Distance:106km
Total to date: 205km
We died today. Melted in the heat, struggled up the hills then sat on the pavement at the top of a particularly dreadful climb (well, two of us did…no names). Randy (who is celebrating his birthday today, by the way) was our bike mechanic hero and Deana was a real trooper. We all hit a low point at the high point (the top of the mountain). We pow-wowed and had a pep talk to discuss the yet-to-be travelled 35-40km that remained. Suddenly, right across from us was a little drink stand. Three colas. Jet fuel for our bodies! That was the moment in time when it all changed.Literally!
After downing our colas we hopped back on our bikes prepared for more misery. The relenting sun suddenly gave way to shade and the jet-fuel got us up the next few hills. And then…the downhill started, and it was stellar! Downhill for more than 20 km of winding, spectacular, supreme scenery. Unbelievable. We unanimously agreed it was likely the best ride of our lives! tropical birds sang, the pavement felt smooth like butter, and the beautiful turns in the road were nothing short of a once-in-a lifetime experience. Both sides of the road looked and sounded like we were cutting through a jungle. Sublime was Randy’s chosen description. Yes, we died…and then went to cycling heaven!
Thai’s are smiling at us everywhere we go, but particularly so on the mountain today. Every passing vehicle gave a little honk of encouragement, lots of thumbs up and lots of “hellooooooos”
I expect we will sleep well tonight.
Gotta love those downhills and coke at a low point! It must have felt good to get a win today!!! Way to go friends!!! ❤️
Your intrepid sports are an inspiration and make me think about a poem I once read.
The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don’t go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don’t go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the doorsill
where the two worlds touch.
The door is round and open.
Rumi
Thailand is a wonderful place to celebrate a birthday, have another great day Randy! 🎂 Just love your summer cycling helmets! 💕
Great job. Super scenery. Happy belated birthday, Randy!
Heh, Happy Birthday Randy!! Fantastic way to spend the day. Got to love those 20km downhills.
So, I was feeling sorry for you yesterday. But after your latest post, I am really really really jealous. Hopefully you’ll have many more days like it.
Happy Birthday Randy! Sounds like things are going well. Take care. Kerry.
What a place to celebrate the life you’re living! Keep on wheeling through! 🎂🍷🍾🥳
Happy Birthday Randy!! And high five to all of you!! Glad the trip down was more than worth the trip up!!:)
Thank you for the birthday wishes all. And the nice poem Paul.
We also saw two snakes today. This country is apparently full of them. They even have “King Cobra” crossings 🐍 in some places.
The jungle was vast and dense and I can only imagine how beautiful it would be to hike in it. And what creatures live there. We hear a lot of birds and cicadas as we ride.
Our biggest challenge is the intense heat.
WOW…looks amazing I am so happy for all of you! Love how you document your adventure through pictures and words. Looks like an awesome way to celebrate Randy’s birthday as well. Enjoy every minute in paradise!
a well -deserved down hill ride. loving your ride diary!