A biking tour of Isan 2009

[TotallyOz]

We left Pattaya around 7am to get to Bangkok. We had to get a van as we had our bicycle equipment to take as well as luggage. The van cost 2200 bath or approximately 60 USD for a 2 hour trip.

 

Once in Bangkok we were to meet up with the group of bikers. As we had an hour to kill I had forgotten to get the guys bike shoes and so we took off to go to the Emporium Shopping Center. It is always a mistake to take a car in Bangkok. What would have been a 15 minute walk was even more in a taxi.

 

We took a van to Nong Khai. The trip took about 10 hours or more and we chatted the whole way and listened to music and stopped and ate. We had a van and one truck that will support us on the ride so between the 2 there were plenty of people that needed pee breaks and I was always OK. The dinner at night was at an open air market with food stalls. I had some fried chicken and rice. The guys had noodles.

 

We didn’t get to Nong Khai until almost midnight and I was exhausted. We stayed at the Pantawee Hotel.

 

http://thailand.pantawee.com/

 

My favorite part of the hotel was the sign on the Men’s bathroom. It was so funny and soooo gay! A naked sailor.

 

We slept the entire night as we were exhausted from the road trip. The next day we woke up and went to Laos for the day. In order to do this trip, you go to Friendship Bridge and then exit Thai Immigration and then take a bus to Laos (only a few minutes) and then go through Laos Immigration. The process take about an hour. Once in Laos, we hired a driver to show us the city.

 

The first visit was to a great Laos’s temple and then we went to the Victory Gate. At the northwest end of LaneXang Ave. arises a huge structure resembling the Arc de Triomph. It is the Patuxay or Victory Gate of Vientiane, build in 1962 but never complete due to the turbulent history. From a distance, it appears impressive, like a monster of concrete. Nowadays this place is used as a leisure ground for the people of Vientiane and the Seventh floor is an excellent point of view of the entire city.

 

We bought a cheap box of chocolates at the market there. Mistake. They were not real chocolate. Beware!

 

We got some friends a 6 pack of Beer Laos as they asked for it and said it was good.

 

Back at the hotel, we met for a river cruise with the group and then dinner.

 

At night, we had to get the bikes ready in the rain. Yes, it is rainy season in Thailand and Isan does not escape this. We got drenched while we got things together.

 

Day 1: Ride from Nong Khai to Pak Khat (63 Miles/101 KM)

I was curious to see how the boyfriend would do on the ride as he is not trained and I was very worried he would hate it. Instead, so far quite the opposite. He really kicked ass today. He was one of the first 4 people into each water break and to lunch. He was fast and strong. I was impressed to say the least. I am not sure how much was him doing it to prove to me he could do it an dhow much was he wanted to prove to me he could do it. ☺

 

The ride was beautiful. We were joined to a group from Udon Thani bike club and it was nice to have 23-25 Thai riders with us. They loved my bike and all wanted pictures with it.

 

We started out in the rain. It rained part of the day and was dry part of the afternoon. The clouds betrayed me as I thought the sun was away but it was just hiding and it came out and burned me red without my knowledge. I now know to put on sunscreen each leg of the journey no mater where rain or not.

 

It was a pretty flat ride today and a short day for us. We finished about 5. Well, I finished around 5. Some got to the hotel at 3 or so. I was struggling as I can do comfortably about 16k a hour. The groups pace is double that. I can’t keep up with that pace and so I usually bike along directly in front of the support vehicle. That does not bother me although I guess I should try to pick up the pace.

 

I had a talk with the boyfriend and his friend today and told them to be sure they didn’t go so fast they would hurt themselves. At the end of the day, the fell onto the bed and went into a coma.

 

The hotel was the Khong Kham Khun. Phone: 042-404080 The owner was nice. The rooms were clean. No Internet that worked.

 

Day 2: Ride from Pak Khat to Beung Khan (40 Miles/64 KM)

 

The ride today was short but hard. We had a lot of rough roads and mud roads. It was the hardest I have toured. I had a hard time with the road today and I got so muddy that my face was not recognizable. I also encountered some of God’s creatures today. It wa an interesting day.

 

The back roads along the Mekong are lovely. We pretty much have a nice visual of the river most days. There are rice fields all along the way with other crops. It Is not unusual to find a herd of cattle along the road grazing. It is not unusual to have every house have a dog that barks when you go by. It is not unusual to have a lot of “hello, hello” yelled from inside a home, business or school. The people in Isan are the friendliest I have met with the most beautiful smiles and everyone laughing and enjoying life.

 

I stopped at one school to say hi to the kids and their teacher came out to talk. They all enjoyed sitting on my bike and some could speak a little English but not too much.

 

The boyfriend and his friend did not listen to my advice today take it easy and they headed off 30 seconds in front of the group and they made a wrong turn. After about an hour, I asked about them and one of the support vehicles went back and found them on a big highway. They did not have to bike as far today but they missed the wonderful red sticky mud. I wondered if they had been told in advance about the shitty road and thought they would get out of it. I still have not come to any conclusion but they were only 2 without mud all over them today.

 

[Guest Oogleman]

great report!!!

 

I had a gut feeling he would like it when you first posted.

 

Cant wait to read the next installment!

[Guest]

Thank Oogleman. It was a good decision I think for me to take him on the ride. So far!

 

A few important words to remember.

 

Duck! That is right. If you are in Land of Smiles, duck. The country was not made for tall people. I have hit my head on about every door we have entered. I’ll have to have a MRI when I get to Bangkok to check for damage. I can’t believe how easy it is to hit your head, over and over and over again.

 

Dodge! Yes, that is right, dodge. Why? Well, if you see the pics of the cattle in the road, you need to learn to avoid what they have left behind. Look, we all do it, it is just when they are living by the road and use it to cross it, they have about as good of aim as my nephew.

 

I love Rain! I do. I love it. I love it. If I have a choice between rain or sun, I will now and forever choose rain. It keeps you cool and it helps you to adjust to the hot climate. When I see a cloud up above, I jump off my bike and do a rain dance to thank those that sent it to me. I love rain!

 

Boners! There aren’t any when you ride all day long. Your ass was not meant to be on top of a seat for that long. EVER! So, don’t expect an erection. And, if you get one, just be prepared to be so tired and your muscles so sore that you just let it wander into the wilderness.

 

Drink. You can’t drink enough water on a trip like this. You just can’t. It is impossible. Drink, drink, drink. For me, that also means pee, pee, pee. Thank goodness that God gave us tress to water.

[Guest HeyGay]

Mr. GT Did you know the Guy on the right of your picture, was once many many years ago, voted the most handsome Boy in Pattaya and to look at him now, he is still very handsome man. Wow I am surprised, he is a nice guy, he knows what he wants, but he also knows what he dose not want, if I remember right, this is what must have kept him on the right rails through his life so far and with your guidance now, if he gets a trade for when your not around he will do well.

 

All you can give these guys is the tools to earn a good living when your not around or you find the latest play thing, even though in GT case, he is much like me and treats the Guys in his life as he would he own son, if I'm not mistaken, this must be the most wonderful son any one could wish for

[Guest thaiworthy]

When I see a cloud up above, I jump off my bike and do a rain dance to thank those that sent it to me.

 

I can just see you doing that rain dance (in full drag?) That must be something to see.

 

[Guest Oogleman]

A lot of us forget GT that Thai guys do a lot of what us Brits call PE ( Phys Ed) at school, most adore soccer and volleyball and play when we are asleep or after the bars close. In general they are a pretty fit bunch (especially those that worked in the villages) and we get deceived by the sleepyhead guys we all know and love.

 

Many also find it hard to resist a challenge. They can have fierce pride and passion that we rarely get to see .

 

I suspect your bf will take great delight in finishing the ride and telling all and sundry about it afterwards, especially if he has pics. And rightly so!

 

Im so glad you are doing this together.

 

If anything can strengthen bonds and relationships its stuff like this. Where you can enjoy ( & suffer) - achieve together, each knowing what the other is going through.

 

I recall my first Isaan farm forays with great pride. My BF at the time was amazed and surprised by how many things i was willing to try, as was his family and friends. They had seen may farang visit and sit by a fan with beer in their hand who moaned all day and kept asking me why i not same same many farang.

 

Climbing trees to get ants nests for mixing with the rice, fishing in muddy streams with bare hands to grab and toss the fish out, bringing the buffaloes home while he cooked dinner, watering the chilli fields for hours, walking 45 minutes to the nearest decent sized shop etc etc etc.

 

Might sound like hell to some, but i was determined to show him i wasn`t a clapped out old fart and life wasn`t just about sex and money and they really appreciated my efforts in between bouts of falling down laughter when i fell, slipped,tripped ( but no head banging lol)

 

I now know how hard their "farm" life is and i also know how generous and giving Thais can be once they trust you , even they have very little themselves. My bf would never tire of explaining things to me and showing me new things once he realised i was actually happy to be there and interested in taking part.

 

yes i suffered a lot - but i gained so much more.

 

Oops sorry - im rambling again, but your story brought back so many fond memories.

 

 

Lets have more bike trip reports please!

[Guest Astrrro]

I'm impressed!

 

Especially since I get the ompression that your bf has virtually no biking experience. Is that so GT?

 

 

 

 

[Guest]

treats the Guys in his life as he would he own son, if I'm not mistaken, this must be the most wonderful son any one could wish for

 

Yes, I got good advice from a wise man years ago telling me to do exactly this. The BF is great and has continued in his education and like good wine, keeps improving with age. I wish I could say the same about myself. I just keep getting more sour.

 

I can just see you doing that rain dance (in full drag?) That must be something to see.

 

I don't have my drag outfits on this trip. But, I did have a sarong given to me today.

 

 

I suspect your bf will take great delight in finishing the ride and telling all and sundry about it afterwards, especially if he has pics. And rightly so!

 

Im so glad you are doing this together.

 

Thanks for the story. Keep them coming.

 

I agree with your idea about Thai PE and think the boys are much more in shape than we give them credit for. They love sports and especially soccer.

 

I'm impressed!

 

Especially since I get the ompression that your bf has virtually no biking experience. Is that so GT?

 

I am impressed too. He has amazed me so far! He had no biking experience. It doesn't take more than a general knowledge of a bike to do a trip like this. It is more hard will and determination than anything. I know that anyone who reads this board would be able to do the same. I am about a large as they come and until a few years ago would never have thought this was possible for me. But, if I can do it, honestly, anyone can. I really do mean this!

[Guest]

Day 3 Ride from Beung Khan to Ban Peung (57 Miles/92 KM)

 

While there was more riding today, I did get a chance to stop and have some fun. One group of guys were fishing and I stopped and they offered me a pole to fish.

 

A few dogs chased me today. A few meaning more than 10. My ride is so low to the ground that I am in direct eye contact with all the four-legged animals. I am not sure if they are attracted to the bike or me. In either case, it is not a pleasant feeling.

 

The BF’s friend got dehydrated today and he stopped 15k from the end. I decided that I would try to help him and make it better. I don’t think he drank enough water. I made it drink even more and gave him electrolytes all evening. He hated the amount he needed to drink but it was something necessary. The heat today was hard to deal with and one of the reasons I love the rain. When I saw him standing on the side of the road and he was visibly drained and he wasn’t wet from head to toe with sweat like I was, I knew he had a problem. It is very hard to know how much to drink and the heat was so bad that even the 6 bottles of water he had was not enough.

 

The heat was not bad the first few days but today was harsh. I think it was that, combined with the fast pace set out by the lead riders that got to him. I have tried over and over to explain to him that he did not need to worry about going fast that the point of a tour is to look around and enjoy the scenery and not to be the first to the hotel. Unfortunately, I don’t think there are many that know this and I often find myself the slow one of the group and I am sure they would not understand when I stop and try to talk to the people from the area about fishing, or stop by a school to say hi to the students. Those are the reason I came on the trip and not to be the first in the hotel.

 

Honestly, if I wanted to stay in a hotel, I would NOT choose the ones we are staying in. lol Take a look at the pic below of the white 10x10 room I had. They are fine for one night and have so far been clean, but there is a reason that I have not gone on and on about them. There are few hotels in the area we are traveling and they don’t cater to tourists. A prime example is my hotel tonight. It has a nice green satin bed sheet. Yep, a satin bed sheet. The color is lime green and it matches the curtains. Oh well, I guess that is OK but the accommodations are basic and I much prefer to be on the road having fun as opposed staying in the hotel.

 

Today was 90K and we were at the hotel by 2:30. That is a fast pace and really not something I was comfortable with.

 

Dinner was at a local Thai place and the food was good but slow. It seems like many things run on a different pace here. There is little rush for anything.

 

Day 4 Ride from Ban Peung to Nakhon Panom (62 Miles/99 KM)

 

I had a hard night last night and think I got food poisoning and rested the morning. I should always know better than to eat food from a Thai market as my stomach is not strong and you never know what you get at those markets. I also accidently ate a piece of chili. It burned my mouth until I stuffed some rice in.

 

The good thing about an organized trip is the support vehicles. If you ever get sick, you have them to help. As I had to go to the toilet every time I ate or drank something, this was important to me today.

 

The support staff on the ride is great. They really do take good care of us. They are there to help fill the water bottles and set up our breaks. They always ride behind the last rider (usually me) in case there is an issue and to fix any flats if you have one or other bike problems. The TourdeThailand group makes sure that you have a working bike and plenty of water, electrolytes, and food. They are there when you are sick to take you to a doctor or hospital. On last year’s cross-country adventure, they took me to a few hospitals along the way. When you put in many hours on the road, you never know what may come up.

 

Today, the BF’s best friend's front brakes locked up and he went flying headfirst over the handlebar. He is OK but it put a scare into me. The day before he swallowed his mouth piercing and I wanted to take him to the doctor but he refused. Today, he skinned himself up pretty bad but like most Thai guys, he did not want any doctor. Instead, he wanted me to help him clean it and then he went swimming.

 

The ride is not as interesting as the Tour de Thailand as the roads are pretty much the same each day and the hotels are not quite as nice. But, it is great to see the life of the people from Isan as I have heard so much about them over the years. It is fascination to ride the river daily and see Laos in the background. The group of guys are wonderful and I have still having fun (despite shitting and getting at every rest area today).

[Guest stef]

This is amazing, I just can't believe your BF went along with you with that huge ride. I am really really impressed and happy.

 

Good luck to the both of you and See you soon

 

NB : Should I be looking for 2 guys walking like a duck ? Cause with that much ride your butt won't be in shape to walk normally ))

[Guest Oogleman]

Your bf looks so contented in those pics. That is one of the most genuine smiles i have seen in many a year.

 

Tell you what, you may have created a biking addict, dont be surprised if HE starts planning rides and asking you tocome along!

 

It helps greatly that he has lots of other thais around he can talk to when hes tired im guessing.

 

So wish i was there, even though i would be moaning like an old woman most of the time lol

 

 

Keep going! and keep reporting.

 

[Gaybutton]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VARrtve2VKs

[Guest jtrack33]

GT, your Tour de Thailand previously was featured in a two part series on UBC's Destination Thailand weekly program on the Series channel 21 a few months back. I hope they are covering this event also.

[Guest laurence]

Sure sounds like fun to me! Nothing like having the shits on a bike. Ouch.

[Guest]

This is amazing, I just can't believe your BF went along with you with that huge ride. I am really really impressed and happy.

 

Good luck to the both of you and See you soon

 

NB : Should I be looking for 2 guys walking like a duck ? Cause with that much ride your butt won't be in shape to walk normally ))

 

Thanks Stef. Looking forward to seeing you soon. I hope no one is walking like a duck but I am limping that is for sure. I'll try to take a pic of the way I look when I get off the bike. If you saw the movie UP, it is like the old man getting out of bed in the morning.

 

 

Your bf looks so contented in those pics. That is one of the most genuine smiles i have seen in many a year.

 

Tell you what, you may have created a biking addict, dont be surprised if HE starts planning rides and asking you tocome along!

 

It helps greatly that he has lots of other thais around he can talk to when hes tired im guessing.

 

So wish i was there, even though i would be moaning like an old woman most of the time lol

Keep going! and keep reporting.

 

I am the one that groans like an old woman so I would love the company.

 

I hope he is going to love it and be a addict to biking. He is not into yaba or drinking so perhaps this would be a good addiction.

 

GT, your Tour de Thailand previously was featured in a two part series on UBC's Destination Thailand weekly program on the Series channel 21 a few months back. I hope they are covering this event also.

 

 

The guy that did the video is along for the ride so I think it will be similar. I'll post a link to his videos when they are done and on utube.

 

Sure sounds like fun to me! Nothing like having the shits on a bike. Ouch.

 

Yep. At least I am in the right position for things which makes it even harder to hold in.

[Guest]

While the day off was needed there was not much to do in the town we were in. We took a tut tut into town and spent 45 minutes before we returned to the hotel. The hotel was called:

 

Nakon Phanom River View Hotel. It was a lovely reception area and the pool had a nice view. The rate was 900 baht per room. They had ample security and it was clean and comfortable. We ate dinner at the hotel and it was good and tasty food with a mix of Thai, Laos and Vietnam food.

 

Day 6 Ride from Nakhon Panom to Mukdahan (68 Miles/110 KM)

 

Today was a very long day with over 104 KM. We had lunch at Wat That Phanom which a great deal of Thais consider one of the best temples in Thailand. There were bus loads of people to visit the temple and take gifts of food and flowers to the monks. Both boys I have with me on the trip stopped and spent their own money to buy some food and gave to the monk. We all 3 sat on the foor and waited for him to bless us with good luck. I asked the BF what this was for and he said, “well, if you get the blessing and a car hits you, you would just be mangled for life and not dead.” I laughed and asked if we took more food could we just get a scratch.

 

We stopped along the Mekong for a water break and they had these amazing baby pigs they were roasting. I didn’t see the point as there was no fat but they must consider them a delicacy.

 

One of the things I love about the country is a deep routed love for nature or superstition. Often they will not cut down a tree and instead build a road around it. I see this daily but today saw it at last 50 times. I ask the Thais about this and I get lots of different answers. Some say it is unlucky to cut down something old and beautiful. Some say a spirit lives there. Whatever the reason, I find it a beautiful thing to see.

 

Day 7 Ride from Mukdahan to Khemarat (56 Miles/91 KM)

 

We had a group from the local bike club join us today and we rode with them for a bit. They seemed to be fascinated with my bike and all wanted to get pictures with it. I guess you don’t see a bear on one of these too often. I often feel like I am at a circus and am the dancing bear attraction.

 

Today the bike died. I hit a big bump and the suspension got really messed up. I had to take the support vehicle until it was fixed. The bike is so unusual that there is no one in Thailand that knows how to fix them. The BF pulled out some wrenches and started to tinker away but I was terrified as the bike was more than 8k USD and I didn’t want it fixed to the point of no return. But, he did a good job.

 

The BF’s best friend got lost today and the support vehicle had to wait for him which put him at the end of the ride. It was the first day either one of them was at the back. They are both competitive and want to be out front. The lead rider is a 73 year old man who averages about 33 KM per hour. They are averaging about 26 or so. They are not that far behind him but I keep telling them it is not a race. No one wants to listen to me.

 

At the hotel last night I saw an odd sight. One of the guys in the group was at our hotel and walked up with 2 pretty ladies. I asked him if it was massage time and he said yes. I took a different way to my room and when there he was at the room directly across from me. He was telling a guy in the room that he only wanted lady massage. I thought all a little strange and went to bed. Today I learned that they 2 ladies picked him up and it was luckily the same hotel we were at and when he arrived there were 2 other Thai guys in room. My friend refused to let the door close as he knew it was most likely a set up to be robbed. As he has lived in Thailand a bit, his senses took over from his “little brain” and he left the room. Just a warning to others not to fall for the same trick. Dammit, the whole trip I have wanted a guy massage and he had 2 guys and 2 girls, and the fucker would not share. LOL

 

Only 2 days left and I am excited to be over with the trip. I have been having fun but I think I am learning my body is not meant for a trip like this. I need a nice hotel and a massage waiting for me each night.

[Guest HeyGay]

While the day off was needed there was not much to do in the town we were in. We took a tut tut into town and spent 45 minutes before we returned to the hotel. The hotel was called:

 

Only 2 days left and I am excited to be over with the trip. I have been having fun but I think I am learning my body is not meant for a trip like this. I need a nice hotel and a massage waiting for me each night.

 

Sounds like your having a good time GT with your boys, by the way do the other guys know they are your lovers or are they not bothered and accept you as they find you, a jolly generous guy, who likes a bit of fun.

 

I must say I do love to see as many pictures of Thailand as possible, but can we have some with some local talent or even old ladies or people doing what they do to live in the country.

 

Good luck to you at least your actually living and not stagnating in Pattaya, just waiting for the next bit of old trade to show there face, every one keeps running around Pattaya like a dog chasing its tail, no wonder some get so bitchy and angry. they must be bored out of there head, having no ying and yang to balance their lives. There is so much to see around Thailand, then its so nice to get back and you can enjoy what's on offer with new vigor.

[Guest]

Some random photos from Isan

[Bob]

Very nice photos, GT. They really capture a snapshot of some daily life up there.

 

Can you advise as to where that white temple is located?

[Guest Oogleman]

cant wait to see the pics from the finish!!

[Guest lvdkeyes]

There is also a spectacular white temple in Chiang Rai. WAU RONGKUN.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rhBFk_auc4

[Guest fountainhall]

I learned that the 2 ladies picked him up . . . My friend refused to let the door close as he knew it was most likely a set up to be robbed. Just a warning to others not to fall for the same trick

 

Excellent advice GT. On gayromeo yesterday, a guy clicked on me and immediately said he wanted to meet me today. No preliminary 'Hi' "how r u?" etc. Said he was coming from Sisaket with his friend and we could all meet up for fun. Maybe he was so attracted by my profile that he was being completely genuine On the other hand, he was so quick off the mark it just felt like it might be a scam.

[Guest lvdkeyes]

Excellent advice GT. On gayromeo yesterday, a guy clicked on me and immediately said he wanted to meet me today. No preliminary 'Hi' "how r u?" etc. Said he was coming from Sisaket with his friend and we could all meet up for fun. Maybe he was so attracted by my profile that he was being completely genuine On the other hand, he was so quick off the mark it just felt like it might be a scam.

When in doubt----DON'T do it. Those inner gut feelings are there for a reason.

[Guest]

Day 8 Ride from Khemarat to Khong Chiam (72 Miles/117 KM)

Today was the hardest of the ride. Everyone had a hard time going up the mountains. There were two large peaks that one must climb and then the downhill’s were amazing. The BF did a great job at the mountains and seemed to take them in stride. I think he has a long way to go before he takes first place in a group of experienced riders but his 2-5th in each leg was impressive.

 

For me, the trike is a killer going up the mountains. I was only going about 8km per hour while the rest of the group was going over 20KM per hour. Since the mountains were both over 5KM to the top, that put me in a great distance behind the other riders. To make up, I would take the support vehicle once down the mountain to catch up. It was good the group organizers did not push me to go faster or harder as I really did the fastest pace I could. Riding a trike is so much slower than a 2-wheel bike. There is just such a tremendous difference between them and I have yet to get adjusted to it. The director suggested that before the next ride I come to Hua Hin to practice with him for a week before the ride. I will think about this as I do think it would be a good idea. Truly, no one should do this ride or others unless they are pulling in about 20 plus KM per hour. I did average that on some days that were flat but the hill days were so different and I was so so far behind.

 

I put a pic of the trike below. One of the Thai guys got off his bike, pushed me and his bike up the hill faster than I could go on my own. LOL

 

The trike does have its advantages. One of them is there is absolutely no butt or back pain. It is the most comfortable ride on earth (other than a first class airplane). It looks like it is easy but the extra weight of the trike combined with the extra weight my ass along with my slow legs brought the speed down tremendously.

 

The BF wants to do the ride in December and I’ll do it with him if I am in Thailand. He wants a new bike for this and he wants a racer, which I think, is more appropriate for his style of riding.

 

Day 9 Ride from Khong Chiam to Ubon Rathchathani (52 Miles/84 KM)

Today was the last day of the Tour de Isan. Less than 10k outside of Khong Chiam we went to a beautiful temple that was white and set along side the river. It is delightful. We rode into Ubon with a group of riders that met us along the way. It was nice to have some other riders along with us. As the first day started with rain, it was very appropriate that it also ended with rain. We got a few downpours and that really did curve the heat. It was nice to have and I was happy that the rain came. I had an older Thai man ride with me the entire trip. He did not speak a word of English and I don’t speak Thai but the company was nice and we chatted as each KM mark was made.

 

There was quite a bit of traffic today and I had one guy that wanted to try my Trike for about 10KM or so as he had a broken wrist and the trike does not put any pressure on the wrist. He loved the ride and was able to keep at a decent pace. That tells me if I loose 40 or more pounds, build up my legs and get in better shape that I too may be able to go faster. LOL Or, I can just keep on the same path and enjoy the slow pace I set for myself. I think I prefer the latter.

 

As we rode into Ubon, I was so happy I finally made it to the end. This was the hardest ride I have done. The main reason is my body is not use to the trike and it does work different muscles than a 2-wheel bike. Also the roads were not meant for a trike like I have. It did fine with the extra suspension but it was a slow go especially in the muddy dirt paths we often ended up in. I guess there are plusses and minuses to the ride but overall, I think it was well worth the ride.

 

Chris and Gae are the organizers of the trip and they are excellent. They are accommodating and supportive. They have a lot to learn about Isan, as this was only their second year. However, they learn each year and I am sure they will make it better and better. For me, it was not the kind of trip I like. I like better hotels and better food. It is not the fault of the organizers as we stayed in the nicest hotels in each city. But, they still sucked. They were not something I was comfortable in but they were just OK. I can handle OK for a night or two but for 2 weeks it was a bit much for me. I know this sounds spoiled and I don’t care. It just was not my cup of tea.

 

I did have a great bonding experience with the boyfriend. He and I had some great experiences and made us much closer. He is now ready to do another trip I had in mind for him a few years back but he didn’t think he would be able to do.

 

Sounds like your having a good time GT with your boys, by the way do the other guys know they are your lovers or are they not bothered and accept you as they find you, a jolly generous guy, who likes a bit of fun.

 

It is a mixed bag. Some of the older guys don't understand gay and have a problem with it but have never once been rude or standoffish to me. Most just don't care in the least and few ask questions. The BF is a lover but he got along with all the men on the trip. There were no issues at all.

 

Good luck to you at least your actually living and not stagnating in Pattaya, just waiting for the next bit of old trade to show there face, every one keeps running around Pattaya like a dog chasing its tail, no wonder some get so bitchy and angry. they must be bored out of there head, having no ying and yang to balance their lives. There is so much to see around Thailand, then its so nice to get back and you can enjoy what's on offer with new vigor.

I do enjoy Pattaya and have a good time when I am there but you are right, there is so much to see in LOS that it is a real waste to just sit in the same seat in the same bar night after night waiting for a bar to open and find the newest face. I have friends that do this and it suits them well as they are retired and settled into a life of leisure. I just prefer more variety. And honestly I met some of the sexiest guys on this trip and got to see some great sights.

 

Bob, the white temple was right outside the last city we were in for the night. I'll try to find the name for you.

 

 

 

For anyone interested, go to http://www.tourdethailand.com and see their site. They are a great group and they do a wonderful job at trips like this.

 

Thanks for all the e-mails of support and encouragement. It is VERY appreciated.

[Guest Jason105]

Hi GT;

Thanks for the great updates and the insights into what it's like to have such an adventure.

It sounds like you have converted your BF to an enthusiastic biker.

BTW all the pictures from the ride are blank with a small red "x" in the upper left hand corner.

Is it just my connection?

Once again, thanks for letting us have a taste of Thailand that is very different from the places I have visited.

all the best