Long time listener, first time caller here.
Fantastic site with lots of great information.
My wife and I will be in Chaing Mai around Oct 23 this year. We'd like to take a 4 day trip on bike on the MSH loop, then back to CM for the festival on the 29th, then maybe over to Chaing Rai for one night.
I was hoping to rent a bike for the two of us and a backpack. This site has excellent references on rentals, accommodation and eats. But still, I have so many question and looking and trust your recommendations.
I haven't ridden for any length of time. Messing around on neighbors bikes when growing up and borrowing a bike in college a few times is about it. About 5 years ago, did take a course in Ohio and got my license, thinking I was going to get a bike and start riding. But then work got in the way and I started traveling...extensively.
So:
1: Is there enough concern for me to not rent and ride in Thailand? I'm only looking for a 250 or so. My wife would be on back. She's ridden quite a bit when growing up, into her late 20s. We're in our mid 40s now.
2: Helmets: I haven't seen anywhere that states they rent helmets. I really would like to bring our own anyway, although we don't have any. On the other hand, I don't want to fork over $300 to buy helmets here unless I know I'm going to buy a bike (eventually it will happen). Are the 'skull cap' helmets ok for 5 days riding?
3: Are mopeds ok for getting out to the site that has the Pi Yeng festival?
Fantastic site with lots of great information.
My wife and I will be in Chaing Mai around Oct 23 this year. We'd like to take a 4 day trip on bike on the MSH loop, then back to CM for the festival on the 29th, then maybe over to Chaing Rai for one night.
I was hoping to rent a bike for the two of us and a backpack. This site has excellent references on rentals, accommodation and eats. But still, I have so many question and looking and trust your recommendations.
I haven't ridden for any length of time. Messing around on neighbors bikes when growing up and borrowing a bike in college a few times is about it. About 5 years ago, did take a course in Ohio and got my license, thinking I was going to get a bike and start riding. But then work got in the way and I started traveling...extensively.
So:
1: Is there enough concern for me to not rent and ride in Thailand? I'm only looking for a 250 or so. My wife would be on back. She's ridden quite a bit when growing up, into her late 20s. We're in our mid 40s now.
2: Helmets: I haven't seen anywhere that states they rent helmets. I really would like to bring our own anyway, although we don't have any. On the other hand, I don't want to fork over $300 to buy helmets here unless I know I'm going to buy a bike (eventually it will happen). Are the 'skull cap' helmets ok for 5 days riding?
3: Are mopeds ok for getting out to the site that has the Pi Yeng festival?