CT125 Winter tour

[chrissables]

Today I took a relaxing ride to re-visit the abandoned airplanes here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DVvv2wE1DubSPrmq5

There are many plane parts around the fields along with dumped trucks etc too.

You can ride around the whole place but there some feisty dogs if you go where people are living. One of them got a rock launched at it from me and the owner just stood there ignoring the whole thing!

https://www.relive.cc/view/vevW37eA1yv

[chrissables]

Today I just went riding locally for a couple hours, no special sites but I found some rain trees when off road, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PqzrGbKK3rP5oXd19

https://www.relive.cc/view/vr63QZm3Gdv

[chrissables]

Yesterdays ride was long 10 hours, 265km ride. I rode north east out of Chiang Mai then turning south on R3005, then east on Huai Kaew Road, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/maWjc6LeLwG52mrh6

When I got to the hill tribe area, Ban Pa Miang it full of home stays and coffee shops the road got extremely steep in places, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tbYUsKbbppCn7oDR9

In this area on a steep climb out the CT125 ran out of power and was about to stall, I thought I was in second gear and clicked down into neutral, luckily as this has happen before I was ready and kicked into first gear and stood up, this saved a bad tumbles backwards which hurts! I then had to paddle with my feet up the hill for about 30 meters until I could sit and keep going. At least I was not cold after that!

After leaving the mountains I was taking side roads to check out small tracks and see the sights. I found a weir with good views, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/78eFyenjJeQpRQr26

After a few dead ends, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/d2ZgwYUPkxxiKUSS7

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TK8gw51MwVWrhaCe7

I found some reservoirs, the first was unnamed, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PJTruYu39Bd7YUsq9

Then Mae Kong Pin Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/o4P99iDGwqaLscHE6

Next was Ban Mae Fuaeng Reservoir

https://maps.app.goo.gl/uztd25j7RMAJsXaJ7

There many more to find here but I was running late.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vZqN1NV4V36

[Randell]

Tree lined lanes( some of my favorite shots) and up the hillside you cover it all. Wonderful to enjoy it with you. Happy New Year Chris.

[chrissables]

1 hour ago, Randell said:

Tree lined lanes( some of my favorite shots) and up the hillside you cover it all. Wonderful to enjoy it with you. Happy New Year Chris.

Great fun Randell :) Happy New Year for you too.

[chrissables]

After yesterday long day I had an easy few hours exploring near Chiang Mai City today. Nothing special found though.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vYvE29DXpGO

[chrissables]

Today I went exploring more reservoirs continuing on from two days ago. Plenty of green laning, great views and friendly locals, a great day!

From Chiang Mai my first reservoir was Mae Tam Noi, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LM9ft2jM3CgniaTe8

Then in order, Mae Tam Luang, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/b1uUMxjuuw3M5oEP7

Mae Phrai Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y2dQ2M3hj5JX7DzH9

Un-named reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/KpppCKEMAF1kchau8

Another un-named reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/u89ASpTHFPZtUGgz5

Another un-named reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/4iHUziH3NV6qX5ZW8

Another un-named reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/saVuwfnthWMtTFta6

There are many more, so I will return.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vRO7eRnJxyq

[chrissables]

Today I was going to ride up to Doi Pui Viewpoint.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VAJMoHb2wYyt5TCw9

With the idea of riding back the same way, the traffic was crazy so I decided to continue and rode a loop past the camp ground nearby and down through the jungle past Khun Chang Khian, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/T3HZaoQYrEXzqGk28

There are not may viewpoints once in the jungle, but I found one place where I could look down on to Huai Tueng Thao Reservoir, or the lake next to it, I’m not sure.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/GPQ25chJLGudx394A

https://www.relive.cc/view/vMv8GVpVVPq

[chrissables]

Today I rode to the Doi Khun Tan area, the idea to find some more reservoirs and green laning. As it happens, very little green laning, but I found some great sights.

The first reservoir is un-named and to get there I had to cross the railway line at Huai Rian station, here,

https://maps.app.goo.gl/KqHSDjwBD5g8VWXd6

the locals had just piled up stones to allow access!

The reservoir was not far along a dirt track, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RtoSiDkkueDouGnNA

I then rode to Mae Tan Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/zyVQjWLpcFiwVyeD8

My next stop was Huai Mae Long Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/GQHjr8ekBNMsx4ik8

I then went looking for a railway bridge to photograph, I was directed through some jungle and found it, but I was at the bottom, this needs more time to explore how get on the track.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/o6tRotrP37GG8dmk6

Up some steep and windy roads my next visit was Khun Tan Railway Station and Tunnel, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZnXF65QMwDStVP1JA

https://maps.app.goo.gl/zvaeBMvkWneRtJ4F8

My last stop was at Tha Chompu Bridge (White Bridge) and the nearby weir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/hQ7DtiN4WGHSfkSB7

https://www.relive.cc/view/vYvE2ZP5BGO

[chrissables]

Today being News Years Eve I decided to stay local and went to explore Navamin Reservoir in Chiang Mai which is near the sports stadiums, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/A2hygTCBRyEZ6wPB9

Once I crossed the dam I tried to loop all around the reservoir, after a few attempts I thought I had found my way, but after passing a small waterfall and crossing a stream I came the track stopped at the waters edge. I decided to call it a day and go and have Sunday Roast at Annies in the City.

[chrissables]

Today was day 60 of my trip and New Year ’s Day. I headed south of Chiang Mai searching for reservoirs again.

My first stop was Mae San Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WGdg654ovpEJoFoa6

The off road tack to it is directly off R11. There are two dams that I rode across here, before the first I carried on down a small track until I found a local’s motorbike by the side of the reservoir. Riding back I then crossed the first dam and rode over a small hill to find the second dam, which was a great find and I’m glad I went exploring.

I failed to connect with the track I needed to my next stop and had to ride back on R11 before a U-turn into Chiang Mai University Education Center, Hariphunchai. After thee small reservoir there it was off road riding for a fail while then small roads to Si Bua Ban Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CCibaaW1wV5abwYJ8

Next I found Nam Mae Tip Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/F6yjeWBAXTfNuJACA

I then started my ride back and found R106 lined with huge rubber trees, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jkXcqaU4Tyiccrw37

Finding the road that runs alongside the railway I  used it for the first time, much nicer than the bypasses.

Along the way I saw a car parked upside down on the railway line, Incredible parking!

https://www.relive.cc/view/vXOdXBgMX4O

[novacova]

We rode out in that area today, Doi Thon and a couple reservoirs then to Lamphun, bike is a little big for much off roading…

 

[chrissables]

13 hours ago, novacova said:

We rode out in that area today, Doi Thon and a couple reservoirs then to Lamphun, bike is a little big for much off roading…

 

CT125 is great for this style riding, slow in the mountains though

[chrissables]

This morning I had new tyres, chain and sprockets fitted along with an oil change. A single guy working at his shop, good work and price, worth noting I think, he is behind the Lux Hotel, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/iPUqgEvR4N86Wn4n6

After that I had a short ride down to Lumphun on the railway side road and the giant rubber tress before looping back alongside the Ping River.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vMq53GZnP8O

[novacova]

14 hours ago, chrissables said:

CT125 is great for this style riding, slow in the mountains though

Never ridden one, I imagine it’s quite versatile.

[papa al]

On 1/2/2024 at 7:32 AM, chrissables said:

slow in the mountains though

Only on the up-hills...

[chrissables]

Today I rode to the Mae Wang National Park area, again looking for reservoirs and side tracks from them.

My first stop was Nong Salik Weir and Dam Project, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/t4u8HBR3CGYqXGu1A

The River Ping flowinf through it. Crossing Chiang Mai 700th Anniversary Bridge downstream, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/zSzCkLxaeB4dju438

Not far and i found Wat Ton Kork (Wiang Tha Kan), here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wJC7Mu1cvoDgaDV57

I then rode to an un-names reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8NNqWLLAj36oB9Bc8

I rode into the jungle for a while before returning and riding to Pong Cho Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/hiCxzptmXYGNa5WSA

This is where the entrance to Mae Wang National Park is, off road from the south to avoid the pay booth!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9hqTLKPizngrbrSp9

Nearby was Nong Hoi Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/seWuxFiH3obd5V2g8

Next was Huai Manao Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ribUmfbw9bYscv3m8

https://www.relive.cc/view/v1vjdD19gY6

[chrissables]

Today I rode to Lumphun to check out some old temples and some view points. My first stop was Koo Kai Ancient Monument, and the Wat behind it, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cV4Mgdse7RwhRbG19

Nearby was Ku Chang War Elephant Memorial, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XJWyH5ZU1JEJVe3a7

Next stop was Black Bridge, Lamphun, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RyQFPAREstMEBCDc8

From here I rode along the pathway beside Kuang River before heading to Wat Phra Yuen, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/4LDfy1admd6rX5uLA

Next stop was the Ta Nang Old City Gate, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/kK6zuQ6H9gT4EiS67

Next, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/o58WgxSHid3ktbR26

Double pricing to enter, but I just wandered in, way too busy to enjoy.

Further on was Wat Chamthewi, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/7oFrCcafG2kADTvWA

From here I rode the road that follows the Ping River back to Chiang Mai.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvyZ1K1zKO

[chrissables]

Today I headed east out of Chiang Mai again searching reservoirs, as soon as I turned off of R118, the countryside was great to ride through.

My first stop was Huai Bok Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/bLjUXuGyGWiFKUiPA

Next was Mae On Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/egoLjjgxtGyCP8D2A

I tried to ride around the reservoir and nearly managed it, but failed.

I rode as far as I could into the jungle and the track finished alongside a small rocky stream, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/1tjx5YGDiGfq3yMb6

Trying to loop the opposite was round I found another small reservoir, Mae Na Koen Reservoir, here.

I then rode until there was no more track, here. About 200 meters short of a full loop.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/S95HgEB3UaKt7Zaa7

The next find was Mae Phrik Reservoir, here. This was nearly dry and surrounded by dense jungle.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gc6xojySirAjvYRi8

Then I rode back the city, another good days exploring.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vXvLydjGB7O

[chrissables]

Today I rode to the same area as yesterday with the aim of seeing new reservoirs and tracks,

My first reservoir took three attempts due to the tracks being fenced off, in fact most of my ride in the area was fenced off and signs in Thai saying “no entry” which I ignored.

Sala Pang Sak, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9HfDjCupxsE1EfK16

The next reservoir is not even on Google maps, but the tracks there were fun.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/K9S1TV5gw2YCLPeW9

The next reservoir again is not on google maps.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/M2an1dzJqSL9uUN79

The next reservoir was Sahakorn reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QzzBEUyn6PLM2Xj29

The next is again not on Google maps, called Sahakorn Reservoir 3, here. Bot entrances had a barrier to stop entry for some reason.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5yxff3fzfZwptzcx9

Returning I decided to ride the tracks alongside drainage channels, starting here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/p6SG73duTzk7ie2f6

Along the way I found an undercover police car, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/fm9Kz3oLo2H88c4i9

After leaving the drainage channels, I took a convoluted route back to Chiang Mai.

The map with two colours the last two day rides, blue being today, pink, yesterdays ride to compare.

Single pink map is today’s ride.

https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qk5jLgk3O

[chrissables]

Today I just went for a few hours ride local to the city. First I revisited Navamin Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aBZQAyFL1F1QAtwSA

I then rode east across the Ping River and then rode north alongside the drainage ditch, starting here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/breuBnAcSQ9Fdejt8

There are some nice sites along that road and I spent time exploring the area before returning.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vWqBmnMZVQ6

[biervoormij]

Do you take requests of things to do on your exploring?

 

Since you are in the Chiang Mai area could you try and see how well the Expat Privileges works to enter one of the national parks for free that are on this offer?  Maybe Doi Suthep-Pui National Park since it is in the area.

 

https://expatprivileges.com/deal/8323

 

I want to try and visit some of the parks on offer but don't want to make a long ride to find out it is not really free. Note you only have 24 hours to enter the park after the request or at least that is what I saw when I requested one park.

 

 

 

 

[chrissables]

15 hours ago, biervoormij said:

Do you take requests of things to do on your exploring?

 

Since you are in the Chiang Mai area could you try and see how well the Expat Privileges works to enter one of the national parks for free that are on this offer?  Maybe Doi Suthep-Pui National Park since it is in the area.

 

https://expatprivileges.com/deal/8323

 

I want to try and visit some of the parks on offer but don't want to make a long ride to find out it is not really free. Note you only have 24 hours to enter the park after the request or at least that is what I saw when I requested one park.

 

 

 

 

I'm leaving this morning. 

Riding up Doi Suthep and Doi Pui is free anyway, worth it for the views. If you want off road riding continue past Doi Pui viewpoint and keep going for a few hours

[novacova]

4 hours ago, chrissables said:

I'm leaving this morning.

Safe travels. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your journeys here in the north.

[chrissables]

Today was an easy 120km ride from Chiang Mai to Mae Chaem.

The map is not complete as I forgot to open the app,
I stopped only once to photograph Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand at 2,565 meters. (8,414 feet)

https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvyZdg1PKO

[rhodie]

Have a safe trip back!

[chrissables]

8 hours ago, rhodie said:

Have a safe trip back!

Cheers

[Randell]

Chris your post are the next best thing to being there and riding with you. Thanks again so very much you covered a lot of territory. Well done you intrepid explorer. Have a safe trip home.  I wish you all the best for 2024.

[papa al]

On 1/8/2024 at 7:36 AM, chrissables said:

On 1/7/2024 at 4:23 PM, biervoormij said:

I'm leaving this morning. 

Leaving CM,

... bound for ... ?

[chrissables]

2 hours ago, Randell said:

Chris your post are the next best thing to being there and riding with you. Thanks again so very much you covered a lot of territory. Well done you intrepid explorer. Have a safe trip home.  I wish you all the best for 2024.

Thanks Randell, i am slowly making my way home so still more exploring to be done on the way :)