bsacbob
Administrator (Retired)
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2012
- Location
- Chiang Rai
- Bikes
- Honda CRM-AR 250, Honda CRF 250-L, Suzuki V Strom XT 650 Honda XR250 Baja BMW F650GS
January not only is one of the cooler months with some breathtaking scenery, but it also marks the start of the burning season and the smoke and haze that comes with it. That being the case 4 of use decided to get out and ride some of the lesser-known roads to join the dots to make an epic ride.
The bikes, firstly the heavyweights, Suzuki V Strom, Honda Africa Twin DCT, Yamaha MT07 and Ktm 390 Duke.
Underway from Chaing Rai first off was the big dipper 4018, short but still, lots of fun.
The pine tree's marking the 1000 m mark.
The viewpoint for a quick pull over, Jamie noticed he was losing pressure on his rear tyre, this was to the first of many pit stops.
Back underway and the descent into the valley.
Personally i think the roads rides a lot better in the opposite direction unless you're a fan of downhill hairpins.
The lead riders way off in the distance.
Making the turn south on the 1155, 1093 and the curves went on and on.
Sadly the fun stop but only briefly as we hit farm traffic and the road surface north of Phu Sang was badly broken in places, the MT 07's stiffer suspension was not happy.
Back on the smooth stuff and Steve was off like a rat up a pipe.
Obligatory stop at the waterfall, I did notice the campsite area is now remodelled so on my camping list again, brief Pork & Sticky rice lunch and head off to meet Darryl at the head of the 1148.
Couldn't have timed it better Darryl had only arrived a few moments earlier, now we are 4.
Pleasant enough ride on the 1148 ( not my favourite of roads ) and a coffee break at Magic Mountain as Jamie admired the views.
Darryl smiling as always.
A pattern quickly emerged on the bigger sweeping corners the heavyweights held their own, on the twisties it was a different story as the lighter bikes blasted away.
Now on the Bo Klua loop, maybe one of the best roads in the area.
Picture time at the 1715 m marker point.
Sadly the view already obscured by a smokey haze.
Anyone who has done this loop will certainly remember this super hairpin as you drop down to Bo Klua.
Some great sweepers to bring a smile to all riders.
Jamie hauling the AT around some of the tighter corners.
As one would expect water levels at an all-time low in this area.
Back on the fun stuff, some spirited riding had us scraping the footpegs on the 1081.
The bailey bridges are still in place after several years, puts a halt to proceedings.
But not for long as the corners keep coming.
Stopover for a coffee at the Atlas Nan Coffee shop N18.97674° E100.96695°
The place is gaining a great reputation and all manner of tourist type goodies on offer.
These girls skiving away from school for a photoshoot
What a great first day, no better way to end it than a few cold beers and burgers at Crossroads Nan N18.78523° E100.78117°. Day 1 and 412 km covered in a little over 11 hours.
That night we stayed in the BW ( Baan Nai Weang Hotel ) N18.77890° E100.76999° with still some of the most comfortable beds in Thailand, 700 baht a night with a light Thai breakfast on offer.
Next morning it was briefly south on the 101 then onto the spectacular 1162
The lads wasted no time in carving up the corners and this amazing stretch of road.
The fun comes to an end as we reach the village of Nam Muap N18.48411° E100.93431° from here the 1263 south on paper looks like a fantastic road, unfortunately, that's where it ends its a pretty bad shape in sections allowing myself and Jamie on the heavier machines make light work of the poor surface, Steve and Darryl not having the best of times, but there is little alternative unless you want to double back at Nam Muap.
Several stops along the way so the others could catch up and bend my ears on my route choice, it would soon end and the smiles would briefly return.
Looks innocent enough but almost every corner was broken or covered in sand and gravel.
Coming to the 1123 junction and a fantastic viewing area.
Once through this junction thigs improved a lot and the guys sped off again.
Some great corners along the 1123 as we made our way south.
Spirit house adorned with dresses, never seen that before in SE Asia.
Heading south on the 1047 to Nam Pat and turning to the Sirikit ferry point
Already the whole area is dry as a bone and several fires are breaking out as far as you could see.
Quick drink stop at the local market, it was surprisingly hot in this area.
The Sirikit wow the water was low, very low.
Jamie and pump up time again, it turned out the taping from his Tubeless conversion was not fitted correctly and was the cause of the leak.
Our chariot soon arrived
Quickly aboard all safe and sound.
The journey takes a little over 15 minutes, we relaxed as a nice breeze swept over the water.
Jamie and engineer admiring the simplicity of the ferry.
Prices have risen sharply they now charge 150 each for motorcycles.
Back on terra-firma and the wonderful 1339 still a delight to ride.
Stopped at the 10,000 Mile Cafe, we didn't bother with the "Fairy Coffee" so had a beer instead.
We headed north on the 1026 and i would disappoint the speeders once again as we turned into the 2051 and more broken roads heading towards Na Noi.
Fantastic views as the sun began to set, we needed to press on to reach our hotel before darkness.
We flew over the 1216 in good time to reach the 101
On the new completed 101 as the sun set.
We checked into the Phum Buri Hotel, great vale at 490 baht a night N18.33665° E100.31633° it has a great restaurant out front so bikes can be safely put away for the night. Another great day 377 km in just over 10 hours.
That morning we hit the 101 heading back to Nan, where Jamie and Steve went their sperate ways.
We completed the trip on the 1091, totally devoid of traffic it was a joy to ride.
Arrived back in Chiang Rai having covered 1100 km, a great ride with a knowledgable bunch of guys, no pissing contest required just good fun, till next time.
The bikes, firstly the heavyweights, Suzuki V Strom, Honda Africa Twin DCT, Yamaha MT07 and Ktm 390 Duke.
Underway from Chaing Rai first off was the big dipper 4018, short but still, lots of fun.
The pine tree's marking the 1000 m mark.
The viewpoint for a quick pull over, Jamie noticed he was losing pressure on his rear tyre, this was to the first of many pit stops.
Back underway and the descent into the valley.
Personally i think the roads rides a lot better in the opposite direction unless you're a fan of downhill hairpins.
The lead riders way off in the distance.
Making the turn south on the 1155, 1093 and the curves went on and on.
Sadly the fun stop but only briefly as we hit farm traffic and the road surface north of Phu Sang was badly broken in places, the MT 07's stiffer suspension was not happy.
Back on the smooth stuff and Steve was off like a rat up a pipe.
Obligatory stop at the waterfall, I did notice the campsite area is now remodelled so on my camping list again, brief Pork & Sticky rice lunch and head off to meet Darryl at the head of the 1148.
Couldn't have timed it better Darryl had only arrived a few moments earlier, now we are 4.
Pleasant enough ride on the 1148 ( not my favourite of roads ) and a coffee break at Magic Mountain as Jamie admired the views.
Darryl smiling as always.
A pattern quickly emerged on the bigger sweeping corners the heavyweights held their own, on the twisties it was a different story as the lighter bikes blasted away.
Now on the Bo Klua loop, maybe one of the best roads in the area.
Picture time at the 1715 m marker point.
Sadly the view already obscured by a smokey haze.
Anyone who has done this loop will certainly remember this super hairpin as you drop down to Bo Klua.
Some great sweepers to bring a smile to all riders.
Jamie hauling the AT around some of the tighter corners.
As one would expect water levels at an all-time low in this area.
Back on the fun stuff, some spirited riding had us scraping the footpegs on the 1081.
The bailey bridges are still in place after several years, puts a halt to proceedings.
But not for long as the corners keep coming.
Stopover for a coffee at the Atlas Nan Coffee shop N18.97674° E100.96695°
The place is gaining a great reputation and all manner of tourist type goodies on offer.
These girls skiving away from school for a photoshoot
What a great first day, no better way to end it than a few cold beers and burgers at Crossroads Nan N18.78523° E100.78117°. Day 1 and 412 km covered in a little over 11 hours.
That night we stayed in the BW ( Baan Nai Weang Hotel ) N18.77890° E100.76999° with still some of the most comfortable beds in Thailand, 700 baht a night with a light Thai breakfast on offer.
Next morning it was briefly south on the 101 then onto the spectacular 1162
The lads wasted no time in carving up the corners and this amazing stretch of road.
The fun comes to an end as we reach the village of Nam Muap N18.48411° E100.93431° from here the 1263 south on paper looks like a fantastic road, unfortunately, that's where it ends its a pretty bad shape in sections allowing myself and Jamie on the heavier machines make light work of the poor surface, Steve and Darryl not having the best of times, but there is little alternative unless you want to double back at Nam Muap.
Several stops along the way so the others could catch up and bend my ears on my route choice, it would soon end and the smiles would briefly return.
Looks innocent enough but almost every corner was broken or covered in sand and gravel.
Coming to the 1123 junction and a fantastic viewing area.
Once through this junction thigs improved a lot and the guys sped off again.
Some great corners along the 1123 as we made our way south.
Spirit house adorned with dresses, never seen that before in SE Asia.
Heading south on the 1047 to Nam Pat and turning to the Sirikit ferry point
Already the whole area is dry as a bone and several fires are breaking out as far as you could see.
Quick drink stop at the local market, it was surprisingly hot in this area.
The Sirikit wow the water was low, very low.
Jamie and pump up time again, it turned out the taping from his Tubeless conversion was not fitted correctly and was the cause of the leak.
Our chariot soon arrived
Quickly aboard all safe and sound.
The journey takes a little over 15 minutes, we relaxed as a nice breeze swept over the water.
Jamie and engineer admiring the simplicity of the ferry.
Prices have risen sharply they now charge 150 each for motorcycles.
Back on terra-firma and the wonderful 1339 still a delight to ride.
Stopped at the 10,000 Mile Cafe, we didn't bother with the "Fairy Coffee" so had a beer instead.
We headed north on the 1026 and i would disappoint the speeders once again as we turned into the 2051 and more broken roads heading towards Na Noi.
Fantastic views as the sun began to set, we needed to press on to reach our hotel before darkness.
We flew over the 1216 in good time to reach the 101
On the new completed 101 as the sun set.
We checked into the Phum Buri Hotel, great vale at 490 baht a night N18.33665° E100.31633° it has a great restaurant out front so bikes can be safely put away for the night. Another great day 377 km in just over 10 hours.
That morning we hit the 101 heading back to Nan, where Jamie and Steve went their sperate ways.
We completed the trip on the 1091, totally devoid of traffic it was a joy to ride.
Arrived back in Chiang Rai having covered 1100 km, a great ride with a knowledgable bunch of guys, no pissing contest required just good fun, till next time.
...............im familiar with alot of them roads 
