Trip Report: Solo (mostly) Ride SG-MY-TH-KH-VN 14/05/12 - 31/05/12

[aloha]

Chanthaburi back to Prachuap Khiri Khan, 29th May 2012

 

Woke up bright and early at 6am to make the most of the day since I was rushing back to Singapore and I only had three days. Rode like mad, non-stop back through Bangkok. When I was nearing Bangkok, I tried my very best to avoid the motorways but couldn't really. So decided to just wing it and flew through the motorways. That was, until I saw the toll booth appearing in front again. Sighs!!! This time, I was smarter. I went by the side and squeezed past all the cars, and then the toll collector stepped out to stop me, I just waved as I zoomed past. No point stopping to argue since they would tell me to turn back off the highway again. Was so exhilarating, waving at the fella when I knew I was doing something illegal. Haha. I did head off the motorway when I was nearing Bangkok though - wldn't want to be caught and fine for it.

 

Back in Bangkok, it took eons to get through the deadlocks in traffic before I was out heading south again. Near Petchaburi, I got lost cos my GPS kept leading me into a certain fork that had three branches - and all three led to dead ends. Was really frustrating as I spent several hours exploring each one of them and not leading anywhere. Just went round and round a valley with no end in sight. Or returning to the same point.

 

After a long day of riding, I finally entered PKK. And met a foreign biker on a GSA1200. I hailed him and pulled him aside, and found out he rode here from Canada. Super impressed. We checked into some guesthouse cos Lily's was fully booked. And i treated him to dinner so I can hear his story. Apparently, he sold his house in the Bahamas during the recession in 2008, flew back home to Canada, and bought a bike with a forged license. After that, he rode from Canada down to S. America, and back home, flew to Europe, rode to Africa, and then now he's in SEA. He's been going at it every day for close to 3 years, and he hasn't stopped since. Super impressed, and very inspired. Apparently, this was the GS rider I passed by when I first headed up my trip on the NSH. Whats the chance huh! =P

 

I went back to my old haunts such as the MC Cafe, and also tried to get my bike serviced. But nobody possessed the tools to open my engine oil screw. O.o So didn't manage to change my engine oil. Shall tahan abit more I suppose..

 

Cant remember the name of the place I stayed. THB250

 

Pictures!

 

Photos of my friend David, his GS, and the places he has travelled to. The map is marked with black marker. Impressive right?? =)) So proud of him.

Edited August 2, 2012 by aloha

[aloha]

Day 17: PKK to Alor Star, 30th May 2012

 

Those were the last pictures I took. Nothing much else interesting.

 

Had a good breakfast with David in the morning, took some pictures, and we headed out on our separate ways - me to Msia and back to Spore, while him to Changmai.

 

Long long ride down the Thai isthmus with plenty of rain to bring out the cursing bits in me.

 

At Alor Star, changed my engine oil and fixed my foglights which were spoiled (even before the trip started). Haha.

 

Stayed at the same Bee Motel, and went out to supper at the same night market place I ate at earlier with Terence.

 

Bee Motel, RM55.

 

 

Day 18: Alor Star to Spore, 31st May 2012.

 

Today was the only day in my trip where it did not rained. So thankful for dry boots. =P It was a boring ride down the peninsular tho. But was glad to be home nonetheless. At JB, I took a last petrol pump and polished up my bike before riding back into Spore, reaching abt 4ish in the afternoon.

 

 

And that my friends, cap off the trip report. Do IM me if you need info, help, or just to talk! =) Hope this was useful!

 

Sorry I took so long to finish up the trip report - was really busy with work and all.

[papabread79]

"Canada down to S. America, and back home, flew to Europe, rode to Africa, and then now he's in SEA."

 

Seriously WTF sia! Amazing!

[franz71]

Great ride you had bro.....very interesting! thanks for sharing.

[pokakia]

Respect. How I wish I can tour like you. But I got limited knowledge for bike maintainance and no experience riding in foreign countries. Would like to try it some day. I really love your trip report. RESPECT !!!

[aloha]

Thanks to all for the kind words! Pokakia, I don't know much about bike maintenance as well; sometimes it just takes a little courage to break out of the bubble and try. Just head up north for a ride one day, you'll be surprised that it's not as difficult as it sounds! =)