Peter Gostelow

Had considered riding to the coast, but decide to make it a half day and finish in Pranburi town. No network where I camped last night, so difficult to see the map in detail. Have to go around southern end of the lake and then travel back north a short way before I can head east towards coast. Very peaceful gravel and paved roads. Pranburi is on the coastal highway and busier. Take noodles for lunch and then easily find a room for 400baht.

Another good day. Temps warmer but the humidity isn't too bad. More off-road and gravel today. Pranburi dam is much bigger and once again takes a bit of time to find a decent spot to camp. Easy riding generally on flat roads.

Good first day to a new year. Ride out from Kanchanaburi and cross the river on a small boat. Expected the roads to be deadly quiet, but Thais wake up early and it's public holiday for several days so there are more people travelling than I imagined. Soon on small quiet roads - mostly paved and flat. Has spotted a dam on the map and make it my destination, although the campsite that shows on google maps no longer exists. Have to cycle around the lake and find a quiet spot - eventually find it and it's a lovely one under a tree

Another 100km+ day takes me to Kanchanaburi, with the plan being to take some rest days here and get a visa extension. Paved most of the way - hot and a tailwind. Kanchanburi seems a popular place - history of the river and the bridge. Had marked a few places to stay - end up near the river but will move tomorrow.

Hot and flat day of riding. Mixture of paved and unpaved surfaces through agricultural landscapes away from the Ping River. Very quiet with little traffic. Many businesses seem to be closing up ahead of New Year, although manage to find a spot for lunch early afternoon . The dam is the destination and although I hoped to camp right beside the lake, there's nowhere really suitbale. Manage to camp amongst some trees just below the dam, which is fine.

Easy day of riding beside the river. Flat and smooth. Little traffic. Cover the distance in less than 4 hours. Check into a hotel I booked online. Old but centrally located near river and night market. Will take a rest day over Xmas.

Change of plan again. Had planned to ride over 100km to Kamphaneng Phet, but after a short time back on the trail, I realize it would be a very long day. The trail remains terrible - washed away by rain. Have to walk down some of the track as there are lots of loose stones/gullies. The river crossings come - both shin deep which is fine although I'm sure this would be impossible during or after rains. Military police/rangers see me in the forest - probably surprised - I don't think most of the track would even be rideable by motorbike as there are fallen trees over it. Not been used in years. Eventually the track improves and after 20km I rejoin the main highway - 4 lanes - such a contrast. Stop at 7-11 and then decide to freewheel downhill into Tak - plenty of accommodation options.

Change of route decision at last minute. Realised the main highway between Mae Sot and Tak was likely to be big, busy and boring, I scout out an off-road trail through the mountains. Actually less total elevation gain. Plan is to ride to a lake and camp, but after a short time in the mountains on a dirt track, I realise that won't be happening. Route is flat for first 40km - paved and peaceful.. then it's straight uphill on a dirt track. Pushing some of this. Trail is very quiet and beautiful through the forest. Able to get water from a stream, although later in afternoon I pass a village with a shop. Ride up to a temple early evening - meet a few monks who tell me the track ahead is rough and there are 2 chest high rivers to cross. Somehow doubt this, but they are right about the track being rough. Light fades as I make my way downhill through the forest looking for a clearing to camp. Eventually find it, although I'm camped near ant nests and have to move the tent a few times to ensure a peaceful night and an intact tent!

Less eventful and interesting day as I ride into Mae Sot - main road all the way.. A few options for detours, but I don't take them. Road gets wider as I get closer - large wide shoulder but not much of interest. Mae Sot is where my former colleague from Saudi lives - he'd recommended a place to stay so I ride there - central and fine. Steve shows up soon after with the brake pads I had ordered to his place. Will take a few rest days here.

Out from the mountains and back down to the main road south. Was definitely worth taking this detour. Still plenty of climbing but latter part much easier. More traffic as I ride very close to Myanmar border. Take a room in a wooden cabin just outside the small town of Mae Tan.