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Published: January 9th 2011
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Distance travelled - 72 miles/116 km’s
Talk about a tough day yesterday! So tough we ditched the blog for more massages and the opportunity to let our hair down for the night knowing that we could catch up today. So after a three hour morning ride and stop off in Chumphon for a coffee we’re now sitting in the massage parlour AGAIN!
Yesterday was very hard but on the up side it was the first time we really clicked as a team and got each other to the end. I learnt some valuable lessons riding in the front pack (took your advice Dad) and am so grateful for the support from the more experienced riders because without their words of encouragement and high fives at the top I never would have made it up some of those inclines. So thanks to front pack - Craig (Borat), Greg (Berets), Henry (Frank), Rob, Trev, and Michelle - for getting me up those hills on the middle stages.
Kel had a tough ride but powered up the hills and did an amazing job. She was close to tears and getting off the bike but managed to ride in to the water
stops just minutes after the front pack. Mentally she found the strength to get through but physically she tells me - from the massage bed she is currently lying on - that her legs, fanny and bum are sore! Painkiller count - 4 nurofen and 2 anti inflammatorys!
An absolute inspiration is a lady on our ride, Khun Thew. Khun Thew runs Yasothon Suthasinee Orphanage and is one hell of a woman. Khun Thew is terminally ill with pancreatic cancer and has taken on this ride to Khao Lak. When Pete saw her back in June she did not look healthy at all but has turned around and is now glowing again and ready to conquer as much of this ride as she can. While she doesn’t make every leg she has given the hills a fair go and rode in to Champhon with a smile and hugs for all of the riders lined up waiting for her to finish. If there is anyone with strength on this ride it’s Khun Thew. We are all in admiration of this amazing lady and will be with her right to the end to make sure she gets over that line.
After a tough day the three amigos (Claire, Kel and Branka) took off for an oil massage. At $10 a massage it’s no wonder we’re getting them every day. Thankfully they are doing wonders for the legs! Then we met back up for dinner before heading to Mali Blues for a few drinks and more bonding with our team mates. At day 4 there’s definitely some nice bonds forming and already talk of continuing riding when we get home. A few of us have really clicked which is great, I can honestly say we’re doing this ride with a fantastic group of people.
Now Mali Blues didn’t go without some interesting stories. There was the cross eyed novelist from the UK (aka crazy eyes) who played the harmonica with the live band, then a guy with interesting wardrobe selection (flame trees - check out the pants) who was drinking 80% proof rum and then proceeded to stumble on his bike to take one of the Thai ladies home, and then we had another rider injury when Branka poked Craig in the eye (accident) while trying to take some photos!
So all in all a great day and officially
at the half way mark. Rest day today and then we’ve got some pretty tough days ahead as we head to Khao Lak. Looking forward to riding into the orphanage on that last day but already feel sad that this incredible experience is going to come to an end.
Oh and I keep forgetting to mention Kel’s fantastic Thailish (Thail/English) language. Every time we ride through a town all you can hear is Kel’s airhorn followed by a “Haro”, “Sawari-ka”! Hilarious!!
On that note it’s time for lunch and time to enjoy the rest of our day off. Will post again at the end of day 5.
Love to all!
Bert, Ernie and Pocahontas (Branka)
xx
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Ruth
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Keep it up!
Keep it up girls - you're doing great. The photos of you f**** on the floor are hilarious! Sounds like its getting tough, but you can do it. Just remember CLaire - OUCH!!!