Happy Anniversary of the day of your birth.
- Thread starter Deano747
- Start date
Thanks Deano.
I managed to hit the big seven-O, something that perhaps I never really thought I'd get to with my lifestyle.
It has been a joy & pleasure to survive how I have, although at times it has been a struggle.
A million kms up riding motorbikes in Thailand, despite several life-threatening bingles.
www.gt-rider.com
I celebrated quietly with my son, Jason, who cared for me ever so well after my crash last year.
It's always good to have some quality time for your kid(s) when you can.
Thoed Thai, my favourite little town was the destination for us.
A few pics from our little excursion.
We started off with a ride along Paradise Road to the GT for a Mekong Pizza - the best pizzas in the North.
From there it was time to mosey on over to TT via R1130 / 4052.
As the sun faded, we snuck in a quick pit stop at Apa Coffee on 1130, before turning right down into Thoed Thai.
A magic little spot in the late afternoon.
Lung's appearance centre stage caught the attention of some Chinese chics, who asked for pic with the old GTR fellah.
And he happily obliged.
In the fading light we entered Thoed Thai city.
Rim Taan GH was our place of stay & I cannot speak highly enough of this enchanting, hidden gem of a place to stay in the remote mountains of the North.
It was Jason's first over nighter in TT & he was suitably impressed with the charm of the Rim Taan.
My favourite restaurant in TT the Krua Fa Ham / Saraburi has closed, but there are zero complaints eating at the Ting Ting right next door to the Rim Taan.
The Ting Ting has always been spotlessly clean from day 1 for me, when I first visited TT the main road was dirt & yet amongst all the dust was the immaculately clean Ting Ting!
We lucked out at the TT in TT, with a local women's group having an end of year noche up at the Ting Ting.
The gals put on a fine dancing show, along with a mountain of food, for a moo krata dinner.
7am the next morning it was time to hit the early morning wet market in Thoed Thai city.
This market has been a longtime favourite of mine, with all the different ethnics selling & buying.
It really is a gem of a charming relaxed market to kick start your day.
I always enjoy stroll through the market at first light if possible.
The simplicity of the place & gentle amiable, smiling people always give off a goodwill feeling.
Something to be enjoyed & appreciated.
A morning market stroll done it was time to make some merit for my 70th.
I have a favourite monk in TT at Wat Kha Kham that I always try to get blessed by & make merit.
My affection for him goes back to 2013 when I visited his wat with my mum & brother.
He was impressed with mum & wanted to give her a gift, so climbed up a 4-metre tree to pick a flower; came down & gave it to me to give to mum, because he wasn't allowed to hand it to a woman directly!
Ever since then we have a nice bond, & whenever I'm in TT I always go to visit his wat.
2013 with Mum @ Rim Taan.
www.gt-rider.com
Merit making over, Jason is finally up out of bed, so it's time for a cuppa or two at the Chonpao coffee shop, that opens at 8AM on the dot.
The Chonpao originally opened as the Khun Sa Coffee, but was told by relatives that the use of his name was considered inappropriate.
Despite the name change it is still a classic little rustic joint to hang out for an early morning cuppa in TT.
Market, Merit making 1, Coffee over it was time for merit making 2.
As luck would have it my birthday in 2023 coincided with full moon, & at Wat Phra Songchai, they had a special gathering of 170 monks for an annual meditation & sermons.
It was an impressive sight - the luck of the game & the old GTR fellah was happy to queue up again & make merit, with offerings to the monks as they started their tak bat procession.
Fortunately Khun Nouan, ex Luang Namtha & wife of John the Rim Taan GH owner was in the queue & I was able to join her momentarily giving to the monks.
Food for the monks after the ceremony.
45 minutes later it was time to leave TT & Rim Taan for home @ Chiang Khong.
Back in CK on my birthday night, there were a couple of quiet drinks by the FB4 with good buddy & fellow CK resident Michel.
Followed by dinner at the Rim Khong restaurant with Dr Tom, fellow CK music fest organiser.
70 years on the planet had clicked over & I'd survived.
I'm looking forward to several more years riding & contributing to the biking community via GTR.
A big thanks to all those supporters of GTR.
I managed to hit the big seven-O, something that perhaps I never really thought I'd get to with my lifestyle.
It has been a joy & pleasure to survive how I have, although at times it has been a struggle.
A million kms up riding motorbikes in Thailand, despite several life-threatening bingles.
Accidents, safety and why we ride.
Accidents, safety and why we ride. My recent day time dreaming accident where I hit a pick up 16 kms up stream from Chiang Khong gave me time to reflect on life and riding. Thanks to my father, motorbike riding has been my passion all my life, and at 68, going on lucky # 69, I am proud to say...
www.gt-rider.com
I celebrated quietly with my son, Jason, who cared for me ever so well after my crash last year.
It's always good to have some quality time for your kid(s) when you can.
Thoed Thai, my favourite little town was the destination for us.
A few pics from our little excursion.
We started off with a ride along Paradise Road to the GT for a Mekong Pizza - the best pizzas in the North.
From there it was time to mosey on over to TT via R1130 / 4052.
As the sun faded, we snuck in a quick pit stop at Apa Coffee on 1130, before turning right down into Thoed Thai.
A magic little spot in the late afternoon.
Lung's appearance centre stage caught the attention of some Chinese chics, who asked for pic with the old GTR fellah.
And he happily obliged.
In the fading light we entered Thoed Thai city.
Rim Taan GH was our place of stay & I cannot speak highly enough of this enchanting, hidden gem of a place to stay in the remote mountains of the North.
It was Jason's first over nighter in TT & he was suitably impressed with the charm of the Rim Taan.
My favourite restaurant in TT the Krua Fa Ham / Saraburi has closed, but there are zero complaints eating at the Ting Ting right next door to the Rim Taan.
The Ting Ting has always been spotlessly clean from day 1 for me, when I first visited TT the main road was dirt & yet amongst all the dust was the immaculately clean Ting Ting!
We lucked out at the TT in TT, with a local women's group having an end of year noche up at the Ting Ting.
The gals put on a fine dancing show, along with a mountain of food, for a moo krata dinner.
7am the next morning it was time to hit the early morning wet market in Thoed Thai city.
This market has been a longtime favourite of mine, with all the different ethnics selling & buying.
It really is a gem of a charming relaxed market to kick start your day.
I always enjoy stroll through the market at first light if possible.
The simplicity of the place & gentle amiable, smiling people always give off a goodwill feeling.
Something to be enjoyed & appreciated.
A morning market stroll done it was time to make some merit for my 70th.
I have a favourite monk in TT at Wat Kha Kham that I always try to get blessed by & make merit.
My affection for him goes back to 2013 when I visited his wat with my mum & brother.
He was impressed with mum & wanted to give her a gift, so climbed up a 4-metre tree to pick a flower; came down & gave it to me to give to mum, because he wasn't allowed to hand it to a woman directly!
Ever since then we have a nice bond, & whenever I'm in TT I always go to visit his wat.
2013 with Mum @ Rim Taan.
On the road with Mum my Brother
Mum's 17th plus trip here, but a first for my brother.....it takes all kinds to make the world go round. We had a super time, rented a mini bus & driver from North Wheels @ 2,000 baht a day plus fuel which was 800 baht a day. It's interesting watch a first timer take it all in & observing what...
www.gt-rider.com
Merit making over, Jason is finally up out of bed, so it's time for a cuppa or two at the Chonpao coffee shop, that opens at 8AM on the dot.
The Chonpao originally opened as the Khun Sa Coffee, but was told by relatives that the use of his name was considered inappropriate.
Despite the name change it is still a classic little rustic joint to hang out for an early morning cuppa in TT.
Market, Merit making 1, Coffee over it was time for merit making 2.
As luck would have it my birthday in 2023 coincided with full moon, & at Wat Phra Songchai, they had a special gathering of 170 monks for an annual meditation & sermons.
It was an impressive sight - the luck of the game & the old GTR fellah was happy to queue up again & make merit, with offerings to the monks as they started their tak bat procession.
Fortunately Khun Nouan, ex Luang Namtha & wife of John the Rim Taan GH owner was in the queue & I was able to join her momentarily giving to the monks.
Food for the monks after the ceremony.
45 minutes later it was time to leave TT & Rim Taan for home @ Chiang Khong.
Back in CK on my birthday night, there were a couple of quiet drinks by the FB4 with good buddy & fellow CK resident Michel.
Followed by dinner at the Rim Khong restaurant with Dr Tom, fellow CK music fest organiser.
70 years on the planet had clicked over & I'd survived.
I'm looking forward to several more years riding & contributing to the biking community via GTR.
A big thanks to all those supporters of GTR.
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Sounds like you had a great couple of days doing what you love with people that you care for.
Most excellent way to spend any day let alone a special one.
Thanks for the pictures - just reminding me that I have to get back when I am able to ride again, and thanks for your invaluable help and advice over the years.
Most excellent way to spend any day let alone a special one.
Thanks for the pictures - just reminding me that I have to get back when I am able to ride again, and thanks for your invaluable help and advice over the years.
