Cyclists Killed in Thailand

When I am not actually on a cycling expedition myself, I still like to follow others peoples travels as they cycle around the world, whether on long trips or short. Living vicariously through other peoples travel blogs helps to keep me inspired and motivated as I plan future trips. It is always sad then, when I hear about cyclists that have been met with unfortunate circumstances during their cycling expeditions, and I recently heard about two British cyclists killed in Thailand.

On Monday 18^th of Feb, I read in the Guardian that cyclists Peter Root and Mary Thompson had been hit by a truck in Thailand and killed. ( You can read the article here – British cyclists killed). I have to admit, that although I follow nearly a hundred travel blogs on and off, theirs was one that seemed to have slipped me by. Even so, losing someone from the “around the world” cycling community comes as a bit of a shock. It makes you think that little bit harder about the close calls that you might have had on a bike, the near misses with buses, the car that cuts in front of you, or the parked truck whose driver suddenly decides to open the door in your path. Without exception, every traveller who is cycling around the world has experienced moments like these, and it makes you realise sometimes how fragile life can be.

People ask me if it is safe to cycle around the world – I still answer that yes it is. It is no more or less dangerous than everyday life for people anywhere, the only difference, is that most of the time, you are in a strange place in a strange country. Life's dangers, obstacles and hazards are still there.

Whilst Peter Root and Mary Thompson certainly did not plan to meet such a tragic end, what they were doing, was pursuing their passions, dreams and desires as they cycled. Guys, I never met you, but wish I had. RIP, and my thoughts go to your family and friends.

(here is a link to their site – http://www.twoonfourwheels.com/  The last I checked it, not many of the pages were functioning, but it gives you an idea as to who they were.)