2wheels
Community Manager
2nd December 2020
That’s what we said to each other recently, so a plan was devised.
Derek (Honda NC750X) and I (Honda Rebel 500) would meet on #1001 and ride up to Chiang Dao for a look around.
I never tire of that mountain.
It has an eerie mystique to it.
We had booked in at the Mondala Resort at Chiang Dao.
From previous experience this was a very satisfactory place in which to chat with owner Rick and to relax.
The grounds are spacious and the bungalows quite adequate.
Of course, to me, having a bath tub made the stay even more relaxing.
We even had free paw-paw.
Rick was ready for a ride, it being devoid of tourists pretty well everywhere now.
So another Honda came along, stopping at a pleasant eatery in Chiang Dao to enjoy Kao Soi.
Then Rick took us to the wonderful Hot Springs, where we stayed to enjoy the serenity.
I had to pause on the way ‘home’ for some more pics of the mountain.
Then back to Mondala to check out that bath-tub, then join Rick and Derek for a beer or two and a Rick-made pizza.
3rd December 2020
One more near dawn pic and then it was time to ‘hit the road’ for the area north of Chiang Rai.
Some spectacular scenery along #107.
This creation took my eye near Fang.
There’s a pleasant eatery at Tambon Malika on the main road just before the bridge over the Kok River.
They do delicious baguette meals.
Directly opposite the eatery.
Yes!!
We met David (Honda 500X) and Phil aka ‘FeeltherNoise’ (Honda Forza) here.
Some impressive statues along the #1089 near Thaton.
We had to stop here and enjoy a Phukin coffee.
Tambon Pa Tueng A Mae Chan.
N. 20.11026
E. 099.73099
Wondering what the collective noun for our group of Hondas is.
Let’s say ‘a clutch of Hondas’ parked at Phukin coffee on #1089.
Then we rode up to David and Khun Fon’s home in the small village of Ban Mai, Mae Chan north of Chiang Rai.
Their ancient pets greeted us, but the effort was too much for 105 year old Joey.
Little Leo is a mere 91 years young.
So we chatted and ate and had a few drinks (supplied by the friendly local shop)
and made plans for a mountain ride the next day.
So far we had been blessed with clear blue skies.
4th December 2020
It was decided to ride the mountains to Doi Mae Salong.
Sadly, clouds had covered the blue skies.
And, as ‘normal’ in northern Thailand this time of year, farmers burn their ‘waste’ thus creating
a nasty and smelly pollution.
There is a lot of evangelical work in northern Thailand and therefore many churches.
But the views along #1089 are superb despite the clouds and smoke.
A lot of road-side land is being cleared to make way for homes and enterprises.
This is at Mae Salon Nai on #1130.
David and Derek, again, waiting for me to do some photography.
I don't want to know what they were saying under their helmets!
Then there are the massive tea plantations as here at A. Mae Fa Luang near Mae Salong township.
We had a coffee break in Doi Mae Salong township.
I think customers pay for the views here!
We found Doi Mae Salong to be bustling and touristy but still with some charm and stunning views.
Oops.
That was an enjoyable 140 kms.
Back at Ban Mai and more chatting over a few beers.
That night we went to the splendid Mekong Pizza at Chiang Saen.
Highly recommended. Very friendly owners.
And here is another world across the Mekong.
The casino world.
5th December 2020
The temple at Ban Mai held an early morning ceremony to pay respects for the much revered late King’s birthday.
(photo from Bangkok Post)
The temple needs funds to repair its roof.
We headed off, seeking the very rideable #109, which was a joy.
This eatery beside there road at T. Pa Daet was a pleasant stop.
Posters and mobile loud-speakers are everywhere for the pending 20th December Provincial elections.
#109 joined #118 and it was a mostly hassle-free ride into Mae Kachan, where the abandoned Khmer style 'would be resort' continues
to fall into ruin.
And the hot springs are crying out for more visitors.
Almost!
We encountered one particularly nasty and impatient lout who twice tried to force me off the wet and slippery roadworks.
Yes, the roadworks into Doi Saket continue.
We were fortunate enough to encounter this section whilst they were watering it, resulting in a
rather messy Honda Rebel.
The usual stop at the Terminal 118, with its pleasant grounds and interesting collections.
K9 walked across to say ‘hello’.
So that was a pleasant 728kms.
May this wonderful weather continue.
PS
Derek will probably add a video to this in which viewers can see the latest re #118 road-works.
That’s what we said to each other recently, so a plan was devised.
Derek (Honda NC750X) and I (Honda Rebel 500) would meet on #1001 and ride up to Chiang Dao for a look around.
I never tire of that mountain.
It has an eerie mystique to it.
We had booked in at the Mondala Resort at Chiang Dao.
From previous experience this was a very satisfactory place in which to chat with owner Rick and to relax.
The grounds are spacious and the bungalows quite adequate.
Of course, to me, having a bath tub made the stay even more relaxing.
We even had free paw-paw.
Rick was ready for a ride, it being devoid of tourists pretty well everywhere now.
So another Honda came along, stopping at a pleasant eatery in Chiang Dao to enjoy Kao Soi.
Then Rick took us to the wonderful Hot Springs, where we stayed to enjoy the serenity.
I had to pause on the way ‘home’ for some more pics of the mountain.
Then back to Mondala to check out that bath-tub, then join Rick and Derek for a beer or two and a Rick-made pizza.
3rd December 2020
One more near dawn pic and then it was time to ‘hit the road’ for the area north of Chiang Rai.
Some spectacular scenery along #107.
This creation took my eye near Fang.
There’s a pleasant eatery at Tambon Malika on the main road just before the bridge over the Kok River.
They do delicious baguette meals.
Directly opposite the eatery.
Yes!!
We met David (Honda 500X) and Phil aka ‘FeeltherNoise’ (Honda Forza) here.
Some impressive statues along the #1089 near Thaton.
We had to stop here and enjoy a Phukin coffee.
Tambon Pa Tueng A Mae Chan.
N. 20.11026
E. 099.73099
Wondering what the collective noun for our group of Hondas is.
Let’s say ‘a clutch of Hondas’ parked at Phukin coffee on #1089.
Then we rode up to David and Khun Fon’s home in the small village of Ban Mai, Mae Chan north of Chiang Rai.
Their ancient pets greeted us, but the effort was too much for 105 year old Joey.
Little Leo is a mere 91 years young.
So we chatted and ate and had a few drinks (supplied by the friendly local shop)
and made plans for a mountain ride the next day.
So far we had been blessed with clear blue skies.
4th December 2020
It was decided to ride the mountains to Doi Mae Salong.
Sadly, clouds had covered the blue skies.
And, as ‘normal’ in northern Thailand this time of year, farmers burn their ‘waste’ thus creating
a nasty and smelly pollution.
There is a lot of evangelical work in northern Thailand and therefore many churches.
But the views along #1089 are superb despite the clouds and smoke.
A lot of road-side land is being cleared to make way for homes and enterprises.
This is at Mae Salon Nai on #1130.
David and Derek, again, waiting for me to do some photography.
I don't want to know what they were saying under their helmets!
Then there are the massive tea plantations as here at A. Mae Fa Luang near Mae Salong township.
We had a coffee break in Doi Mae Salong township.
I think customers pay for the views here!
We found Doi Mae Salong to be bustling and touristy but still with some charm and stunning views.
Oops.
That was an enjoyable 140 kms.
Back at Ban Mai and more chatting over a few beers.
That night we went to the splendid Mekong Pizza at Chiang Saen.
Highly recommended. Very friendly owners.
And here is another world across the Mekong.
The casino world.
5th December 2020
The temple at Ban Mai held an early morning ceremony to pay respects for the much revered late King’s birthday.
(photo from Bangkok Post)
The temple needs funds to repair its roof.
We headed off, seeking the very rideable #109, which was a joy.
This eatery beside there road at T. Pa Daet was a pleasant stop.
Posters and mobile loud-speakers are everywhere for the pending 20th December Provincial elections.
#109 joined #118 and it was a mostly hassle-free ride into Mae Kachan, where the abandoned Khmer style 'would be resort' continues
to fall into ruin.
And the hot springs are crying out for more visitors.
Almost!
We encountered one particularly nasty and impatient lout who twice tried to force me off the wet and slippery roadworks.
Yes, the roadworks into Doi Saket continue.
We were fortunate enough to encounter this section whilst they were watering it, resulting in a
rather messy Honda Rebel.
The usual stop at the Terminal 118, with its pleasant grounds and interesting collections.
K9 walked across to say ‘hello’.
So that was a pleasant 728kms.
May this wonderful weather continue.
PS
Derek will probably add a video to this in which viewers can see the latest re #118 road-works.
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