EXOTIC ROADS WITH A FLAVOUR OF DANGER
The statistics are shocking. The average annual road death rate in the UK is 2.9 people in every 100,000. In Phuket it’s 72.04 people. That means you’re almost 25 times more likely to die on the roads of Phuket than you are on British roads.
It’s enough to put you off ever riding around the spectacularly beautiful island but when I found myself over there with time on my hands and my cousin’s Kawasaki W800 at my disposal, I couldn’t resist seeing what all the fuss was about. Besides, shocking statistics aside, Phuket is so stunning that I simply couldn’t resist exploring and seeing the whole island, rather than just the quiet little corner I was based in.
Since it was an unplanned trip, I’m ashamed to say my riding gear consisted of shorts, T-shirt and trainers (although I did have a decent open-face helmet). That’s the first problem though: even if I did have proper gear at my disposal, I probably wouldn’t have worn it because it’s just too hot. In 35 degrees with high humidity, leathers just aren’t an option, so if you’re going to do this you need to invest in a mesh riding jacket and some lightweight textile trousers.
SO IT STARTS
Although an island, Phuket is connected to the Thai mainland by the Sarasin Bridge so that seemed as
