chrissables

I went exploring the mountains south of the river Kok today, again an area I have been before.

It’s a nice ride south from Chiang Rai then heading west on R1208 and then north up into the mountains, the coffee growing area. After Huai Chomphu

19.969417, 99.616250

I missed a correct turn point due to adding a waypoint in the wrong place. From high in the mountains I went down to the valley floor on very steep sand and clay tracks to where there was a small stream crossing. Not long after I realized I had gone wrong and needed to back track. This was too much for the bike even with a larger rear sprocket and in first gear. I came to a halt a few time and just managed to paddle my way up. By this time I decided to ride back rather than ride further into the wilderness.

I am now definitely considering a big bore kit. Being alone on a track you may not be able to ride out of is not fun for me!

But there were great views!

https://www.relive.cc/view/vPOp3j4XeRv

My ride today was to explore some tracks alongside the River Kok west of Chiang Rai. I have ridden in this area before, but now a lot of the tracks have been concreted or graded ready for concrete I presume.

I had to back track to the suspension bridge after missing the turn in the road works, but an easy and nice ride with good views.

https://goo.gl/maps/dtVRMHvcbgps3Ror7

https://www.relive.cc/view/vJOKxAenew6

Today I met up with a friend Mike from Pattaya and his lovely lady to ride to Phu Chi Faa.

For some reason some garages were out of fuel so we filled up before needed a few times when we spotted fuel for sale.

Our first stop was the viewpoint at Phaya Phiphak Forest Park viewpoint for a few photos. As I parked up my side stand fell off, at least no crash this time!

https://goo.gl/maps/rcPsceTB7ALenck46

From here we carried onto Doi Pha Tang.

https://goo.gl/maps/n18b1WhLunLxruuV9

After a few photo’s we back tracked to ride up Phu Chi Fa.

https://goo.gl/maps/1h5XrejmUwdwMEYq6

Here it got interesting! Mike rode ahead and as I started the climb I check I was in first gear but it was riding as if in second and came to a stop. This led to my third attempt at riding downhill backs with the front break locked on. I managed to control the bike and hit the rear brake and slide to a halt after about 7 meters of skidding.

I rode to the start of the hill and Mike came back to laugh, which was hard not to do.

He decided to ride up to take a photo at the top parking area and I started wondering what happened. I went down through all the gears when stationary then back into first. For some reason now first gear felt to be a lot lower gear. (If someone has any ideas what happened please advise)

So with the low first gear I rode up ok in first gear but no problem.

We decided not to walk to the sumit and returned by the same route. Honda Club in Chiang Rai fitted a new aftermarket side stand and all is good.

https://www.relive.cc/view/v1vjkx9PBYO

I decided to ride east of Nan today again with no actual plan but I wanted to ride some of R1243 that heads south following the Laos border and is a favorite road of mine.

On the way I turned off to ride some farmer tracks. I was not in high mountains but its surprising how steep some of these tracks are, basically first gear riding but enjoyable. Anyone wanting to improve their green lane riding should volunteer working with the locals, you will learn a lot!

On one section through a rubber tree plantation a guy ran out to stop me stating the track impassable. I parked up to take photos and for sure the path ahead was a steep downhill ride with no sign of recent tracks. It was probably washed away in the rainy season.

After riding out and onto paved road I went to one viewpoint

https://goo.gl/maps/abCFtNp3v9ZfGfUf6

 and then looped back to Nan, a great ride today.

https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qkGVgL53q

I rode the long way to Nan today R118 turning onto R1252 winding through the mountains until riding north at the end on R1035 and various roads that are in the video below. A total of 359km.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vYvE3PdXJw6

Today I decided to go to the Maning Tea Estate area again near Chiang Dao exploring. The areas I wanted to ride were impossible as very steep off road beaten up single track I would not even want to walk up. The good part was the cloud cover broke and I had wonderful views of Chiang Dao from the south side.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vrqDgxAE2L6

1 minute ago, VocalNeal said:

OK. I will be 1 inch lower so I'll have to go slower. ???? If a farmer can't get there I am not interested.

The farmers get everywhere riding one handed while texting with the other hand, they should open schools for us 55555

Yesterday was time for a bike service and today I rode a loop from Chiang Mai to The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

https://goo.gl/maps/AvSGGkVi4r3YbuJGA

 I then continued on through to Khun Khan National Park and Mae Rim.

The roads were very busy with tourists and bkk registered cars which spoiled the ride a bit, but some great views around.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vr63ApKy78v

Today I rode to Mae Rim on the R107 before heading to the Samoeng View Point.

https://goo.gl/maps/bRrH5YBeqkjrH9rU9

From here to a reservoir and Hydroelectric power plant here.

https://goo.gl/maps/omP3ZXC8tNs4snZz9

The dogs at the entrance tried to munch my ankles but a slow ride away and no actual bite.

I followed the river Mae Khan south for a while and ended up at this point and a dead end.

https://goo.gl/maps/xvuYzYT1N6KiweR38

It seems there is a way through as two endure bike came speeding past me on my return.

Gaia maps states “No access” And Google seems to show a turning right just before the dead end though, which Gaia does not. But nothing was clear and I rode back.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vXOde1YNrk6