Bicycle Riders Beware

[lovetotravel]

I can't speak for Lost in LOS, but people who love to cycle like my dad usually hate indoor cycling as it is much more boring and there is nothing to see. For them it usually isn't just exercise its relaxation too.

Nice cycle paths and roads in The Netherlands vs pot holes, loose sand, pollution, aggressive drivers, extreme heat in Pattaya. I wouldn't even think about riding a bicycle here and that's without even considering the criminal element. I couldn't think of a less relaxing activity.

Cyclists in Pattaya are the bravest of the brave.

Sounds about the same as riding a scooter around here!

[Lost in LOS]

If I dont get on my bike first thing in the morning and start riding, it will never happen. If I dont pass the gym on the way back, I wont be working out.

Hard to stay motivated when your 65 so i need a kickstart.

[tropo]

Sounds about the same as riding a scooter around here!

Much more dangerous than riding a scooter.

[tropo]

If I dont get on my bike first thing in the morning and start riding, it will never happen. If I dont pass the gym on the way back, I wont be working out.

Hard to stay motivated when your 65 so i need a kickstart.

You break bones at your age - it's game over. It's just not worth the risk.

[I Like Thai]

Nice cycle paths and roads in The Netherlands vs pot holes, loose sand, pollution, aggressive drivers, extreme heat in Pattaya. I wouldn't even think about riding a bicycle here and that's without even considering the criminal element. I couldn't think of a less relaxing activity.

Cyclists in Pattaya are the bravest of the brave.

Very few potholes, very little loose sand, Air is clean out in the countryside, it is no more polluted than the air you breathe whilst walking around at any rate, drivers are less aggressive in Thailand towards cyclists than they are in the West, Thai drivers are more inclined to give way to cyclists (think they haven't quite worked out what they are yet) Heat is ok with an early start and plenty of water

If I dont get on my bike first thing in the morning and start riding, it will never happen. If I dont pass the gym on the way back, I wont be working out.

Hard to stay motivated when your 65 so i need a kickstart.

Why not join up with other cyclists, safety in numbers. These lads always welcome new joiners to their group

https://sites.google.com/site/jomtiencyclingclub/home

[Lost in LOS]

you took a huge chance dude. Yah, you defended yourself this time. Maybe the next time they pop a 9MM cap in your ass....think about that! You should have just "avoided" them at all costs....stay on the main road and leave them alone. You might not be so fortunate next time.

get run over by cars is not my idea of a good time. If they want to shoot me they can do it on the main road, on my bicycle, motorcycle or car. Where does it end?

Why not join up with other cyclists, safety in numbers. These lads always welcome new joiners to their group

I have been invited before, not really interested. Never really been into group sports. I just want to take a nice ride on my bike and get some exercise [without getting killed

You break bones at your age - it's game over. It's just not worth the risk.

I need exercise at my age, and this is a way I am doing it, will just have to figure out some other route where I dont get beaten or run over.

yep, been to the doctor twice, been to the hospital and they wanted me to stay the night. Going back to the hospital shortly, leg not healing and keeps me awake at night it hurts so much, still.

I can't speak for Lost in LOS, but people who love to cycle like my dad usually hate indoor cycling as it is much more boring and there is nothing to see. For them it usually isn't just exercise its relaxation too.

that line makes me feel so old, but I am like your dad in that respect, exercise and relaxation is the ticket

As I am sure you and anyone who has been genuinely involved in this field knows all too well, a little knowledge (or a little equipment) can be far more dangerous than none at all as it tends to make people over-confident and inclined to take more risks.

I don't take more risks because I am capable. I just want to ride my bike and be left alone, as I have done for the last 3 years. No, someone should not try this after reading a book or watching a video. That being said, I think these boys wanted to put someone in the hospital or morgue, so if someone doesn't try to defend themselves, they will wind up there.

No offense, raro, but that only applies against one attacker - if there are two attackers, then by moving closer to one you will always end up with your back to the other

I would rather had both of them attack me, would have been easier on me if one one armed. If fighting two, then you always put the second guy between you, kind of like playing tag and keeping behind a pole, then you are only dealing with one. I could have used one for a shield. Not rambo, just smart

all in all, I wasn't scared in the slightest when all this was happening, other then when I received the two hits to my leg, with my back to them on the bicycle. But, now I am riding just a little bit, on main beach road, and I am scared and constantly looking in the rear view mirror. gonna get in an accident by not watching in front of me enough. Taking all the fun out of riding

[Lost in LOS]

Killing me for 9 days now, doctor found a huge blood clot and cut the leg. Blood burst out and removed much of the clot. Pressure a lot better. Couldnt sleep for days due to pain

[MrFrank]

You really need to monitor your leg closely - there's a risk of Compartment Syndrome.

[robblok]

Killing me for 9 days now, doctor found a huge blood clot and cut the leg. Blood burst out and removed much of the clot. Pressure a lot better. Couldnt sleep for days due to pain

Lost in LOS you were messed up pretty bad i feel sorry for you. Im also sorry for making you feel old. Its just that i had the discussion about stationary bikes before with my dad. He just loves biking but he lives in a great part of the Netherlands. He tried stationary bikes during winter but it bores him too much.

We even did a trip on the bike in BKK once (organized trip). It was fun but not something id like to do a lot. But i never really biked for fun only for transport and exercise.

[tropo]

He tried stationary bikes during winter but it bores him too much.

Having one at home and setting it up in front of the TV should cure the boredom. Watch a movie, watch the news... That's better than riding around Pattaya, safer and more effective fitness wise. You also have the benefit of being able to adjust your climate (fans, aircon). No chance of punctures, a fall, getting in the way of a car or getting beaten up and robbed.

[TheWalkingMan]

I tried using a stationary bike at Gold's Gym in The States way back in '91... Bored me to tears. 30 minutes on that machine was torture. The only way I could use the machine was when the aerobics class started as the machines were directly across from the ladies dancing. No more boredom so I made sure to only ride the bike when the ladies were bouncing around.

[Orac]

I tried using a stationary bike at Gold's Gym in The States way back in '91... Bored me to tears. 30 minutes on that machine was torture. The only way I could use the machine was when the aerobics class started as the machines were directly across from the ladies dancing. No more boredom so I made sure to only ride the bike when the ladies were bouncing around.

Going off topic a bit now but in '91 there weren't smartphones available. I do an hour on a stationary bike most days while playing a game or two on my phone and it flies by.

[tropo]

I tried using a stationary bike at Gold's Gym in The States way back in '91... Bored me to tears. 30 minutes on that machine was torture. The only way I could use the machine was when the aerobics class started as the machines were directly across from the ladies dancing. No more boredom so I made sure to only ride the bike when the ladies were bouncing around.

I do 45 minutes on a stationary bike watching a wall. Boring? Yes, always... but I do it. Motivation and determination are what makes the difference with exercise. If I was looking for everything to be fun, I would have given up before I started.

As I said before, if you're one of those people who cannot handle a little bit of boredom, get one for the house, set it up in front of a TV - problem solved.... until you can find other excuses not to exercise.

[TheWalkingMan]

Going off topic a bit now but in '91 there weren't smartphones available. I do an hour on a stationary bike most days while playing a game or two on my phone and it flies by.

1991... No smartphones that I am or was aware of. I know in '85 I saw a phone in a briefcase. Are you thinking of 2001?

I tried using a stationary bike at Gold's Gym in The States way back in '91... Bored me to tears. 30 minutes on that machine was torture. The only way I could use the machine was when the aerobics class started as the machines were directly across from the ladies dancing. No more boredom so I made sure to only ride the bike when the ladies were bouncing around.

I do 45 minutes on a stationary bike watching a wall. Boring? Yes, always... but I do it. Motivation and determination are what makes the difference with exercise. If I was looking for everything to be fun, I would have given up before I started.

As I said before, if you're one of those people who cannot handle a little bit of boredom, get one for the house, set it up in front of a TV - problem solved.... until you can find other excuses not to exercise.

I could run, walk, play tennis or hit the weights - no problem... For some reason riding that stationary bike just did not work for me. And dude... this was way back in '91 and I think I was coming off an achilles tendon injury from working out too much. That crack about finding excuses sounds like an insult (maybe you were smiling when you typed it, I don't know), just letting you know.

[tropo]

That crack about finding excuses sounds like an insult (maybe you were smiling when you typed it, I don't know), just letting you know.

It wasn't intended as an insult. It was a general comment about how people always find a reason not to exercise. It's boring is usually high on the list. Stationary cycling is a better way to get fit than running and walking (less impact on joints than running and more intense than walking). Tennis is a game and in a different category. "Weights" is generally not done for cardiovascular fitness unless you do circuits.

Edited September 8, 2012 by tropo

[Rimmer]

Inflammatory post removed

[whatchamacallit]

Scary and I am glad you are ok. This is the same route I used to take with my bicycle for 2 years. I have this phobia when on a lonely road that someone will come from the back and hit me. I sold my bike last month on doctors advice. Just be careful, don't wear jewelry and maybe get yourself a pepper spray. I am getting one :-) as I have just started a 6 mile morning walk and I do see many drunks both farang and Thai along Jomtien beach.

Edited September 9, 2012 by whatchamacallit

[Lost in LOS]

You really need to monitor your leg closely - there's a risk of Compartment Syndrome.

whats that? I just got my dressing changed again today but will see the doctor again tomorrow

edit: just googled it, ugh. they cut and left it open to drain but just a small cut. My leg doesnt hurt quite as much now but my foot is swelled double. I will ask the doc about it tomorrow. Thanks

Edited September 9, 2012 by Lost in LOS

[hmj]

When you go out on a bicycle or a motorbike you are allowed to have a solid lightweight two feet chain with a ring on both sides and a heavy padlock. No problem convincing the police that you need this to anchor your two-wheeler. You also have a formidable weapon to defend yourself in a 'funny' situation.

Remember the battle between Horatii and Curiatii in ancient Rome. Do not fight your adversaries as a group, flee and take them out one by one. Fleeing gives you time to look for opportunities. Go into the scrub or the tall grass next to the road and you will have and advantage already.

You have all my respect Sir for defending yourself at your age and under the circumstances. Get well soon and go out on your bike again.

[alfalfa19]

wrong forum, sorry

Edited September 9, 2012 by alfalfa19

[koto]

Scary and I am glad you are ok. This is the same route I used to take with my bicycle for 2 years. I have this phobia when on a lonely road that someone will come from the back and hit me. I sold my bike last month on doctors advice. Just be careful, don't wear jewelry and maybe get yourself a pepper spray. I am getting one :-) as I have just started a 6 mile morning walk and I do see many drunks both farang and Thai along Jomtien beach.

Yo I've been walking on Jomtien Beach for 11 years, from 7:AM to 12, never had a problem with a drunk Thai or Farang, of course I smile and just do my thing...Don't Haze Me Bro

[koto]

For you boys that said I should have run, or called out to someone, or gone into a store to hide, here are a couple of pics about where it happened. Not really sure of the location but real close to here. Where would you have liked me to go??

I took my motorbike this morning since the doc yelled at me for riding my bicycle and took these pics

I went to the hospital yesterday to see a surgen. I can walk but it really hurts and I look pretty funny doing it. My three open wounds are not healing even though I am taking care and eating lots of antiboiotics, and its been a week. He said there is a lot of internal bleeding, and pressure inside my leg and thats why the wounds are not healing. He wanted me to spend the night for observation but I said no. He made me promise to stay in then, which I did. I didnt take a shower for two days now trying to keep it dry and will take the bandages off this morning, hopefully it will have started to scab and not just leak.

The sad part is, I wasnt scared in the least during this whole thing, except when he got the initial strike to my leg. But now, even riding my bike down beach road I am scared, constantly looking in my mirror, dangerous thing to do

I think this boy probabley belonged to a gang, and when his friends find out I won the last four rounds and he loses face, he may try again, even if it is right in the open in front of everyone. Oh well.

Yo Bro

Change color of bike, wear a different hat, peddle a different route, take 100mg Viagra with 2 ladies, keeping leg elevated and call me in the morning

[Sydneycraig]

Having a chain or pepper spray is all good but if you don't know how to use them or will panic you may just end up making them think they need to be more violent to overcome your weapons and get you more in the shi.te ... I'd be inclined to flash my wallet, tell them it's theirs and chuck it away from me. Then run, ride, scoot the hell outa dodge ...

[Sydneycraig]

And have a "spare" wallet with just a bit of cash at the ready as something to give up...

[Phil Conners]

not cheap but looks like it wont fall apart like the thai market ones and they will ship to thailand. Just ordered

http://www.amazon.co...words=asp baton

I can attach it to the bike using the pump holder, looks about right

I am going to buy the best pepper spray I can find here, for the non windy days.

safe than sorry

I've seen many different versions of collapsible batons in the markets here, a few looked a little dinghy but most looked very solid and sturdy. The problem with carrying a weapon though, is that you need to be prepared and able to use it, otherwise a thug will just take it off you and use it on you instead. I also don't know what the legal situation is. I could imagine everything would be fine until a cop decides it's not, and then all sorts of trouble could ensue.

I think it was Craig who made a much better suggestion: Team up with others in the same both. Be secure in numbers. 3 or 4 bike riders in a group are much less likely to get attacked than a single rider.

[KNJ]

Reading the entire thread it seems that the OP was not showing his gold chain, and carrying a smartphone is common place.

More likely these yabba'ed thugs were taking it just as an opportunity.

Best advice:

carry a chap phone when riding a cheap wallet with smallish cash and no cards

Consider cycling in a group, there must be many individuals and a lot safer.

Carry weapons only if you are confident in using them or as last resort or it could inflame teh attackers. Better to have wallet and cheap phone easy accessable and thenmake a clear sign of throwing it towards them, if they do not take and persist in coming at you then resort to peppar spray or collapsable stick, better to run if possible.

After second successful attempt to elude them I would have been looking for an alternative route even if it meant going cross country over someones land, they were obviously persistant, best defence is running away.

Well done however for your defence, and get well soon, check out that guy on the corner, and if you recognise them call the police. Good luck

[cheeryble]

This is not a new phenomenon....

A great friend was riding a Honda Dream to the Havana Resort outside Pattaya was pushed off his bike by a pair of thieves on another bike and had a mildly nasty accident.

I don't even think the Havana still exists as such, it must have been all of ten years ago.

That could have been deadly and this has been going on too long.

The police should be getting heavily involved in this business. It could potentially be a lot of fun for them!

[poanoi]

You can no doubt afford this one, that out-ranges any pipe

http://www.smartstun.com/PHAZZER-Dragon-Stun-Gun--Projectile-Type_p_13.html&catid=12

[tropo]

You can no doubt afford this one, that out-ranges any pipe

http://www.smartstun...3.html&catid=12

I think reliability would be a huge issue for cheap units like these. You're not going to use it often (probably never) and rechargeable batteries don't last forever. Maybe by the time you get to use it it'll tickle the attacker and make him laugh.

Edited September 10, 2012 by tropo

[SoCalChris]

Lost in LOS; I think the outcome is the best you could have hoped for and thanks very much for sharing your story. As I was reading it though, I was fearing the worst for you to get pummeled, stabbed or shot. Even if you might have been able to snag the rebar from the guy and crank him one, some other Thai guys might had taken you out not knowing you were actually the victim. Pack mentality against farang the lot of them and enhanced by ya ba (I don't do Songkran anymore because of this)

Anyhow, I've been in Thailand for 5 years and diligently did 100-150Km of weekly maintenance rides in BKK for when I would do my long distance provincial rides during my vacations. I too dislike stationary cycles, prefer to ride solo and was very satisfied that cycling kept me great shape as I age. Recently, I was one of those who got nailed over the head with a wood plank by a couple of punks. Thankfully I didn't wreck and a couple of trucks showed up then, so they took off. My cycling helmet took most of the blow, but it was <deleted> loud and gave me a splitting headache for a couple of days. Motorbike taxis are always a PITA too, but the final straw straw was when a car taxi ran a red light and hit me from behind. I was only bruised/scraped and the taxi did a runner of course.

So like you, I have an intrinsic biking anxiety now and haven't ridden for over a year. I'm quite depressed about it as cycling is the only exercise I can do without dying of heatstroke. I worry that IMHO Thailand is getting worse in regards to drugs and violence so I'm going to give Oz a try for biking. I hope it is not as bad as the guy from Sidney says it is!

At any rate, I wish you all the best for a complete recovery from your injuries. Cheers!

Edited September 10, 2012 by SoCalChris