For car users and drivers, when the time comes to change the engine oil at 5,000 km or 10,000 km, it is important to act quickly and visit a service center or garage. This is especially true for cars that are more than 10 years old, such as my Chevrolet Colorado, nicknamed "Jodoh", my trusty companion.

Saturday morning was an auspicious time to finally change the oil filter and engine oil. After driving almost 10,000 km since the last round, I drove to "Wu Chang Toi", my regular garage in Soi Banana, Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi. I consider it to be the best garage in the province, with good repairs, honesty, and no cheating. I give it a thumbs up.

Of course, when the car changes the engine oil, we have to wait and wait. If there is anything else damaged, we have to wait and wait. Don't wait! Today I brought a helper with me. It's not a chair or a friend to chat with. It's my old partner, the "Araya Federal touring bike". I put it in the back of the pickup truck to kill time waiting for the car in the late afternoon. My goal for today is to ride back and forth for about 100 km.

100 kilometers… under the scorching sun, even though it's the middle of the rainy season. But my mind is already set, I have a goal and I must achieve it. Looking at my watch, it's exactly 10:00 AM. I say goodbye to Mr. Toi and arrange to pick up the car around 4:00 PM. Today's plan is to visit "Bang Luang Market, Bang Len District, Nakhon Pathom Province".

As Bang Bua Thong is located near Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province, cycling in that area is quite comfortable. I myself cycle there frequently. However, cycling 100 kilometers to Bang Len District is admittedly not something I do often, especially in this scorching weather. But no matter, slow and steady wins the race.

The journey began from Soi Ban Kluai, passing through the scenic rice fields along the way. Some were green, some were yellow, and some had already been harvested. This time, I encountered a rice harvesting machine working by the roadside. It looked fast and convenient. I asked the operator how much it cost, and he replied, "The rental fee for the machine is 1,000 baht per day." No wonder everyone is using this type of machine these days, as it gets the job done quickly. The traditional practice of communal rice harvesting is becoming increasingly rare. It can only be found in remote provinces like Roi Et or Yasothon. Fortunately, I still see it every time I return to my farm.

After a long ride from Ban Kluai to Nakhon Chai Si, my body craved a sponsor. Not a financial one, but an electrolyte drink. (Just kidding!) Nowadays, even in remote areas, convenience stores are readily available. They sell everything the community needs, including small petrol pumps. The prices are slightly higher than the market, about 2-3 baht per liter, but it's more convenient than traveling to a large gas station outside the village. Sometimes, the round trip can be more than 30 km.

Nowadays, bicycles and shops are no strangers, but they are good customers who buy water all the time. This is the kind of area that 7-11 can't reach. 555 I cycled past the popular Lam Phaya Floating Market, but I won't go in today because I've cycled here so often. I glanced at the bicycle's mileage and it said I had cycled 25 km. I looked at the kilometer marker that said Bang Luang another 20 km. I was halfway there. I was about to speed up, but then I saw a sign that said "Mom Chailai - Ancient Boat Accommodation" and I couldn't resist turning my bike in.

I have long known this name through books, so I took the opportunity to visit it. The overall atmosphere was quiet, and it seemed to be able to accommodate seminar groups, but there were also some guests staying there. However, the most striking feature was the large, ancient ship-shaped accommodation, which is the hotel's main attraction. The deep-fried fish cakes, which everyone says are delicious, were unfortunately not available due to time constraints. I will definitely have to try them next time.

The next destination is 25 km away, Bang Luang Market. The cycling route is comfortable, but sometimes it's too quiet. However, it's still enjoyable. I can observe life, buildings, houses, and shops along the way. It also made me realize that the Thai Chula Soup factory is located less than 10 km before the market. (Who still remembers this brand?) Finally, I arrived at my destination, Bang Luang Market, at noon under the scorching sun.

It's a cyclist's tradition to take a photo with their beloved bike when they arrive at their destination. Looking around, I saw a Bang Luang double-decker bus, so I decided to take a picture with it. The slow-moving bicycle and the old double-decker bus looked good together. Then I went to admire the view of the Tha Chin River and the classic 100-year-old shophouse market. The famous Kham Faek story also used this place as a setting. Overall, the market is quiet, except for the mornings on Saturdays and Sundays when it gets busy. Most of the stalls sell food, but the one you can't miss is the "Chun Pia Pastry, Ping Hai Huad Shop," the first in Bang Luang Market. It's an ancient pastry similar to a spring roll, but without any meat, just vegetables and glass noodles. It's crispy and delicious, and only costs 20 baht per set. If you're a vegetarian, you can definitely eat it. 100% sure.

There are many other shops selling desserts in the market, each with its own unique flavor. Choose whichever one you like, but I recommend trying the first stall first. After that, you can continue to other food stalls. The market is quite compact and can be explored quickly, as it only spans three alleys. Additionally, there is a floating platform by the water where you can sing karaoke for free. If you want to practice your vocals, feel free to join in!

After resting for about an hour, I was ready to ride back. I stopped by the shrine of the goddess Thap Thim, which is a place of worship for the locals, to build up my morale before tackling another 50 km. In the afternoon sun, I focused on riding slowly, taking breaks every 30 minutes to avoid losing too much water and minerals. Otherwise, cramps would set in and I would have to walk my bike, which would be embarrassing.

Mission Complete at 4 pm, finally arrived at the intended garage. A bit out of breath, but happy and had a good conversation with myself. Average speed throughout the day was 100 km/h, which is 20 km/h.

--Whether it's tens or hundreds of kilometers...just cycling at my own pace is the happiest thing ever.

100KM #cycling #slow #federalterritory

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