tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301244662011-04-21T16:49:46.878-04:00Welcome to my 2 wheel adventure! This site is intended to share my experience with family, friends, and even strangers as I travel the world by bike. First stop is South East Asia. A general framework to my itinerary is to cycle through Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. I have no idea what roads I will take but all I need is a map, compass, and my trusted ride. Please share in my adventure as I explore new cultures, meet new people and most importantly refresh my perspective on life.Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.comBlogger241100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1158537895433631192006-09-17T19:50:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:29.300-05:00

Phnom Penh to Takeo to Kampot to Sinoukville (all in Cambodia) to Hat Lek to Trat to Ko Chang (all in Thailand) Just as I started this journey on a beautiful island, I am concluding it relaxing on Lonely Beach situated on Ko Chang Island. My spartan bungalow at a mere $2/night is beachfront. High tide rhythmically lulls me to sleep and low tide awaits me in the morning. Treehouse bungalow resort

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1157796642311320322006-09-09T05:19:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:29.245-05:00

Siem Reap to Battambang to Pursat to Kompon Chnang to Phnom PenhPhoto: Local CambodianI enjoyed biking into the sunrise this morning listening to the rice fields grow in the background. Little traffic afforded sometime to just chill and peddle. My last several posts have lacked substance mainly because I have not been inspired to write. The mood has to strike me for some reason. Otherwise, it

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1157202192074029582006-09-02T08:36:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:29.192-05:00

Don Det, Laos to Kratie to Some cambodian village to Kompong Cham to Siem Reap (all last places in Cambodia)? kms (have no idea anymore)Good News!!! I've safely arrived in Camboddia. I'm traveling in luxury as we speak on an aircon bus bound for Siem Reap where the next several days will be spent exploring Angkor Wat. The past several days on two wheels have been the hardest but most rewarding

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1156979841314003052006-08-30T19:14:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:29.136-05:00

Pakse to Muang Khong to Don Det125 kmI am surrounded by an area known as Four Thousand Islands at the southern most tip of Laos. The Meckong River runs swiftly underneath the deck I sit on as I wait to see my final sunset from this wonderful country. The last several days I have been island hopping by traditional lao wooden boat used to navigate this vast waterway. While the monsoon season has

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1156477438178430652006-08-24T23:24:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:29.083-05:00

The one lane bridge into Pakse describes this quiet town to a tea. No one is in neither a rush to get in or out of this place. It is the gateway to the Bolaven Plateau known famously for its rich Lao coffee. And to all those coffee connoisseurs out there (i know there is quite a few reading this), this is the BEST coffee I've ever had. Jet Black and smooth. Like a fine aged liquor. Mouth

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1156420556764571612006-08-24T07:28:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:29.026-05:00

Savannahket to Thao Tan to Pakse243 kms18.5 kph12h 33minI was treated with a pretty short ride today as yesterday I mistakenly had to log 180 kms to reach a guesthouse. A torrential downpour didn't make things any easier but some guys sitting under a house waved me down to join them in waitng out the storm. One was dressed only soaked tighty whites. I love this country. I was about to join

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1156217966780836552006-08-21T23:31:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.966-05:00

Ventiane to Paksan to Thong Namy to Thakhaek to Savannakhet489 km122 avg kms/day20.4 avg kph24 h 8 minAh a rest day. I love rest days. Especially when they involve reading next to the Meckong, eating an obscene amount of food (initially I consumed 5 kilos of fruit per day but have resorted to supplementing my diet with junk food to fuel my activity), people watching, and gathering my thoughts.

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1156157758923535582006-08-21T06:11:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.909-05:00

Phonsovan to Ventiane Yesterday I checked out the Plain of Jars located on the outskirts of Phonsovan. The only adjective that comes to mind is extraordinary. While many archaeologists have proposed several hypothesizes, the one that currently stands is that the jars were used 2000 years ago similar to how we use urns today. The jars are placed on dominant land formations such as hill tops or

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1155783791458017922006-08-16T22:41:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.853-05:00

Na Nam to Vang Vieng to Kasi to Phou Khoun to Luang Prabang to Kiu Kacham to Phou Khoun to Nong Teng Alot of kms (lets just say i've definitely broken in my Brooke's saddle and beaten my crotch into submission)I write this huddled in a small 8 x 10 shack that has been converted into guest quarters on this adorable working farm in Nong Teng. There is no electricity nor running water here and I

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1155295252782773382006-08-11T07:05:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.748-05:00

Half the Mountains!!I am surrounded by westerners (ie white folks and people who actually understand me) once again in my northern most destination, Laung Prabang. Laos is definitely not a plugged in society and hence my postings have been on the leanside. Morever, internet connections are WAY SLOW. I have been spoiled by T1 lines and WiFi in the states. Quickly before we have a power outage

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1154914517707788232006-08-06T21:34:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.695-05:00

Vientiane to Na Nam96 km5h 19m18 kphIt was good to be back in the saddle again. Route 10, a secondary paved road that leaves the capital, painted an amazing picture of the Loasian countryside. I shared the road with goats, cows, dogs, chickens, and occasionally a motorized vehicle. I was truly humbled to see how people live in these villages. To say simple does not come close to describing

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1154914416329552492006-08-06T21:25:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.627-05:00

Vientiane, Laos0 kmAnother beautiful day and it kills me that I am not on my bike. Figures the days I have off the weather turns into perfect riding conditions. Spectacular new!! My bike computer just arrived today so its a green light to migrate north. Thank goodness as I was going to leave tomorrow regardless. Vientiane was a perfect place to get stuck for a couple of days. Once I figured

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1154504224889504052006-08-02T03:33:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.565-05:00

Nong Khai, Thialand to Vientiane, Laos22 kmToday marks my first country crossing and I could not have asked for a more beautiful day. You could actually see blue skies with only patches of clouds in the air. I paused for several minutes crossing the Friendship bridge which spans the Meckong River connecting the two countries to enjoy my first milestone. Plus I just had to pee over the bridge.

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1154332316701729342006-07-31T03:46:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.505-05:00

Udon Thani to Nong Khai59 kmI arrived in Nong Khai yesterday and I have been enjoying the intimacy of the last city in Thailand I will be staying in before entering Laos. The traffic is awesome (ie nonexistant) and the dogs up here have adopted the Isaan way of life (the thought of moving fast or even moving at all is farthest from their dog minds). Attached is a photo of a group of monks

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1154252594317968642006-07-30T05:21:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.452-05:00

Khon Kaen to Udon Thani120 kmAm I going the Right Direction?Today was my longest and rainiest day yet. I've noticed my northern direction is bringing in longer and more consistant rains compared to the heavy short bursts I experienced down in southern Thailand. The only positive thing about the rain is that is reduces the rubbing between my saddle and myself. I have underestimated the coolness

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1154184791683227332006-07-29T10:47:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.393-05:00

29 July 200611:16 amPhon to Khon Kaen80 kmI started the day bright and early and arrived here in Khon Kaen with plenty of daylight to burn. There is a stark contrast between these two towns separated by 80 km of beautiful rice field countryside. On my way I stopped to watch a brilliant football match between a bunch of thai village kids. A waterlogged muddy field, no shoes, and make shift

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1154097969282493452006-07-28T10:26:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.339-05:00

27 July 20066:00 pmKhorat to Phon100 kmMy first day was rather brilliant and I logged more miles than expected. It was combination of adrenaline, unseasonable cool weather, and of course my nature of pushing myself. The roads have been very well maintained despite the occassional need to go around water buffalo (I believe that is what they are?) manure.The countryside scenery is stunning and a

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1154096524392587052006-07-28T09:58:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.288-05:00

27 July, 20065:22 amI have butterflies in my stomach this morning and I wake up in Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) about 6 hr train ride northeast of Bangkok even before the roosters today. Yesterday was quite entertaining as opening up my bike box revealed that airport baggage handling was not too kind to my wheels. Not a single revolution and I already had a significant hop in my rear wheel. My

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1153879518259216752006-07-25T21:51:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.232-05:00

25 July 20062 amIt has been a wonderful past couple of days spent away from the entropy of Bangkok. It was so hard to leave Koh Tao and I can truly understand how some folks on the island have extended their stay from a few days to stay a few months to even several years. Trust me, it did cross my mind on more than one occasion. I cannot begin to describe the wonders of Koh Tao. The more

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1153451949073730852006-07-20T23:15:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.170-05:00

20 July, 200610:12 pmIt was a restless night and a combination of events kept me from my beauty sleep. I understand why there was one remaining room left as it was plagued with quirky character. First the A/C had no thermostat so I had a two choices, frigid cold or stew in your own juices hot. I opted for the former and pulled out all my clothes and layered. Second, the roosters must of

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1153448582855092622006-07-20T22:22:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.114-05:00

20 July, 20063:19 amFinally after a full 24 hours of hopping on one connecting flight after another, I arrive in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. I am immediately reminded that I ain’t in “Wonton-Salami” anymore as I am bombarded by a horde of taxi drivers promising me the cheapest ride in town. I graciously decline and head out to a more established area for hailing cabs. The humidity and

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1153231927423374632006-07-18T10:08:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.062-05:00

Knowing ahead of time I will be a bit deprived of fresh greens, I opted to replace my normal cereal/bagel breakfast with a TALL BOWL of tossed salad. Time to enjoy my last hot hot shower for a couple months and actually sitting rather than squating to use the toilet. Ahhh.. So excited.Next stop...Bangkok.

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1152994711348881422006-07-15T15:44:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:28.003-05:00

3 days in counting and I just encountered my first bike repair. Mmmmm. Is this a sign of things to come in Asia? Surely not? After going through my final packing inventory, I decided to take a quick last spin before packing my bike safefly away. Not 5 minutes into my ride as I'm shifting up the front gears I hear a distinct pop and the chain falls quickly back to the smallest gear. I

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30124466.post-1152326021864686032006-07-07T21:42:00.000-04:002006-10-31T01:08:27.874-05:00

Well its less than a week away from my depature and I figured I should at the very least take advantage of the comforts of my own surroundings to post my first message. After less than a month of planning (that is way more planning than I usually do), I'm beginning to feel at ease that i've covered all the big must do items. Passport arrived, plane ticket purchased, immunizations up-to-date,

Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04053663300315769382noreply@blogger.com1