from Changi to Chiang Rai

Another day hit the road by bicycle .. a sunny and windy day .. would be tough .. the windy are due to timing factor .. the higher sun arise .. the stronger winds blow .. so ? be early larrrr ..

While climbing section 7 hill in federal … I saw a touring rider in front .. light packed .. rear rack and pannier on left and right .. small tent and utilities bag on top .. male rider .. average speed 25kmh .. fuhhh .. penat jugak la nak hambat .. but I’m getting closer while downhill .. taking advantage of the rigid and my weight (still 100kg).. and I rang the bell ..

After a word of introduction .. I signalled him to lead until we meet the batu tiga petrol station .. introduced him self as veechian of chiangrai, Thailand, 53. Professional cyclist for over 30 years .. he is on the way back to chiangrai .. he start the journey from Singapore last few days and hit to the north .. solo rider .. the 15 minutes ice breaking session are circulate about touring stories .. personally he enjoy ride and travel .. with 30 years on the saddle, I wouldn’t ask where he have been rode .. almost everywhere lar kot I guess ..

Mr veechian shared that he only take a spoon of honey (with warm water), an apple and a banana every morning before he start the journeys .. according to him .. the honey will help your body to cool down during ride and maintain optimal body temperature .. it could prevent your body and other parts from heating and over heat … beside providing a sustain energy .. and eat what anything  you like during meals ..

He packed light .. in the pannier the is only 3 pair of riding clothes .. even for longer touring journey .. the most important is what you’ll wear during night / rest time .. it must be clean and dry .. this condition will speed up your body recovery and optimize the energy charging .. good rest will result good ride and great journey .. shop during touring .. get reasonable price shirts .. you are touring from one city to another, not an expedition of MTB in the forest far from civilization.. but don’t shop till you drop !!!

While riding outside, you are exposing your body to nature .. your body will suit the nature naturally .. whether hot or rainy day .. the ride should be on .. the stronger body will adapt and keep up with the environment changes .. but this is more on individual judgement larrr .. not pukul rata one .. you know better your body … and you are riding on your preferable and phase .. and most important it is your decision and your responsible .. get waterproof pannier and bag ..

Above said are some interesting infos for me to share larrr .. the rest are common .. get steel frame for hustle free maintenance .. means, it will be easy to repair if the frame dent or fracture during the journey .. higher your handlebar and lower you seatpost for comfort and longer ride .. avoid to put a pressure and tension on your back and spine .. ride during daytime only .. do not ride at nite unless you are sure that your destination is within the cycling distance and safe ..

View From Changi to Chiang Rai in a larger map

Mr vee and me exchange our contact number .. unfortunately he don’t have a Facebook account or blog for us to read he touring stories .. maybe there are hidden somewhere on the net .. lets find out later .. he continue his touring to PJ, and me to the glenmarie .. interesting and inspiring to meet with an international solo bicycle tourer .. free and easy, enjoy life and spend time wisely to see the world .. and to think and thank god the mighty creator ..

For those who want to write the support to mr veechian .. just email him at veechian@hotmail.com

Live strong, Die hard ..