Podcast Freilauf #20: Oliver Baier – Cycling trips in Thailand
„The Meaning of Crazy“ – Oliver Baier recounts his cycling adventures in Thailand
Madness is often in the eye of the beholder – as proven by the inspiring story of Oliver Baier during one of his Cycling tours through Thailand. Listen to all the stories in episode 20 of our podcast „Freilauf“. Listen to the episode with Oliver Baier now.
It was a hot, humid day in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. Oliver Baier, his bicycle loaded with five panniers, battled his way up extremely steep roads. Unlike in Europe, where roads are often winding to mitigate inclines, here a straight path had been cut through the forest – straight up, without compromise! The heat and humidity made the already challenging route even more difficult.
Will Oliver Baier have to abandon his cycling trip?
Eventually, Oliver Baier had to dismount and push his bike. For three kilometers, he battled the incline, his bike heavily laden. He was exhausted, but giving up wasn't an option. He finally stopped for a break at the side of the road, panting and drenched in sweat. A man passing by on a motorcycle stopped. Concerned, he asked if he needed help or even if he needed to go to the hospital. Oliver waved him off, smiled, and explained that he just needed a moment to recover.
A surprising reunion
In the evening, he reached the city of Sangkhla Buri, his destination for the day. At the Mon Bridge, Thailand's longest wooden bridge, he enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and struck up a conversation with a young man. The young man was wearing a finisher's T-shirt and proudly told him about a half marathon he had completed the day before – 21 kilometers in the oppressive heat.
„We travelled here in the team bus.“,” the runner said.
„On the way we saw a guy on the side of the road – with a huge bike and so many bags. “Oliver laughed and raised his hand.„That was me.“
The runner burst out laughing.„That's really crazy!“Oliver replied: „But running 21 kilometers in this heat – that's crazy!“
“crazy”"It's simply a matter of perspective.".
Foto: Oliver Baier privat. Da wir den jungen Läufer leider nicht um die Erlaubnis zur Veröffentlchung des Bildes fragen können, haben wir ihn unkenntlich gemacht. Der Beweis gilt trotzdem 😉
Oliver Baier shares these and many more inspiring stories from his cycling trips in this episode of Freilauf. Colorful, captivating, and emotional.
Make yourself comfortable with this episode and experience icy nights in Thailand, winter storms in Morocco and heartwarming hospitality with Oliver Baier.
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All photos are private snapshots by Oliver Baier
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