Hi Ray,
I will join you on this one at Nong Bua Lamphu. Guess if you leave at 9.15, you will be at NBL by 9.45i to 10.00ish. I will find a convenient fuel station or something where I can see you passing. Just checked Thinknet, second station on the left, just after the 228 turn, is Esso. I will be there.
I think even my lucky waterproofs will not stop a bit of rain on this one, but nice countryside.
Cheers,
John