Old Sukhothai - rest day

Yesterday we arrived in Old Sukhothai and are currently enjoying a well earned rest day. The Historical ruins are so, so beautiful. Cycling around in the shade of huge old trees looking for special photographs is a joy. It is low tourist season so we literally have the place to ourselves. Today - the true rest day was spent sleeping in - a great change to the 5am alarm was the 5am roosters!!! Massage, manicure, clothes washed in a machine, a sewing maching to fix my bike pants and a late lunch. A very happy cyclist. The locals are exceptionally friendly and helpful. Old Sukhothai is very beautiful and historically very important - once the ancient capital of Thailand. Time for for ruins this afternoon and a delicious fruit shake. It's hot and sunny.
Last evening at 6pm as the King's Anthem was played eveyone in the main street stopped and the police stopped the traffic - very respectful.

Tak and the Ping River

All going spectacularly well. 96km covered today, sometimes in light rain. Great roads and really friendly people are being encountered every day. Bike running like a dream. About to go and eat delicious fish for dinner. 1185km done and dusted.

Thank you

The bike had a major problem and the bike shop here in Chiang Mai have worked effortlessly to ensure my bike was repaired in time. I just picked it up ready to depart at 6am in the morning - thank you so much. The rear rim had to be replaced and the mechanic completely rebuilt the rear wheel with my spokes and rear cassette. Amazing. Efficient. Kind. Thank you. It really made me happy to have the bike ready and think I will go and have a little drink now to celebrate the start of phase two of the journey. 850km completed. That included a wonderful morning cycle up hill - Doi Suthep.

Chiang Mai 817km

Well, it was in fact the most grueling week - the heat is so intense on the road by 7am. Then the hills presented themselves, then hill after hill after hill. However this is a 'challenge' so BRING IT ON.
Good news is I safely arrived in Chiang Mai on Day 6 of the challenge after successfully cycling 817km. Recovering now with great massages and awesome food. Brett arrived in Chiang Mai on the plane and he is struggling to comprehend my stories of heat and hills.
However I think it's all down hill from here to Bangkok and then smooth sailing to Phuket.
I love Thailand and it's so wonderful cycling on great roads, meeting wonderful people who are totally convinced that I'm crazy and loving the freedom of travel.
The bike is at the mechanics now and I'm hopeful they can tighten or replace the rear wheel bearings. This is the land of smiles where anything is possible so I'm positive it will all be done in 2 hours.
I'm missing all my family and friends but loving life as a cyclist with 2 panniers and a map.

One more sleep.

Here's a little picture taken in Savannakhet. Pinky is one of the 40 Lotus girls that will start Grade 1. Thank you to everyone who has donated so generously to ensure these girls have access to education.
I really appreciate your kindness.
Fund Raising $8055 - awesome.
I'll be on the bike by 6am on Friday 14th June. Just one more sleep.
Thanks again
Helen

The final hours!!!

So excited, just 20 hours to go - time to pack the panniers!!!
Thanks for the huge donations $7950 in total.
The kindness of all my friends in Laos and around the world has filled my heart with love and joy. This will help me on the tough days on the road.
THANK YOU

Fund Raising $6390 - THANK you

There's still time to make a donation.
Fund raising link

http://www.gofundme.com/29l7io

Sunday 9th June - 5 days to go

Great training ride today of 53km in just under 2 hours. That will be the last of the longer training rides with just 5 days left before Day 1 of the journey - Fri 14th June
3 days left to work.
Bike - change tyres, insert Mr Tuffy tyre liners to prevent punctures, take off the pedals and add the cleats. PACK the panniers - a total of 8kg - including bike tools and spare parts and clothes.

The fund raising is an awesome $6390 -THANK YOU.

I'll be trying for one last all out effort this week and see if we can reach $7000.
During the bike ride I'll be chatting to lots of people and raising awareness about the lack of educational opportunities girls have in Laos. I'll be sharing the great work that Lotus Educational Fund is doing in Savannakhet and perhaps pick up a few more donations.

http://lotuseducationalfund.com/

To make a donation:
http://www.gofundme.com/29l7io

One week to go!!!

It is with great excitement that I realize there is only one week left before I depart.
3000km could be a long way but to me it's just the start of an exciting journey to ensure the 40 girls in Savannakhet have access to education for the next 5 years.
The bikes ready, the bodies as good as it can be and the mind is anxious to get started.
I really enjoy being on the bike and the freedom that cycling brings to my life.
Thanks to everyone who has supported the fund raising.