BANGKOK, 26 April 2019: The Tourism Authority of Thailand confirmed it is sponsoring Australian cyclist Jack Thompson on a 14-day bicycle journey through Thailand to promote the country as a cycling destination.
Thompson who lives in Perth Western Australia is just days away from completing his 12-29 April trip, which also sees Thai Airways International as the co-sponsor providing air transport.
When he is not spinning his wheels he will be spinning a positive tale for his sponsors.
He probably won’t be spinning tales of balmy breezes and cool weather. That would be too much of a stretch considering April temperatures are soaring to 44 centigrade in Bangkok and in a province like Chiang Rai famed for its favourable cycling conditions midday temperatures pass the 36-degree centigrade mark.
He will pedal 1,380 Km from Bangkok around the Gulf of Thailand visiting resorts in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat and then crossing the peninsula to the golden sand beaches of Krabi and Phuket.
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn commented: “Cycling has emerged as an interesting way of travel that enables avid cyclists and repeat tourists who are looking for another way to experience the kingdom. This allows them to closely engage with locals, experience the culture and welcoming hospitality.”
Three years ago, Thompson began pursuing his passion for ultra-distance cycling and exploration of the world on two wheels and has been recognised by the media as ‘The Most Extreme Cyclist on Earth.’ He embarks on adventures in remote destinations around the world with various tourism boards hiring him to promote cycling in their countries.
He is riding about 100 km a day in Thailand which is normal for the average touring cyclist, while one famous Thai long-distance rider cycled from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (700 km) in two days without any support. That is what Thai cyclists call “extreme”.
Thailand is home to a number of professional bike tour companies that are promoting tours in Thailand and neighbouring countries with guides and support vehicles for those who like to cycle in style.
There are also numerous sporting events and races hosted across the country to test the skill and endurance of competitive cyclists.
Protected by an escort vehicle the visiting extreme cyclist gets a holiday without being exposed to the daily risks of riding down the hard shoulder of Thailand’s highways alone.
Thailand’s avid cyclists would have probably recommended that TAT and the national airline fund road safety campaigns or seek ways to help destinations become more cycle-friendly on a day-to-day basis for residents and tourists alike.
(Source: TAT with additional observations)
