy to say the least. Still, it added another story to an already unforgettable weekend.
The Gala Dinner: Celebrating the Ride
No Vietnamese race weekend is complete without the gala dinner. After the competition, everyone gathered to celebrate, eat, and (of course) raise a few glasses. It was the perfect way to wrap up the event — good food, good company, and a shared love of dirt bikes.
Final Thoughts
Despite the setbacks — from bike issues to flat tires — King of the Hill in Vietnam was an amazing experience. The event was well-organized, the atmosphere was incredible, and the racing itself was unforgettable.
Big thanks to the Da lat crew and everyone who made it possible. At the end of the day, it’s all about riding, pushing limits, and having fun. And on that front, King of the Hill delivered in every way.
