RIP Don Duvall, the original real-deal motorcycle adventurer for Laos.
Don passed away yesterday at 11.30PM in Hua Hin, where he had been receiving treatment for cancer.
Don was one hell of a tough man and an inspiration for scores of bikers to ride and travel in Laos.
I first met Don by chance at Phou Khoun in 2001, I think it was. I was heading to Vientiane, and as I passed that glorious road junction, there was a farang biker sitting there with his GF. We only chatted very briefly, as getting info out of Don has always been a challenge. 10 days later on my way home, as I passed Phou Khoun again, the same farang biker was sitting there again. Don had just arrived from Phonsavan 10 minutes earlier and was heading south. And so started an adventure biker's relationship.
A true pioneer, often riding alone, sleeping out in the jungle in a hammock, and living off sticky rice & BBQ chicken, Don was the one leading the way for all of us, GPS mapping the country decades ago in the most remote areas, and he always found the most difficult tracks.
If ever a modern-day motorbike adventurer deserves a Netflix movie, it should be Don, the Midnight Mapper/Lao GPS maps.
My sincere condolences to Don's partner, Ooh.
A true legend has moved on to his next rides.
Don passed away yesterday at 11.30PM in Hua Hin, where he had been receiving treatment for cancer.
Don was one hell of a tough man and an inspiration for scores of bikers to ride and travel in Laos.
I first met Don by chance at Phou Khoun in 2001, I think it was. I was heading to Vientiane, and as I passed that glorious road junction, there was a farang biker sitting there with his GF. We only chatted very briefly, as getting info out of Don has always been a challenge. 10 days later on my way home, as I passed Phou Khoun again, the same farang biker was sitting there again. Don had just arrived from Phonsavan 10 minutes earlier and was heading south. And so started an adventure biker's relationship.
A true pioneer, often riding alone, sleeping out in the jungle in a hammock, and living off sticky rice & BBQ chicken, Don was the one leading the way for all of us, GPS mapping the country decades ago in the most remote areas, and he always found the most difficult tracks.
If ever a modern-day motorbike adventurer deserves a Netflix movie, it should be Don, the Midnight Mapper/Lao GPS maps.
My sincere condolences to Don's partner, Ooh.
A true legend has moved on to his next rides.
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