The morning was spent in a pretty frusrating way by trying to find a oplace in Chiang mai to sell me some lighter gloves as my heavy ones are not good and i have sunburnt hands. I eventually left Chiang Mai and found a hardware shop in Doi Suket to sell me a pair which 'almost' fit. From Doi suket I went back to the main highway and basically followed that all the way to Chiang Rai. On route I was overtaken by a couple of motor cycles which proved to be BJ and HT on their way north, although I didn't know it at the time. I stopped for lunch and at a small roadside cafe and as I left they were a few meters down the road having theirs. Closer to Chiang Rai I pulled in for petrol and sure enough there they were again. I thought i had better let them know I did not have them under surveilance and that's when we met.
We eventually met again at the Chiang Rai hotel and checked in for what I consider a very reasonable rate of 450 baht a night. Liam went for a run and I joined Brendon on the rooftop bar for a cold beer.
Evening time we went to town and found a decent small bar with the racing on TV and spent a nice evening together sharing stories.
Following morning I felt a bit seedy but wanted an earlyish start. I called Liam to let him know and was pleased to hear he sounded far worse than me. Brendons bike had gone so I presume he had left early.
I prepared for Mai Sai and as far as I know they went home.
As you will see from the track, I did my usual trick and set off in the wrong direction, but at always I found a lovely small village with very friendly and helpful people. I organised a bit of breakfast. I had hoped to follow a more minor road north but with a big day ahead I went back to Chian Rai and took the right road this time. North to Mai Chan and all the way to Mai Sai. Had a giood look around the border crossing area and chatted ot an american guy who was doing his regular border run. We discussed the various methods of keeping the feeling in your backside when riding! Had a Ice Coffee in a small cafe then tool off towards Golden Triangle by what I assume is the traditional route. Got there early afternoon and checked out the sights and stretching the legs a bit.
Down to Nam Man Bong and I had intended going on to Chiang Khong but being a bit unsure of the travelling time, and my commitment to not ride after dark, I pulled the pin on this idea and headed south to Doi Luang and home.
A great day and again, some beautiful scenery. With so much riding and new experiences I am getting a bit confused as to what I saw on what day, so I won't even try to sort the photos out.
Back for a shower and a walk to town to check out the night bazzar, couple of cold ones in the same bar as the night before and an early night for the long journey home.
Selection of photos
Out following one of the back alleys I like to explore I found a lovely spot but the rough road was not good for my bike as it turned to wet dirt. I stopped to take in the area and heard the sound of a motor bike coming out of the bush towards me. I imagined it was a farmer or something like then it got louder and out of the bush flew these four guys motocrossing. They stopped and we talked a bit, they had a good laugh at my tyres then took off like maniacs.
How can you NOT take a photo when you see this
Stopped for 'afternoon tea' with these guys. They taught me to eat the fish on the stick with a lot of salt on it. The old girl on the first picture arrived whilst I was eating and she was not aware that I had dropped my trousers to let the air get to my legs (I did have shorts on though) and when I stood up she started on about something which created a lot of laughuing from everyone there. I suspect she was impressed by my muscular physique...........or maybe not
Selection of other pics in no specific order
Purple dog at the night bazzar
Next day to follow
We eventually met again at the Chiang Rai hotel and checked in for what I consider a very reasonable rate of 450 baht a night. Liam went for a run and I joined Brendon on the rooftop bar for a cold beer.
Evening time we went to town and found a decent small bar with the racing on TV and spent a nice evening together sharing stories.
Following morning I felt a bit seedy but wanted an earlyish start. I called Liam to let him know and was pleased to hear he sounded far worse than me. Brendons bike had gone so I presume he had left early.
I prepared for Mai Sai and as far as I know they went home.
As you will see from the track, I did my usual trick and set off in the wrong direction, but at always I found a lovely small village with very friendly and helpful people. I organised a bit of breakfast. I had hoped to follow a more minor road north but with a big day ahead I went back to Chian Rai and took the right road this time. North to Mai Chan and all the way to Mai Sai. Had a giood look around the border crossing area and chatted ot an american guy who was doing his regular border run. We discussed the various methods of keeping the feeling in your backside when riding! Had a Ice Coffee in a small cafe then tool off towards Golden Triangle by what I assume is the traditional route. Got there early afternoon and checked out the sights and stretching the legs a bit.
Down to Nam Man Bong and I had intended going on to Chiang Khong but being a bit unsure of the travelling time, and my commitment to not ride after dark, I pulled the pin on this idea and headed south to Doi Luang and home.
A great day and again, some beautiful scenery. With so much riding and new experiences I am getting a bit confused as to what I saw on what day, so I won't even try to sort the photos out.
Back for a shower and a walk to town to check out the night bazzar, couple of cold ones in the same bar as the night before and an early night for the long journey home.
Selection of photos
Out following one of the back alleys I like to explore I found a lovely spot but the rough road was not good for my bike as it turned to wet dirt. I stopped to take in the area and heard the sound of a motor bike coming out of the bush towards me. I imagined it was a farmer or something like then it got louder and out of the bush flew these four guys motocrossing. They stopped and we talked a bit, they had a good laugh at my tyres then took off like maniacs.
How can you NOT take a photo when you see this
Stopped for 'afternoon tea' with these guys. They taught me to eat the fish on the stick with a lot of salt on it. The old girl on the first picture arrived whilst I was eating and she was not aware that I had dropped my trousers to let the air get to my legs (I did have shorts on though) and when I stood up she started on about something which created a lot of laughuing from everyone there. I suspect she was impressed by my muscular physique...........or maybe not
Selection of other pics in no specific order
Purple dog at the night bazzar
Next day to follow
So a bit of catch up sleep was due. 
