WanderStranded with my motorbike in Southern Thailand in search of the elusive petrol station
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PHATTHALUNG, THAILAND – Being used to the convenience of 24/7 petrol kiosks in Singapore, little did we know that petrol stations in Phatthalung don’t stay open all night. A lesson learned for world travel! Before setting off, we found a couple of stations online that were supposedly open, but to our dismay, each one was closed. Note to self: Google isn’t always accurate! With petrol running low, we had to conserve fuel by slowing down while riding in the rain, fearing we wouldn’t make it.
There’s no debate about it — riding in the rain is dangerous. Now imagine riding a motorbike in the rain at night, on roads with no street lamps, wearing an ill-fitting helmet, and feeling increasingly sleepy. It’s a deadly combination, perfect for a mishap. And that’s exactly what happened to me on a recent motorbike ride in June from Phatthalung to Hatyai in Southern Thailand — a good 143 km apart.
The ride took over three hours in the pouring rain, including a pit stop for petrol under threatening dark skies. We started our journey a quarter past ten at night, with the first order of business being to refuel one of the bikes, a 155cc Aerox, which was down to just two bars.
As the temperature dropped and a strong breeze picked up, we heard the rumblings of thunder. Rain or no rain, we still had 143 km to go to reach our hotel. About an hour later, after passing numerous closed petrol stations, we finally found one that was open. Relief washed over us, but by then, I was fighting off a thick veil of sleepiness.
After refueling, we sped up, eager to reach our hotel. The rain had already begun, and having ridden at less than 50 km/h before refueling, I could feel every raindrop. Thankfully, I had on a light rain jacket to soften the sting of the rain against my skin. But my face bore the brunt of it, made worse by the lousy rented helmet that kept slipping down and blocking my vision. I rode with the visor up for better visibility, in order to make my way in the pitch-black roads.
The rain came down relentlessly. I’ve ridden in storms before, but this time was different. The rain pelted my body, arms, and legs, and, worst of all, my eyes. This helmet was failing in every way — rain hit my eyelids, eye bags, and even my eyeballs! Every raindrop felt like needles poking at my eyes. The dark visor, scratched beyond belief, made things worse, forcing me to choose between shielding my eyes from the rain or riding with blurred vision. Thankfully, my rain jacket kept me from shivering, but my riding partner wasn’t so lucky, clad only in a lightweight long-sleeved top meant for sunny weather.
With over 100 km ahead, we pressed on at a steady pace. Sleepiness started to get the better of me, and at one point, I veered into another lane, narrowly avoiding a lorry. I bit my lips, talked to myself in a bid to stay awake. Riding through stretches of road with zero lighting, we stuck close to each other to share the limited light from our bikes, doing our best to make out the path ahead.
Somehow, after hours of cold, wet riding, we eventually made it back to our hotel by 1 a.m. Would we ride in the rain and darkness again? Probably, but definitely not by choice — and definitely not while battling the sleep demon.
Tips for riding in similar conditions
Based on our experience, here are a few tips for motorbiking in tough conditions:
- Keep the Petrol Tank Full
Pump as early and as often as you can when you notice the petrol gauge drop by two bars. Don’t risk running out of fuel, especially in areas where petrol stations may be scarce or closed. - Wear a Good Helmet
Helmets are the most important piece of motorcycle gear. Most rental helmets aren’t great, compromising safety. If possible, bring your own helmet to ensure hygiene, comfort, and safety. - Bring Rain Gear
Staying dry helps you avoid the discomfort of wet clothes, allowing you to focus on the ride. In tropical regions like Southeast Asia, rain can appear suddenly, so be prepared. - Stick to the Middle Lane
Debris and puddles tend to accumulate at the sides of roads, especially in the rain. Riding in the middle lane helps avoid hazards. - Brake Intermittently
In wet conditions, apply both front and rear brakes intermittently to drain water and maintain better control. - Increase Following Distance
Keep a greater distance from the vehicle in front, ideally double the usual distance, to improve visibility and reaction time. - Avoid Riding at Night
If possible, avoid night riding, especially in unfamiliar areas with poorly lit roads and unclear road signs.
Motorbike touring can be full of joy but dangerous at the same time. Minimise the danger element to the lowest possibility with the right gear, and you are well on your way to enjoyable rides even in the toughest conditions.
Read about My first bike accident and the lessons I learnt.
Gear up, the right way
And should you be faced with similar riding conditions, consider investing in rain-proof motorbike gear to ensure you are braced for whatever the road (or weather) throws your way.
- Motorbike Rain Gear: Stay dry with high-quality waterproof jackets, pants, and gloves. Here’s what to pack:
- Lightweight, breathable rain jackets that pack easily for travel.
- Waterproof overpants to protect from rain and wind.
- Rainproof gloves with good grip.
- Quality Helmets: Look out for helmets with good ventilation, clear visors, and proper fit.
- Full-face helmets with anti-fog visors for better visibility in the rain.
- Modular helmets that allow riders to flip up the visor without removing the entire helmet.
- Motorcycle Accessories:
- Helmet visors or goggles designed for rain, with anti-fog and scratch-resistant features.
- Reflective vests or gear for better visibility when riding in dark or low-light conditions.
- Waterproof Boots: Keep your feet dry and comfortable with durable, waterproof riding boots.
- Portable Phone Holder: A waterproof phone mount for navigation, especially useful in unfamiliar or poorly lit roads.
- Dry Bags or Waterproof Pouches: To keep important items dry during the ride, such as wallets, phones, or documents.
Early next morning, as we made our way home, another 955km away, we couldn’t help but pat ourselves on the back for returning to our hotel room safe and sound. Riding in the night, with limited lighting and heavy rain is definitely ill-advised. Throw sleepiness into the mix and you have a deadly recipe for danger. Motorbike touring, challenging as it is, always come with lessons to learn and stories to tell. Have you ridden in similar conditions? Share your adventures in the comments.
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