Thailand Doi Luang Nr Phayao

Doi Luang Nr Phayao 10.8.15

Since myself and Jim had recently become new dad's we planned to rid ourselves of being being house bound and explore an area neither of us had ventured in, Doi Luang NP which is situated between routes 118, 120 and Hwy 1. 

A small break in the weather so we decided to give it a go and after worming our way through the small farming villages off the 118 we finally hit dirt as we headed up the mountains, we came to this junction right looked to take us a further 35 km or so to the 120, left looked to go nowhere.

The skies didn't look so good and it started to rain to we decided retreat back to the concrete road to wait out the storm.

We considered our options and when the rain stopped we decided to give the left track a go, it was pretty steep and slick in places but beautiful.

Sadley more rain was coming upon us, we decided discretion was the better part of valor and head back rather than deal with the dreaded red snot.

We made it back to a village shop as the heavens opened once again.

Some shots from the ride back.

Dragon fruit being grown everywhere in this region.

So not what we planned but now we know what's out there, we will be back soon to poke around some more.

Thailand Mae Sot to Mae Sariang on the 105

The 105 is one of those roads that should be a joy to ride, approaching roads from the east to Mae Sot and north to Mae Sariang bring a smile with a good road bike.

However the 105 has always been known as a bitch of a road and best avoided, but things are changing and changing pretty fast. 

The route is spectacular with stunning views and historical viewpoints, we found the ride from Mae Sot to be a pleasant surprise, a little broken in places by still enjoyable until 10km past Mae Salid then a different story emerges. suddenly you're on brand new dual carriageway and continues for 20 K, or so until you reach the National park and hit the road works.

The works continue for around 10Km then your into potholed sections until you reach the north side of the park and the road is pretty good again.

Some picture's travelling through, as you can see a huge investment in upgrading the road.

So far so good.

Glimpse of the new road section.

A few surprises along the way 

Start of the roadworks

Waiting for the road to clear

One of the better surfaces after the roadworks

Some many temples and stupas along the 105 near the Burma border.

Mountains of Burma in the background

Thailand Wiang Haeng Paved Ride

Decided to take a nice trip up to Wiang Haeng before the rains start with a vengeance, the 1322 to Wiang Haeng is a great riding road and the looping 1178 back completes a great two days riding of around 550 km as you can see from Auke's map.

Decided to take a small detour to the Chiang Dao Cave, the road leading to it has some nice stretches.

Dodging several thunder storms on the 1322 i stopped at the viewpoint at N19.51765 E98.75677 which has undergone a facelift boasting a small coffee shop and fruit sellers, got chatting with this beautiful Lisu girl who spoke perfect English while i gorged myself on free coffee and plum's

The recent rains bringing colour to the mountain ranges.

Along the 1322 all the villages are Lisu and i have seen these memorial displays many times, i presume the clothing inside is from the sick or departed loved ones. 

Once in Wiang Haeng i headed for the Cowboy Resort and although i have it waypointed N19.57202 E98.62816 i rode straight past.

The familiar Cowboy theme bar has now vanished and is now replaced with this typical shop unit selling motorcycles and hardware. They still have rooms available at 400 baht a night but you have to travel across town to the fishing lake to find a good restaurant.

The next morning feeling a little fragile having consumed a few too many beers at the local karaoke i headed to the 7 Eleven N19.55908 E98.63571 and shared my breakfast with a couple of soi dog's before heading towards the 1178.

The 1178 is pretty much unchanged at the beginning you still have a section of around 8km which is graded but rocky but easily doable on the V Strom.

Once past this section it becomes more graded but still a few short rough section's

The Chinese history is very strong in this area, countless memorials along the route

The section heading to Arun Thai has had a nice new surface along much of the way and the dreaded pot holes are now a thing of the past, although why the short section heading to the 1322 has never been paved is a mystery.

My plan was to camp at Doi Ang Khan, but the black clouds that had been following me had other plans and decided to dump down on me, so with my tail between my legs i decided to make the ride home and complete my journey and save a camping trip for another day.

Thailand Nazarene Loop Chiang Rai

Mr and Mrs Bailey over to Chiang Rai so had chance to ride out with them and Jim on a sweltering hot day. It was decided to take the looping ride around Doi Bo up to the church of the Nazarene a ride that's almost impassable in the wet season.

The start is semi graded in readiness for the wet season rain.

Lot's of bamboo leaves at this time of year can be a problem.

Sign's of wash out from the recent storms.

Race leader Jim leading the way in the yellow shirt.

Elevated section starts.

Beautiful clears sky's at last.

Villagers gathering around a small portable TV to watch the big fight.

Lot's of small water crossings but very low right now.

Time to park the bike on this uphill section and take a breather.

David and Mai two up..

One of many very steep hill section's had them losing traction.

Blessed with great views in Chiang Rai.

 A very enjoyable day's riding thanks to all.