Ride Coordinator: Cynthia Lyons
Report by: Elliot Evers
Bangkok to Phuket – The Royal Road
January 19- February 2, 2018
Tripper Report (In Verse)
- from Elliot Evers
Twenty-eight cyclists, all strong and true
You cannot stop us, no matter what you do.
We gather in Bangkok, city of canals
And quickly do we pair off and make new pals.
The city bustles, the Emerald Buddha gleams
And, from every corner, the visage of Bhumipol beams.
It’s hot, humid, and sultry, with fragrance in the air
It’s Asia and the tropics, for which we did prepare.
Introductions are made, led by Cynthia and Tom
As always, these great leaders project an air of calm.
Our guides we meet that night and start to get to know
Things feel good, and they are nice—there is a certain glow.
The Sky Lane beckons, ‘round the airport we go
Bike rides in Bangkok would otherwise be too slow.
The city smog and traffic soon is left behind
We seek adventure always, but of a different kind.
We roll along the coast, a Sunday feeling in the air
The road is smooth and flawless, the riding fast and fair.
Fishing boats troll the sea and families stroll along
The tires love the pavement and sing a special song.
Temples are all around us, gleaming in the sun
A faith so strong and present, it unites the Thais as one.
Faith in Buddha and Bhumipol is everywhere you look
But all the leaders, most every one, really is a crook.
Monkeys toss coconuts down from the trees
That was fun and crazy, but was it covered in our fees?
A rhythm upon us settles, up early and out the door
Blue water, white beaches—who could ask for more?
Our guides tell us stories of Siam’s glorious past
And the miles roll by, smooth and very fast.
A long day approaches; a climb looms ahead
Most riders opt for the chicken bus instead.
We bump along, we bounce around; everyone feels free
We then arrive at Lake Chow Lan—quite the sight to see.
But some stalwarts stuck it out, and made the fateful climb
Still so much the speedsters, and happy in their prime.
We stay in little houseboats, moored along the shore
Friends and neighbors come to call, assisted by an oar.
Our guides have for us water, fruit and local delights
And they are there to help us and explain the wondrous sights.
They let us call them Natt, and Ton and Bird
Names the English speakers upon them have conferred.
The days grow hotter as farther south we go
We start to dream of water and things involving snow.
We cross the bridge and into Phuket we roll
Such sweet pleasure to finally reach our goal.
Russians fill the beaches and bare their tummies large
Oftentimes we might compare them to a local barge.
For most, the ride is over, and farewells we must say
But surely we will gather to ride another day.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org