friend of 1 girl on 2 wheels,
I met my friend a couple of years ago at Daytona bike week. It wasn't difficult to pick her out of a crowd of 800,000. Since then we've become lifelong friends. When my friend first asked if I'd join her on a trip to Thailand I thought to myself, "Can I bring my flying pigs?" She’s got to be insane. Fortunately I had 8 months to come up with a scheme to get me to Thailand.
I've been a dirt biker all my life, yet from the onset I felt unworthy of her companionship. My friend spent countless hours preparing for this journey. Printing maps, seeking destinations, hotels, restaurants. Plotting places to see, roads to explore. A list of gear, clothing, tools, supplies, first-aid kit. Documentation I would need to travel abroad. My friend arranged bike rentals. Me? I didn’t even pack a lunch!
The night before leaving we pack our bags. I looked at my friend and said "I'm going to Thailand". The flight from Chicago to Tokyo took 13hrs. Having my friend by my side made it seem more like 12 1/2hrs. My friend slept a lot. I think she had some assistance. while she slept, a gentleman asked me how long we'd been flying? I told him I thought we've been flying since tomorrow. Lost a day somewhere.
Bankok... I'm only relieved that I'm alive to tell about it. I thought for sure my friend and I would die together in a Tuk Tuk. I was AWWW struck. I've never seen such caos on a city street. The grand Palace was remarkable. A little flamboyant perhaps. Nothing a coat of sears weatherbeater couldn't fix. Seriously, it was a thrill to share it with my friend. That evening, my friend decided to show me the softer side of Bankok. Being a "dweeb" in love, I decided not to indulge in the pleasures of the flesh. A decision I'm sure to kick myself in the ass for later.
Off to Chiang Mai, and Joe & tom's bike shop. Two great guys that were a big help. Thanks, I'm certain I'll see both of you soon. Again my friend took care of everything. I sat back and watched her planning unfold.
The first day of riding, I have no idea where we were. I recall an abundance of trees, a beautiful dirt trail and being with my friend. Next day, haven't got a clue but I do remember large boulders, a breath taking waterfalls, and being with my friend.
Third day, NOPE... I'm certain we were still in Thailand. Oh yes 100's of turns. I sped ahead of my friend. I reached out to pick a yellow daisy at about 60k. Fortunately I was far enough ahead to be able to pull over and remove the thorns from my palm. The bleeding stopped relatively quick. Oh yes, and she feed me boar balls that day. what are friend for?
That night we stayed in a cottage along a river. Couldn't tell ya how to get there. "Alice in wonderland"? I prefer "Alex in wonderland". anyway my friend relaxed on bench outside the cottage and she put me to work rubbing her neck! For an entire hour.
Next night we stayed at Little Eden. Don't ask, couldn't tell ya. That evening I had to make the most difficult decesion of my life. I would return to the states to handle problems I should have left behind. How would I tell my friend? When she's all that really matters.
That evening my friend sat on a bench overlooking a river. That night she showed me a million stars and a better way to live. The following morning I returned to Chiang Mai. It was an empty feeling watching my friend head north and I south. I visited the travel agent to change my flight. 3 days was as soon as I could fly. David took me under his wing and got me out riding. Helped to get my mind right. David became a good friend in a short time. His brilliant idea to flip a coin to determine if I stay or leave almost worked. Should of went two out of three. Thanks again for your ear David, we'll ride again.
I will certainly return to Thailand, next time I'll bring a map, a flask of Jack Daniels and my friend.
Thanks for a ride of a lifetime... Bruce
When in doubt, gas it.
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