Mahachai: 17 December 2011

Last trip for 2011 as shortly leaving for Christmas holiday. Given an expected  busy weekend ahead, I decided to keep the trip short and start early. So, at about 5:15am departed for the "seaside" - Mahachai and one of my favorite rides. I took the rural roads and came across my first "flood" in Thailand. A stretch of road that runs between shrimp ponds was flooded for 50 or so meters - not particularly deep but fun to ride through nevertheless.

Reached usual PTT gasoline station and the 7-11 (mileage 6,308) at about 6:45am and had breakfast of 0% fat milk and yogurt. Upon return to Bangkok a much needed "car wash" was quickly followed by chain oil to ensure everything remained healthy on the motorcycle.

Mahachai PTT gasoline station - Latitude : 33° 42' 36" N Longitude : 100° 15' 53" E

New Tires: 13 December 2011

6,000 kilometer service completed (plus oil, filter, ring) and 2 new tires (Pirelli touring) fitted.

Nice!

Nakon Ratchasima: Weekend 10-11 December 2011

Had a lovely couple of days riding my motorcycle. Got up Saturday morning feeling very good and, with nothing special to do, packed a small bag and decided to take off somewhere. Departed at about 8:00am and followed Rama IV and then Sukhumvit to highway 34. Stayed on highway 34 until I reached Bang Pakong where I travelled along route 314 north until Bang Phra. A right turn to route 304 took me through Phanom Sarakham, Kabin Buri and Wang Nam Khaio.


It was a wonderful day for riding with some of the best weather I have ridden in. The roads were lovely with good asphalt surface, twisty, hilly, and with very little traffic. In the "mountains" of Khao Yai National Park it turned quite cool. Before departing I had removed the lining from my jacket because I thought it would be hot - next time I will remember to check the weather forecast before I leave for a trip!

Stayed overnight at the V-One Hotel in Nakon Ratchasima and returned the next morning to Bangkok by way of highway 2 to Saraburi and highway 1 into Bangkok. On the way back I stopped for coffee at an outlet shopping complex and bought some new towels (hence why my bag looks so full in the picture below). When I returned to the motorcycle there was an elderly gentleman looking at it. He pointed to a nail in the back tyre. He also pointed down the road, so off I went to a vulcanizing shop - it was soon fixed!

The ride back to Bangkok was as lovely as the day before - warm, beautiful road and little traffic. When I returned, the mileage was 6,158 so I dropped my motorcycle off at Motoaholic for a 6,000 kilometer service and two new tires.


Total mileage for the weekend was 813 kilometers.

It's now 7:30am on Monday and I'm off to Dean and Deluca for breakfast. 

Amphawa Floating Market: 27 November 2011

Set-off at 8:30am with mileage at 4,985 and had leisurely ride along Rama III to Rama II. Stopped for 30 minutes at 9:15am for coffee and gasoline. Arrived Amphawa at 10:40am with mileage 5,075 and parked in school motorcycle park. Had stroll around the shops, bought ice cream and coffee, and then departed at about 11:40am. Arrived home with mileage of 5,155 at 13:15pm.

Royal Thai Navy Base, Laem Fa Pa: 22 October 2011

First ride for a month. The Kawasaki started first click of the starter and soon warmed-up to a steady 1,300 rpm. I decided a gentle ride to one of my favourite spots, the Royal Thai Navy Base at Laem Fa Pa on the Chao Phraya River estuary would be appropriate.

Rama V Naval Dockyard Department

Thailand, at this time, has been battling with some of the worst floods for more than 50 years. Many parts of the central area, north of Bangkok, have been heavily flooded and the waters are gradually making their way south towards Bangkok. This, coupled with seasonal high tides, is expected to result in breaches to the river walls and extensive flooding across much of Bangkok.

 

The floods, caused in part by unusually heavy monsoon rain, have already killed 373 people in Thailand and disrupted the lives of nearly 2.5 million, until now mostly in the north and central provinces. The rains have also killed dozens in neighbouring Cambodia and Burma.

At Laem Fa Pa on this Saturday afternoon, there did not seem much difference in height between the river and the road. It would only take a few extra centimeters for the walls to be breached. Sandbags were evident everywhere, but it is difficult to imagine how enough sandbags can be positioned to protect the whole of Bangkok which now seems to be invaded by waters from earlier heavy monsoon rains in the north, and sea  high tides from the south.

Pattaya: 17 – 21 September 2011

An 09:20am leisurely start to the day with mileage at 4,553km, temperature of 29°C and relative humidity of 68%. Departed via the familiar Talat river ferry crossing and was on the road by about 10:00am. I reached Pattaya at 12:10pm after stopping twice, once for petrol and a second time for coffee and hot dog at a PTT Jiffy convenience store. The ride was pleasant and uneventful. Traffic was quite heavy on route 3 with many trucks (it seems Thailand's economy is booming if measured by the number of trucks on the road), route 7 was also quite busy but the last 20 or so kilometers from the Rayong junction to Pattaya were lovely with little traffic.

I went straight to the Kawasaki big bike dealer in Pattaya who have a good selection of both new motorcycles and accessories for sale. Whilst there, I was delighted to see someone taking delivery of new yellow Versys – looked very nice.

I took the opportunity to have the oil and oil filter changed (Agip semi synthetic oil). This is now the third oil and filter change – the mileage was 4,703km. I also bought a Scoyco tank bag that attaches to the petrol tank with magnets and a strap around the tank front, and a MotoGP “Bum Bag”.

I arrived and checked in to the hotel at about 2:30pm and rested until about 6:00pm when I left to walk to a pub for dinner (I had seen an advertisement for an English pub in Soi 7 that seemed to have good food). 200 meters from the hotel I felt ill and returned to rest.

Never got to finish my breakfast

The next morning, while at breakfast, I had a mild heart attack and spent the next 48 hours in Pattaya Bangkok Hospital. I was given an angiogram and one artery was found to be blocked in three places (95%, 80% and 70%). I had a stent (balloon) inserted. Hopefully, I am now on the way to a full recovery but, sadly, I have been advised not to ride my motorcycle for a while. Accordingly I arranged for a neighbor (nicknamed the “Transporter”) to bring my motorcycle back to Bangkok. It arrived safe and sound at 7:00pm Wednesday, 21 September 2011 with a mileage of 4,869km. The Transporter assured me he did not ride over 100km/h. My motorcycle and I will have a rest for a while.

Kawasaki Motorcycle Factory, Pluck Daeng, Rayong – 10 September 2011

โรงงานคาวาซากิ ปลวกแดง ระยอง

ไปสัมพัสบรรยากาศการประกอบรถจักรยานยนต์คาวาซากิกันถึงโรงงานชนิดถึงกึ๋นกันเลยทีเดียว

เจอกันที่ร้าาน Motoaholic ตากสิน 24 เสาร์ที่สิบ กันยายน ตอน 6 โมงเช้านะคร้าบ ถ้าใครบ้านอยู่ไกลจะไปเจอกันที่ คาวาซากิ พระราม 9 ก็ได้นะครับ ไม่เสียค่าใช้จ่ายใดๆ นอกจากค่านำ้มันรถ กับค่าของฝากคนที่บ้านคร้าบ อาหารและของว่างมีให้พร้อม

I joined a motorcycle "motorcade" for a day visit to Kawasaki Motorcycle Factory which is in Rayong Province, south of Bangkok. We initially assembled at the Motoaholic Thornburi dealership at 6:00am. This was after a 5:30am departure with the temperature of 25°C and relative humidity at 94% and a mileage of 4,150km. From here it was a short ride to the main Kawasaki facility in Rama IX. It seems this facility no longer sells motorcycles and now acts as a showroom and service center. Two big bike dealers are operating in Bangkok, Motoaholic and a second in Ramkhamhaeng.

Motorcycles soon started arriving and we departed at about 8:00am after a briefing on route and riding protocol. We had a two motorcycle Police escort, along with service van and SUV. The caravan was organized by bike model with the slower motorcycles at the front and starting earlier. It was enormous fun to be part of a large (approximately 120 motorcycle) caravan with a Police escort, with traffic stopped for you at intersections, and being able to travel on roads usually forbidden to motorcycles in Thailand.

Police escort "top-up"

We stopped once for petrol en route at Na Pa in Chon Bury province at about 9:00am with mileage of 4,427 and arrived at the Kawasaki factory (Latitude: 12° 97' 52" N Longitude: 101° 21' 94") at 10:30am.

Upon arrival we were given a short presentation on Kawasaki Heavy Industries which manufactures a wide range of goods from motorcycles to submarines to locomotives to aircraft to military equipment. We then were given a tour of the factory, the 3^rd largest Kawasaki motorcycle factory in the world, and we had the opportunity to have sight of the new 2012 models being assembled. This should have been exciting except that I saw the 2012 model ER6-n which looks super and makes my motorcycle (now 5 months old) seem old and unfashionable!

After the tour we were escorted to a lovely restaurant (The Green) for lunch and then returned, in convoy, to Bangkok. All together a hugely enjoyable day with many new experiences, new friends made, that was not dampened at all by the intermittent rain.

Arrived tired but happy in Bangkok at 4:30pm with a mileage of 4,480km (total mileage for the day was 330km). As always, a motorcycle wash after every trip.

https://www.facebook.com/washmeplease66

Anantara Resort & Spa, Hua Hin: Weekend 3-4 September 2011

Packed the evening before and was up by 5:30am as I was excited to start my adventure to Hua Hin. Mileage was 3,738 kilometers, temperature 27°C, humidity 69%, and rain was predicted later in the morning. Departed at 6:30am., and stopped after an hour at, what is now becoming my regular, Mahachai PTT gasoline station for coffee and yogurt from the 7-11. Mileage at PTT was 3,783.

Stopped twice after Mahachai, once for gasoline and a second time to shelter from the rain (seems the weather forecast was correct).

Lobby - Anantara Resort & Spa

Mileage was 3,933 upon arrival at the Anantara Resort & Spa at 9:15am (Latitude: 12° 37' 01" N Longitude: 099° 57' 19" E). Since I had arrived early and my room was not ready, I completed hotel check-in, and went into town to find the German Bakery for breakfast (excellent Farmer’s Breakfast). In addition, had the bike washed, had a massage, and then returned to the hotel to spend the rest of the day in the gardens, around the hotel pool, or on the beach.

Pre-dinner cocktails were at Sala Siam which, in addition to serving fusion style snacks and tapas, has an amazing walk-in wine cellar. This was followed by dinner at the hotel's Italian Restaurant (Baan Thalia). It was quite superb, and I can especially compliment the chef on the Tuna Tartar for a starters. Needless to say, after cocktails and an excellent 3 course dinner accompanied by a couple of glasses of excellent local Hua Hin wine, I was ready to sleep. The bed was so comfortable – wish I knew how good hotels are able to do this!

Mileage was 3,956 and departure was at 11:10am the next day after an amazing buffet breakfast (I was surprised my motorcycle made it back to Bangkok with all the extra weight!). Stopped once for gasoline and arrived Bangkok at 13:50pm with a mileage of 4,150 kilometers and a temperature of 31°C (real feel 43°C) and 51% humidity. The overall weekend mileage was 412 kilometers.

Really did not want to leave the Anantara Resort & Spa - hope I can return someday soon!

Ban Phanthai Norasing, Samut Sakon: 28 August 2011

Breakfast of avocado and goats cheese sandwich with cappuccino at Dean & DeLuca in Silom, followed by a ride to my favorite rural area - Ban Phanthai Norasing, Samut Sakon (Latitude : 13° 34' 39" N Longitude : 100° 20' 35" E). Heavy rains overnight so roads remained flooded in some districts.

Lovely area, lovely ride, and I made a new friend (think he was just looking for a free lunch !). Mileage on return 3,723.

Krung Thep: 20 August 2011

Hugely enjoyed a delicious breakfast of smoked salmon / avocado bagel, and cappuccino with good friends at Dean & DeLuca in Silom (Thanon Naradhiwas next to the Chong Nonsi BTS Station). Over breakfast we discussed Ban Suan beach which is about an hour south of Bangkok on the road to Pattaya. Without prior planning or the GPS, I set off to find this resort.

The road out of Bangkok was easy enough to navigate as I back-tracked to take the Talat River crossing ferry which joins Route 3, Soi Sukhumvit, south – east from Bangkok (my understanding is that Sukhumvit can be followed all the way south - east to Cambodia). Sadly, I was obviously not concentrating and became lost in Samut Prakan, the next province to Bangkok. Google Maps on the iPhone and a good 3G reception soon found my location. Unfortunately I was completely disoriented and miss-read the north and south. 30 minutes later I found myself back in Bangkok and the middle of Sukhumvit's Saturday morning traffic. At this point decided to call it a day and make for home. Nevertheless, an enjoyable ride and I was able to try my Italian Spidi body armour,  purchased the previous weekend while in the Philippines. I found this very cool, comfortable and secure - excellent for around-town riding. Mileage upon return and after the regular car wash - 3,650 kilometers.

Training Day - Kawasaki Rama IX: 7 August 2011

Arrived at the Kawasaki Dealer Rama IX at about 7:40 a.m. after leaving home by 7:23 a.m. with mileage of 3,478. Training was free and aimed at basic riding skills. It included motorcycle safety, a run-down of the motorcycle, general maintenance and care, how to pick-up a dropped bike (see below), and general handling. The instruction was good and professional (albeit in Thai language but fortunately the Kawasaki staff and other riders were very patient and helpful, and translated where necessary).

Glad to say I was not asked to pick-up a dropped bike! Most of the training consisted of riding the Kawasaki KRS or D-Tracker motorcycles around a series of cones. The KRS is a mini 110cc sports bike and the D-Tracker is a little bigger at 125cc. Both motorcycles are light and easy to ride. I didn't fall-off (many did) but I was far from the most proficient and seemed to get lost at times wiggling in and out of the cones. Nevertheless, a hugely enjoyable day and without a doubt my riding skills a have improved.
Many thanks to Kawasaki Thailand, Motoaholic Dealership, and the many individuals who gave-up their Sunday to make this an enjoyable and educational day - much appreciated.

Kanchanaburi Province: Weekend 30-31 July 2011

An early 06:15am departure after packing and preparing the motorcycle the evening before. Mileage at departure 2,990 kilometers. Lovely ride out of Bangkok with little traffic and most traffic lights on green. Stopped at 7:30am at Bang Len on route 346 for coffee and a break.

Stopped once more for petrol before reaching Boutique Raft Resort River Kwai hotel (Latitude : 14° 12' 98" N Longitude : 99° 03' 40" E) at Tha Sao in Kanchanaburi Province at about 9:30am. Mileage on arrival 3,202 kilometers. After a breakfast of coffee, orange juice and toast, and after freshening-up, traveled about 20 kilometers north along route 323 to the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum. The museum is dedicated to all the men and women who suffered and died while working on the construction of the Burma-Thailand railway during the Second World War. Took the opportunity to walk along the rail bed that included the 600 meter section known as Hellfire Pass.

Arranged to catch the 3:30pm train from Nam Tok Railway Station but, due to poor weather, was late and missed the train – will try to return another day.

As a result, returned early to the hotel for fried fish, rice and a well earned bottle of wine. Needless to say, was asleep by 7:00pm. Woke early the next day, had an excellent breakfast and departed for Bangkok in the rain.

Returned safely and took the motorcycle for a much needed wash and wax. Mileage 3,478 – an overall weekend mileage of 488 very enjoyable kilometers.

Motoaholic Kawasaki Thornburi: 23 July 2011

Visited recently opened Kawasaki big bike dealer to see what they have to sell, and to see if they could adjust my headlight which is too high and blinds oncoming drivers. Ended up having headlight adjusted (mechanic advised this was a model 2011 factory defect), oil and oil filter replaced (Agip imported semi synthetic oil from Italy), chain oiled and tension checked. While waiting for the service to complete, bought radiator guard, tank protector (all fitted by Motoaholic technicians), and a new Taichi airflow jacket.

 http://www.motoaholic.com/

Very happy with Motoaholic service and the knowledgeable, pleasant and helpful staff - will return for next service. Mileage at oil change 2,850 kilometers.

Later in the day, took the motorcycle for an evening ride to the Royal Thai Navy Base to check headlight adjustment. Mileage on return from the Royal Thai Navy Base, 2,887 kilometers.

Cha Am: Weekend 15-16 July 2011

Set-off around 8:00am for a ride around the local rural roads. A lovely day and stopped at a PTT gasoline station with a 7-11 at Mahachai, Samut Sakon, for breakfast of coffee and a ham n' cheese toasty at 9:30am. Mileage 2,498.
Enjoying the ride so decided to continue south-west on to route 35, stopped for petrol at 10:50am and mileage 2,588 (full tank of 91 gasohol for Thb300). Reached Cha Am at 11:20am (Latitude : 12° 48' 00" N Longitude : 99° 58' 00" E - mileage 2,624) and found small hotel (Cha Am Villa Beach Hotel for Thb1,700 per night). Given did not expect to be stopping overnight, had to buy tooth paste, t-shirt etc., etc....

Picture, courtesy of friend, is Don Hoi Lot on way to Cha Am (miles and miles of mud and razor clams I am advised)
Left Cha Am soon after breakfast (and an entertaining walk along the beach which was full of late-night / early-morning party-goers) the next day at about 8:00am. Reached Bangkok, after one petrol refill en route, at 11:05am and mileage 2,805.

Leab Khlong Loang Road: 9 July 2011

Another early morning ride to the seaside. This time to Leab Khlong Loang Road and a beautiful sunrise. Mileage on return 2,454.

National Park: Weekend 25-26 June 2011

Weekend trip to Thailand National Park that started started with Talat river crossing (6:00am ferry crossing 1,498 mileage) after packing overnight belongings and filling-up motorcycle with petrol.

Took route 3 out of Bangkok (Sukhumvit) by following the coastline to Bang Pakong and then route 314 north to Ban Phra where the road merges with the route 304 running north-east from Phanom Sarakham to Kabin Buri and Wang Nam Khieo.

Reached Kabin Buri for fuel and pit stop and arrived at destination (mileage 1,910) - Nakhon Ratchasima, Wang Nam Khieo.

Found hotel, had dinner, sleep, breakfast and then departed at 10:03 the next day. Arrived in Bangkok 17:13 - mileage after bike wash 2,330.

PS: if there is anyone reading this blog, I have been advised that the pictures are too motorcycle-centric so will change the composition of any future photographs.....

Phanthai Norasing: 19 June 2011

Early morning ride around Phanthai Norasing. Came across Vermiculture farm on return and stopped for tour and instruction in vermiculture (worm cultivation).

Seems worms can be grown to produce fertilizers that can be used for hydroponic vegetable cultivation. Very very ecological method of food production - will explore this more.

Bike wash (Mileage on return 1,495)

Seaside - Mahachai, Samut Sakhon: 18 June 2011

Took rural road through Wat Pracha Bamrung and Phanthai Norasing to rural road 4008. Stopped at Dolphin View Point off 4008 but informed that dolphins are only visible in these waters during the winter months. Continued on to Wat KrokKrak in Bang Ya Phraek (Latitude: 13° 38' 23" N Longitude : 100° 32' 35" E).

Navigated to this point using custom route entered into Garmin GPS Zumo 220 (motorcycle GPS). Used return custom route feature and the Garmin re-calculated return via Soi Ekkachai which is not a preferred route back to Bangkok (heavy traffic and many markets that cause traffic congestion). Eventually decided to ignore GPS and return to the rural roads. GPS finally re-calculated rural route.

Ban Phanthai Norasing, Samut Sakon: 13 June 2011

Sukhumvit Soi 22 and an evening ride through Ban Phanthai Norasing, Samut Sakon (Latitude : 13° 34' 39" N Longitude : 100° 20' 35" E). Phanthai Norasing, who was a coxswain on one of the barges of King Phra Chao Sua, is a symbol of integrity and honesty and his virtues are taught to Thai students. He lived during the Ayutthaya period about two hundred years ago.

Lovely roads and no traffic. Pulled-over by Police at road block and advised lights too bright / poorly adjusted - will ask Kawasaki dealer to adjust at next service.(Mileage on return 1,324)

Royal Thai Navy Base, Laen Fa Pha: 11 June 2011

Delightful evening ride to area outside the Royal Thai Navy Base, Laen Fa Pha (Latitude :13° 34' 05" N Longitude : 100° 32' 50" E). Sat on bridge and watched anglers while having fresh coconut and ice cream. Stopped-off at a Hydroponic "farm" on the way and was instructed on the basics of hydroponic vegetable growing by a most helpful farmer.

On return journey found new car wash (Soi Suksawat Soi 66) that seems quite expert in motorcycle wash and wax. More expensive than the current Caltex petrol station car wash used to-date, but will take the motorcycle to Soi 66 from now on.

Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom: 10 June 2011

Rode to Phutthamonthon  (Latitude: 13° 46' 35" N Longitude: 100° 19' 15" E), a park near Nakhon Pathom recommended by friend at the office. Easy route with reasonable roads and traffic for a Saturday morning.
One navigation blunder going. Turned left to go on to Borommaratchachonnani elevated roadway and came across a police roadblock stopping motorcycles. Given never sure which elevated sections of road motorcycles are allowed (or not allowed) to use, decided to quickly head for the frontage road. Unfortunately, after about a kilometer, this ran-out and resulted in having to traverse some muddy railway tracks to get across, and then back to, the highway. Plenty of motorcycles were using the elevated section so need not have bothered!

The park was nice and surrounded by klongs. Stopped for iced coffee and toast, and re-programmed the GPS to go to Mahachai, Samut Sakhon which is said to have a nice open air market and is by the seaside. Must have hit GPS "take me home" button by mistake as, after about 45 minutes, began to wonder why it was getting more urban and built-up! It was soon clear this was Bangkok so decided to return home and leave the seaside trip for another day (mileage on return 1,213 kilometers)

First service (1,000 kilometers): 28 May 2011

Motorcycle booked for 1st service with the Kawasaki dealer at 1:00 p.m. so able to have leisurely start to the day. The customer lounge has views over the service area and as a result able to watch mechanics working on motorcycle. Service seemed thorough, oil and oil filter changed (fully synthetic oil used), chain tightened and greased, and motorcycle and tires carefully checked.

[Motorcycle on ramp at Kawasaki dealer service center - viewed from customer lounge]

After service, took motorcycle for test ride to Royal Thai Naval Base, Laen Fa Pha and then to Na Kluea. This time was accosted by the "village idiot's wife" - have decided to give Na Kluea a miss for a while!