Thank you, Helmut. You observed correctly and I am actually quite proud I slowly do manage to take some steam out of my cycling. Has is been more about adhering to a set plan beforehand is my philosophy now: Nice place? Stay a bit longer.... That´s all about having time in hand and for my future rides the lesson learned will certainly be far more conservative planning. Mind you I will not give up planning entirely as some fellow cyclist have. I love the process too much and wish to have some sort of red line in my rides too.

Nice to see u back on the road.
Thumps up!

Thank you, Jan! I am actually glad the port option wasn´t all that much easier - would have annoyed me as I briefly considered doing it while looking at that wall in front of me but left it as I wasn´t sure whether it would be a through road or dead end at the port

It did indeed, Jan. For the sole reason that they forward your order to the sister who lives next door and the fried curry chicken I had was outstanding. Wasana cooked one Phad Khrapao Moo herself and no complaints from my side on that one too. Otherwise there is a little shack just 100 m down towards the NP gate on the left. I had a lovely squid with kale meal there

I would have thought so, Jan. By the photos I saw at least the slow ferry should have the space to take full size bikes. Unfortunately the ticket lady lost interest in answering my questions once she realized I wasn´t going to purchase any fare on that day...

There are three ways to master the final kilometers to Ranong. The one you chose is the hardest one. The road passing the multipurpose harbour is not flat either, but you save something like 60 meters of climb. Staying on the 4 seems to be the easiest but least attractive option- just one climb after you have passed the Punyaban waterfall, long but moderate.

I hope the food situation improved since our visit four years ago

I had no problem with Brompton and Bike Friday folding bikes. I doubt they will accept others- the onky place for them would be in the front of the boat

Thank you, Mike. When I am asked why I spend so much time cycling in Thailand I would indeed nominate the food as one third of the decision. The other two thirds being the infrastructure (good roads with shoulder; availability of inexpensive accommodation) and the people themselves of course.

That food looks delicious!

Mike

It is indeed the Shimano 105 group - no idea what edition but it is a brand new bike so would be one of the latest. Whle I am in NZ I will leave the bike with my friend and master bike mechanic Faizal on Penang and ask him to look into the alternatives you suggested. They may be needed before I hit the rather unflat roads of Myanmar next May...

Which Shimano groupset do you have on your bike Frank... particularly the rear derailleur. From your picture it looks like its 105 - 5800 series. You might be able to fit on a 32 tooth cassette, but definitely can fit a 30 tooth. (may need new chain to do that). I lived in Koh Samui for 5 years and had to change my cranksets from 53/39 to a compact 50/34. Hills were too much for me. I was using a 28t cassette but should have gone to 30t.

Thanks, Paul. What I found out while crossing the most demanding terrain between the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea is that the bike plus gear certainly requires some smaller gears. That´s me with my skinny legs talking though...

The good news about your experience is that they obviously do not dislike me personally, Paul. I was starting to get a bit concerned...

Nice bike, looks like reliable specs👍