Cycling north to Chiang Mai from Bangkok

What an introduction to Thailand we had today! It was a long day – I am tired and Kathy is already passed out for the night. The morning was spent packing our panniers and loading the bikes for the first time. We took a “test ride” from the hostel back to the airport and then took a train 86 km north to get to Ayuthaya. (We decided it best to get safely out of the city before we actually started to ride). From the train station we rode into town and found a place to stay. It was so hot and humid – totally unpleasant to even be outside. Which is why I’m sure we decided to splurge and get an “air-con” room for the night. We proceeded to crank up the air and just layed in the room for a good hour before we ventured out for some food. Side note: My body is itching all over and if there are fleas in this hotel I will be pissed!

Anyway I think we plan to spend another day here tomorrow and see the ancient ruins because we didn’t really have the chance to see anything today. We have sworn though that the following day we WILL ride far to make up for the slack. All said we did ride 8 miles today. You could say we are just easing in to the process.

My bike seems to be riding well but it is SO HEAVY with the bags on it that I can barely lift it up and it wants to fall over all the time. Kathy said it takes time getting used to. It was exciting today to actually be riding around Thailand on my bike! We are definitely the free show everywhere we go the locals are just fascinated with us. The biggest question we seem to get so far is how much did the bike cost.

Well it’s only 7:45pm but I am fading fast, between the jet lag, fatigue, and the heat it was an exhausting day. Looking forward to a COOL night’s sleep.

Add comment October 17th, 2001