The Big Ride Last Day Khao Sok to Takua Pa
Last Day of the The Ride . A fantastic emotional happy day. I have heard about this day from others but to experience it is different. A truly great day to be alive and with friends and family.
Today we wore fresh jerseys handed out by Peter Baines the night before. Same design as our black and green tour jerseys but yellow with an inscription in memory of Dej the 14 year boy from Baan Than Namchai who died in September. The team looked spectacular, or as Jimmy says "Awesome".
I started the day with a puncture in the carpark which was (a little too) quickly repaired. 10kms or so later we were ready to tackle the big hill of the ride a 3km+ climb with the reward of a 5-7k descent on the other side.
Pushing up the big hill at halfway I was struggling. My lungs were working and it felt like I was riding in treacle.......I had another puncture! When the support vehicle got to me everyone else had gone past and we were out of new tubes. An old tube was found, the thorn in the tyre causing the problems removed. On my way again to the top to join the group. Thanks to Dan the iron man for coming back down to accompany me up the last stretch.
The reward - 5-7kms of downhill. Top speed for me was 60.6 kms /hr, but one at least hit 70kms. (The garmin gps details in the link below are a little out as the last 20kms are the bike gear being transported from the orphange to our hotel......without the gps being turned off!).
We rode in Takau Pa the closest town to Baan Tharn Namchai to a reception from staff and older children at the temple. This was the temple where 7 years ago 3,500 bodies passed through after the tsunami.
We rode in Takau Pa the closest town to Baan Tharn Namchai to a reception from staff and older children at the temple. This was the temple where 7 years ago 3,500 bodies passed through after the tsunami.
We then rode slowly through town with the children turning into the orphanage road to link up with even smaller children on little bikes and down to the orphanage welcome - brass band, streamers, banners, the children and staff, invited local guest friends family all there to meet us. I rode in with my friends Bew (12) and Ploy (10). Sue, Jann, Richard and Kay all there to meet me along with all those I know at BTNC. Organised happy chaos. Speeches, dances, lunch and a bus to the hotel.
Time to reflect on a job well done and fantastic adventure completed. before dinner and a great late party with children at the hotel.
Would I do it again? At day 3 not sure....at day 8 ABSOLUTELY!
Time to reflect on a job well done and fantastic adventure completed. before dinner and a great late party with children at the hotel.
Would I do it again? At day 3 not sure....at day 8 ABSOLUTELY!
posted by Paekak @ 6:54 PM
6 Comments
6 Comments:
Well done Andy. It sounds like it was tough, but that you enjoyed it. Completing the ride, and raising the money you did, was a great achievement. Now enjoy your rest.
Hi Andrew
What a fantastic Champion effort! Really inspirational! You should be rightly proud of what you've achieved. Turning a half century obviously hasnt been a hindrance...quite the opposite! Just watched a spectacular sunset at Paekak and looking forward to catching up with you here next week to hear more about the cycle. We have Fireworks too which we'll ignite in your honour!! Well done! Kaye, Nigel,Oliver & AB
Hi Andrew
awesome effort chap, "give that man a DB!". Great presonal achievement, but of more importance the money you have raised for the orphanage was your greatest achievement. Have a well earned rest and look forward to catching up when you get back to NZ. Cheers JT & Kerry
Given the oldest rider was 72 and he was a machine I couldn't use my age as an excuse! Spending a couple of days at the orphanage to remind us what it was really all about. See you in sunny Paekakariki soon.
Thanks Steve it was tough but that made it all the more worthwhile. Went to the 3rd annual Khao Lak cowboy festival last night. Another unique cultural experience. Tha Salmat boys Keith and Ben were great value. Have put your and Matts names down for next years ride:-)
Or even a Singha, Chang or a Leo. Thanks to your and everyone else's support we continue to make a difference in some children's lives. I'll drink to that...
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