Blog / Transposition

6 February 2012

Why did the cyclist cross the road? Because Thailand drives on the left.

I don't think I've ridden a bike on the left hand side of the road this millennium. I've been riding in China with some frequency since I bought my old road bike in 2004. No major problems initially, but I think it'll be a few days before I get properly dialled-in. Fortunately, I won't have to switch again: Malaysia and Singapore also drive on the left.

Border formalities were fairly simple. I'm stamped until April 5th, bit of a queue, total mess of a people management flow, shop nearby full of farangs drinking and smoking. Not the best layout for two-wheeled travellers: my bike's out of sight while I queue.

The 3193 road from the border is in good nick, with a wide shoulder, and I just get it done. The cycle tour company Spice Roads are out with a bunch of uncomfortable looking unloaded riders. Their guides, however, look the part: lean and very tan.

After joining road 317 to head south, I get two positive surprises. There's a series of descents, and I find my estimate of today's distance was on the high side - I was expecting to ride around 110km.

There's a southwesterly that holds me back a bit, but this seems to be at least partly offset by a small downhill gradient. It takes me a while to track down the guesthouse, but otherwise, the ride ends fine.

95km, 21.4km/h, 4hr25min, 5531km

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