On the rooftop of Four Points Sheraton, with Sukhumvit skyscrapers rising above us in the evening sky, the riders to Khao Lak were each presented with their riding jersey by Hands founder Peter Baines in the company of family and friends at the riders' dinner.
One of the riders is a tsunami survivor now educated at university and a role model for the children at the orphanage. Six of the riders going south are resident Zealanders, out of 40-odd riders who are mainly Australian and include one German.
New Zealand trade commissioner Karen Campbell and New Zealand Tai Chamber of Commerce executive director Julie Littlejohn attended as guests to support the Kiwi contingent.
Peter Baines introduced and welcomed each rider, who were delighted to find that their jersey had their own name and Hands cycling record printed on its side.
The riders leave the hotel for their first day's ride at 7am today.