Question: Why did the chicken cross the road?
Answer: To take his first motorcycle ride.
If you ride in rural Thailand, you have played this game before. The chicken is crossing the road as you approach. He sees the wheel of death coming closer, and runs frantically out of the way.
Not this time. This rooster decides to FLY out of the way. But he waits a little too long for takeoff.
He gets just high enough to get taken for his first ride. He is at head height, with one wing flapping against the windscreen and the other flapping against the mirror. He got carried for 50 meters before sliding off, landing, and running off the road – nothing injured but his dignity.
This took place a couple days ago, while traveling near Phaya Mengrai. We were on a short trip to check out some new equipment and clothing – panniers, tank bag, new helmets, new riding jacket and gloves for the GF.
Day 1: 118 and 120 to Phayao, 1021 to Pa Sang, 1093 to Phu Chee Fah, 1155 and 1021 to Thoeng
When heading west from Chiang Kham, there is a blue signpost indicating the scenic route to Phu Chee Fah. This connects to 1093, which winds up the ridge for 60 km to the summit. The road is in good condition, with only a few spots being repaired. Close to the top there is a series of camping/cabin “resorts” if you plan to stay up there.
Came down the more direct route to 1155, then headed south. Avoid this way late afternoon – lots of sun in your eyes.
There are actually 2 small hotels in Thoeng, both as you head north on 1020. We stayed at Hotel 79, which is down a small soi on the right, signposted on the main road. Small, connected bungalow type rooms, fan or air-con.
One feature of the room was the printed sign with the rules, regulations, and rates. Rates were posted for overnight stay AND for one hour stay!! So, you have to assume that there is some action in a town that needs a short time hotel. Any reports?
Day 2: 1020, 1152, 1326, 1173, 1098, 1271 and 1129 to Chiang Saen, 1290 to Mae Sai, 1149 to Doi Tung, 1149, 1 and 1089 to Tha Ton.
I had taken 1149 from Doi Tung to Mae Sai, but never in reverse. Always an adventure. Currently, there are several military checkpoints. At the first and the last, we were stopped and they copied down my passport info.
No car traffic on the lower part, because halfway up, the road continues to cave in. Right now, there is enough road left for a bike, but not for a car.
Stayed at the Garden Home Resort in Tha Ton. Definitely better that Hotel 79.
Day 3: 1089, 107 and 109 to Mae Suai, 118 and 1150 to Phrao, 1001 to Chiang Mai.
Lunch at the Charin Garden Resort, of course.
1150 has had a lot of landslides, above and below the road. Most of the road is still intact, and most of the big stuff has been cleared. But, there is a lot of dirt and debris on the road – easy enough to ride through, but could be a high speed surprise around a corner.
Just north of the Mae Ngat Dam turnoff, 1001 has a 20 km stretch where the most recent thin layer of asphalt is seriously deteriorating. No deep holes, but a rough ride.
All in all, good roads, good weather, good gear and a good trip.
BobS
"The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not and never persist in trying to set people right."
Answer: To take his first motorcycle ride.
If you ride in rural Thailand, you have played this game before. The chicken is crossing the road as you approach. He sees the wheel of death coming closer, and runs frantically out of the way.
Not this time. This rooster decides to FLY out of the way. But he waits a little too long for takeoff.
He gets just high enough to get taken for his first ride. He is at head height, with one wing flapping against the windscreen and the other flapping against the mirror. He got carried for 50 meters before sliding off, landing, and running off the road – nothing injured but his dignity.
This took place a couple days ago, while traveling near Phaya Mengrai. We were on a short trip to check out some new equipment and clothing – panniers, tank bag, new helmets, new riding jacket and gloves for the GF.
Day 1: 118 and 120 to Phayao, 1021 to Pa Sang, 1093 to Phu Chee Fah, 1155 and 1021 to Thoeng
When heading west from Chiang Kham, there is a blue signpost indicating the scenic route to Phu Chee Fah. This connects to 1093, which winds up the ridge for 60 km to the summit. The road is in good condition, with only a few spots being repaired. Close to the top there is a series of camping/cabin “resorts” if you plan to stay up there.
Came down the more direct route to 1155, then headed south. Avoid this way late afternoon – lots of sun in your eyes.
There are actually 2 small hotels in Thoeng, both as you head north on 1020. We stayed at Hotel 79, which is down a small soi on the right, signposted on the main road. Small, connected bungalow type rooms, fan or air-con.
One feature of the room was the printed sign with the rules, regulations, and rates. Rates were posted for overnight stay AND for one hour stay!! So, you have to assume that there is some action in a town that needs a short time hotel. Any reports?
Day 2: 1020, 1152, 1326, 1173, 1098, 1271 and 1129 to Chiang Saen, 1290 to Mae Sai, 1149 to Doi Tung, 1149, 1 and 1089 to Tha Ton.
I had taken 1149 from Doi Tung to Mae Sai, but never in reverse. Always an adventure. Currently, there are several military checkpoints. At the first and the last, we were stopped and they copied down my passport info.
No car traffic on the lower part, because halfway up, the road continues to cave in. Right now, there is enough road left for a bike, but not for a car.
Stayed at the Garden Home Resort in Tha Ton. Definitely better that Hotel 79.
Day 3: 1089, 107 and 109 to Mae Suai, 118 and 1150 to Phrao, 1001 to Chiang Mai.
Lunch at the Charin Garden Resort, of course.
1150 has had a lot of landslides, above and below the road. Most of the road is still intact, and most of the big stuff has been cleared. But, there is a lot of dirt and debris on the road – easy enough to ride through, but could be a high speed surprise around a corner.
Just north of the Mae Ngat Dam turnoff, 1001 has a 20 km stretch where the most recent thin layer of asphalt is seriously deteriorating. No deep holes, but a rough ride.
All in all, good roads, good weather, good gear and a good trip.
BobS
"The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not and never persist in trying to set people right."
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