Our 2020 self-supported bicycle tour began in Chiang Mai and ended in Bangkok. There were no organized tours, no service to transport our gear—just us and our bikes, making it up as we go along! Approximately 1,700km entirely by bicycle. The only plannedaccommodations were the first few nights in Chiang Mai in order to recover from 22 hours of travelling and 12 hour time difference from Toronto. After the first two nights we were free to explore. Six weeks of adventure and an open road ahead. Each day we would choose a route, and a hotel/homestay for the night depending on how we felt. The only real goal was to reach Bangkok in 6 weeks time.
Before leaving Toronto in February there had been news stories about a new coronavirus that could potentially develop into a pandemic. We anticipated such a possibility and hoped that it might just blow over by the time of our scheduled return. Just four days before our flight home, COVID was declared a pandemic. We arrived home to a changed world. Little did we know it would be three more years before we could tour again!
Sing Buri to Ayutthaya
What a fantastic day—No dog encounters, beautiful scenery, and the historic City of Ayutthaya. We are living the dream! Every day is different, and this was no exception. Not a single dog encounter. Oh, they were all there, just laying docile on the road—perhaps we are starting to blend a little with our surroundings and... Continue reading→
Ayutthaya—day off, being a tourist
Ancient Ruins, a boat ride around the City, and the biggest Buddha imaginable! We looked and played the part of Tourist. After another night in a traditional Thai wooden Guesthouse we decided to stay an extra day, be tourists, and head for the ancient ruins that the city is built around. They are old, majestic,... Continue reading→
Ayutthaya to Nakhon Nayok to Srimahapho (Prachinburi)
We are decidedly non-tourists, but we do like our 7-Elevens, takeout food at the Khaohom Resort, Lollygagging poolside, and the little “Big C” experience. Its hard to compete with the sights and experiences at Ayutthaya, but as we left the area we both agreed we aren’t really the “touristy” type for very long. You’ve seen... Continue reading→
Srimahapho, Prachinburi to Sakaeo to Phang Ngaun
Elephants and Monkey biz, healthcare the Thai way, pizza due the dog factor, and the squiggly lines Resort. Also….time to talk traffic. We came all the way here to see things we don’t see in Canada. So far, we’ve not been able to report any elephant sighting until yesterday. They weren’t exactly in their natural... Continue reading→
Rest day at the squiggly lines resort (65km north of Chanthaburi)
The pool! The pineapple! The green curry! A great rest day at the “squiggly lines” resort for us…but where are all the tourists? We had enough of the relentless heat! Our hotel with no name (just squiggly lines) has a beautiful, pristine full size saltwater pool so we decided to stay an extra day and... Continue reading→
From the squiggly lines resort to Chanthaburi
Deafening Cicadas, Crabs, and binge-eating at the Night Market in Chanthaburi The most challenging part of today’s 65km ride was the narrow shoulder we had, primarily due to construction. If there’s one thing that’s been reinforced, it’s to ride in a straight line, don’t weave or veer, keep both hands firmly gripped to the handlebars... Continue reading→