Day Eight - Khao Sok to Khao Lak - the final 57kms!

And so here it was.  The final day and I cant tell you how excited I was to cycle into Baan Tharn Namchai where I had left Tommy and Ange over 10 days before.  Not least, I was excited to see all the children and staff at BTN when this record number of 102 riders arrived to begin the celebrations. 

We stopped first at the Temple at Tekuapa which was the site where Peter Baines had first arrived 10 years ago to help identify and repatriate thousands of bodies that were found after the Tsunami.  I had last been there in April for the cremation of beautiful Ton Kaow who drowned tragically last year. 

And then came the amazing ride into BTN, everyone lining the roads to greet us.  I certainly did feel a bit of a hero, and Tom had helped paint all the flags for the riders. 

It was like a huge family reunion.  The children performed for us, the riders given garlands of flowers to wear.  So many radiant faces, so much love and joy and, as usual, fabulous food! 

I so did not want this day to end.  And indeed there was more to come with the Celebration Party in the evening at the Pullman hotel.  Checking into our luxury accommodation for the next few days was very welcome and we were ready to party with the children.  I was happy to have "my boys" back and we laughed and cuddled and danced like crazy.  

Hosted by Frankie Stevens, the party was fun.  We danced and laughed and then all let off lanterns on the beach, to remember the poor souls that had perished ten years before, a sobering reminder of indeed why we are all here. 

Day Seven - Surat Thani to Khao Sok National Park Jungle Resort 117 kms

It was like peeling onions.  If there was to be one day that was really challenging for me, this one was it. Layer upon layer was peeled away.  Just when you thought you were reaching the very core of your being and your tolerance, it was time to depart the water stop and set out on another 20kms.  Another onion layer peeled away...until you starting crying.  

And what triggered it for me was a song that came on my ipod (as I was climbing a nasty hill, when I thought they were over!)  that had been played at my dad's funeral only 8 weeks before.  I have not had time to grieve his passing yet.  I have packaged the whole shocking loss up into a little closed box, until "after I had moved house" and then "after Christmas was over" and now, here I am in Thailand.  Challenged physically and a small opening of my box caused a flood of tears as I arrived exhausted and hungry at the next water stop.  

All I needed was food.  What I got was a lot of love and comfort and no judgement from my fellow riders. It did not last for long - it was more a release, a processing of emotion and exertion. 

As Chris says at the end of the ride, we start the ride as his customers, we ride like friends and we finish like family.  It is so true. 

Our leader today was 15 year old Sashenka. She had already inspired us with her amazing story of discovery, which was why she was chosen to lead us out today. We even sewed on epaulettes! 

Sasha lives in Wellington, NZ, but was born in a Russian orphanage where she lived until age 4 when she was adopted by Annette, who is also on the ride.  Sasha was very moved by meeting the HIV orphans from Home Hug yesterday.  The experience of their joy at seeing their dedicated mother, Mae Thiew arriving on the bike, made Sasha realise how grateful she was to have been given another opportunity in life.  

Every child deserves an opportunity.  

The roads were starting to look monotonous. It was not that the rubber and palm oil plantations are not beautiful but when legs are weary, you need to concentrate more on the pot-holed road than the enjoyment of the present moment. Sometimes we rode behind garbage trucks, school buses and over bridges.  And everyone along the way greeted us and or ran out in curiosity to see this lycra-clad cycling oddity.

We cycled to the top of the reservoir which was challenging ride but we all made it.  This had been the site of a protest about 7 years ago when it was built and communities were displaced and people were apparently killed in its building.  All the same, it was stunning to see and we had a bit of fun at the top with some of the girls having a threesome on a tandem!

Slowly the scenery started to change to resemble an Avatar film set.  A Jurassic dinosaur would not have looked out of place as we rode into Khao Sok National Park. We were headed for our jungle resort for the night, and the biggest pool party ever! 

The pain of the day faded away with a couple of cold Changs and a lot of laughing!

Day Six - Paknamlangsuan to Surat Thani - 144kms!

We smashed 144kms today, made no easier by heavy downpours, mud, humidity, hills and long straights. Everyone did really well, no one complained but how could you with Mae Thiew’s relentless positivity. “Strong legs, strong heart!”

We rode into the hotel tonight with Mae Thiew leading most of the team in and being greeted by some of the gorgeous Home Hug kids who were here to meet us. They had travelled all the way from Yasathon and the noise was deafening as Mae Thiew cycled in. I was so overwhelmed to see such their excitement and smiling faces when their dedicated Mum rode in to join them. There were tears from most of us, witnessing love on such a pure and heart-warming level.

 Riding with this inspirational and amazing lady has been a highlight of my ride this year and is a memory that I will carry with me forever wherever I go. I know how tired many of the riders felt today but for her to endure it all whilst dealing with terminal cancer with the grace, courage and determination that she does, is something really truly remarkable to share.

This is why we do what we do with Hands.