Day Seven
Lang Suan to Surat Thani (130km)
Nerves were running a tad high this morning as we prepared for our biggest day yet – 130kms! Keen to get us off to an early start, Steph had the troops all in order and we were on the bikes by 7.30am after a quick “Happy Birthday” song for Sandra who decided to forego Paris this year in favour of 130km bike ride for charity on her birthday…way to go Sandra!!! A lovely gentle and short ride to our first stop and thankfully the cool of the morning keeping our energy levels high. The rest day must have re-envigorated us all (as it certainly wasn’t the breakfast!) and the fitness levels were starting to kick in as we hooned along to the next water stop at the 36km mark. The kids were riding strong and Lachie was trying not to break anymore bike chains!
Max decided it was time for a go on a real bike, but soon decided that filming from a motorbike was easier. Luckily dad Shane showed him how to do it later on…although we did notice that he too made a quick retreat for the motor bike:) The kids were treated to a pillion ride (all very safe of course with helmets and not too fast) and Kelsey soon realised her talents may well lie in the film industry. Meanwhile Katelyn’s refresher towel scheme was working a treat…although being in the tail van and not the lead van had our gun riders waiting a while for refreshment!
Lunch was a great relief after a long 29km flat (but scenic) and hot ride. 85km behind us and it was only 1.30pm. Two more 25km stints and we were there. After stocking up on Milo bars, Oreos and icecreams at the last water stop it was on to the home stretch and a WICKED head wind along the highway that almost saw the end of us. But never fear – we were into Surat Thani by 3.45pm – 15 mins earlier than yesterday and 30kms longer! What a team!!!
A swim, a massage, a nice dinner, a large supermarket for all those needs (including wine!!) and it was off for our second last nights sleep on the journey. It was all drawing to a close much too soon…now who would have thought we’d be saying that!!!!
Photos (guest photograper: Jerry)
Wow thanks for the updates. It makes for exciting reading….. bike stacks, vicious monkeys and elephant feeding! Sounds like it’s all going really well and it will be so exciting riding into the orphanage tomorrow. Huge effort! Congratulations to everyone! PT.
Philippa Tomkins said this on January 25, 2009 at 1:25 am