Day Two - Hua Hin to Prachuap Khiri Khan 123kms

Day Two - Hua Hin to Prachuap Khiri Khan 123kms

Today was wonderful and I rode a lot better than I had expected.  It was our first big ride, which was made even more rewarding by the spectacular scenery, and diverse landscape.  We left Hua HIn this morning,  which has been a popular resort since King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) built a summer palace there and made our way down the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province past many sandy beaches.

Every day one of the riders is nominated to wear the leader's jersey and be responsible for keeping the group safe and together.

Trevor Osborne (Farmer) was given the jersey to lead the ride out this morning and he started by attaching a Goat to the front of his bike (it is Year of the Goat) but not before stopping a passing monk to get it blessed!

Everyone was in great spirits, Tony with silly glasses and Willow chugging on his Marlboro Light!

Trevor spoke very well last night about his long involvement with Hands and how, for him, it is no longer about connecting personally with an individual child (although that is very special).  The power in this amazing charity lies in the communal strength of the group.  It is about knowing that so many people care about all of the kids, in all the homes.  The children know that there is a huge group of Aussies and Kiwis who love and support them ongoingly.  For the children, that must give comfort and confidence.  For us riders, it is extraordinary to be playing a very small role in this communal love.  None of it is any longer about an individual child or rider.

There were lots of main roads today but the wind was mainly kind to us, carrying us along on a few of the long stretches.  One of the water stops at the temple lured some very nasty monkeys who started to steal our food, which we quickly had to pack away.  The many dogs along the roads are mainly uninterested in the lycra-clad throng whizzing past them.  Many our mangy while others I would love to have packed up and taken home!

We stopped for lunch after 88kms at a resort and the riders welcomed the cool water in the pool to soak aching muscles.

I was pleased with my riding today.  Somewhere I found a strength and energy I did not know that I had.  Staying in the group helps, as does listening to some funky tunes along the way.

We arrived at our hotel late in the afternoon with an ocean view from my hotel room.

This evening at the dinner, I was nominated as the Leader of the Pack tomorrow and will wear the green jersey.  It is my job to make sure that no one gets lost or hurt...but as Trevor pointed out just now, it is all out of my control!