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.