I FAILED TO CYCLE ACROSS THAILAND 🇹🇭 (this is why)
For the past 12 days I have been attempting to cycle the entire length of Thailand so I be I started in Mae Sai in the very north of the country and I set my aim for Betong in the very south I had never attempted anything like this before I was
A complete newbie to cycling and I wasn’t really in topnotch Fitness but I love this country and I wanted to try to experience it in a new way so far things had gone pretty good my body was stronger than I expected the bike was performing fine I was just struggling with the
Heat and a few other issues that I’ll go into during the video you’re about to watch me fail you’re about to watch me give up on something that I wanted to [Music] achieve the funny thing about failure though is failure’s never the end and it’s normally just the beginning of the next attempt
As Thomas Edison once said I have not failed I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t [Music] work good morning and welcome to another day on the bike when I was going to document this series my mission wasn’t to sort of tour across Thailand and show you everywhere like like we did
With dreamy my mission was just to go from the very North to the very south and document what is it like physically mentally and emotionally to cycle across Thailand as a newbie as someone who doesn’t have any experience doing anything like this is it possible what’s it like today was one
Of those days where I just woke up and I just man it was really really hard to motivate myself I I just I feel like I’m running on empty um and I have uh I have diarrhea okay I’m sorry but uh
Woke up at 3:00 in the morning and I’ve been awake now for like 3 or 4 hours the sun’s just come up um but I think I think whatever I had in me is gone if you know what I mean so I’m really low
Energy I’m really low motivation but I’m in this hotel on the side of the highway there is nothing here there’s no food there’s nothing to do if I have a rest day I will be miserable even though I
Want to take a rest day so I’m just going to push on keep on trucking baby it’s 100 km to pit Santa look I’d learned so far that anything over 100 km in a day just equals a miserable day
I just can’t cope at the minute with these distances anything over 880 km I just start to feel completely drained not just from the physical exerion but the heat that Thailand is delivering at this time of year it’s normally much cooler than this this is mid-February that I
Was doing this and well there’s not much I can do about the weather this is the closest I’ve come to wanting to give up this is uh not going to lie this is pretty miserable right now I I am so
Dizzy and it’s so hot it’s so hot I’ve drank so much water I’ve drank 4 lers of water two Gator raids down to my last bottle of water the next the next uh spot to get some drinks and to
Rest properly is in 14 km it’s only quter 11 but it is 35° and uh I think the diarrhea last night and just being a little bit run down is catching up on me and I’m just miserable I came I found
This little roadside Shack and I was going to lie down have a little break but it’s covered in bird [ __ ] like the whole thing is just absolutely covered in bird [ __ ] um also today’s leg and tomorrow’s leg there are no roads parallel to this that just go through the countryside um
They all go east to west the only Road that’s running South between here and the next 200 kilometers is this road the main Highway and so there’s just very little shade there’s very little to look at you’re just keeping yourself in the hard shoulder and you’re trying your best
Not to get hit by a truck and I still got 50 km until P pit s up how many halfway because it it took a long time to get up there was there were heels I thought I’d done all the Hills but there
Were there were heels there were so many heels all I want to do is lie down here for an hour maybe take a nap but it’s covered in [Applause] [ __ ] tough day today and we’re only halfway
Through I didn’t have the energy or the patience to film anything for the rest of that day just rest assured that I cycled for 100 kilometers that day and I was hot and very miserable by
The end of the day it took me 9 hours to get to pitan look Province and to the city center I limped into a hotel which was actually really nice so I took a complete full rest day I did a
Lot of recovery and the only thing I filmed was me cleaning the bike but even with that rest day behind me I was still struggling I was still miserable so I had one last tactic one last throw of the dice that might help me because at this point all I was about to
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And then put in that code you’ll get $3 off and boom when you land in your future destination you’ll be able to search the web web easy peasy lemon squeezy right now it’s time for the bad News I just broke a bottle of [Music] water hello welcome back it’s uh 3:32 a.m. and it’s another day cycling across Thailand um good and bad news as you can probably hear in my voice so sounds like mostly bad news doesn’t it it kind
Of is I’m trying my best to find a positive let’s start with the bad news we are in this part of the country which I knew would suck because we’re out of the northern mountains which is you know
Interesting and varied and challenging but fun to cycle across and soon we’ll be in the South which means we’ll be cycling along the coast and there’ll be palm trees and beaches and mountains and delicious food but right now I’m in the middle of Thailand I’m 140 km north of a place
Called naon saan and all that’s been behind me and all that’s in front of me is flat dry Barren land this is the main area of Thailand where they grow crops such as rice and corn and um there aren’t
Very many towns and cities everything is 100 kilm plus apart from each other soon we’ll be near of Bangkok and there’s small towns and cities all over the place and I’ll be able to do easier days
60 70 km Max but today we have 140 km by far the longest journey I have to go to there’s nothing in between here and nakon saan except for fields and a main road so it’s going to suck but that’s not
The worst part of the bad news the worst part of the bad news is there’s a bloody Heat Wave so the land of smiles will soon be turning into the land of sweat yes that is right Thailand is preparing for an intense heat wave with forecasts indicating significantly higher temperatures
Potentially reaching up to 44 12° C in some areas weather predictions for the week of February 19th to February 25th show a worrying Trend towards extreme heat prompting warnings for the public to limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and to ensure adequate hydration
Now Thailand is not exactly a cold destination at the best of times it’s hot all year round but I wanted to start this cycle trip um before it got even hotter it’s going to get even hotter in April
But we’re having the heat wave early this year so yay um where I’m going to be cycling to today it’s going to be 37° by lunchtime and I don’t want to die I don’t want to die and I don’t want to
Have a heat stroke one of my Inspirations to not only just cycle across Thailand but you know to do Adventure travel in general is a guy called Ed Pratt he’s this British guy who about six years ago cycled across the world on a unicycle incredible feat of physical and mental endurance
And if he can cycle across the world in a unicorn then I’ll be able to cycle across Thailand on a bicycle right and so yesterday and in the previous video you’ve seen me struggling with this heat and these distances and I remembered that he unic cycled across Thailand during sran which is in
The hottest month you know in this country and I thought to myself let me go back and rewatch his episode let me see how he dealt with the heat because I remember him cycling or unicycling
In the heat all day every day and I was thinking how did he do it is he superhuman so yesterday I was watching the episode and I forgot this is the episode where he got mad heat stroke and nearly
Died my body’s G and failed on me [ __ ] so I thought to myself I can’t repeat his mistakes I can’t just cycle in the Heat and put it down to sweaty and hot and we’ll get through it it’s
Very dangerous to do any exercise during this kind of heat wave so I’ve come up with a plan my plan is to leave early 3:30 or it’s probably going to be about 4:00 by the time I’ve stopped
Getting ready and I’m just going to try and get as many of these kilometers out of the way before it gets to 11:00 in the morning 11:00 in the morning it’s going to be 35° and that’s just
Too hot for anyone so I was thinking like there’s just no way that this section of the is going to is going to get any worse it’s Barren there’s a heat wave I’ve got diarrhea I’ve been up since 1:00 this morning I’ve got a headache I’ve got back pain I’m knackered
I’m miserable and it’s a heat wave so I thought let’s wake up since I’m up anyway having this shits let’s wake up the hotel was nice enough to give me a breakfast bless them so I’ll eat
That somewhere and I’m going to just crack on I’m just going to start this day’s ride early as possible and get to where we’re going hopefully before the heat wave evaporates [Music] [Applause] me I’ll be honest with you I don’t think this is a good idea going into
The longest stretch 40 km to nakon saan that’s the longest by almost 40% that I’ve ever done and I’m starting it miserable with diarrhea and a headache and exhaustion the Heat and my sickness they’re bringing on anxiety they’re bringing on uncertainty and I always tell myself to just to
Do this kind of stuff if if it was fun no point torturing yourself and I just feel like I’ve been torturing myself for a while I’m going to keep cycling at least for an hour and see how
I feel miserable Patty on a bicycle wishing he was in Bangkok with my girlfriend watching the Telly just keeping it real this is this is G [Music] I have to admit that the first hour or so of me cycling through panal look heading south towards nakon saan I thought I’d cracked
The code it was only 26 celus the sun was nowhere to be seen and there was hardly any traffic but an hour or so later when I reached the long straight highway the only road heading South I came to learn that the main roads here in Thailand don’t have
Many [Music] lights and so for much of this cycle I was actually cycling on the main road in complete darkness and my bicycle lights are not strong enough really to show me the way nor and more importantly to show the massive trucks that whiz by where I am on the road
[Music] this idea of cycling early in the morning had sadly annoyingly devastatingly not panned out at All all right I am on the verge of packing this all in let me just go through what’s going on in my head so travel Adventures they’re supposed to be fun yeah they can be challenging from time to time and you have good days and you have bad days and
I’m used to it I’ve been traveling for a long time so I know yesterday day before was a bit rough today is going to be rough and it’ll start to get better but I just can’t see I
Can’t see how this trip is going to turn better how is it going to get better I I’m not meeting anyone because I’m spending all day on the bike and it’s you know I’m cycling on the highway I
I thought I’d be out in the fields the whole time out in the rural area the whole time um and I feel like that will happen eventually in the South but this section ever since I left
Pray I don’t know maybe I’m just being dramatic I just feel like I’m not I’m not meeting people I’m not having Adventures I’m not seeing unique things I’m not experiencing Thailand I’m just on
A bicycle on the side of a highway trying not to get one over and suffering in the heat so here’s here’s my plan because I’ve talked myself out of 100% giving up three times in the last half
An hour I don’t want to get run over I’m just waiting for the sun to come up it looks like it’s starting to come up a little bit already which is good and once the Sun is up a bit more
I’m going to get back on the bike and I’m going to bail I’m not going to cycle on this highway anymore for 111 km to naon San I’m just not doing it I’m going to turn left and I’m going to head
Into the the rural Farm area and I’m going to aim for another town that’s not actually South it’s more like East from here it’s called pitchit and I’m going to cycle through the rural area in the morning light during Sunrise I’m hoping I’m going to connect with nature and the countryside and see
Some beautiful things and not see all of these trucks whiz past and narrowly take me out and stuff so it’s just I mean cycling on a highway like it’s the stupidest idea ever and doing it in Thailand is just like two times more stupid obviously because you just don’t know if these
Drivers can see you the motorway is not lit and I don’t want to die on this trip so few kilometers then I’m going to turn left and I’m going to head into the countryside I’m going to cycle about 40
Km to pitch it when I get to pitch it if I’m still miserable I think I’m going to call it because I’m just not enjoying myself this is so cool I’ve come off the main Highway we’re out in the rice fields within 5
Minutes I see something interesting this guy is about to take off an agricultural drone you know it’s funny this morning’s ride once the sun had come up it was beautiful like truly [Music] gorgeous I was seeing and experiencing the countryside of Thailand the way that I had
Envisioned would have been much more the case during this tour this beautiful countryside was what I had expected to see for much of this trip and even though I did have a few Blissful sections just like this it just wasn’t common place and the fact is heading north to south in
Thailand you’re just on the main roads for 90% of the time and all of this beautiful country side I was experiencing I was actually like I said not even heading South I was heading east and that just really Zapped away any remaining optimism that I [Music] had [Music] there’s literally
A train coming into the train station right now going to Bangkok I’ve just been sat here stressing out do I give up do I call it do I postpone this till the winter do I just call it what
You like but do I just quit right now I’m being at the train station for half an hour trying to convince myself to do both and I there’s so many good options for both be brave persist it will get
Better and the other half of my brain this is too big for you you can’t do this you’re not enjoying yourself go home and take it as an L just just call it a loss call it you learn [Music] something I really don’t know what I’m going to do
But whatever I do I’ve probably got about four minutes to make a [Music] decision yeah I gave Up [Music]
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This is the final episode from my cycle across Thailand series, unfortunately I didn’t make it….
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35 Comments
Sadly I just couldn't make it. Thanks for watching the series, I'll be back soon.
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You are incredible. I couldn't cycle that far. You deserve to give up and rest. Have a foot back neck massage. X
I love your videos and thanks for sharing. Don’t be too hard on yourself, I hope you try it again. I love to travel by bike and can’t wait to see Thailand by bike. Thanks
paddy. Welshman living in phang nga. been coming to Thailand for 10 years. been watching your videos since you began. cycled all of Europe on a Halford bike. felt like days of giving up. reaching out to see if you fancied a coffee sometime in Bangkok or the south. I know why you gave up the cycle trip. I know its itching you why you gave up and now your kicking yourself. considering about cycling China in near future. been looking for a direct contact for you but cant find one. reach out buddy lets have a chat.
Hi Paddy, you made the right choice. If you don't enjoy it, it's better to stop. The highways in Thailand are also far too dangerous and cycling at night is suicidal. You don't have to prove anything to yourself. I did a bike tour some years ago in the north of Thailand and then flew to Surat Thani and from there drove along country roads to Khao Sok and Khao Lak. I found that Phuket is already too busy in order to cycle securely. I´ve met some people who did Krabi and Kho Lanta and it seems to be alright. If you are really looking into it try the southern islands in November. Good luck.
the right decision. the roads will always be there .
well done paddy, proud of u
It's very dangerous to cycle in Thailand. Many drunk drivers, careless drivers, drivers who do not know how to drive, prosecution of bad or illegal drivers rarely happens.
FALANG KEE NOK?
Although you gave up, your learning lesson will teach everyone else to avoid highways when cycling. An incredible achievement can be cycling from the northern point to the southern point through villages. That means lots of East-West travel, and much more time. Thank you Paddy for your courage & wise decision at the end !
Devastating mate. Really sorry for this. Wasn't ready for an emotional one today.
Don't beat yourself up Paddy, you got to experience something new that you won't forget anytime soon 🙂
These four videos are so inspiring Paddy. …. A Very wise decision to pause the adventure when you did and shows how mentally strong you are. Onwards and upwards.
I was worried when you were on the motorcycle. But I was terrified when you decided to bike. So glad you listened to your inner voice and called it. How about exploring Thailand by train videos ? We just did 3 train lines, very interesting.
You never finished your travels from northern Vietnam to the south of Vietnam also ?
Hello old Pad. I have watched your show for several years, and the fact is you're in pretty decent shape but you're no Ironman. If you were an Ironman, you'd probably be Rotten at shooting and Presenting the video, and no one would watch it . . .
MY Prescription for a successful producer of Travelogs would be to be in decent shape, robust all-around health, and able to handle different climates ( humidity does Kill people);
able to hike, climb, and endure long Transportation legs; and of course with the gear and skills of Camera and Reportage. You have this : Its no Problem ! 😺😺😺
Choose the right time.Cooler months.
Paddy A for effort, at least you gave it a shot. A lot of people wouldn't even make it as far as you did, me for one of them especially in the Thai heat.
Especially as you said no formal training and the physical endurance needed to tackle this type of journey.
Look at it as a learning experience and be proud at what you have achieved.
Looking forward to your next adventure always a pleasure what's your stories.
All the best.
loser usually will have many reasons.
Your too rich for all this stuff brother you’re getting old😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏💪💪🤙🤙🤙
Yep!!! Made the right call!!!
Cycling on highways with TRUCKS is silly!!!!!
Just a mater of time!!!
Take the back roads and you will have more fun and prob see more interesting stuff!
Life's not a distance race!
Good to take a breakout that point, Paddy. No point if your not enjoying it, and you can always pick it up from Pichit another time if you want. I actually wouldn't even want to do those roads on a motorcycle, let alone a bicycle..!
Should have slept in the day & cycle at night. That might help in overcoming the Sun, heat & getting a heat stroke.
Just saw the accident statistics so far this year Paddy. You cannot / should not ride on the highway. Big no no. You didn't fail, you chose life. Now plan some interesting cycle adventures & do them in bite sized pieces. Good call mate. Regards Tony
Cycled from Bangkok to Pattaya then up to Laos, took like 9 days, but yeah at 6pm every night just stopped, its dangerous enough during the day. Just fixing up a tandem bike and will now cycle to cambodia, as soon as I can find someone stupid enough to sit behind me 🙂
Not bad video, better than your normal stuff. Keep it up. Correct decision made.
Sorry to say this but this is crazy, Paddy this is insane. You are on the way to a serious illness, your body can only take so much. Even my mates on motorbikes are saying and describing very difficult conditions.
Should have watched the whole video through first, very relieved to say you came to your senses. Absolutely no shame in realising there is another day and time, at least you have lived to tell the tale. Good on yah.
To ride this, you’d need to start early morning, do as much km as you can. Chill for the day and then ride again in the afternoon.
But this is no joke for someone not used to riding in this heat.
You also need UV protection clothes, not this shirt you have on you.
You need to fuel properly on the ride including electrolytes in big quantities.
Not to mention riding on the highways is just plain boring af…
There is no shame in not cycling through a heat wave. It’s common sense.
😂 paddy you are human so don't beat yourself up your videos are of top quality so get back up and get back into it all the very best mate 😊 take care.
You did the right move in ending this suffering. Don't turture yourself for a few clicks. Re-start in Samut Sakhon or Samut Songkhram and enjoy the coastline heading south.
I think maybe just bad timing…
You’ve learned something and I’ll look forward to watching you if you try again. Knowledge is power 👍
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Great video paddy , you probably wouldn’t be here to tell the tail if you cycled down that highway so in my opinion you made the right choice. Just going to check out you’re other videos now 👍
Talked yourself out of it. The mental strength is 90% of the challenge mate. Dig in, refuse to quit. Go hard or go home right 👍
Maybe you made the right choice. It was a very brave attempt. You’ll get it next time 😉