Cycling 51 Kilometres for 51 Pupils
Since moving to our rural village, we have supported Suan Kluai School by attending events, giving the children treats and helping wherever we could. My sponsored walk in April 2024 helped raise cash towards a new kindergarten block. As New Year 2026 approached, it was time for a new fundraiser: a remarkable sponsored cycle ride.
My wife Taew told me that the school wanted to upgrade its facilities so that children could study in the right surroundings and receive the right tuition. With only 51 pupils, it fell well below the 100 required for full government funding. The villagers remained as stoic and determined as ever that the school would not close, meaning children would be split up and travel each day.
It was obvious something was happening when envelopes were delivered to every home. There was no way I could walk to the city again. It took me weeks to recover last time, and I wanted something different to appeal to potential sponsors.
I loved my cycling, and I sensed potential there. However, how could I make it more interesting? Then inspiration struck. As the school had 51 pupils, I would ride 51 kilometres. It was a decent challenge and was relevant. The headmistress and her team were delighted with the idea, so I set about putting a circular route together that would start and end at the school.
Taew mentioned that some others wanted to join in, but I took that with a pinch of salt. I had arranged things before when back in England, seeing people make big claims and then cry off. However, I hadn’t accounted for the stubbornness of Isan folk.
My YouTube Video of the Ride
Cycle Day Surprise
It was a perfect day for cycling when I arrived at the school. Taew would be following me, as in the walk, in the car, to provide water when required. I got the shock of my life. Around twenty others were waiting with their cycles ready to take part, with nearly everyone wearing the smart shirts that the school sold to raise more cash.
There were villagers, pupils, and teachers, but the highlight for me was my 74-year-old mother-in-law and Win, who isn’t much younger. I tried to explain, with Taew as my interpreter, what we would be doing, reminding everyone that it wasn't a race and that we should stay together.
A circuit of the village came first, with many residents coming outside to cheer us on our way. Any instructions were quickly forgotten as the kids went off quickly, full of excitement and energy, before we gathered near our home. Another car was following the procession, with a teacher filming.
Slow Progress
Our first stop was at a fuel station and café in the village of Tong Pid, just over 7km away. It quickly became apparent that this would be a long day, and I would need to slow down, as many participants ordered coffees and relaxed.
I was fine with all of this, but it led to issues when inexperienced cyclists tried to use their phones at the same time. The headmistress was concerned about safety and did something about it in conjunction with our community leader, as we found out when arriving in Khi Lek, 7km later.
A policeman on a motorcycle was waiting for us. Behind him were two more officers in an open-backed truck. From that point on, they became our escort, stopping traffic at junctions and making sure everyone completed the ride safely. Our next stop was 5km up the road in Nam Kliang, the largest village on the route.
Drinks and food were taken on board before he headed east to the road to Kanthararom, where a stop to gather and a group photo were on the agenda. It was agreed that we would have another break when the leaders found somewhere selling drinks further up the road.
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| We had participants, young and old |
When the Going Gets Tough
This offered those who were struggling the opportunity to turn left and head back to school. Quite a few did this, and I thought it might be me and two or three others left to complete the challenge. Never presume in Thailand! Taew’s mum and Win weren’t giving in, which saw others change their minds, possibly fearful of losing face.
I cannot lie, I was now starting to feel the effects of the exertion, so goodness knows how those 15-years older than me felt. By now, many of the younger children had loaded their bikes onto the truck and were enjoying the ride with the friendly police officers, who were waiting at the next break to hand out drinks.
Cutting back through country lanes with no protection and not being totally sure of the route to the government offices at Nong Nan Noi was certainly a challenge. I went on ahead, the police in the middle, while Taew remained at the rear, so everyone was supported.
The last leg, including a short break at Ban Chan, to the school was one of 11km. We were stretched out but waited so everyone arrived back at school around the same time, where a happy crowd were waiting to greet us. Food and drink were put out to enjoy, while I headed home for a shower and rest.
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| Resting for a Team Photo |
Presentations
Fast forward to just before New Year, the school put together a couple of days of festivity. I was invited as a VIP to sit on a stage while a sports day took place, with an opening ceremony and then lots of games between different teams. The senior citizens of the village, who were dressed in school uniforms, were among them.
We returned later in the evening for the presentations. I was invited onto the stage to hand over 38,300 THB, which was £903 GBP. The children then put on a concert before a male and female singer, along with dancers, who provided entertainment while the audience enjoyed their food and drink.
Once again, the community spirit shone through. Seeing everyone pull together for the children reminded me exactly why moving to our little village had been one of the best decisions of my life.
My YouTube Video of School Sports Day and Presentations
If you enjoyed this story, feel free to check out my YouTube Channel, where I share videos about everyday life in Thailand, local football, and travel across the country.
Thanks for reading.
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