Thanks for visiting BicycleThailand.com
September’s issue is full of information for cyclists living in Thailand and cyclists planning a trip here. Pick up some great touring advice from our NEWS page articles or learn how to solve some of cycling’s ailments in our Bike Stores and Tech Tip posts. Also included in our September issue are new “Featured” Bike Store and Bicycle Touring Company articles. “The Wrench” whipped up a TECH TIP article detailing substitute products for bicycle care while our man Tim Shady handled emails from our readers and counted up the votes for this month’s photo winner on the READERMAIL page. The winner will receive a FREE BicycleThailand T-shirt and sticker set!! Keep those submissions coming.
From all of us at BicycleThailand.com – Happy riding!
This month:
- HOME page:
- Tour Company of the Month – SpiceRoads
- Bike Stores post – How to Solve Saddle Sores
- Tech Tip post – How to Solve Painful ‘Hot Foot’
- NEWS page:
- Prevalent Payang: Fixing Flat Tires in Thailand
- Treadmarks in the Sand – Opkhan National Park
- Price-per-day Touring in Thailand
- Watch the EVENTS calendar for updates
- Check the TOURS and CLUBS & LINKS pages for updates
- Go to BIKE STORES page
- Bike Store of the Month – Bike Station
- TECH TIP page – Suitable Substitutes
- READERMAIL page – Reader photos, videos, and emails
- ONLINE STORE page – Thailand-themed cycling apparel and accessories
Next month:
- Charity bicycle rides
- Best maps of Thailand for cycling
- Fixed-gear scene in Bangkok
SpiceRoads Cycle Tours
SpiceRoads wants you to see the world by bicycle! We believe cycling is a unique and rewarding way to experience a country and have developed a broad range of cycling tours in Asia so you can do just that. Whether you are riding through the northern mountains of Vietnam, a wildlife reserve in Borneo, on the steppes of Mongolia or in the back alleys of Bangkok, you will meet fascinating people, experience a rich and diverse culture, and enjoy wondrous scenery and culinary delights.
On every cycling tour SpiceRoads is committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience. Our fantastic guides will take you on our well-researched routes and provide you with cultural and historical background. You can concentrate on cycling knowing our support van is never far off carrying water and fresh fruit and that you will be fueled by the best of the local cuisine and resting in carefully chosen accommodation. Trips are limited to no more than 16 people and we are happy to provide custom trips for groups.
At SpiceRoads we are passionate cyclists ourselves, with more than 15 years experience leading bicycle tours in Asia, we extend a warm and open invitation for you to come and join us. Delight your eyes, open your mind, stimulate your senses and get into gear with a SpiceRoads cycling tour. We are specialists in the art of bicycle tours throughout Bhutan, Burma / Myanmar, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Read the rest of this entry »
How to Solve Painful ‘Hot Foot’
By Fred Matheny
In cycling, it’s known as “hot foot” — a burning pain in the ball of the foot, perhaps radiating toward the toes. Severe cases feel like some sadistic demon is applying a blowtorch.
Hot foot occurs most often on long rides. It may develop sooner or more intensely on hilly courses because climbs cause greater pedaling pressure. The pain results when nerves are squeezed between the heads of each foot’s five long metatarsal bones. These heads are in the wide part of the foot (the “ball”) just behind the toes.
“Hot foot” is actually a misnomer. It’s not heat but rather pressure on nerves that causes the burning sensation. You’ll sometimes see riders squirting water on their pups in a vain attempt to put out the fire.
Besides tight shoes, another risk factor is small pedals, especially if you have large feet. Small pedal surfaces concentrate pressure on the ball of the foot instead of spreading it the way a larger pedal will. If your cycling shoes have flexible soles like most mountain bike shoes, they’ll be less able to diffuse pressure. Read the rest of this entry »
How to Solve Saddle Sores
By Fred Matheny
A saddle sore can ruin a ride. Even a tiny zit can begin to feel like you’re perched on a golf ball. Nearly as painful are crotch abrasions caused by shorts that bunch or have an irritating seam.
Even the pros, hardened by thousands of miles in the saddle, fall victim to what cycling author Arnie Baker, M.D., calls “crotchitis.” Fabled tough guys like Eddy Merckx and Sean Kelly had to abandon races when the pain became too great.
Most medical experts say that saddle sores are actually boils caused by skin bacteria that invade surface abrasions. Remedies have come a long way from the era when riders would put slabs of raw steak in their shorts to cushion the abraded area. Of course, avoiding saddle sores is better than curing them (or ruining a good sirloin). Read the rest of this entry »
On the afternoon of August 4th, at Bangkok’s Grand Palace, professional British cyclist Alan Bate completed an arduous cycling journey of more than 29,000km. Alan’s goal is to become the Guinness world record holder for the FASTEST CIRCUMNAVIGATION BY BICYCLE title. He has dedicated his ride, which began at midnight on March 31st, to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.
Stop the clock - Grand Palace
The route, which traversed more than twenty countries and took Alan 113 days to complete, will still need to be ratified by Guinness before any title is bestowed. Regardless, his attempt is being heralded as the new distance/time to beat and has many speculating on just how long the record will stand. Previous records indicate just how impressive Bate’s attempt is:
(2005) Steve Strange – 276 days
(2008) Mark Beaumont – 195 days
(2009) James Bowthorpe – 176 days
(2009) Julian Sayarer – 165 days (awaiting ratification by Guinness)
(2010) Vin Cox – 176 days (awaiting ratification by Guinness)
A circumnavigation by bicycle attempt requires that the rider pedal through 18,000miles/28,970km, with a total journey distance, including transits by boat or plane, in excess of 24,900miles/40,075km – an equator’s length. The ride must begin and end at the same point. If you feel like challenging the current record, check out www.guinnessworldrecords.com for more of the official rules pertaining to an attempt.
Alan’s triumphant ride and selfless dedication have already won him numerous accolades from the Thai people. We all look forward to the day when Alan’s attempt is ratified and he is recognized as a Guinness world record holder. BicycleThailand.com wishes Alan all of the best in his future cycling endeavors and thanks him for his inspirational story.
Learn more at www.worldcyclingrecord.com
