I had another early start and it was another clear and warm day. As has happened three days in a row now, the clouds came out eventually and made it more pleasant.
I’d describe today’s ride as really picturesque but with traffic. Highway 4 is the only option in these parts, so there were quite a few trucks and hundreds of utes with most of them filling my lungs with their black exhaust.
I was feeling good as I went through Ranong. I didn’t feel the need to go into the city, as highway 4 went through the outskirts. Not far out of Ranong, it started to rain and the temperature dropped. It rained enough for me to test out my secret weapon – the cycling poncho.
It worked a treat and provided enough ventilation that it wasn’t sweaty, even though I wore it while doing the climb of the day. That’s a successful test in my book. So, you’ve been warned. If we are cycling together and it rains, expect the poncho – daggy as it is, it’s brilliant.
My plan was to head to another ‘resort’ just 2kms north of Kra Buri.The first problem was, that it was actually 2kms south of Kra Buri, just after the last climb. I flew past it and thought, that looks like the photos of the place I’m heading to – but I can’t read the Thai signage, so I wasn’t sure. It looked closed though, probably due to the roadworks surrounding it. I realised my mistake when I was in town. Onward and upward.
About 7kms our of town was another likely place which was clean, comfy and affordable. They arranged dinner, and with a convenience store down the road, desert was sorted.Today sounds like a long day, but as for every day, I just don’t push it hard. I take it easy for the ups and enjoy the downs. Today’s downhill was the best for a while. In fact the main one, provided views across the river to Myanmar.
