Years ago I read an article on the BBC about a guy cycling across Tajikistan on the Pamir Highway. It got me thinking about doing a cycle trip. I've never done it before but I had spent my life riding bikes so I thought how hard could it be. You just put a rack and some panniers, throw in some spare inner-tubes and a few tools and some extra water bottle holders and ride all day.
Well since covid has basically scuppered any plans for an extended international cycle trip in the end I have decided to simply ride from my house in Phuket, Thailand to Bangkok - its pretty far (1000km give or take a few km). I never wanted to do a cycle trip in South East Asia because its too dam hot everywhere - not only hot but humid. But beggars can't be choosers I guess.
Thailand has seen the recent appearance of the French mega sports store chain known as Decathlon. I figured they had what I needed and they did. Inexpensive and seemingly reasonable quality - though ask me again in 14 days. I bought the following items.....
Back pannier rack rated for 18kg.
Two 24 litre, waterproof panniers for said rack.
New road tyres apparently good for wet weather.
4 spare inner tubes and a puncture repair kit.
A pump.
An extra water bottle holder (now I have 2).
A speedometer/mile counter.
Some light, quick-dry shirts and shorts.
This all came to less than 200$us, I took the bike to my guy and he gave it a full service and fitted the rack and tyres and speedometer (is that the right word). Here are the new rack, tyres and speedo and my cycle mechanic fitting them for me....:)
So I stay at the south end of Phuket and I assume that means nothing to most of the readers here but basically its a 40km long island filled with terrible traffic and no cycle friendly roads at all. So I got my buddy to drop me at the bridge that connects Phuket to the Thailand mainland and started my ride from there.
My destination on Day 1 was a beachside tourist town called Khao Lak. Its 56km from the bridge and there was the option of taking a small road that hugged the coastline for at least half the way. It was fantastic, there was no traffic and I immediately settled in to a comfortable pace and was relieved to find that it was enjoyable and easy going.
Once that road ended I had no option but to join the main road up the coast which is essentially a four lane highway with a fair amount of traffic on it. The sun was getting high now and here that means temperatures are around 30 celcius and there was also a pretty stiff breeze that made going a little harder. But I was prepared for this so it wasn't too demoralizing. The photo below is the last section of road before arriving to Khao Lak. It was pretty steep uphill, it was midday sun and I had already ridden 50km so I was pretty tired but I made it no problem.
Im 56km and 1 day into a 1000km 14 day cycle trip. I feel good but definitely glad my first day wasn't too long. Tomorrow is 70km and has a pretty big mountain range to penetrate. Im a little nervous but I figure a few beers and a good sleep is all I need! Thanks for reading (if anyone did)
Jobiker out!