No not beer but almost as exciting - 95km completed in one day. Man we were humming, we had enjoyed a big rest the day before after our measly 37km, took some tips and inspiration from the Tour guys, got a humungous breakfast into us after about 11km and then we started doing rotations. One km each at the front and we're very pleased to be able to report that every member of Team Thomas pulled their weight! It was just one of those days when everything clicks, even with Jake's obligatory flattie, for lunch, followed by Dave's for afternoon tea we were really pleased with our efforts and looked forward to a nice cruisy into Butterworth to catch the ferry to Pulau Penang.
During our ride the geography changed with a few more Butiks and a bit more jungle rather than Palm Oil Planations. It was a pleasant change of scenery. We were now proudly flying our Malaysian Flags from our carriers and in fact looked rather a lot like a bicycle-cade ourselves. We're not too sure if this got us more toots or not. The thing about the toots is a crack up over here, some people just about fall out of their cars to toot and wave to you and welcome you to Malaysia, sometimes trucks use the toot as a I'm behind you and sometimes they toot cos you're in the way! The best thing about the trucks is that they will tootle along behind you until they can pass. Unlike in NZ where they will push you off the road - given half the chance. Is that fair?? Not sure, can't say we've done enough cycling in NZ, but that's what it feels like. Another brilliant thing is that all the roads here are asphalt instead of tar seal, so they are so much smoother and easier to pedal on - providing you miss the potholes.
Big decision when we got to Parit Bandar - 44km to Butterworth, turn off to the town (2km) or continue and hope for a hotel. We turned off - and gratefully settled into the Hotel Damai which was lovely (ish). Any hotel is lovely after 95km!
the rate your going you’ll be here by March keep on pedalling, remember you have to plan your route to be in an Irish bar on 17th there’s one in every country and it’s a day of rest fro Dave on that day plan now!!
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