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Wow what a day.... Until now I've not really seen what all the fuss is about with Thailand, I've previously only been passing through and have not really had time to get a feel for the place. Bangkok is a big dirty disorganised place, and that was all I really knew of Thailand. Until today, I fell in love with this country. After yesterday's great ride through beautiful scenery and my hut on the beach I started the day in a great mood. I have found when I'm generally feeling like that it doesn't take long for the karma police to catch me and take some of the wind out of my sails- today no exception, but only for a short time.
I started off planning to have a big ride 100k to Chumphon. The roads were flat and traffic was light. Clear blue sea on side and mountains of Myanmar on the other. It was so perfect I wanted to capture it on video- something I've done plenty of during my rides... Sadly i cannot upload them on to this Blog:-( anyway set myself up, riding along videoing... Looked great until a huge pot hole appeared in front of me- going too quick to stop or avoid it, I swerved too sharply (only 1hans on the handle bars, camera in the other) totally lost control- next thing I knew I was lying on the road with panniers, water, blood, camera spread across the road!! I'm fine done worry!! So is the bike and the camera- in fact the only thing that didn't survive was the video clip file on my camera!! Gutted I would have loved to see the action replay! Anyway I assessed the damage bit of a graze on my leg, bruised thigh, sore hand, brake calliper needed adjusting, and pannier needed some TLC... Put myself back together slightly shaken but mainly chuckling to my self at the stupidity of it. Took it a bit steady after that slowed down considerably- my planned 100k was just not happening today, so rather than head to the main road took the coast road again. right choice- unbelievable stunning coast line, unspoilt totally. White sand blue sea, no one around it was magic- if I hadn't just taken the skin off my leg I've have gone swimming!
I made about 60k altogether today- my speedo ran out of battery so that a bit of a guess. I arrived at a tiny beach resort with just a collection of bungalows Perched on the sea front, perfect! I must have looked quite a sight when I arrive, the cleaning lady was fussing over me- made me coffee, gave me more mango than it's possible for 1 human to eat, plus some apple type thing, plus nuts and coffee, all before showing me to my room. Then a 7pm she knocked on my door with Pad Thai, chicken legs (without feet, bonus!) and beer for me- perfect- love this place.
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