Christmas Ride 2015

Christmas for the filipino staff at Yanhee Int'l Hospital means driving to the farm of Dr. Suphot in the province 55 to 65 kilometers from Bangkok (depending on the route taken). 

This year a bicycle came in handy to take this biker to the farm. It was 12:45 when the trip began and the noontime heat was turned on full blast.

traffic at highway 9 - Kanchanaphisek, was moderate. This is the best setup for biking because the bike travels faster than the cars

and the chance of being hit by a speeding car is much less. That is the Westgate mall at Bang Bua Thong.

Mir beside the icon of Nakhon Pathom province where you can find the

most tasty pato in Thailand. Scramble the letters of Nakhon Pathom and you can end up with Khaon Patho... which means "eat duck" in the cebuan dialect :-)

the boundary marker between Nakhon Pathom and Nonthaburi provinces

dirt road biking with fresh and sweet air, which made this cyclist
miss motherland so much.

party!!!

the next morning finds Mir parked by some prawn farm for a selfie

mr. sun is inching his way over the tree-tops through

the thick haze in the direction of Bangkok.

fields of sweet potatoes - kamote.

breakfast by the road = pa tong ko and coffee-flavored nam tau hu.

this treat was unexpected because the season was long past.

the lady was just putting up her display and this guy was her first customer for the day. the durian was 80 Baht/kg, but she gave it for 60 Baht because Thais don't like ripe and soft durian. they say the smell is too strong and the meat too soft and yucky when it is ripe - just perfect for the pinoy cyclist.

the gps tracing of the trip to the farm

1,138 calories spent felt so good.

the trip back to Bangkok through a shorter route.

Celebrating Christmas on the road at the countryside was exhilarating and fun. Happy birthday to my Savior and King - Jesus.

Bike for Dad

His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej turned 89 years old this year (2015). To celebrate his birthday the crown prince - the king's only son, organized a "Bike for Dad" event similar to the "Bike for Mom" earlier this year for the Queen.

This type of activity - involving 2 wheels and a set of pedals, is one that this writer looks forward to with much anticipation. Equipment and apparel have to be sorted out and ready a few weeks earlier and muscles have to be toned and strong for the long ride.

A day prior to this event, the youngest member of "Team Moreno" started coughing, which threatened to derail her chances of participating. She was immediately started on antibiotics and the next day she confidently declared that she was good and strong. Nothing can stop her from this auspicious ride.

Team Moreno - at Rama IV road beside Chitralada Palace before

the start of the ride.

identical bikes and smiles

a cruiser blocks the road to allow the VIPs to pass first before we could join the main crowd. This is just one block from the starting point.

all kinds of bikes and attitudes brought together for this memorable tribute to the king.

Noah and the granddaughter

central world mall to the left.

at the Ratchaprasong junction were the recent bombing took place

approaching Siam Paragon

This is how quiet it was before the bikers descended en masse.

Siam Paragon reverberating with chants and cheers

this rider was soaking in the fun like she owned the road

taking the route back home while the rest of the riders turn right to complete the 29 kilometers. 

note the pavement.... extra smooth - with a new layer of asphalt done just for this event.

Phayathai road deserted and free for pedestrians. Team Moreno heads back home with a lot of memories.

some clouds kept the heat of the midday sun from scorching us and at the same time presenting a spectacular show of God's amazing glory. Thank you Jesus!