Aged 43 and not over the hill yet

By Alex Grassby

Cycling in the metropolis Bangkok is courageous.

Laying on a padded matt, propped up by a triangular cushion, Tony Ewart lay there with one leg crossing the other. His arms clasped together behind his head. A moment of silence appears in the night, and the cries of a baby beckon from the neighboring apartment block.

Looking around his desolate room are a stack of neatly packed boxes in the corner. Next to the boxes are two bikes. An older, beaten up, gold framed stunt bike. And the other a shiny blue, chunky framed dirt bike. It’s positioned upside down, resting on its seat and handlebars. The back wheel is off and resting against the frame, with the inner tube hanging out.

Tony gets up to play some music. Scanning the room’s baron, but brilliant white walls emerges the only decoration, a canvas oil painting. An abstract painting. The style is harsh, but the striking shades of deep reds, purples and oranges are mesmerizing.

Tony returns to his place on the floor. He is asked what music he’s chosen. He smoothly replies, “Riding music”, as he prolongs his warm smile and nods his head.

He explained that he was never really into the sports at school. He said, “I lived on a farm as a kid, and I always rode bicycles.”

After a long rest period, Tony thought about buying a bike after his friends had cycled around Laos. But the decision to change from road riding to dirt riding came about when he watched a video. “I was really inspired when I saw a downhill mountain bike film featuring Steve Peat.” He said.

Taking up an extreme sport later in life has become a focal point with Tony’s friends. He says, “I love my bike and some people think I’m crazy, I suppose I’m a little eccentric. It runs in the family. I’m very energetic and I’ve got more energy than most twenty year olds.”

Mark Connis, 41, has been friends with Tony for seven years. “It’s good to have an interest, but the bike is his wife. He would rather sleep with the bike than a girl.” Said Connis.

On one occasion the pair had been cycling and they stopped for a whiskey. A quick shot turned into an all night session. Subsequently Tony was sick and passed out in a shop doorway, clutching his bike. The pair stayed there until sunrise, and then made their way home, still intoxicated. “It’s a story I’ll never forget.” Said Connis, grinning as he slowly reclined in his chair.

Diverting from Tony’s adventurous side, he’s also got a responsible job as a teacher. Weeriya Satasungwat, 29, works with Tony at school. She said, “He’s good to work with. He’s professional, creative and fun. But he can be talkative at times. He’s got so much energy, he even bounces when he walks.”

“If I walk slow my knees hurt.” Said Tony, staring up at the ceiling. He suddenly slaps his stomach with a quick flick of his hand. He then scratches it, keeping his eyes fixated at the ceiling. “Mosquito.” He muttered.

Roars from the men playing football downstairs drowns out the background music. “They must have scored a goal.” He said, turning his head towards me showing me his watery, reddened eyes.

It’s late and he is asked for his final words, his philosophy on life. He laughs, repeating the question in a high tone. He pauses for a moment and says with a cheeky smile, “Grow old disgracefully.”

Copyright © Alex Grassby