Thursday, June 02, 2011
By Guy Delauney
BBC News, Cambodia
Cycling is commonplace in Cambodia, and riding a bike is also a great way for a foreigner to meet local people, find something in common, and even build a lasting friendship.
As social lubricants go, the bicycle is seriously under-rated.
For adults in many, if not most countries, cycling is a minority pursuit.
But for us grown-ups who persist in doing what certain, misguided people like to label “kids’ stuff”, there is often an instant bond – one that can transcend all sorts of differences in background, nationality and circumstance.
That is certainly the case in Cambodia.
For proof I only need to look at the photo of a former Khmer Rouge sniper, turned wildlife ranger, taking a spin on my mountain bike.
We had met on a ride in the Mondulkiri jungle.
Meeting Tim
But of all the characters I have encountered in the saddle, there has been no-one quite like Tim Durrin.
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| Tim Durrin’s his bike has helped him make friends including Cambodian Laim |
We met in a cafe rather than on the road or trail.
He started laughing at a story I was reading to my children – I noticed his bike helmet and water bottle – and we got talking from there.
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