On two wheels around the world

Alan Bate may look every bit the Westerner but the British cyclist, who recently completed a ride around the world, has a very Thai heart, especially in his love for His Majesty's the King.

The 45-year-old Briton was thrilled to have achieved his goal of completing his journey in tribute to the King, a trip that took him through 18 countries in 113 days and 15:17:09 seconds, the unofficial new record for the global ride.

Amazingly, Bate's love of cycling had not been dented by the ride nor, of course, had his immense love and respect for Thailand's monarch. He grins as he recalls the day he had his first encounter with the sport.

"I discovered cycling when I was 13. I went to watch a bicycle competition and the weather was incredibly misty. All I could see were the headlights of the official car burning through the fog.

"Moments later, the leading group of riders came slowly into the view and then quickly moved pass me. See the riders come in so quickly and so positively left me speechless but at that moment, I knew what I wanted to do. I've now been cycling for 32 years but I still have the same excitement as on that first day.

"I had a successful career as the racing cyclist. My Travelwise team, which has received sponsorship from the British government, raced under a sustainable transport banner, so it's about all environment, ecology as well as people's health.

"It gave me the opportunity not only to race but also deliver positive messages to the people. We used to do roadshows around schools and in business areas to promote green transport and to encourage them to bike or walk to work. We also promoted safety by encouraging children to wear helmets. We tried to be positive model in society, as well as taking part in races," says Bate, who now lives in Chiang Rai.

It was Bate's interests in ecological issues that drew him to the King, who has devoted considerable effort to improving Thailand's environment.

"The Travelwise project covered a range of ecological matters and they were all linked in some way to the royal projects the King has initiated over the last 40 or 50 years. He really cares about people, the environment and sustainability.

"I think it is difficult to find a monarch in any country who cares about issues like that. Here, it is different: the King of Thailand has spent his time helping his subjects and that really impressed me because he chose to put pressure on himself. I really respect him.

For Bate, there was no better way to show that respect than through pedal power though he admits that the trip round the world almost didn't happen.

"It had been in my head for three years. It took a lot of hard work to put the project together including the physical and psychological preparation. The most difficult part was finding financial support and if Singha hadn't stepped in as sponsor, I would have been forced to call the whole thing off.

"I'm already old for an athlete and I don't think physically I could have trained for another year. It would have been too late."

Bate is very grateful to Singha for the support, saying that while the going was tough at time, his six month trip was a drop in the ocean compared to the King's lifelong commitment to his people.

"It's the only way to show how I feel and say 'thank you' to him for what he's done."

A social animal by nature, Bate found the isolation difficult at time, particular in countries that were not quite so hospitable as Thailand. "Finding food wasn't always easy either as I'm vegetarian," he says. And there were plenty of incidents, some less positive than others.

"In LA, I got lost and somebody hit me with a stick on shoulder. In El Paso, someone tried to steal my bicycle outside a shop but I stopped him. It's a dangerous city, full of Latinos who don't have much love for the White American. To be there on the bike as a White, it's a scarring and intimidating experience. I was warned not to go out after dark. There also was a message in the hotel room warning to lock yourself in the room.

"In Alabama, the Black African-predominant state, where there was also not much love for White American. So, pedalling around on bicycle through the city, I looked like a fish came out of water as everyone looked at me. I felt very afraid.

"In Australia, there was an incident with some guys who were drinking. I slept in the tent. They wanted me to come out and fight. That was frightening because my wife was with me.

"But going through Malaysia and southern of Thailand was great as we support team was with me and we had some laughs and enjoyed each other's company.

"Then, when I came back to Thailand, the reception I got first in Chiang Rai made me felt very warm.

"And, all the way to the finish at the Grand Palace was terrific. I was sick for three days with food poisoning but it really didn't matter because I knew people had good feelings for me. That's what drove me on to complete the event."