Leaving Nan, I took route 1091, which was initially a lovely road; looping gleefully through the hills as it wound it's way west and north. I barely stopped to photo the view. My bad; but the CB was enjoying herself too much. As we left the hills, the road became more pedestrian, but still fun to ride. Passed through a small town called "Pong"; holding my breath as I rode thinking I really need to get some laundry done.
The next morning, my motorbike chain needed tightening. An easy job with the right tools, but I had none. There was a Yamaha dealership with a mechanics attached so I threw myself on their mercy (even though I am on a Honda). 10 minutes later: done. "How much?" Free! That'll do nicely.
There was a choice of routes from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. I opted for the longer (relatively smaller) road. Beautiful diversion over the hills on the 109 at first, then on to the less fun 107 for the run south. It looked better on the map....but too much slow moving traffic, who did their best to stop you overtaking. Big car, small penis syndrome.
Before heading for the hotel; I stopped off at Riders Corner bar for a late lunch. Been coming to this bar on and off for 10 years. Different proprietor now, but still a great meeting point for motorbike people. I was to spend much of the next couple of days here. Eating, drinking and talking to various motorbike riders. Good, good place.
After 2 long and not very productive days (although I did get my laundry done, so I could return to "Pong" with a clear conscience!). I headed south and west towards Mae Sariang and the Burmese border. Again, the fun started once the road (108) arrived at the hills. Although, even the long, straight, busy road out of town felt good as I was back on the bike and riding......
Mae Sariang would be a sleepy town, if it ever woke up. Not much going on and as hot as hell. The mercury has been pushing 40° for a while now. This is definitely the hot season. It's OK when you are riding and getting the wind flow; but as soon as you stop you become a puddle of sweat on the ground with only a motorbike helmet to mark where you once stood. Stopping every hour at a 7-11 to replace the fluids. I've even started drinking ice tea to stop myself melting. Keep moving, keep moving.....don't let the heat catch up with you!
So a couple of days off the bike meant a couple of days on the beer. I don't really know what to do with myself on these "rest days". Sightseeing? Cultural experiences? Communing with nature? None of that is as rewarding as riding a bike; so the beer it was.
The bike provides a focus and a purpose to these trips; the time not riding becomes aimless and disjointed. So late mornings and late nights.
I'd ridden this road once before, but in the other direction as part of the "Mae Hong Song loop" several years ago. No memories were jogged......although some parts of Mae Sariang look vaguely familiar. I will blame progress and ongoing road building efforts rather than my failing memory.
Soundtrack: The Fall - "Hit the North"
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