From March to July 2011 I'll be cycling around Southeast Asia, starting in Singapore and flying out of Bangkok. The route isn't set and will develop along the way but for now I know I'll be cycling the east coast of peninsular Malaysia and make my way north up Thailand before crossing the border to Cambodia and Laos.
I am 23 when I leave and 24 when I come home. I recently graduated in History, Military History to be precise, but I hope I won't encounter a lot of military presence in the region. Driven by a feeling of "now or never" I wanted to make this trip, hoping to scratch the travel itch just enough before I settle to find a 'real' job and acting grown up. If that will ever happen...
Cycling is mainly a mode of transport and not, as some cyclists like to take it, a way of living. I am not too fond of Lycra shorts. My bike cost me (my parents actually) a mere €30 (with a couple of hundreds thrown in for making it a proper touring bike). It is a 1998 Giant Track Expert, aluminium frame in an ugly golden/yellowish color. I am not trying to cycle really long distances in a short time. I chose to cycle for the sake of slow travelling, which is exactly what I'll do, taking in some tropical islands and beaches here and there. I didn't do much training beforehand either. My normal bike got stolen a couple of weeks ago so I didn't do any cycling to speak of the weeks before departure. The yellow bike was safely locked up in my parents garage. Another reason to take it slow.
The diary for this trip will be in Dutch but the "Day to Day" section will be in English, with information that might be useful for other cyclists. It will cover information about the route, the roads, accommodation etc. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail me at rosien.vantoor [at] gmail.com.
