I hit the ground running in Bangkok by signing up for several Meetups. Two of the more unique ones were a Cycling group and an Ice Bath group. Having done the cycling one in 90 degree Bangkok heat, I think it might be a good idea to combine it with the latter group!

The cycling group met at Chatuchak, one of Bangkok’s larger parks. The turnout was bigger than I expected given that it was held on a weekday morning. We met outside a metro station and introduced ourselves before heading on a 30 minute walk through the park.

It was an unusual way to start a cycling event, but it turned out to be an easier way to get to know each other than trying to casually converse while navigating a narrow bike path. The walk took us through botanical gardens, along tree lined paths, and even a lake.

Once we arrived at the bicycle rental center, I then realized why it was better to meet at the metro than trying to direct people to this place on the other side of the park. Even the metro meet point needed detailed instructions as two lines met there and each had several exit points, though they are at least numbered.

The rental center offered a variety of bikes to choose from. The most simple was the single speed cruiser. It cost about the equivalent of $1.50 USD for four hours. Being the cheapest, it was likely the most frequently used, and that showed in its wear and tear. The shifters and the brakes worked but not smoothly. You’d often hear clicking as you rode, and gripping the brakes as tightly as you could only slightly reduced your velocity.

There was a multi speed bike available for around $3 USD, but I opted for the top of the line at $4.50 for four hours. Being the most exorbitantly priced, it was the least rented which meant all the components worked smoothly. It was also the only one I could ride where I could fully extend my legs as I pedaled.

Once we were all fitted for our bikes, we headed out to the trail. It was well laid out in that it was isolated from the walking path which eliminated interactions with walkers. In all honesty, I usually hesitate to call out or use my bell when passing someone as they inevitably turn left straight into my path versus simply moving to the right.

The bike path was also one way which reduced interactions with other cyclists. I was told by the group leader, however, not to try the ride on weekends as it is filled with families.

The path took us around some of the gardens we’d seen earlier as well as along the lake and through the botanical gardens. It was all very natural. So much so that at one point we had to stop in order to let a Monitor Lizard cross the path. These 3 foot long reptiles are more abundant in Bangkok than alligators in Florida.

We did the full loop three times, taking about 20 minutes each loop. Afterwards, we met at the agreed upon coffee kiosk for a drink. Even though the ride started at 11am, it was 90 degrees so relief from an air conditioned cafe was welcomed. Most everyone ordered a smoothie or an ice drink, and we all got another chance to get to know each other.

Since it was getting close to my nap time, I decided to speed up my trip home and caught a motorcycle taxi to the metro, even though the rest of the group was going to walk back. I was glad I did because, the moment I was dropped at the station, monsoon rains started and didn’t let up for the next hour. I was hoping that it at least cooled off my fellow cyclists on their return walk.

I got to cool off in another way a couple days later at another Meetup. I’d never heard of ice baths before this trip to Bangkok, at least not recreationally. Of course athletes use them to reduce swelling, but in Bangkok, it just seems like a nice way to cool off in a city that never drops below 80 degrees.

I went, not knowing what to expect and was greeted by the host, John, who had followed a girl to Thailand and then was left wondering what to do when they broke up. For fun, he filled two baby pools with ice water and put them in front of a friend’s cafe. They were an instant hit, and Bangkok Ice Baths was born.

Needing more space, he contacted another friend who had unused rooftop space on top of the restaurant she owned. They negotiated a deal, and he added two more tubs made of teak wood. He also purchased a sauna that could be used to get your temperature back up.

John shared with me the comical story of the sauna delivery. Not being able to squeeze it up the narrow staircase through the restaurant, they decided to hoist it up the three stories along the outside of the building. The delivery guys did not at all see the need for a crane or scissor lift, instead lifting it up by rope. In order to avoid the awning in front of the restaurant, they pulled the pieces up the side of the building and then walked them along the ledge to the front, where they could be lifted onto the rooftop. John noted that all of this was done without any safety measures, meaning the guys pulling the pieces up to the roof were not secured to anything at all.

They managed to get it assembled, and it makes the perfect complement to the baths. At peak hours, it is funny to see everyone squeezed into the sauna, and sometimes John has to set a limit so people don’t try filling it like 60s kids did a phone booth. He’s talked about having reserved times to avoid overcrowding and maybe even memberships for priority access.

We talked about his project the other night, and he shared that it was one of those real life examples of ‘do what you love and the money will follow’. He had no idea how it would be received, and now he’s talking about opening more nights of the week in addition to providing private sessions.

I’ve gotten a little off track as I intended to tell you about this Meetup experience. I found out about it because it was posted as an event in one of John’s friends groups to help him promote the business so it wasn’t a traditional meetup, but I found that I enjoyed the social component as much as I did the ice bath experience.

Because you have to wait your turn to use a bath or sauna, you stand around a bit, and you end up talking to others. It’s only natural that you want to talk about the length of time each of you can tolerate the ice and which tub is colder. I even met a couple from Las Vegas who were living my nomadic lifestyle, and we ended up going exploring together the next week.

I’ll be honest, I am feeling Meetup fatigue after having attended six of them in the last two weeks so I’ve decided to take a break. Fortunately, I’ve met a lot of nice people so we’re trying to get together for our own activities. It’s kind of hit or miss, since interesting people are always busy, so I’m sure I’ll find myself back at another unusual Meetup soon.