Who's still getting out to ride their bike?

[frequentatore]

5 minutes ago, thecyclist said:

He means the roads are too hot for the virus to survive long term. Means spraying the roads with disinfectant is a waste of resources. Save your disinfectant for surfaces indoors and things like doors, door handles and other things that people are likely to touch. How many drop onto the road asphalt to do push-ups and burn their hands. 

It seems that governments are trying anything because they just don't know what to do anymore. I also read an article: "Is the coronavirus airborne? Experts can’t agree."

I don't dare riding my bike... mainly afraid to make my wife ill if I catch the virus.

[earlinclaifornia]

Since Summer heat is here I haven't been including my 3 days a week biking from Saraphi to Lamphun. I had to stop my daily walks at the park as the Police closed it. Changed the routine to early morning walks in the boondocks in Saraphi. Just finished walking the length of Japan since tracking my Fit2 Son gave me his first Fit2 in June when he upgraded. Staying healthy and happy in Thailand 5 years. 

[Dap]

WHoa Dooood! 90k! Seriously impressive. I'm out 12/13 outta' 14 near every morn at the crack o' dawn for a mere 20/30k through the local mnts. Nobody around except the local critters and a couple hard core Thai guys always goin' the opposite direction, salutations in order and continue on, always alone. Need the clean start each morn cuz the rest o' the day is perfunctory ???? 

Edited April 8, 2020 by Dap

[Dap]

7 hours ago, Kurtf said:

To all you bike riding fanatics, I have a news flash for you. You will not have any dire consequences if you sit back and take a <deleted> break of not riding for a couple of weeks. 

Your call of course, but I need that ride through the mountains early in the morning by myself just to start my day with a positive and energetic attitude. I like it immensely and a break from this particular activity would be seriously detrimental to my overall health 

[thecyclist]

7 hours ago, TigerandDog said:

you'd be surprised at how quick you lose conditioning even after a week of no riding. Up here in the mountains, more than 1/2 the rides involve steep hill climbs. The ONLY way to maintain conditioning for those is to keep riding regularly, not take time off. Also the cycling helps to keep our weight down.

And your mood and immune system uo. 

[scubascuba3]

"I've had a couple of instances where a rider has tucked in behind me when I have overtaken them, in each case I have pulled over, let them pass and taken the first alternative route to avoid them doing it again"

 

A bit odd that.

 

I cycle 4-5 times a week, a group is better than on your own as you go faster and you get pushed. On your own is too easy. Plus it's more social.

 

Tomorrow we can no longer cross over the darkside in Pattaya so that restricts a lot of rides so we'll switch to mainly Pratamak hill area for a few weeks.

 

i used a mask for the first time today, impossible to wear on long climbs

Edited April 8, 2020 by scubascuba3

[kurtcap]

7 hours ago, Joinaman said:

Will you remember this the next time your running around doing shopping and other things ?

Or does this not apply to you ? 

Essential travel only is the request pretty much worldwide, i sincerely hope you or a loved one does not have an accident to find that the necessary health staff to take care of them are not in isolation due to a selfish act from another who chooses this request does not apply to them.

[StreetCowboy]

14 hours ago, frequentatore said:

Published 3 weeks ago: The Royal Thai Army this morning began spraying roads in Bangkok with disinfectant to combat the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus . the Royal Thai Army units have been deployed to carry out the daily cleaning from 1am to 5am until the end of March.

Other countries do the same. Search YouTube: truck spraying

I'm wondering if the virus is in the air and if it's completely safe to ride a bike in BKK (with a mask). Some countries have banned cycling.

I think it's pretty safe to not waste your time wasting disinfectant on the roads.  Sunlight will break the virsu down quick enough, and the number of people crawling on the roads picking up the virus is pretty minimal.  There are better uses for disinfectant, and for soldiers of the Thai Army. 

[StreetCowboy]

5 hours ago, bamboozled said:

I've been continuing to ride up here in Chiang Mai. Mornings would be good but I'm not a morning guy and also the air pollution is at its worst. So I go in the afternoon and wear a mask. FYI: the N95 type mask is tough to breathe through when your really get going. If you leave your mouth wide open, almost like your yawning, you can get a lot more air. Nobody sees how weird you look because you're hidden behind the mask. Even better, I bought one of the rubber/canister masks for working with chemicals from Home Pro. It has two canister filters and might look weird but the air flow is awesome, way better than the N95 type mask. I'm about to go out right now for a ride and you can believe I'll wear the canister type mask! Only cost about 150 baht. Worth it.

If you can bear it, you should wear goggles and a costruction helmet to complete the visual effect.  A flashing amber light may be excessive.

[StreetCowboy]

3 hours ago, kurtcap said:

Essential travel only is the request pretty much worldwide, i sincerely hope you or a loved one does not have an accident to find that the necessary health staff to take care of them are not in isolation due to a selfish act from another who chooses this request does not apply to them.

I try to minimise the risk of a serious accident by cycling to the shops, instead of driving.  Motorists kill a lot of people; cyclists very few.  We can all do our bit. And it's probably good to stay healthy, if you can,

 

[Solinvictus]

14 hours ago, frequentatore said:

Published 3 weeks ago: The Royal Thai Army this morning began spraying roads in Bangkok with disinfectant to combat the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus . the Royal Thai Army units have been deployed to carry out the daily cleaning from 1am to 5am until the end of March.

Other countries do the same. Search YouTube: truck spraying

I'm wondering if the virus is in the air and if it's completely safe to ride a bike in BKK (with a mask). Some countries have banned cycling.

Interesting as I thought the heat of the sun would kill it. I suppose I should read up on it..ehhh

[Peterphuket]

12 hours ago, StreetCowboy said:

I try to minimise the risk of a serious accident by cycling to the shops, instead of driving.  Motorists kill a lot of people; cyclists very few.  We can all do our bit. And it's probably good to stay healthy, if you can,

 

In my opinium, the bigest problems for the cyclist are the dogs on the streets, not only the "streetdogs", it happens me now 2 times they try to attack me, with the result that I fell off my bike.

But it can get worse when a car is approaching, I am most afraid of that.

To protect myself, I have an bottle with concentrated vinigar, what I can use in an case a dog try to attack me.

[JungleBiker]

17 hours ago, kurtcap said:

Essential travel only is the request pretty much worldwide, i sincerely hope you or a loved one does not have an accident to find that the necessary health staff to take care of them are not in isolation due to a selfish act from another who chooses this request does not apply to them.

 

You seem to be assuming that someone is more likely to have an accident while out cycling than while staying at home. Do you have any evidence to support that assumption? 

 

 

[rumak]

 i feel sorry for the bikes, who are used to being out a lot more.   so sometimes I just open the garage and let them go out by themselves

[damascase]

On 4/8/2020 at 12:02 PM, damascase said:

I love cycling! Still going out here in the Chiang Rai area on my mtb, despite the virus and the dirty air, about every other day for a 80 - 110 km trip. Managed 1300km in March. Yesterday I got on the bike at 06.45. Relatively cool at 21C., air not too bad, quiet roads, clocked 96km. Didn’t even stop for coffee. I think it has become even more important to keep fit in these Corona times. 
 

i do most of my cycling alone, I hate group cycling.....

Along the Mae Kok, September last year:

Just to keep you motivated, guys, in times of Corona: I got out on the bike around 06.45 this morning, cycled from Chiang Rai to Phan, had my coffee there and returned by a - partly - different route. Clocked 103 km. Now putting my 74 yr old legs up for a well-deserved rest.......????.
As for face masks, i have a cycling scarf/shawl that is meant to protect the face against the sun, but is an excellent face mask too, the fabric allowing to breathe almost freely when cycling intensively. Cycling shops sell them for less than 200 baht.

Edited April 9, 2020 by damascase
Typo

[Dap]

23 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

"I've had a couple of instances where a rider has tucked in behind me when I have overtaken them, in each case I have pulled over, let them pass and taken the first alternative route to avoid them doing it again"

 

A bit odd that.

 

I cycle 4-5 times a week, a group is better than on your own as you go faster and you get pushed. On your own is too easy. Plus it's more social.

 

Tomorrow we can no longer cross over the darkside in Pattaya so that restricts a lot of rides so we'll switch to mainly Pratamak hill area for a few weeks.

 

i used a mask for the first time today, impossible to wear on long climbs

Yeah, no Sh*T on the mask bein' detrimental on those loooong climbs 

 

[Dap]

On 4/8/2020 at 11:13 AM, Moonlover said:

I don't ride but I'm fully supportive of those who do. It's an excellent exercise.

 

Exercising outdoors is very beneficial both physically and mentally, which is why I do a vigorous walk of at least 1 hour (often more) every morning. I do not perceive that there is any risk regarding C19 from either walking or cycling. Social distancing is easy to achieve when outdoors.

 

Keep it it up guys.

And back atcha' Squire 

[Dap]

On 4/8/2020 at 3:42 PM, thecyclist said:

Probably coming from an obese couch potato :there is probably no better way to containment than to ride by yourself through the jungle as you automatically practice social distancing, the exercise and the mood elevation (exercise is the best medicine against depression) will boost your immune system. Close the gyms, yoga classes, massage places (traditional and 'Thai style), but it serves no purpose, ultimately counterproductive to ban people from going out for a jog, a walk, a bike ride alone or with family members /roommates. No picnics, sitting around in parks,  keep moving on deserted roads, a wide  berth around other bikers or joggers, if you encounter any. 

Spot-on! 

[n210mp]

To all that are still going out on their bikes you lucky buggers, GREAT!!!!!!!!

 

A few weeks ago I  fell off a water tank whilst repairing a  broken ballcock and did some serious   damage to my right leg, knee  and tendons , just when I was just getting over that and doing a few 10/15k rides  trying to get some level of fitness back on the bike and  was lifting a bottle of 25 litres of water on my shoulders   tore a muscle in my chest (Extremely painful especially when breathing or laying down to sleep)

 

So now in my 76 year and not giving in to illness,  old age,  decomposition  and the couch, I am doing a daily early morning walk of  at least 4/5Ks until I can get back on the bike and regain some level of sanity 

[Kinnock]

Even in Central Bangkok I can find near deserted cycle paths, especially now the parks are closed, and the main roads are very quiet at the weekend too, so I've been out twice each weekend.

 

I believe keeping reasonably fit is even more important now, and I also read that vitamin D is important for virus immunity, so the sunlight is good for us too.

 

And riding in heat wearing a mask can feel like the effect of drinking a bottle of Sang Som, so it's a way around the alcohol ban too!

[damascase]

1 hour ago, n210mp said:

To all that are still going out on their bikes you lucky buggers, GREAT!!!!!!!!

 

A few weeks ago I  fell off a water tank whilst repairing a  broken ballcock and did some serious   damage to my right leg, knee  and tendons , just when I was just getting over that and doing a few 10/15k rides  trying to get some level of fitness back on the bike and  was lifting a bottle of 25 litres of water on my shoulders   tore a muscle in my chest (Extremely painful especially when breathing or laying down to sleep)

 

So now in my 76 year and not giving in to illness,  old age,  decomposition  and the couch, I am doing a daily early morning walk of  at least 4/5Ks until I can get back on the bike and regain some level of sanity 

Yes, that’s the spirit: ‘Don’t Let The Old Man In’????????

(From Clint Eastwood’s movie ‘The Mule’)

 

Edited April 11, 2020 by damascase
Added text

[damascase]

2 minutes ago, damascase said:

sorry, double post

 

Edited April 11, 2020 by damascase
Double

[kurtcap]

On 4/9/2020 at 12:28 PM, JungleBiker said:

 

You seem to be assuming that someone is more likely to have an accident while out cycling than while staying at home. Do you have any evidence to support that assumption? 

 

 

Assuming? Are you unaware of the amount of accidents on thailands roads?

[Chomper Higgot]

2 hours ago, n210mp said:

To all that are still going out on their bikes you lucky buggers, GREAT!!!!!!!!

 

A few weeks ago I  fell off a water tank whilst repairing a  broken ballcock and did some serious   damage to my right leg, knee  and tendons , just when I was just getting over that and doing a few 10/15k rides  trying to get some level of fitness back on the bike and  was lifting a bottle of 25 litres of water on my shoulders   tore a muscle in my chest (Extremely painful especially when breathing or laying down to sleep)

 

So now in my 76 year and not giving in to illness,  old age,  decomposition  and the couch, I am doing a daily early morning walk of  at least 4/5Ks until I can get back on the bike and regain some level of sanity 

Been there and got the T-shirt. I broke bones in an accident a year ago, it took a long time to get back up to fitness. 

One thing I have found that helps me is yoga. See if you can find a class for beginners and take it steady to start with, if not have a look on the internet for some online tutorials. Yoga can improve flexibility, core strength, balance breathing all hugely beneficial to our health as we age.

Good look with your recovery - looking good for 76.   

 

[n210mp]

1 hour ago, damascase said:

Yes, that’s the spirit: ‘Don’t Let The Old Man In’????????

(From Clint Eastwood’s movie ‘The Mule’)

 

Thanks for a lovely post damascase

 

I must be honest and say that it made me  shed a little tear of understanding, appreciation with no shame for the tears I don't really care too much what people think anymore . (another byproduct of the ageing process)

 

I have had a varied life with maybe more than my share of the ups and downs that being an involved, sentient and sometimes  thoughtless person brings along.

 

However following the words of the song I try on a daily basis to achieve something in the day that brings some satisfaction at  the close of the day when I am maybe having a single tot or a glass of beer!

 

I think that "luck" together with an irrepressible zest for life has made much more impact on my life than being a "good manager" and wish to die with a beer in my hand at the end of or in the middle of a bike ride witnessing the Sun rising over either  the lake at Mabrachan or on the Beach road at Jomtien just two of my favourite places !

 

I am married to one of the  nicest and best ladies I have ever had the god luck to meet, there are 22 years between us and yes she happens to be a Thai lady.

 

I normally ride with "Texas Bob" another grumpy old man (Curmudgeon) who is 180' different to me but we get on like "birds of a feather" and have been riding the highways and byways of the area around Pattaya for the past eight years without major incident apart from independently  falling off our bikes (without being crashed into or run over by other road users)  and sustaining injuries that made existing medical  conditions just so much harder to get over!   

 

Every accident, virus, hurdle or medical condition we get is thought of as the beginning of the end  for us, until that is  until we get fed up of waiting to die and  the couch and realise that we may be better having the pain and discomfort on the bike and so off we go again but to be totally honest this "decomposing"  and it seems rapidly ageing body is beginning to come to the end of its cycle (hahahaha  a Pun)  and is simply "getting just done!".   

 

So here I am sat pounding the keyboard in an attempt to stop the boredom of being a prisoner of my self inflicted injuries all be them accidents.

 

Just one final comment about riding around the Pattaya are and my apparent disregard for my own safety.

I have been on the roads around here for maybe the last 12 years on my cycle, driven all over the Kingdom on  my motorcycle and car for a lot longer,   and have  had a  few incidents as you are bound to do, none thankfully that have involved major injury or loss of life!

 

I have found the Thai people in particular "when they do see me" to be the nicest and most courteous drivers that I have ever met.

When I accidentally fell off my cycle one early morning around  Mabrachan sustaining some very serious injuries to my leg the number of cars that stopped and the help from local people  was fantastic and also inspiring. 

 

A friend of mine and also a keen cyclist has on his social media  ID  "Get on yer bike"   a phrase and sentiment that I feel is appropriate to end this rather long post on

[n210mp]

51 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Been there and got the T-shirt. I broke bones in an accident a year ago, it took a long time to get back up to fitness. 

One thing I have found that helps me is yoga. See if you can find a class for beginners and take it steady to start with, if not have a look on the internet for some online tutorials. Yoga can improve flexibility, core strength, balance breathing all hugely beneficial to our health as we age.

Good look with your recovery - looking good for 76.   

 

Hi Chomper (WoW!!! what a name  and when tied in with the last name  Higgot, well we just have to have a meet up and share some tall stories  hahaha 

 

Thanks for the suggestion of the Yoga but I did try it one time when I was in a situation where I had no control other than in my own personal body space  (You will have to think that one out)  it didn't work for me, being  87Ks  5' 4" and an  ex Juvenile powerlifting champion my body was too burnt out and stiff to contort to the Yoga positions demanded by my yoga  instructor at that time  

[el jefe]

The governments, countries, and places I'm familiar with have all said "continue exercising." In the Chiang Mai area the roads are still open and, with less traffic, better than ever. climbing and descending Doi Suthep is not the risk it usually is. The big group rides with 50+ riders have been canceled but hundreds of Thais are out on their bikes every day.
Social distancing seems to have peaked a few days ago so even when I'm out riding with a few friends, we're further apart than the Thais I've seen at several gatherings this week. I don't wear a mask when I'm riding hard but do so the rest of the time whenever I'm out, with a bike or not. Proper mask wearing seems to be a thing of the past too. More than half of the vendors at my local market weren't wearing them properly tonight, just covering their mouth and not covering their nose, or just wearing it on their chin.
If Chiang Mai has an uptick in the number of cases it won't be because I'm out riding.

[StreetCowboy]

20 minutes ago, el jefe said:

The governments, countries, and places I'm familiar with have all said "continue exercising." In the Chiang Mai area the roads are still open and, with less traffic, better than ever. climbing and descending Doi Suthep is not the risk it usually is. The big group rides with 50+ riders have been canceled but hundreds of Thais are out on their bikes every day.
Social distancing seems to have peaked a few days ago so even when I'm out riding with a few friends, we're further apart than the Thais I've seen at several gatherings this week. I don't wear a mask when I'm riding hard but do so the rest of the time whenever I'm out, with a bike or not. Proper mask wearing seems to be a thing of the past too. More than half of the vendors at my local market weren't wearing them properly tonight, just covering their mouth and not covering their nose, or just wearing it on their chin.
If Chiang Mai has an uptick in the number of cases it won't be because I'm out riding.

I thought the traffic was heavier today than previously.  In Malaysia, I think that the government is trating this as a practice for when they abandon democracy and impose a police state, so they are seeing what people will put up with.  At the moment there are selective road closures which don't actually prevent you from going anywhere, but make it much less convenient - and as a cyclist, you never know when your chosen road might be closed and you'll be forced onto a much busier, less safe road.

 

SC

 

   

[n210mp]

[bobfish]

I've been doing a few local mtb's in the hills. Just wearing a buff as a 'mask' for the first road km to/from. Now limited by sub-district restrictions, but the boundaries and checkpoints aren't to be found in the jungle and I rarely see another human. Yes, there's a risk of injury, however probably no more than from the shonky DIY I've been doing at home!

Was doing some road riding, but suspect the idea of being in the turbulent efflux of pelotons of scooter riders or groups crammed in the back of trucks etc may not be optimal right now.

Stay safe and healthy!