Hopping to HaNoi

[papa al]

 

Does the bike use hi-octane or regular?

[chrissables]

7 hours ago, papa al said:

 

Does the bike use hi-octane or regular?

From memory, 91 or 95.

[AllanB]

I think if you have found (or been recommended) a good company you should use it, but check the bike out too, we only spent £10 having panels secured a 2nd mirror added, oil change and chain lubed.

 

The people we met with problems bought their bike in HCMC and they didn't know much, plus they ragged the bikes...like the previous 100 owners.

 

Had a fantastic time in VN thinking about going again, but would have a bigger bike next time, with a bigger fuel tank. 

 

With ASEAN happening I wonder how long it will be before we can take our own bike. Would love to ride down through Laos to HCM, head north to Hanoi and then cross back, a nice round trip loop.

[papa al]

On 11/28/2017 at 8:33 AM, chrissables said:

As the rider you are responsible to to change the oil every 1,000 km, which is a pain

Maybe that's how they trick you into lube-ing and adjusting the chain

[papa al]

papa getting excited.

Today bought a 30l. dry-bag/daypack,

schmancy thing, not cheap.

My old ruck is about 5-6-years old and rough.

Took it to my seamstress for a rebuild.

Also bought a mesh seat-cover to take for the rental bike.

Best B250 that a mocy-man can spend.

[papa al]

On 11/27/2017 at 7:49 AM, chrissables said:

Have you a route planned yet? Mai Chau is stunning , south from there take a south east route through the mountains Pu Luong to Canh Nang, before looping back.

Will look into that one.

Norther loop looks interesting too.

 

[Rhys]

2 hours ago, papa al said:

Will look into that one.

Norther loop looks interesting too.

 

thanks...  still trying to work out my first 200k ride..

[losworld]

Looks like a great trip papa al.  The bike you rented looks like a suped up version of an airblace probably airblade frame so should handle nicely.  I am looking at riding Saigon to Hanoi this spring:)

[papa al]

10 hours ago, losworld said:

Looks like a great trip papa al.  The bike you rented looks like a suped up version of an airblace probably airblade frame so should handle nicely.  I am looking at riding Saigon to Hanoi this spring:)

AirBlade  is very nice attractive automatic, but

underbone frame of Winner...

totally different.

More like a Wave's.

[Rhys]

Send plenty of photos.. papa...

[papa al]

Been warned that it could be quite cold in northern mountains.

===> 

No heated grips as my Colorado KLR,

so bought these off Ebay.

 

B450 to my door.

Edited December 14, 2017 by papa al

[chrissables]

18 minutes ago, papa al said:

Been warned that it could be quite cold in northern mountains.

===> 

No heated grips as my Colorado KLR,

so bought these off Ebay.

 

B450 to my door.

The Pass at Sapp is over 6,000 ft and north to the Chinese border it can get a tad nippy! 10 degrees there now and rainy

 

Another place worth visiting if there....

 

http://vietnamcoracle.com/the-sapa-sin-ho-scenic-loop/

[papa al]

papa Hanoi

Staying old quarter for a couple days.

Streets closed to cars eves 

and much activity.

Backpackers, older ‘farangs’,

VN families and young peoples

all eating drinking laughing= mellow scene.

 

Heading north tomorrow or so.

 

[chrissables]

8 hours ago, papa al said:

papa Hanoi

Staying old quarter for a couple days.

Streets closed to cars eves 

and much activity.

Backpackers, older ‘farangs’,

VN families and young peoples

all eating drinking laughing= mellow scene.

 

Heading north tomorrow or so.

 

North to where?

[papa al]

Mountains.

/////////////

Hanoi flight:

When flying out of BKK airport,

stopped on concourse to buy a frozen coconut treat.

B25.

The sales clerk asked to see my passport & boarding pass.

I need passport to buy ice-cream?

Yes sir.

I’ll pass.

Buddha help us.

 

[papa al]

Many vendors of food and drink set up in the street.

Can buy a draft beer for 5000VND.

That’s ~7.2baht.

Not bad.

 

[papa al]

Rode 300K Hanoi==>SonLa today.

Decent road Scenic mountains 

a little bit smokey.

The FI Honda Winners runs well.

If not mistaken, rode last 200K on 3.2liter gasoline.

Sounds too good.

Better check again 2mor.

[papa al]

On 12/14/2017 at 8:26 AM, papa al said:

Been warned that it could be quite cold in northern mountains.

===> 

No heated grips as my Colorado KLR,

so bought these off Ebay.

 

B450 to my door.

Had to deploy big gloves but did't switch on batteries.

[chrissables]

53 minutes ago, papa al said:

Rode 300K Hanoi==>SonLa today.

Decent road Scenic mountains 

a little bit smokey.

The FI Honda Winners runs well.

If not mistaken, rode last 200K on 3.2liter gasoline.

Sounds too good.

Better check again 2mor.

If you continue along that road another 70km at Tuan Giao turn right the route through the mountains is wonderful

[papa al]

1 hour ago, chrissables said:

If you continue along that road another 70km at Tuan Giao turn right the route through the mountains is wonderful

Might visit Diem Bien Phu.

[Rhys]

How is the bike holding out?    What are you snacking on as you ride?  Be merry and  have good cheer Papa.. on the pegs.

 

[chrissables]

13 hours ago, papa al said:

Might visit Diem Bien Phu.

Enjoy!

[papa al]

Stopping for coffee /strong espresso/ now 1/2 from SonLa to DVP.

There are spectacular vista and fun twists everywhere

around these parts.

Bike running fine.

Seat is positioning me slightly more forward than ceeber.

papa brought a mesh seat cover with,

so that helps.

Little shops selling snacks not too common in countryside.

Oranges & tangerines at many stands.

Pho = soup, everywhere.

[Damrongsak]

Papa Al, I thought this was you puttering about in the hills in Vietnam.  It's a Honda.

 

 

[papa al]

1 hour ago, Damrongsak said:

Papa Al, I thought this was you puttering about in the hills in Vietnam.  It's a Honda.

 

 

No, papa has a mustachio.

[chrissables]

5 hours ago, Damrongsak said:

Papa Al, I thought this was you puttering about in the hills in Vietnam.  It's a Honda.

 

 

If he travels to Xin Man he may need these skills...............

[Rhys]

On 12/25/2017 at 11:06 AM, papa al said:

Stopping for coffee /strong espresso/ now 1/2 from SonLa to DVP.

There are spectacular vista and fun twists everywhere

around these parts.

Bike running fine.

Seat is positioning me slightly more forward than ceeber.

papa brought a mesh seat cover with,

so that helps.

Little shops selling snacks not too common in countryside.

Oranges & tangerines at many stands.

Pho = soup, everywhere.

 

What are your break times like?  How's the back?

[papa al]

Cool, interacting with the friendly VN & tribal peoples.

Back ok.

[papa al]

Currently in cafe in northrn VN somewhere NW of Sapa.

Raining & forecast for same all day.

Guess papa will sit tight until mañana.

Have rain gear but... .

[papa al]

Okay, back on the road to Sapa.

70km & VN's highest pass to cross.

Still drizzly & quite chilly.

[gulp]