An Adventure Across Thailand on a Bicycle

[TotallyOz]

Sometimes I do really crazy things. My first boyfriend in Thailand, I showered him with so much love, attention and money that his family thinks I am related to the Sultan of Brunei. jk

 

Well, I love adventures and I love Thailand so I decided that I would try to combine my love for the 2 things in a cross country trip across Thailand. That sounds great until I say that I'll be doing this on a bicycle. Yep, that is right. A bicycle. Not a motorcycle but a bicycle. I love riding bikes and I have rode the San Francisco to Los Angeles Lifecycle ride. It was a major challenge for me but I really enjoyed it.

 

I have wanted to spend time getting to know the people of Thailand better and to see it the way only someone who visited the back-roads and countryside are able to know it.

 

Tomorrow, I start this adventure. It is a bike ride from Chiang Mai Thailand to Phuket. It will take about 30 days for us to do the ride. There are about 15 others that will do the entire ride. I am not sure I'll make it 3 days or one week or the entire trip but I am willing to put my best foot forward and give it a try. My mother always said, nothing ventured is nothing gained.

 

I am putting a lot of time, energy and heart into this trip. I have planned for it for months. I have bought a bike that will accommodate my large ass (as much as possible). I have worked to try to prepare for the ride. Now, it is time to get on the bike and ride in Thai traffic.

 

I came to Chiang Mai about 5 days ago to test the bike and the roads. To be honest, I only rode for about one hour in the traffic here and the motorcycles buzzing by me, the tut tuts zooming in and out and the people walking in front of me, really put a scare into me. I wasn't sure this is something I would be able to do. I did not get back on my bike while in Chiang Mai and I am hoping that my trip will be away from the traffic in cities and more in the countryside. However, I don't know this will be the result. I'll only know this once I start riding. I'll only know if I am rugged enough to stay at the motels and hotels they have chosen for our group once I get going. I know no one on the ride and I know no city we are staying in. All I know is that I want to give this a shot. If I make it out of Chiang Mai alive, I'll consider my trip a success. If I have to stop along the way and be whisked away to the Marriott, I'll know I gave it a try. All I can do is try and see where it goes. I will not be hurt or sad if I don't make it the whole way. Hell, I'll be happy if I make it up the first mountain to be honest.

 

Tonight I met the other travelers. They are a motley group. A few hippies, a few young environmentalist, a few older father types and a entire group of excited people who hope to have the experience of a lifetime.

 

We ate dinner at a local restaurant. It was very Thai and very good. We all chatted, drank beer and laughed. I had to pack and get ready so I said goodnight early and made way to my hotel.

 

Tomorrow, we start. Tomorrow the adventure beings. Total Tour Distance: 1,438 Miles/2,300 KM

 

http://www.tourdethailand.com

[Guest fountainhall]

I am sure we all wish you the best of luck. I only hope you have a strong helmet, elbow guards and whatever other paraphernalia you need to keep you safe.

[Gaybutton]

I thought you were doing this with a motorcycle. I didn't realize until now that you're going to do this on a bicycle. You know what I say? Go for it! It could turn out to be a big mistake, but it could also turn out to be the greatest adventure of your life. If you back out of it now, without at least trying for a few days, then for the rest of your life you'll have to wonder if you should have done it.

 

I've done my share of crazy things in my life. There have been times when I was right in the middle of whatever it was and wondered what the hell I was doing. But I did them. I'm happy I did. I wouldn't do some of them again, but I'll always be glad I did.

 

[Guest laurence]

Seriously, GT, I think you are crazy to attempt this. Hope you don't get injured or die in your adventure. Who will pay for the great giveaway contest of a free flight to Thailand?

[Guest George]

I thought you were doing this with a motorcycle.

 

As I did too GB. It's a great trip to make on a motorcycle and one I have made myself on a couple of occasions, but stone the fucking crows GT, to even contemplate making this trip on a bicycle, a distance of some 2,300 KM, must certainly dispel any doubts anyone may have already had toward your sanity and state of mind, prior to this post of yours and what you intend trying to accomplish.

 

However, let me say in all sincerity GT, that I hope you manage to achieve this goal of yours, even though I believe it would be far more beneficial for you, if someone up there in Chiang Mai, rather than pointing you in the direction of Phuket, pointed you instead, in the direction of the nearest psychiatric unit.

 

Seriously GT and don't think for a second that I haven't been so far in everything I have said above, I wish you all the very best.

 

By the way GT, before closing, were you aware that Encyclopaedia is a name given to those with a fetish for very small bicycles?

 

 

Cheers,

 

 

George.

 

 

[llz]

GT I love ride a bicycle too and I am very excited thinking of your trip.

I had a look at the map and it seems your route avoids main roads so it should be a very nice ride especially with the climate that you have now in Thailand. Also the routes do not seem too hilly except when leaving Chiang Mai and probably between Surat Thani and Phuket. From Hua Hin to Surat Thani, I hope you will use the smaller roads along the coast, this should be paradise on earth.

The main problem during such a long trip should be all the aches and pains you could have to face, so I hope there is some good doctors and masseurs following your trip and able to help you.

Going from one town to another with a bike is a great experience, I made it many times in France, Switzerland and Italy but never that long. I dream to try it in Thailand, but probably will have too wait for the blessed day when I retire.

Good luck to you, and I hope you will have some time left for telling us ...

 

Some useful information at this link : http://www.vwvagabonds.com/Bike/CycleTouringRoutesThailand.html

 

[Guest Hedda]

I think you're nuts, dear, or so bored with your daily routine that anything that gets you out of that rut seems enticing. What I'd like to know is where you found a bicycle seat that you think will be kind to your lower anatomy for 2300 kilometers. Let's hope you don't need a surgeon to extract that seat by the time you hit Hua Hin. Good luck and stay off the highways after dark. I'm driving to Chiang Mai next week and I don't want to see you and the bike lying on the berm playing roadkill.

[PattayaMale]

Rainwalker did something like this on a BMW motorcycle (not a bicycle) in Canada and the USA. Each day he did a little writing I think he called it "On the Road".

 

I hope GT will have the energy to give us updates.

 

In my mind I would like to do this, but in my reality, I am happy someone else is doing it and lets us know how it goes.

 

What is the name of the group that you are doing this with?

[Guest lvdkeyes]

I think you're nuts, dear, or so bored with your daily routine that anything that gets you out of that rut seems enticing.

 

and the acid tongue wags again.

[Guest luvthai]

You will be in such good physical shape after completeing this trip that the boys will be lining up to pay you for your services. Good luck to ya on taking on a tirp like this.

[Guest]

Day 1: Chiang Mai 55 plus miles

 

We met for breakfast at the Montri Hotel. The group was given breakfast at the hotel and it is where everyone was staying for the night. I was already registered in the Holiday Inn for the week so I just met the other cyclist there at 7AM. We went to the Tapai Gate for a photo op and to meet some of the members of the Chiang Mai bicycle club. They would be riding with us today out of the city.

 

We headed out of Chiang Mai first by riding around the city. We started at the Montri Hotel and started around the city and ended back at the Montri to get the support vehicles and head out of the city. After the loop around the city we headed out of the city and started on the journey.

 

The roads were rough and there was little traffic once we left the city. The majority of the day today , we saw very few cars at all. Everyone we passed was curious about a bunch of farangs dressed alike riding bikes and were all yelling Hello Falang.

 

The roads were not easy and some were big pot holes. IT was hard to navigate around them. Some were gravel, some were dirt but most were paved. The paved ones are the ones that seemed the most bumpy.

 

There was only one accident the whole day and it was of course, Moi. I was riding and the guy beside me wanted to miss a pot hole so he turned quickly bumping my tire and I went down fast. I landed on my hand and my wrist caught the majority of the pain. I did have a bloody knee and elbow but neither of them pained at all. My hand and wrist did hurt like hell but trying to be a "manly man" I got back on my bike, yelled to all I was OK and to keep going and I proceeded with the ride. (This was a stupid decision as you will later find out.)

 

From the accident, I think my ego was the most bruised. I have nothing to prove to anyone on this trip but I did hate everyone seeing my fat ass flying off a bike and shaking the pavement making the sound of an earthquake. I think the sound was heard for miles around.

 

We have water breaks along the way and I needed them. I filled up with water and electrolytes each stop. I made sure my body was fully hydrated. I had made a mistake with my first Lifecycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles and knew that I was going to avoid getting dehydrated on this journey. I had brought over my own Propel Powder packets and loads of Emergen C.

 

I was the first one to make it to the first water break. I was the first one to make it to the second water break. I was THE MAN. I was kicking ass on the bike and very happy. Well, as with most good things, they must come to an end. For me, it was around mile 45 that my legs were weary and my body was aching and everyone, I mean EVERYONE, passed me. The last 3 miles of the day, the directory rode with me so I would not get lost. The rest of the team made it to our hotel at least 15 minutes before me. That was OK for me and I did it the best I could but the last miles I really wanted to just jump off the fucking bike and walk. I knew I would be able to walk but my ass was sore and I didn't want to sit any longer. But, I did and my first day of riding was over.

 

The directory, Chris, asked us if we wanted to go to the highest spot in Thailand and to some beautiful Wat's. Most wanted to go so we loaded up the van and took off.

 

The mountain was a long 45 minute climb straight to the top. We stopped a few times along the way to see the waterfalls and the beautiful vegetation. It was simply remarkable and a beautiful view. The fog was out and we were not able to see far away but what I did see was truly beautiful.

 

We made our way down to the mountain and we started to smell the breaks burning. They were given out and they had nothing left on them. We bailed out of the van and pushed it to the side. We were on the mountain in the cold for about 2 hours. IT was cold and I was starting to get miserable. Finally a tow truck arrived and it took us down the mountain but didn't have enough room for all of us so some rode on the back of the truck and I took the risk of getting inside the van as it was being towed. I knew it was a risky move but I was freezing and didn't want to get sick so I opted for the risky road trip being towed.

 

The hotel we stayed at was lovely. Inthanon Riverside Resort was the name of the hotel and it was so nice and beautiful. It was peaceful and relaxing. I have a private room booked for the trip but they had a 2 bedroom bungalow that I shared with the 2 drivers. That was fine for me. The hotel is simply magnificent and I hope to return there one day with a group of boys from Pattaya to party all weekend long. The house we were in had an attached gazebo and table and chairs and I know the boys would love the lakes, the flowers and the trails all over the place.

 

Day one was over and I took 2 muscle relaxers to sleep better and hope that my injury would subside. Little did I know what was in store for me when I woke up.

 

(Pictures to come when I get time to edit them and resize them and post. Cheers! )

[Guest]

I think you're nuts, dear, or so bored with your daily routine that anything that gets you out of that rut seems enticing. What I'd like to know is where you found a bicycle seat that you think will be kind to your lower anatomy for 2300 kilometers. Let's hope you don't need a surgeon to extract that seat by the time you hit Hua Hin. Good luck and stay off the highways after dark. I'm driving to Chiang Mai next week and I don't want to see you and the bike lying on the berm playing roadkill.

 

Don't worry dear. I don't think we are on most of the roads you would be driving on.

 

But, just in case, could you please keep a can of Diet Coke handy to revive me? There seems to be none anywhere in Thailand other than in the main cities.

[KhorTose]

Day 1: Chiang Mai 55 plus miles

 

We met for breakfast at the Montri Hotel.

 

No you did not meet there. The Montri has been bought from the family that owned it for 40 years, remodled, and made into a nice 4 star. Now called the Brix or something like that. Still the best location in town with reasonable rates.

 

I am mad that I have never tried this. It does sound like fun. Sorry about the wrist.

[Guest laurence]

Day 1: Chiang Mai 55 plus miles

55 miles or kilometers? If miles you are even crazier than I first thought!!! I don't think I ever rode my motorbike that far much less pedaled my ass on a bike.

[fedssocr]

well, they will need to keep up around 50 miles a day to do the trip in 30 days.

[Guest]

Hi. I am pretty sure it was the Montri Hotel. That was the sign out front but I'll check.

 

First day was 55 miles. 2nd day was 95 miles. Report coming soon for days 2-4.

 

Here are some photos from Day 1. The waterfall and beautiful Wat are from Doi Intanon National Park (Thailand's Highest Mountain Peak).

[KhorTose]

No,. while everyone still calls it that, the name has changed with the new owners. The family that used to own the Montri owns a guesthouse by the river called the Hollande Montri, but you were by Taepae gate and that hotel has new owners and a new name. However, I did not mean to interrupt your story. I am wanting to know more about your trip, and what happened to your wrist. I promise I will not correct you again. So far this sounds like something that I should try when I return. A really good way to see Thailand. Cost?

[Guest]

No,. while everyone still calls it that, the name has changed with the new owners. The family that used to own the Montri owns a guesthouse by the river called the Hollande Montri, but you were by Taepae gate and that hotel has new owners and a new name. However, I did not mean to interrupt your story. I am wanting to know more about your trip, and what happened to your wrist. I promise I will not correct you again. So far this sounds like something that I should try when I return. A really good way to see Thailand. Cost?

 

LOL. No please correct me at every opportunity. No problem with that at all. I stayed at the Holiday Inn and they drove me to the Montri. That is what I think they all know it by. I haven't yet checked on the name but I will.

 

The cost for the trip is only 795 for all included except dinners. That is for the month. You also need to raise 2,000 dollars for charity and you give that directly to the charity.

 

Might I add, it is a trip ANYONE can do. The rides are not killers and most days we are into the hotel by 3PM. It is something anyone of any age can do. There are those that will go slow, like me, and those that go faster. I much prefer to take my time and enjoy the trip as opposed to getting to the next stop first. There are some 60 and 70 year old guys on the trip. They beat the younger guys every day!

[Guest]

Day 2 Ride from Chom Thong to Thoen (90 Miles/144 KM)

 

When I woke up, my hand had swollen quite large and was throbbing. After a nice breakfast at the hotel, one of the staff took me to the hospital to get an XRay.

 

I have only had great experiences with hospital in Thailand but this one was definitely a little off the beaten path. It was small, in a very rural area and not clean. I hesitated even going inside but I did. I had the Xray done and the doctor read it. It was not a specialist but just the only doctor for the hospital on staff at that moment. He said there was no broken bones and that it was sprained and to rest it for 7 days and it would be fine. I told him I was on a ride and asked if I could ride the bike and he said not a good idea but totally up to me and how I felt. He gave me some anti inflammation and some pain killers but the hospital had no wrist brace nor did the town we were in, nor did the next town, and so forth and so on.

 

I knew I didn't want to be taken out of the ride so I continued on. What I found most interesting about the ride today was the large number of guys walking around in groups to "get out the vote". It was a voting day and these guys were knocking on EVERY door. While 4-6 guys are not a mob, I might be intimidated not to go vote if they asked.

 

Today was the longest and hardest of the adventure. It was 95 miles and was really up and down mountains all day long. One mountain, we dropped 1200 meters in less than 45 minutes. What a ride.

 

For lunch, we stopped at a little mom and pop store and they were thrilled to have such a large group.

 

Once in the hotel for the night, we met for dinner and were treated to another excellent meal. The director's wife is Thai and she orders for us in advance so we are able to get what we need fast. The food choices are always different and she really does want us to try a little of everything Thai. The one thing I hated was the fish that was served. It looked like pork and I tasted it and it was very fishy tasting and then I asked what it was and was told it was fish. When I got my glasses on, I could see both the head and tail. It looked like a small overgrown guppy. ;(

 

The area is known for it marvelous oranges. The hotel is known for its own brand and they package them into plastic bottles. They are fresh and the taste is excellent. We also got quite a few oranges from the area to use as snacks on water breaks along the ride.

 

For Breakfast, the hotel had the best homemade orange marmalade that I have ever tasted. Simply divine.

 

The hotel did not have Internet so I went to an Internet Cafe about 30 minutes walk from the hotel. The rate was 15 baht an hour. I was there little over an hour and asked the lady about a motorcycle taxi and there were none in the town but she had one of the teenage boys take me to the hotel. I tipped him 100 baht and he thought he had hit the jackpot as he didn't know there was payment.

 

I also wanted a massage so I asked the bellboy at the hotel for one. He said 300 baht and I said OK. I was very excited as he was a very handsome lad. About 30 minutes a knock came at the door and it was an 80 year old day. LOL She was very strong and gave a fantastic massage but she talked to me the entire time. The conversation was in Thai and I didn't understand a word she said. She sang songs to me and tried to lullaby me to sleep. It was an interesting if not odd experience.

 

This hotel was not as nice as the previous one but it was the only one in this town so there wasn't much choice. The shower was Thai but the room was comfortable and the food was good.

 

Day 3 Ride from Thoen to Tak (60 Miles/96 KM)

 

We met with a small group from the town and they rode with us part of the way today.

 

We stopped about a local school about 20K out of the city we stayed in. The kids in the school met us outside for a ceremony and talked to us. It was such a lovely experience as I loved hearing them learn English. The word for today was Science and the entire school spelled it, said it in English and then Thai. They did this about 10 times. The school is made up of kids from 6-12. There were only 96 of them but all of them seemed happy to have us there and we had tons of smiling faces. It was a nice experience.

 

The entire day was supposed to be on the main highway but after the 2nd water break, the director said a local Thai bike guy wanted to take us on the back-roads. We agreed and off we went. The back-roads were beautiful and along the Ping River. It was a lovely trip.

 

I got off at one point in a rice field to walk in it as I have always wanted to do that. We were cheered on by a mob of local Thais.

 

I have passed more Thai temples than I ever thought possible. They are everywhere. In every city and small village.

 

Today was about 95k and the last 15 I really didn't think I was going to make it. I was tired, my legs were hurting, my ass was sore and my neck ached. I did not want to stop but my body was telling me to stop and rest. The director again rode me into the city. He stayed back with me as I was the last one as usual. He said, don't stop peddling your legs as that is what makes you want to stop. Just keep them rotating. I bitched and moaned but kept moving. Soon we were in sight of the hotel and I was able to pick up the speed the last 10 minutes or so.

 

For dinner we ate in the food stalls in a large food area next to the hotel. I had Pad Thai for 10 baht and a water for 7 baht. Not a bad price if you ask me.

 

I asked many at the hotel for a gay bar or gay club or gay anything and no one was knew.

 

 

Day 4: Ride from Tak to Sukhothai (47 Miles/75 KM)

 

We had breakfast at 6:30 and met with the group from Tak. They have a bicycle club and ride part of the ride with us each year. They had about 15-20 riders. We all started off together and they gradually turned back to go back to their homes.

 

We continued on. We had a short day today of riding and only about 85-95 K. It was supposed to put us into the next Sukhothai by around 2 and have lunch across from a temple and then ride to the hotel.

 

Today, I was mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. After 4 hard days of riding, I just was so tired I didn't think I would actually make the trip today. The riders from Tak keep me going until the first water break. I was last to pull in and first to pull out.

 

One of the other riders on the trip stayed back with me until the next water break and we chatted for about 1 1/2 hours. When I met him, I really thought he didn't like be because I was so openly gay. Turns out that is not the case. He is just hard to get to know for everyone. He told me that his roommate in college died of Aids and that it was the roommates lover that started the Aids Quilt. I did research this and it was true. He told me many stories about their time together. He also talked about his own family and his children. He is one of the faster riders in the group so I knew that he was staying behind only to encourage me to keep going. I didn't tell him that I really needed that today but he figured on his own after seeing the look on my face. He kept me going to the next break and it was nice to spend some quality time with him.

 

After the break, I had to change my tire. Yes, I have learned to do this on my own but it was nice to have men around who love doing these things so I don't have to get dirty.

 

I was the first out o that water break and the last one to lunch. I was a good 15 minutes behind the rest of the pack. I was all alone except for the support truck behind me following my every move. Once we made it into the city, I could not help but look around at the beautiful temples and ruins. There was one set of ruins that had a volleyball net strung up and some boys were playing. It was such a beautiful sight. I didn't have my camera but it is a memory that will be with me forever.

 

The ride took us by some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

 

Finally, I made lunch and some had already finished eating. I devoured all the food I could possible get in me and I had a diet coke for the first time in 4 days. After having all the water, orange juice and coconuts over the past few days, the taste of the diet coke was not the joyous experience I thought it would be. It actually tasted pretty bad and I have no craving for it at this moment in time.

 

After lunch we all took off together but not wanting to be the end of the caboose again, I peddled hard to reach the hotel first. LOL Well, it was only 5k and I think everyone felt so sorry for me always being last that no one really wanted to move ahead of me as I was trying to get to the hotel to book the first massage.

 

One thing I love about the ride is that at every turn, I have been able to get a great Thai massage and it has really helped me recover the next day. For a few hundred baht, I have found that my muscles can get much release.

[Gaybutton]

It certainly looks like you're having a great time! So far, my favorite part of the story was when you were expecting the cute bellhop and ended up with the 80 year old woman. Well, at least no one could accuse you of being a pedophile! I like that photo of the boy from the Tak Bike Club. Bring him back to Pattaya, willya?

 

Is everyone who began the trip still doing it, or have there been dropouts? Also, how much would you say this whole trip costs?

[Guest]

Is everyone who began the trip still doing it, or have there been dropouts? Also, how much would you say this whole trip costs?

 

No one has dropped out that intended to do the whole trip. There are some that did only the part from Chiang Mai to the current city we are in and they had planned to leave. Some will do the first two weeks only and some the last two weeks only and some will do only 4-7 days. Everyone plans something different. The core group of those that plan to do the whole ride are still planning on it.

 

The entire cost for the trip is $795 USD which includes the 4 weeks of hotel, food, support, etc. Most dinners are on your own. You also must raise 1k USD if you do only one half of the trip and 2k if you do the entire trip.

 

I am having a good time and am enjoying getting to know some really inspirational people.

[Gaybutton]

The entire cost for the trip is $795 USD which includes the 4 weeks of hotel, food, support, etc. Most dinners are on your own. You also must raise 1k USD if you do only one half of the trip and 2k if you do the entire trip.

Is the cost of the bicycle factored into that price? If not, can the bicycle be rented or do you hve to buy one?

[Guest laurence]

Might I add, it is a trip ANYONE can do.

 

Not "anyone" if you count me! I think a kool aid party at Jonestown might be more fun, at least the pain would be over quickly.

 

But I do enjoy the posts as I sit on my ass (on my couch) and drink to a safe journey for you.

 

 

 

[Guest]

Today was a rest day in Sukhothai. To say the temples and ruins were stunning is an understatement. The area was flourishing between the 14 and 16th centuries. I got up early to eat breakfast and took a baht bus from the hotel to the Old City. I went with another guy from the group. We hired a TutTuk driver. Not like the Tut Tut's in Bangkok or Phuket, these are motorcycles with front ends enough to accomodate 3-4 people.

 

We went to every temple in the Old city area and 2 other spots along town. I was simply amazed at it all. Such beauty. There was a hint of Hindu in some of the temples. There was one temple that had such a large Buddha that when invaded by Cambodia, the children of the village hid there to stay alive.

 

There is a great deal of history in this place and it is a registered historic treasure.

 

I had a great time today and loved the Thailand history lesson.

 

I hope you enjoy the photos.

[Guest]

Before the ride began, my trusty old Mac laptop died. It was a very sad ending to a long relationship. It had been with me just about as long as the ex was with me. Both were hard to leave behind. When the laptop died I was in Chiang Mai and it was the day before the ride. I didn't want to miss the ride but knew I have to have a computer. Knowing the prices of Macs in Thailand, I thought I'll fly down to Pattaya to pick mine up. By the time I computed all the time and energy it would take to spend a day traveling to do that, I just decided to pick up another lap top. My computer in Pattaya is a large 24 inch IMac and is carried in a large 70 pound box. I called the ride director to see if I could take this monster with me and he said it would be OK. That was very nice of him but I don't think he realized what he was saying as he had not seen it. It is a monster. Anyway, I opted to buy another Mac laptop while in Chiang Mai. I bought the new 15 inch 4Gig 320 G hard drive beauty. If I am able to replace the boyfriend with just as lovely an item, my life will be complete.

 

It was truly a good decision to buy the laptop as at every hotel that we have stayed that has Internet (some have not) the Internet is only available in the lobby and not in the rooms. There would be NO way that I would have been able to unpack the "monster" daily to check e-mail in the lobby. Fate really did take care of me on this one.

 

When you do a ride like this there are several things you need: good bike shorts, good electolyte packets, good bike gloves and plenty of water. The last one is really the only one you can find in Thailand. The rest you need to bring over with you. I had brought everything but the bike shorts with me. I had to buy those in Bangkok but they only had a few of them so I have to wash them every night and leave them to dry.

 

The day after I twisted my wrist, I also lost one bike glove. I rode 2 days ago without one and it rubbed my hand so much that I now have blisters on them. I have medicated them and they are good to go tomorrow but the first thing I did when I got into this town was buy a good pair of bike gloves. Actually, it was not a good pair but it was the only pair they had and it was better than nothing.

 

I love Thai women. They make me laugh and I love joking with them. My massage lady the last 2 days has been a lot of fun. She laughs every time I yawn, everytime I pop my knuckes and every time she tickles my feet. She is just so jolly and fun loving. I have enjoyed my massages with her and while not the best massage I have had, she was the most fun to be with. Knowing I was gay, she kept playing with my nipples. I told her NO, only for boyfriend. She laughed, "I be your boyfriend" in a deep voice. And the she just laughed and laughed. I will miss her as I ride on.

 

Food is imported to eat and Thai food is wonderful bike riding food. It is high in energy and carbs and keeps you going. The rice has been something I have made sure I eat for lunch each day and I try to always eat some fish or chicken. Breakfast and lunch is provided each day by the tour group.

 

Today for lunch, I want to the Coffee Pot. It is directly across from the Museum. It had the best menu I have ever seen in Thailand and a large variety of Thai and Falang dishes. It was about 20 or more pages long with photos of each dish and the prices were very reasonable. The food was good and it was the best milkshake I have had in Thailand.

 

Sex is not something I have even thought about until today. On the tour of the ruins, I saw several of the structures that were very phallic in nature. I have not researched this but I will. I wonder if it was just my imagination or if it was truly meant to be that way.

 

I am the odd man out here. I am the only gay man on the trip and it shows. I am the only non drinker as most of the guys drink beer till wee hours of the morning and then get on the bikes to ride. I have to go to bed early and try my best to get up on time for the ride. I am not sure how anyone does it with a long night before a long ride.

 

There are some really inspirational stories with the guys I am traveling with. I will share some of the stories as time goes by but I have really been impressed with many of them and they have truly been kind, generous and giving to me. There is no one I dislike and no one that gives off bad vibes when we chat. It has been a very mellow group of people that just love biking and love helping other people.

 

I have yet to miss being in a gogo bar. It is not something I think of and not something I miss on the road. The thing I miss the most is the constant access to the Internet. When you are in the wilderness, you often have very very limited access. The hotel in Sukohthai has only one computer with Internet and its one cord is the only one that works. So only one at a time can use the Internet here. The hotel in Tak had wifi in the lobby but it would not let me access the forums on GayThailand as it said some of them were too long of characters. I tried to access SGT and it let me see the post titles but none of the actual posts. TT it did not let me in at all and was totally blocked. BS was the only site that was fully accessible. Passions was blocked as well.

 

Very few people even in the hotels speak English. I would love to come back and visit some of the villages and cities we have been in and biked through but I would bring with me a translator. It took me one hour today to find out from the hotel where a game shop was so I could get on the Internet outside the hotel. When ever I stop for breaks at mom and pop convenience stores, no one understands me at all and I just point to what I want. Unlike Pattaya, no one here has taken advantage of my lack of knowledge or the language barrier. The trip has increased my desire to learn the Thai language.

 

I have taken some photos of school kids at the ancient temple sites. I find them adorable. Why? They see a falang and they all start practicing their English. Hello Falang. How are you? When you speak back to them, you get a group of them around you with a teacher and they all want to ask questions about where you come from and what are you doing in Thailand. I love the inquisitive nature in them. I met one teacher today and she had me talk to a group of students about the bike ride. They all sat and listened and asked me a ton of questions. It was so refreshing for me to have people interested in learning and expanding their knowledge. It was less than 15 minutes but it was a very enjoyable 15 minutes. One girl, I think about 14 spoke better English than I do. She had no accent and her words were not typical of someone her age. They were much more advanced.

 

Riding on the roads I get a lot of stares and groups of people all yelling Hello. Sometimes they speak Thai to me and yell out something. I am not sure if they are saying, "hey, did you know your group is 15 minutes ahead of you? Why are you so slow?" or "Hey Falang, how does your big ass fit on that seat?" or "keep up the good work." Like I said I don't know what they say and honestly, I am not sure I want to know. But, at every turn, they smile, say hello and wave. It is so enjoyable the first 4 hours of the day and I find myself struggling to smile back after that time frame.

 

I guess that is enough ramblings for today. I have had a very good free day to relax, get caught up on e-mails and some business. I had a massage for 2 hours and I treated myself to a Strawberry milkshake. It was a very fun and relaxing day. Tomorrow, we are off again for about 60 miles and my pillow is calling my name. (or my Ambiem is calling it and the pillow is echoing it.)