The 10 Day Northern Thailand Ride (we’ve Returned)

Gregthemagnificent

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If everything goes according to plan, we will be arriving in Chiang Mai Saturday 2 Nov, starting our ride on Sunday. Seven of us this time. Myself, my son Ian, and Terry are from Perth, and the others from the eastern states. Our first night is at the Glur Chiangmai, 200m from C&P Big Bike Rentals.

The chosen bikes are 2 Honda CBX500’s (2019), 3 Suzuki VStrom 650’S, 1 Kawasaki Versis 650, 1 Yamaha MT07.

I’m riding one of the CB500’s as I like it’s compact size and nimbleness. It should be an improvement over the previous model with a bit more suspension travel and a 19” front wheel.




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Got a Fantastic Ride Mapped out there! I would meet up with You Guys but We are heading out tomorrow for the MotoGP in Buriram and won't be back till Tuesday! Have a Fantastic Ride!
 

Gregthemagnificent

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We have arrived

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Picked up the bikes, which are all in great condition with good tyres.

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Headed south west out of town and took the 1013 towards Doi Inthanon, a quiet road and interesting riding, a good alternative to the 1009. We made our way to the 4009 which is a must after reading “Why We Must Ride The 4009 !”. We had some rain, so much of the road was wet, but luckily the steep cement section was dry. moseyed on to Mae Hong Son, staying at the Point Villa. Not sure what the point is, but it is ok.

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Gregthemagnificent

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Day 3 started with the climb on the 1132 to Wiang Haeng, and the fantastic 1178 along the mountain ridge, descending to the Ping river.

We climbed the mountains again close to the Myanmar border on the 1340, stopping at Ban No Lay checking out the military outpost. The road down to Fang is still closed to big bikes. The 1249 decent to Fang was spectacularly steep and fast.

Our accommodation in Fang is the Khunyuw Hotel, challenging to find as it’s out the back of Top Charoen Optical, around the side of the markets. Our dinner was at the Chilli Cafe, nice, and also a karaoke bar.



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DavidFL

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A big ride today, more corners than you can count. We didn't go to Ban Rak Thai, as T erry dented the rims on the Versys and needed a back tube .

Our accommodation is the Chiang Dao Hut. Luckily for us there is more than one of them. We didn’t make it to the cave, but did get to the cave bar.

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55 dented the rim on the Versys... there's a good story there. Where did he hit the hole - on R1263?
 

Gregthemagnificent

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55 dented the rim on the Versys... there's a good story there. Where did he hit the hole - on R1263?
55 dented the rim on the Versys... there's a good story there. Where did he hit the hole - on R1263?

Yes, on the R1263. The bikes in front created dust and he couldn't see the road or hole, going about 60kmph. I''ll take a picture. Lucky the tyre didn't deflate. Now have to pay for two wheels.
 

Gregthemagnificent

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After leaving Fang we detour onto the 1314, passing through the town of many dogs.

We then had coffee and cake at Doi Mae Salong then checked out Khun Sa’s old camp. It started to rain continuously so instead of going back up the mountains, headed to our hotel at the triangle.

Our accommodation the Imperial Golden Triangle Resort, Pythagoras’s favourite hotel.


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Gregthemagnificent

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Riding through Chiang Saen, we were drenched by a massive storm. Dryed out on the 4007 and by the time we passed through Chiang Saen we were hot again.

Took the 4029 up the mountain and checked out the Doi Pha Tang View Point. Then followed the spectacular 1093, ending up in Chiang Kham.

Our accommodation was at the Chiang Kham Grand Villa.Dinner at Rom Mai Sangchan Restaurant , highly recommended.

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Gregthemagnificent

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Deano747

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And I'm jealous. Should be there myself.

It would appear that the bikes from C&P are good - probably get mine from there next time now that TBB don't hire directly.
 
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Gregthemagnificent

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Started the day with the 1148, the to the 1188. Stopped at Wat Tha Fah Tai, then 1251 to Phayao, circumnavigating the lake.

Accommodation was at the Phayao Gateway Hotel, across the road from the Daily Milk restaurant and Room Café.

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Great trip review, looks like you have had some really nice riding road,
that gas station picture is great how they have a papaya tree, a chili bush and it is a shame that the tomato plant did not have any tomatoes sprouting at the time you were there:p:scream::yum
 

DavidFL

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Day 3 started with the climb on the 1132 to Wiang Haeng, and the fantastic 1178 along the mountain ridge, descending to the Ping river.

We climbed the mountains again close to the Myanmar border on the 1340, stopping at Ban No Lay checking out the military outpost. The road down to Fang is still closed to big bikes. The 1249 decent to Fang was spectacularly steep and fast.

Our accommodation in Fang is the Khunyuw Hotel, challenging to find as it’s out the back of Top Charoen Optical, around the side of the markets. Our dinner was at the Chilli Cafe, nice, and also a karaoke bar.

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Looks like you hit the Lisu coffee shop in the tree. A great little group of entrepreneurial gals if there ever was.
Did you try the chocolate brownies there - they are bloody awesome!
 
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Gregthemagnificent

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The tree coffee was good, buy didn't try the brownies, and it's built in eucalyptus gum trees.

My favorite part of the ride was the loop from Nan 1026 , 4010, 1217 and 1216. Has a bit of everything - Busy urban commuting, sweeping corners through undulating hills, road works, nice cafes, tight steep concrete paths, interesting villages, high mountain roads with spectacular views.

Also, I bought a new bike for Australian riding -
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KTM 790 Adventure S