Day Rides, Chiang Rai Bikers

[TacoBoy]

How about considering a ride where all bikes and sizes are welcome.

The 100-125's can go most places also. Of course there are exceptions.

I would have brought my Vespa, but I wasn't able to be in town.

[villagefarang]

How about considering a ride where all bikes and sizes are welcome.

The 100-125's can go most places also. Of course there are exceptions.

I would have brought my Vespa, but I wasn't able to be in town.

Considering yesterday’s range from 100+ up to 1800, I think your request is redundant.

[kandahar]

We went for a ride today. The early birds were treated to pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice before the meet time. 7 bikes, 7 guys, 6 ladies. Slow, relaxed, enjoyable day. Plenty of stopping and wandering around when we needed it. Most of the route was hardtop. A little was dirt and some of that was a bit rough for a street bike. We took our time and navigated it all safely. It was a slow enough trip and decent enough trails that Honda Dreams, Waves, Finos and such would have done okay. It is obvious that the locals run them on the same trails. Hope to get some of the smaller bikes out there next trip.

More pics later.

I think your count is a little bit off there Kandyman. So which one of us guys got counted twice…once in each column?

My wife says that I did count the women incorrectly. 5 attended, not 6. But I think I counted the bikes and guys right, didn't I?

Edited March 1, 2011 by kandahar

[kandahar]

How about considering a ride where all bikes and sizes are welcome.

The 100-125's can go most places also. Of course there are exceptions.

I would have brought my Vespa, but I wasn't able to be in town.

It was open to all. I think most folks understood that. I also think it always will be open to all. In my mind, it isn't a "big bike" thing. More of a social thing.

Maybe you'll be here for the next one.

[lannaman]

The wife REALLY enjoyed the trip. She was glad she didn't drive by herself after seeing the steep ups and downs. But she is already talking about the next trip. Having the other girls along really made the day for her. She's hoping each trip in the future has lots of female company.

I dropped by and took those old paper, met your bro-in-law. Thanks a lot, these pups shit a lot!

I would be interested in your next trip, if you do not disdain a humble Honda Wave!

[ray23]

Didn't read everything just wanted to wish you luck. We have done the same thing in the Udon areas for years. Eventually crested a e-mail list of people and announce rides there.

My suggestion is just sit a time and place to meet up, pick something you want to see and invite others.

Accept right now you won't please everyone and that will take lot of pressure off you.

Personally I like to stay away from formal clubs cause somebody has to be in charge and someone will resent it. Just human nature.

There is no perfect speed to matter who leads he will be to fast for some and to slow for others. Our rides are social activities guys brings their wives Girlfriends ect.

Our is sit up so anyone can post a ride. That will be rare so if you want it take the bull by the horns and sit up a ride. On that ride try to get some ideas for the next one. Try to get someone to give you hand with trip planning ect.

Anyway good luck

Some good points, guy. Thanks. When you coming up for a ride? Some of us are already looking for an excuse next month.

I doubt we will ever have a club. Or a leader. Both imply responsibility and I don't think any of us are interested. That's why we live here.

Speed wasn't an issue today. Most of us just ambled along and the guys who got out ahead and had done it before waited at good spots for the sight-seers (me) and off we all went again. The guys who have done a bit of this already were pretty gracious with those of us who haven't. But they also have their own little groups that get out there from time to time and burn up the highway, so they can have some of that on their own, without guys like me slowing them down. I'm just happy that they made time to go with us today.

It tickles me to think we may just post a ride and route in the future and see who shows. But it could happen. Our way of getting anything done here seems to be lots of opinions, lots of thinking on it and then just kind of committing to the last good idea that came along, if we commit at all. If we ever got organized, it would probably scare people off. The Chiang Rai crowd is a loose group in a lot of aspects.

If you head this way one day, let us know.

I have no idea. But, I am going to go to Sukhothai next month and spend a few days, playing tourist. We will spend a few days there.

Your in fine shape post the ride people will show up.

I think would have had to skip the off road and no way on the bridge LOL

But in the end it doesn't matter people were enjoying themselves and that is what counts.

I usually thry to ride that area every year didn't make this year. My wife is actually from a small village about 60 Klms outside of Chaing Rai.

I'm really happy for you guys. Once a month sounds good we were doing it once a week. Usually during this time of year over nighters where guys would ride up to the a Bike Week Party.

I have spent the year learning to invest so not much time. But, I

'm pretty much at a point so I can put it on Auto Pilot

[kandahar]

The wife REALLY enjoyed the trip. She was glad she didn't drive by herself after seeing the steep ups and downs. But she is already talking about the next trip. Having the other girls along really made the day for her. She's hoping each trip in the future has lots of female company.

I dropped by and took those old paper, met your bro-in-law. Thanks a lot, these pups shit a lot!

I would be interested in your next trip, if you do not disdain a humble Honda Wave!

Waves and such welcome on the trips

I'm hoping you met the wife's nephew and not her youngest brother. If you did meet the BIL, my apologies.

Stop by again when you can. We are usually home.

[jubby]

The wife REALLY enjoyed the trip. She was glad she didn't drive by herself after seeing the steep ups and downs. But she is already talking about the next trip. Having the other girls along really made the day for her. She's hoping each trip in the future has lots of female company.

I dropped by and took those old paper, met your bro-in-law. Thanks a lot, these pups shit a lot!

I would be interested in your next trip, if you do not disdain a humble Honda Wave!

The waves would probably have cut it better than all of us. much lighter and you don't mind the occasional bump . I was slipping with the offroad bike at one stage, wrong gear and mud tyres are not the best in 10 inches of sand

[TacoBoy]

"Considering yesterday’s range from 100+ up to 1800, I think your request is redundant. "

VF, it was reported to be 5 bikes. I don't see any smaller bikes in any of the pic's posted.

I could not attend so I didn't ask about smaller thai street bikes. I think many others may have thought the same that this was a ride geared for the medium and bigger bikes. Just asking for clarification for the next time, not ridicule from the likes of VF.

How about some bike porn...

[raylo]

How about considering a ride where all bikes and sizes are welcome.

The 100-125's can go most places also. Of course there are exceptions.

I would have brought my Vespa, but I wasn't able to be in town.

It was open to all. I think most folks understood that. I also think it always will be open to all. In my mind, it isn't a "big bike" thing. More of a social thing.

Maybe you'll be here for the next one.

With the expat gene pool in Thailand being limited in numbers and then considering the amount that can get off their collective rears, make the time or what have you then considering the size of Chiang Rai we did OK.

Just think: In Pattaya 95% of the expats are ex MI6 / CIA / SAS etc. (just ask them but poor gene pool examples) They would have the skills and the training to run the tracks with bikes on their shoulders but with its large population how many times do they do what we just did?

The point to be made is compromise. The size of the bike small or large plus the people riding them is the true nature of us getting together. I would not like to have riddena Vespa with such small wheels yesterday. What about where the boards were missing on the bridge?

WHile I cannot speak for all participants in general I would not take my bike on such dirt tracks and similar bridges without a very compelling reason again. Crazy as it may sound it became safer to go forward than to turn around. My fault not hearing Svenians statement that the dirt was kilometres long but Jubby confirmed my hearing difficulties.

That is where an outing has to be considered for all participants.

Roadworks are the bane of motorcyclists the world over so cannot be a compelling deciding factor though must be considerd.

[raylo]

"Considering yesterday’s range from 100+ up to 1800, I think your request is redundant. "

VF, it was reported to be 5 bikes. I don't see any smaller bikes in any of the pic's posted.

I could not attend so I didn't ask about smaller thai street bikes. I think many others may have thought the same that this was a ride geared for the medium and bigger bikes. Just asking for clarification for the next time, not ridicule from the likes of VF.

How about some bike porn...

No ridicule in my eyes. Just an obvious statement.

[kandahar]

"Considering yesterday's range from 100+ up to 1800, I think your request is redundant. "

VF, it was reported to be 5 bikes. I don't see any smaller bikes in any of the pic's posted.

I could not attend so I didn't ask about smaller thai street bikes. I think many others may have thought the same that this was a ride geared for the medium and bigger bikes. Just asking for clarification for the next time, not ridicule from the likes of VF.

How about some bike porn...

Here is a post from earlier. All sizes of bikes were welcome and I am sure we will have a bigger variety next time, especially when folks realize that it isn't a die-hard ride.

Anyway, what was written in this thread earlier is:

Posted 2011-02-19 19:58:45

Looks like we have settled on a date and time that will suit some. Monday, the 28th Feb., 10:00 a.m. We will head for the hot springs, out past Don's cafe. It was suggested that we do not meet in town because of all of the traffic and traffic lights, but instead to meet near my place, which is on the way out of town, headed towards the springs. There is a big shade tree across the street from my house. Looks like a good place to meet. I'm in the Den Haa area, just off the old CM highway. PM for details if you don't know where I live.

Any suggestions or input welcome. Other than that, we'll see any of you there that choose to go along. Bikes of all sizes welcome. Again, it isn't a race. Looks like we have four confirmed at this time.

[TacoBoy]

KD< all I asked for was clarification for the next time. I went back thru the posts and found your statment that all bikes were welcome when you confirmed the event.

My bad for not seeing it. But not welcome for ridicule from others for asking clarity for any future rides.

No smaller bikes that VF mentioned were in any pic's posted. And the total of bikes was put at 5-7.

I did not make issue of this. VF did and decided to be condescending.

Your OP said:

Posted 2011-02-15 20:58:02 "Several people have mentioned that they would like to find a group of laid-back biker types to do some day rides once a month or so."

This set the tone of the discussion for laid back biker types to get together.

BTW, I am joking about a Vespa

Edited March 1, 2011 by TacoBoy

[jubby]

I didn't actually realise you were really struggling Raylo. As I say you'd already made it across the bridge before I arrived. We man handled the phantoms into place first and then sort of walked them across relatively easy. While possibly not SAS and MI6 we did have atleast one Military engineer who could have been called upon to improvise something. that goes for the holes in the bridge too. Or we could have simply assisted . VF was off too before I could offer any help, so I assumed he didn't struggle too. I guess it was the actual sheer weight of the Harley that made the bridge crossing difficult if not a little dangerous.

my appologies as I did actually suggest the route not sven. I thought we'd 'suck it and see' check out the bridge and then maybe turn round if it was too difficult. Thats what I suggested but maybe it was lost on the wind. anyway, Next time , I suggest we all get together for 5 mins before the ride and checkout the Map. Give us all a clearer picture. No hard feelings I hope

Edited March 1, 2011 by jubby

[raylo]

I didn't actually realise you were really struggling Raylo. As I say you'd already made it across the bridge before I arrived. We man handled the phantoms into place first and then sort of walked them across relatively easy. While possibly not SAS and MI6 we did have atleast one Military engineer who could have been called upon to improvise something. that goes for the holes in the bridge too. Or we could have simply assisted . VF was off too before I could offer any help, so I assumed he didn't struggle too. I guess it was the actual sheer weight of the Harley that made the bridge crossing difficult if not a little dangerous.

my appologies as I did actually suggest the route not sven. I thought we'd 'suck it and see' check out the bridge and then maybe turn round if it was too difficult. Thats what I suggested but maybe it was lost on the wind. anyway, Next time , I suggest we all get together for 5 mins before the ride and checkout the Map. Give us all a clearer picture. No hard feelings I hope

Hi no real struggle. Been there done that though as I said the course was more suited to my trail bike which would have pissed it in.

Definitely no hard feelings for any reason. I just had no intention of turning around. 2 up the Harley is over 500kG

and I could not afford to take the chance of using the brakes uphill or downhill. The motor torque could slow down a

Vigo but the gearing meant we had to take certain sections at a higher speed than I would normally consider.

Going across the bridge I was not prepared to stop again because of the weight. Where the boards were missing I just went for the stringers and hoped there

were no exposed nails. If I went faster than super slow the bridge swaying was pushing me to the "railings"

Worry wise would be dropping it and having to pay the insurance excess. Harley knows how to charge so I cant imagine any damage incurred in

our travels yesterday costing less than the excess which is high. Of course going through the bridge would have been interesting.

Cu next time

[kandahar]

KD< all I asked for was clarification for the next time. I went back thru the posts and found your statment that all bikes were welcome when you confirmed the event.

My bad for not seeing it. But not welcome for ridicule from others for asking clarity for any future rides.

No smaller bikes that VF mentioned were in any pic's posted. And the total of bikes was put at 5-7.

I did not make issue of this. VF did and decided to be condescending.

Your OP said:

Posted 2011-02-15 20:58:02 "Several people have mentioned that they would like to find a group of laid-back biker types to do some day rides once a month or so."

This set the tone of the discussion for laid back biker types to get together.

BTW, I am joking about a Vespa

Yeah, that bit about what styles of bikes should be clarified in the future. Different people have different perceptions. Hopefully, whoever makes the move on the next ride will be more specific. In person, with a few other people, I even invited them along as car and pickup participants. The thing really shouldn't be limited to motorcyclists. But if those people had gone on this one, they sure wouldn't have crossed the river where we did. But then again, Sven probably would have led us on a different route. Sightseeing and social time are the reason for the meet. Can see just as much from a small truck as from a motorcycle and probably, have a little more time to look around as you drive. Some of the route demanded the full attention of the bike operator, whereas the truck operator wouldn't have been too restricted. Hopefully, we'll get some routes in the future that accommodate all, in addition to the routes that add a little excitement for bikers only.

There were 7 bikes.

Two dirt bikes, Honda and Kawasaki, dunno the cc

Two Phantoms, 200 cc

One CBR 150- (I think it is a 150)

One Ninja, dunno the cc

And then, of course, that old wreck that raylo showed up on, 1,800 cc

So, seven total.

Any style of bike would have made it and kept up. From what I could see, raylo's bike did fine, thanks to his handling of it. Whether or not it was made for such routes, he made it look natural easing along the trials with us. And yes, had he decided not to cross the bridge and instead return via the route we had entered on, he would have had his work cut out for him and the bike. Some of the stuff was steep enough that in places, we more or less slid down, instead of rolling down.

My phantom bottomed out onto the skid plate a couple of times but that could have been prevented had I just slowed down a bit more and hit the little ridges at an angle. But, was moving slowly anyway and no harm done. I would do the same route again on the Phantom. In fact, I'm looking forward to it.

Edited March 1, 2011 by kandahar

[lannaman]

"Considering yesterday's range from 100+ up to 1800, I think your request is redundant. "

VF, it was reported to be 5 bikes. I don't see any smaller bikes in any of the pic's posted.

I could not attend so I didn't ask about smaller thai street bikes. I think many others may have thought the same that this was a ride geared for the medium and bigger bikes. Just asking for clarification for the next time, not ridicule from the likes of VF.

How about some bike porn...

Got the old fella interested and ready for some erotica there for a moment!

Edited March 1, 2011 by lannaman

[TacoBoy]

Somehow I knew the term "bike Porn" would get lannaman's motor roaring

Ms Taco and her clan combined have a Honda 70, A Mini Trail (unknow cc), Bell 80, and I think that little rattle trap is a Vespa with a spare tire carrier

If Raylo got a flat tire crossing that bridge, the Vespa might have come in handy with that spare tire.

I think a few of us carry our own "spare tire" anyhow.

Edited March 1, 2011 by TacoBoy

[woralak]

Well i think it's all been said but i thought i'd put in a few words.

First of all let me thank all of you for the great time we had on the CR mystery bike tour, special thanks to Kd for being so accommodating (b/fast was ace).

For us (missus and self) it was our first outing as a group and what a group, we really enjoyed the day and your company, great ride (bit hairy) at times, but it was well worth the scary parts, (when is the next one), well how about coming over to our neck of the woods, (Chiang Khong), we could maybe do Phoo chia fa or any other suggestions over this way, my place for a bit of b/fast then pick up (Raylo), en route and (Sven) ofcourse, anyway i'll get in touch with them first and see what we can come up with, if we finish the day off with a few bevys and some music (old stuff) at my place, if you dont mind roughing it you could doss here or there are many places to book in for the night in CK, these are just thoughts at the moment but i will call raylo and see what can be done.

Again thanks for your friendship and your company, a great day great banter not forgetting the friendly chickens, the food at the (wet dream guest house) was for me fresh and very tasty (hope it wasn't the friendly chicken), it could have been, because it was so fresh, great stuff we gotta do this kinda thing once a month for sure.

Have a bit of a jep dude today but hey what an experience.

Cheers All.

[kandahar]

Great pics!

[villagefarang]

Big words, whether appropriate or not, equal ridicule. I’ll try and remember that when composing future communiqué for this illustrious and distinguished assemblage.

[scorpio1945]

"Considering yesterday's range from 100+ up to 1800, I think your request is redundant. "

VF, it was reported to be 5 bikes. I don't see any smaller bikes in any of the pic's posted.

I could not attend so I didn't ask about smaller thai street bikes. I think many others may have thought the same that this was a ride geared for the medium and bigger bikes. Just asking for clarification for the next time, not ridicule from the likes of VF.

How about some bike porn...

Actually the smallest bike was a 150 i.e. CBR150R.:jap:

[villagefarang]

"Considering yesterday's range from 100+ up to 1800, I think your request is redundant. "

VF, it was reported to be 5 bikes. I don't see any smaller bikes in any of the pic's posted.

I could not attend so I didn't ask about smaller thai street bikes. I think many others may have thought the same that this was a ride geared for the medium and bigger bikes. Just asking for clarification for the next time, not ridicule from the likes of VF.

How about some bike porn...

Actually the smallest bike was a 150 i.e. CBR150R.:jap:

I wasn’t sure if the other Kwaker was a 125 or a 250. I have seen both advertised but neglected to give Jubby’s bike a closer inspection. I knew yours was a 150. I’m guessing the other dirt bike was a 250, then. The Phantoms are 200 of course but with less power than your 150.

The Ninja is a 650, but it was in first and second gear most of the ride. Did manage to touch third a couple of times. At that speed, anything relying on a motor as opposed to legs could have kept up.

[woralak]

Great pics!

Thanks Kd, can't take the credit though, i passed your approval on to the better half.

[scorpio1945]

I enjoyed the ride but admit some parts were a bit of a challenge. I am very glad I did not bring my back seat partner as she by no means enjoys a challenge. I would still have her fingernail impressions in my side if she had gone. The camaraderie was first rate. :jap: Still can't believe that big boy HD made it the whole way. Kudos. Till the next one.

[jubby]

Big words, whether appropriate or not, equal ridicule. I’ll try and remember that when composing future communiqué for this illustrious and distinguished assemblage.

Angry with the world today VF !. or just misunderstood

hey, Woralak . 'Jep Dude' is that like 'Jep Toot' ? Like they say 'Bear with a Sore Ass' !?

we should be thinking about the next route. Woralak mentions the chiang khong and puu chi faa. can make a nice long or short circular route. And all Tarmac (the last time I looked) so should be ok for all. the bit over doi yaow or whatever its called could be a problem as its seriously steep. Its a spectacular view but not without its risk.

I also think we have missed the riding season, its getting far too hot in the afternoons now. Maybe we can have a support vehicle next time with Aircon for some of the ladies , also allow us to do the tricky bits solo. My Kids will be off school for the next trip, so maybe I'll be the support vehicle. may even do an over nighter.

There are just so many routes up here, does everyone have a copy of the GT-Rider golden triangle map ? thats the place to start looking if you are thinking of planning a route.

Edited March 2, 2011 by jubby

[woralak]

Big words, whether appropriate or not, equal ridicule. I’ll try and remember that when composing future communiqué for this illustrious and distinguished assemblage.

Angry with the world today VF !. or just misunderstood

hey, Woralak . 'Jep Dude' is that like 'Jep Toot' ? Like they say 'Bear with a Sore Ass' !?

we should be thinking about the next route. Woralak mentions the chiang khong and puu chi faa. can make a nice long or short circular route. And all Tarmac (the last time I looked) so should be ok for all. the bit over doi yaow or whatever its called could be a problem as its seriously steep. Its a spectacular view but not without its risk.

I also think we have missed the riding season, its getting far too hot in the afternoons now. Maybe we can have a support vehicle next time with Aircon for some of the ladies , also allow us to do the tricky bits solo. My Kids will be off school for the next trip, so maybe I'll be the support vehicle. may even do an over nighter.

There are just so many routes up here, does everyone have a copy of the GT-Rider golden triangle map ? thats the place to start looking if you are thinking of planning a route.

Thanks for the back up Jubbs, another poster seems to think that big words and a negative response is more fitting, (no names no pack drill) i write from the heart and talk out my mouth, anyway we still have time to check out the route for the next trip if it is to be puu chi faa, we dont have to meet in CK and it doesn't have to be a sleep over it was just a thought and i was trying to be accommondating to those who wated to stay over.

I can't comment on the state of the roads as i haven't used them in years, maybe Raylo would be in a better position to add something on this or maybe Sven, we could even meet up in Toeng.

There are many ways to go to puu chi faa and some of the roads as i remember are best avoided, again i'm sure someone will have a better feedback about this.

Sorry to see there has been a little squabbling going on after our first trip, i don't think what size of bike you ride is a factor, it's all about enjoying the day and meeting up old/new friends, although size is important (or so they say) when deciding on the route to take, some of us that have smaller machines would find it a bit of a struggle to cope with some of the steep inclines, again we have time on our side to make sure it is doable for everyone that wants to come along and hopefully enjoy the the day.

[bsacbob]

Big words, whether appropriate or not, equal ridicule. I'll try and remember that when composing future communiqué for this illustrious and distinguished assemblage.

Angry with the world today VF !. or just misunderstood

hey, Woralak . 'Jep Dude' is that like 'Jep Toot' ? Like they say 'Bear with a Sore Ass' !?

we should be thinking about the next route. Woralak mentions the chiang khong and puu chi faa. can make a nice long or short circular route. And all Tarmac (the last time I looked) so should be ok for all. the bit over doi yaow or whatever its called could be a problem as its seriously steep. Its a spectacular view but not without its risk.

I also think we have missed the riding season, its getting far too hot in the afternoons now. Maybe we can have a support vehicle next time with Aircon for some of the ladies , also allow us to do the tricky bits solo. My Kids will be off school for the next trip, so maybe I'll be the support vehicle. may even do an over nighter.

There are just so many routes up here, does everyone have a copy of the GT-Rider golden triangle map ? thats the place to start looking if you are thinking of planning a route.

Thanks for the back up Jubbs, another poster seems to think that big words and a negative response is more fitting, (no names no pack drill) i write from the heart and talk out my mouth, anyway we still have time to check out the route for the next trip if it is to be puu chi faa, we dont have to meet in CK and it doesn't have to be a sleep over it was just a thought and i was trying to be accommondating to those who wated to stay over.

I can't comment on the state of the roads as i haven't used them in years, maybe Raylo would be in a better position to add something on this or maybe Sven, we could even meet up in Toeng.

There are many ways to go to puu chi faa and some of the roads as i remember are best avoided, again i'm sure someone will have a better feedback about this.

Sorry to see there has been a little squabbling going on after our first trip, i don't think what size of bike you ride is a factor, it's all about enjoying the day and meeting up old/new friends, although size is important (or so they say) when deciding on the route to take, some of us that have smaller machines would find it a bit of a struggle to cope with some of the steep inclines, again we have time on our side to make sure it is doable for everyone that wants to come along and hopefully enjoy the the day.

To put it simply "it's not the destination but the ride that matters" looks like for the most part you had FUN and that's what counts, maybe i will show up next time and bring my Tupperware scooter on steroids .

[villagefarang]

Bike type and size is a genuine concern for all but the tamest of rides, as is riding experience. If it is about the ride then things need to be evenly matched. If it is about the destination and getting together, then care must still be taken to include everyone and make it enjoyable for all.

Having arguably the most aggressive bike on the ride the other day, I took it upon myself to play sweeper up to the point where the leader stopped to wait for us. I didn’t want anyone getting dropped, as happened on a previous ride, I’m told.

Bowing to Raylo’s greater riding experience, I figured if he was willing to risk his very expensive piece of equipment, riding 2-up on that dirt track, then I would try to follow his line to the best of my ability. If he had pulled the plug at any point, I would have bailed too.

I really had no business taking my street bike on the dirt track, but as happens in group rides, people are sometimes pressed to do things they shouldn’t. I feel we were quite lucky that no one came off or damaged their bikes.

As for distance, for a few of us the ride into town (oneway) was much further than the group ride itself. That would be very uncomfortable on a scooter and at scooter speeds. If you want smaller bikes to join the group then I would suggest close to town so they won’t be put in a similar position.

There are many reservoirs and waterfalls within a short riding distance that don’t require off-road bikes. Even nearby mountains like Doi Mae Salong and Doi Tung might be too far and too dangerous for many riders unless the leaders were very careful to gauge the pace.

[kandahar]

Bike type and size is a genuine concern for all but the tamest of rides, as is riding experience. If it is about the ride then things need to be evenly matched. If it is about the destination and getting together, then care must still be taken to include everyone and make it enjoyable for all.

Having arguably the most aggressive bike on the ride the other day, I took it upon myself to play sweeper up to the point where the leader stopped to wait for us. I didn't want anyone getting dropped, as happened on a previous ride, I'm told.

Bowing to Raylo's greater riding experience, I figured if he was willing to risk his very expensive piece of equipment, riding 2-up on that dirt track, then I would try to follow his line to the best of my ability. If he had pulled the plug at any point, I would have bailed too.

I really had no business taking my street bike on the dirt track, but as happens in group rides, people are sometimes pressed to do things they shouldn't. I feel we were quite lucky that no one came off or damaged their bikes.

As for distance, for a few of us the ride into town (oneway) was much further than the group ride itself. That would be very uncomfortable on a scooter and at scooter speeds. If you want smaller bikes to join the group then I would suggest close to town so they won't be put in a similar position.

There are many reservoirs and waterfalls within a short riding distance that don't require off-road bikes. Even nearby mountains like Doi Mae Salong and Doi Tung might be too far and too dangerous for many riders unless the leaders were very careful to gauge the pace.

Good points, no doubt. I guess once the route is published, people will decide if that ride is for them or not.

The woralak ride will be a VERY long one for me and my butt. I'll probably have to go a day early and spend the night in a cheap hotel. But if he is going to take the lead on the ride, I'll be there. Thanks, woralak, for stepping up.

I suspect VF was more trails in mind than any of us. I'm looking forward to some of those as well. But I gotta say, guys, for me, the "day ride" theme sounds good. I don't ride that often, so my my butt starts to complain after not too many kilos. If anyone chooses a route that doesn't have enough breaks in it, I'll attend, but probably won't stay with the group the entire way. I'm kinda old for this stuff.