Day 11. Wed 30th Jan 13. Klang.Dist. 90 miles.

Had lovely meal of fish and chips last night but oh the service was terrible. The waitress noted everyones order but then half the order did not appear. Crispin had to order three times and by then I was starving. Felt good this morning, not so tired. I seem to have one good day then one sluggish day. The intense heat and humidity is draining. Most people are showing signs of wear and tear now, shoulders, hands, feet. There was just a sprinkle of rain first thing, but enough to turn the dust into dirt. Spike was caked and so were my back and legs. Poor Hettty face was covered in dirt, she rides low with the fast group and the spray was coming up in her face. The group has really gelled now and everyone is having fun, and helps each other along. The day is split into chunks, light b'fast, ride 30 miles for 2nd b'fast, ride 30 miles for lunch then finish.  It is a good routine that seems to be working and suits everyone. Rode part of the morning with Tarcia, Australian, she is climbing Kilimanjaro four days after this tour finishes. Later rode with Irishman Brian who has lived in Hong Kong for 17 years and loves it. Finished off the day with Sally, Sue, Brian and Mark. I ride at a steady pace between 14/18 mph and find that the faster riders join and leave depending on what kind of day they are having. Kevin's shoulder and bum was hurting him so was quite happy to join me for the ride into lunch. After lunch Brian's heart started racing so he joined me till finish. I love cycling with them hearing about their families, lifestyles, and plans for the future. A little cloud today which made midday bearable but incessant traffic, couldn't take eyes off road for a moment. Great fun, bring on tomorrow.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Day 10. Tues. 29th Jan 13. Teluk Intan Dist. 105.3 miles

Another long, hot, intense day in the saddle. Feeling very tired tonight so short blog. Left after 7.00am and for the first 30 miles Mark Beaumont cycled with me, just the two of us, following his world cycle route. We chatted about his tours, my tours, family, plans, the future. Very special.  After 2nd b'fast Mark took off with the fast boys, over the horizon. Road scenic, bad surface, busy with massive lorries. Hot, hot. I thought the team were way ahead of me but they had stopped for drinks so I found myself in the middle of the pack again. Went out for chinese meal and drinks in Sky Bar. Great fun, great group. Sue did not cycle today but plans to tomorrow. Jerry is still getting injections for his dogbite but no more incidents, thank goodness. Tired but happy. Still receiving all e mails, thanks, but can't seem to reply. Sorry.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Day 9. Mon 28th Jan 13. Kampang Matang Gerdu. 89.8 Miles

I went to bed early last night thus missed out on briefing time. Normally it is 6 but because of Malaysian hour change now 7.00am. Didn't matter as I was up anyway. Poor Sue was very upset and sore this morning but once she had her dressings changed and took some painkillers recovered. We left and Brian, an Irishman living in Hong Kong, strong cyclist, stayed with me all morning. He fairly pulled me along doing 17 mph. Route 1, main road south, exceedingly busy, noisy, smelly, through heaving towns. It wasn't a day for sight seeing, one for concentrated cycling watching the cars, massive lorries, many scooters all moving en mass south. I thrive on this congestion and loved the morning. The heat of the day, as usual took its toll and my pace dropped to 15mph so I cycled with Henry who had pulled a muscle on the hill yesterday and was having an easy day. Brian, Henry and I had lovely Dim Sims for lunch, but didn't linger. We were second group in after the Dubai fast boys and they were high fiving me. Some of the others got lost, not me for a change. Mark cycled with Sue most of the day but she is not good tonight, says she won't cycle tomorrow. Hetty is superb, she is the only girl cycling with the Dubai boys and holds her own, it is great to see the peleton swing past. The other tend to move from fast group to middle group depending how they feel on the day. All had lovely Thai meal tonight, sitting outside in shorts and t-shirt. Spike is in good form, Mark blew up his tyres this morning. Good day.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Day 8. 27/01/13. 38.8 miles to Alor Setar

Had a long lie till 9.00am. Bliss.  Mark Beaumont joined us for breakfast but couldn't cycle with us today as his bike is still at Heathrow Airport, he is very chatty and friendly. Malaysia towns are a nightmare to navigate and I got lost again. Crispin says he is putting a tracking device on me. Finished about lunchtime. Great to have an afternoon off. Mark came over and was chatting to me about my American trip then offered to carry my bag up to my room, yes please. The boys have put a new fork on Sue's bike so she will be cycling again. She is badly grazed but in good spirits. There has been an issue between the leaders and 4 cyclists, so they are leaving us to do their own thing. A pity.  Malaysia seems more affluent than Thailand. Had a relaxing afternoon walking around the town, eating and shopping. One thing about a trip like this, you can eat as much as you like. Temps about 40*C , sometimes feels like you are breathing in a furnace. Better to be on Spike than off, create a breeze. BTW getting all E mails but sometimes can't get signal to reply. Don't worry, all's well. Bring on tomorrow.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Mark offers words of encouragement.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Poor Sue and her bike being repaired by the lads.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Day 7. Sat 26/01/13. 85 miles to Kuala Perles

Goodbye Thailand, hello Malaysia. Had usual start and cycled to B'fast stop where we received information about crossing border. Girls had to cover legs and shoulders, smile, no photos, give no reason to be stopped. Border very busy with roadside stalls, people, cars, lorries etc. We took about an hour to get through which was good going. Then we reached the hill, 900 ft of hairpin bends, but only over about 3 miles, which wasn't bad. I cruised up in my hybrid but those with road bikes suffered. It was also heat of the day with no shade. On the way down the bends were very steep and tight and unfortunately Sue overshot and hit the barrier. She had to go to hospital, badly grazed and cut legs and arms. Her bike skidded across the road,  fork damaged, we don't know if it can be repaired. She is a trooper and putting a brave face on it, but she will be sore tomorrow. After the hill I set off with Ray and Kate but Ray was suffering in the heat so they held back. I went on, on my own but started to run out of water, I had no Malay money to buy any. I wasn't far from the hotel so thought I could make it but  realised I was overheating. I thought don't be silly and decided to shelter, stopped, and the truck pulled in behind me, perfect timimg. Sally poured a couple of bottles over my head, I drank plenty and quickly recovered. Unfortunately, en route, I took a few wrong turnings and gave myself an extra 18 miles !!!!!!!! Malaysia is lovely, forests, greenery, farms. Roads have no hard shoulder so traffic is close and fast.  Went out with the young folk for a meal and walk about town. Great fun, they are such a good crowd. I love my roommate Hetty, she fusses over me, gets my bag, lifts my bike into hotel rooms. She is a star. Tired now, but lovely day tomorrow, only 30 miles providing I don't get lost. Enjoying myself.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Day 6. Frid 25/01/13 98.1 miles to Kamphang. Dog Bites Jerry.

Left before 7.00am with girl group and immediately took wrong turning. Extra 3 miles. I settled into my own pace of 17 mph and the girls were off.  After 38 miles word came through that Jerry, one of our super duper riders had been bitten by a dog and was in hospital. There are a lot of dogs on the route, they run at you, barking, but don't chase. This dog had come out of no-where and bitten into his calf. After painful treatment he is back with us and may cycle tomorrow, although he is stiffening up.  Another 37* (100*) day, sapping. I was coping well with it but Sue was struggling. We bought some bottled water in a village and poured it over ourselves. I'm sure the Thai people think we're mad. Got talking to two young Thai men in restaurant, very interested in what we are doing. Scenery is improving, rubber tree farms, some hills. Had a couple of steep hills near finish and as shade was on other side of road, I did what the Thai's do, crossed the road and cycled the wrong way up the hard shoulder.  Have a few aches and pains, Spike is magnificent. Strange to be praying for clouds. Another freshly cooked meal tonight, chicken with noodles and coke, under 2 pounds. Single room tonight so no Hetty, I miss her chat.  Beginning to love it. Thanks everyone for messages. 

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Day 5. Thurs 24/01/13 Ray and I go AWOL. 82.3 miles to Thung Song

Had a very frustrating day today. Just 82 miles so I thought I would finish early and get a massage. Not to be. Set off as usual after sunup and made good speed. There are 7/11 along this route so no problem with food and drink.  Ray was feeling the heat so I said I would wait with him and let our group go on, big mistake.  We had lunch together then left to do the last 20 miles but he then went on to have 3 flats. The truck came out looking for us so by this time Ray had had enough and decided to take a lift. I said I would cycle on my own, 8 miles, to the hotel. Now there was a headwind and a bit of a slog in the heat. Arrived at 5.00pm, briefing at 6.30pm so no massage for me. Poor Ray but tomorrow it could be me. Still extremely hot and humid, we are soaked through within half an hour of starting. Feeling fine and coping well. Good stuff.

R: Must be the EPO kicking in. Loved that comment. 

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Day 4. 23/01/13. 94.8 Miles. 6hrs 24 mins.

A very hard day to Surit Thani. First of all Hetty had 'ants in her pants' literally. She left her washimg outside on a chair last night and it was crawling with ants. We shook, swatted and swore at them but to no avail, eventually put her clothes in a plastic bag and tied it tight. I've a feeling they will join us on this trip for some time!!!! What will 'Hetty Do Next'. Left at sun up to make the most of the cool morning. Poor Spike is showing signs of fatigue, some of his gears have started missing. Have tried to adjust them, bit better but not perfect. Hope he survives the trip. I noticed an immediate improvement today, normally it takes my muscles 10/15 miles to warm up but right from the start I felt good. Also the jippy tummy I felt coming on yesterday has gone. I had to force myself to eat yesterday but was starving today. Had superb lunch at roadside restaurant, very few people speak english but we get by. Sometimes we don't know what is going to appear on table. Was practising my Thai in a shop and the old lady sitting in the corner must have been so impressed that she ran after me with a bag of local fruits. They carry everything on their bikes so saw no problem. The fruit was lovely but I had to dump most of it.

It was 37* today, very oppressive. From 1.00 to 3.00 it was just heads down and get it done. After 81 miles where the truck should have picked us up we were told the Police had moved them on and they couldn't make it. We had to do another 13 miles through Surit Thani, not good. Once showered and changed made quick recovery. Had lovely Korean meal tonight, all you could eat cooked at your table followed by ice-cream, all for 299 B, about 6 pounds. Bliss. We all look out for each other, 2 of the group had a bad day, really struggling with the heat.

Thanks to everyone for messages of support. Andrew: I'm afraid this isn't a scenic route, so a bit disappointing on that score, hopefully it will improve in Malaysia. Going well

 

Day 3. Wed 22rd Jan 2013. 90.4 miles.

Another long day but seemed to be a bit easier. B'fast was at 6.00am and we were away down Highway 4 by 7. Just water stops by the team. Each group was given money so we could stop for lunch when we wanted. My group had two new members today, I think they wanted a slower pace and rest. More rolling countryside today but inclines I wouldn't notice at home are taxing. Heat and humidity probably. Also, becoming more rural and green. Pity we are not visiting the best parts of Thailand. We are all hoping that improves.The Thai people are very friendly and helpful. Went to village restaurant tonight, no English speakers and menu all in Thai. We ended up in kitchen pointing at dishes. Food is beautifully prepared and all fresh, and surprisingly not too spicy. Not feeling too good, had to force myself to eat, hope nothing develops. Enjoying trip but it is hard.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Day 2. 21/01/13 Tough 100 Mile Day in Searing Heat. 6 hrs 40 min.

We left at 7.00 am in the cool of the day, beautiful sunrise over the Gulf of Thailand. We have been organised into 3 groups and I chose to go in the third group. This trip is definitely a cycle and not a tour. Pace is very high even in my group.  I cope well in the mornings and finish strong but for about an hour after lunch I struggle. Fortunately we have a tail wind and flat/rolling hills road. I am not alone though, most people have some part of the day that is difficult.  Tarcia had a flat and Kevin had 4. He eventually had to be picked up, he is shattered. Some of the guys and 2 girls are extremely strong. I am the oldest by far and they think I am amazing. Went for a lovely Thai meal again tonight. Not having much chance to take photos but to be honest there is nothing much to see. On the main dusty road heading south with good surface and hard shoulder. Sorry if I repeat myself in this blog but by the end of the day pretty tired. Poor Hetty leant her mobile to Kevin, who is a big chap, he put it in his back pocket, then on the bike sat on it and broke it. She is devastated. Must go, still coping, just........

 

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Day 1 .20/01/13 . Fast Pace to Pran Buri.

75.3 miles....Room mate Hetty woke early this morning as she had set her clock 1 hour ahead by mistake. She rushed around getting ready for 5.00am thinking I was very laid back about time when in fact it was only 4.00. We then had plenty time for a cup of tea and chat. We left Bangkok in the dark, in the truck, and drove for 2 hours . There was a group photo shoot and we cycled off to do 20 miles before b'fast. I found the pace at 20mph plus very fast. After b'fast we split into two groups and I chose to go in the slower group but we were still travelling at 18 mph plus.  Difficult in the heat of the day at 32*. We cycled another 25 to lunch, then 30 miles to finish.  So far not many landmarks or places of interest. Local people curious of us. Traffic busy, fast but plenty room just need to watch out for scooters going wrong way on hard shoulder.Our hotel tonight is on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand so some of us went for a dip in the ocean. A stunning way to cool down.  After team brief had Thai meal in local restaurant. This is a young, fit fascinating group of people from round the world, I have really taken to them and enjoy their company.  Just hope the 1st day excitement is over and we settle to a touring pace rather than racing.  Good stuff.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Spike Assembled and Team Brief

This hotel is amazing. You could have anything for breakfast even curry. Staff are so friendly,

this is certainly 'the land of smiles'.  Assembled Spike and he is in good shape, bike computer wouldn't work so changed battery and all ok.

 Sat by the pool this afternoon and enjoyed the rays, lovely, hope there is not too much snow at home

  Had our team briefing tonight and met the gang.  The brief would put the fear of death into you,

traffic conditions, smog, village dogs etc.  We are being trucked out of Bangkok tomorrow morning at 5.00am, for 2 hours, then

 cycle 74 miles. Snacks when we start then a proper breakfast after 20 miles. I can see some who have never toured before are quite

daunted at the prospect, especially the traffic.  There is a hard shoulder for part of the way, in 4 lane each way traffic so should be alright.

Like India, drivers come down the wrong side of the road but from what I can gather at least  they obey traffic lights. Always a plus.

The team truck is massive, I have never seen a truck so big. Certainly won't miss it for a water stop. Everyone is friendly, fun and wanting to get started.

One girls bike was so badly damaged on arrival that she had to buy a new one, not the best kind of start.  This has the makings of a huge adventure.

Must go, out for Thai meal soon.

Spike and I Arrive Safely

Spike and I arrived have safely in Bangkok. He looks all in one piece

which is always a relief. Very hot, about 32 degrees.  Haven't met any of the team yet,

but all will be here by tomorrow. Feeling a bit tired so will get my bearings, have an early

 night and assemble bike tomorrow.

Last Minute Problems

 

Managed to cancel first hotel and now booked into second hotel so much happier with that. Saves lugging bike from one hotel to another.  Have asked on Trip Advisor Forum about wearing cycing shorts in Malaysia - had two responses both stating that I will be fine but just to be aware to cover up when off the bike in more remote places.  Just common sense.  Spike is packed up in his posh new bike bag,  pleased with it, well padded and plenty of room even with the back wheel still on.  Now trying to make sure I haven't forgotten anything, the usual last minute panic.  I'll get there.

An Uncertain Adventure

At the top of the String Road

 

Well I think this trip is going to be unpredictable. E Mail from Crispin, ( Tour Leader ), Informed us that the hotel he had booked us into on Saturday, the night before the cycle starts on Sunday, has no record of the booking, so we are now staying at another hotel.   Problem is some of us are arriving early and booked into the first hotel,  now we will have to move hotel on Saturday with bikes and luggage.  I'd hoped to get bike assembled on Sat. morning but it will have to wait. Also, the team who have planned the route report that part of the road has been dug up, a by-pass put in and at one point a Military Camp built across the road so we are re-routed.   The women in the group have been advised, that in Malaysia, as we will be cycling through conservative Muslim villages we have to wear long shorts/t-shirts and when off the bike cover up even more.  Not easy when cycing 90 miles per day and the temperatures will be 30C plus. This is certainly has the makings of a big adventure and we are not even there  !!!!