Day 13 Sat 10/07 - Takua Pa to Kapoe

Today Distance: 121.2 km               Total:969.6 km
Today Temp : 26 - 30c
Time on Bike : 6 hr 35 min
Ave Speed : 18.4 kmh                      Max: 57.0 kmh
Ave Climb : 2%                                Max: 13%
Trip Altitude: 649 m                          Max:128 m
Today Spending : 443 baht               Total: 3769 baht

Today so far was my best ride in Thailand.The weather was so cool,refreshing! The terrains, the roads ,the trees seems everything was just perfect and conducive for cycling.The traffic was light ,although we are still on Highway 4 , the newly laid tarmec was so smooth to make a comfortable ride. The very broad shoulder wide enough for 2 bikes side by side. No wonder Brent has this to say " Not only Takua Pa and Kapoe names sound like New Zealand towns ,I feel like cycling in New Zealand country roads too" But unfortunately Brent has 2 puntures on his rear tire, this forced him to change over to the brand new German made Schwalbe Marathon Plus and throw away the Taiwan made Kenda wornout tire. We break 2 new records in longest ride distance and time. By 6.30pm just before dark,we arrived in Kapoe,an even smaller town than Takua Pa , it is so small that easily you will miss it if not for the kilometer stone. As usual,I had to ask the local, I am really surprise at that little English they know, everywhere, young and old ,all speaking only Thai langauge. That motor shop guy had to draw a map of a cross junction not far ahead and turn right to find the resort. A very new and nice SS resort located on a highland for 350 baht.

            Mat salleh riding racing bike zoom past us with a wave of Hello

                                     Snaking the way up a pass. Come on ,you can do it!!!

        The King's daugther is flying here to attend a function ,we were turn away by the police

                                            The Guard at the temple entrance

                             A little detour on this gravel road to the wildlife sanctuary park

    Disappointment at the reception, nobody wants to entertain us,ended up just as one of our rest stop

                          Another steep hill, notice Brent was way ahead in front

                 SS resort -  open business for just 2 months , everything is NEW

                              And the new bed....