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Conclusion

This was a great trip, but could have been a lot better with more local knowledge. Initially, I had looked at doing the trip as a tour with the likes of Spice Tours in Bangkok, who run a Bangkok to Phuket bike tour. Their tour is supported by a jeep which carries gear (and tired cyclists), and while you do cycle Bangkok to Phuket, they cut the boring parts and focus on the scenic and fun parts of the trip. This is probably not a purist bicycle tourist’s ideal way to travel, but does make sure you maximize the fun in the trip.  A lot of my trip was spent on a fairly dull Route 4, which is great for maximizing distance but does little in the way of keeping you interested.

Top Tips for a Subsequent Trip  read more »

Court hearings appear to be identical the world over. After clearing some administrative formalities, I am ushered into a Thai court-room. It is nice to be on the right side of the law, this can’t be fun for some poor Farang who has just been done for drug possession.  The wheels of justice turn faster in Thailand than they do in the UK – and the system appears to be fairly efficient. The Royal Thai Police haven’t caught the laptop thief yet – Tirayut Putong is his name – but they are quite happy to hold a hearing in his absence, within a week of the theft having occurred.  read more »

A bolt of lightning streaks through the dark sky, illuminating a solitary, sodden figure cycling a bicycle through the thunderstorm.  read more »

En route to Phuket. Massive climbs...

I meet Stephan at 9am at the only bridge in town for our trek through the park. I wake up slightly late, and so barely have time to have a couple of slices of toast and a banana shake before heading off, and upon meeting we buy some water and then head to the guard house for the park, a couple of hundred meters from my lodge. The entry fee is one hundred baht – half its usual price as its off season, and we then start our walk along a rather mundane track leading to the forest. We arrive at the Sok river, and walk down to take a look. I notice a stinging on my leg and freak out as I realise I have a leech on my leg. I manage to get it off, Stephan is not overly concerned – it is a tiger leech and they are not dangerous. I still don’t like them sucking my blood.  read more »

The day starts early – I am awake before my alarm, and note that I am still alive and that no-one has attempted to force entry into my room. Upon this thought being confirmed, I release my death grip on my pedal wrench that has been in my right hand all night.  read more »

Made it to Khao Sok National Park - stunning scenery.

Delayed at Surat Thani as laptop was stolen. Managed to recover it and spent all morning filing police report. Have to come back in a week for a court case against the thief. Nothing like a bit of litigation to make a good holiday...

Honour among thieves is today’s slogan. Today, I realise that memories have a price – one that I am lucky enough both to be able to afford, and to be able to pay.  read more »