The Leech Trail, its obstacles & some new tracks

[KTMphil]

2 KTM 300 2 smokers, perfect weather for trail riding, what more could you ask for



The nasty dip on the single track between Huay Thong Tao Reservoir & Mae Rim

The view from the lookout, looking down on Mae Rim

 

[KTMphil]

We had a route Kind of planned, take the single track from Huay Thong Tao reservoir north to Mae Rim, buggy trail, SW up the mountain, then no plan.



Excuse the "Mea Rim" spelling mistake

 

[KTMphil]

The farm workers were busy filling the trails all over the mountain, getting the farms accessible during the harvest

Everywhere up the mountain was now pretty dry, even the shady areas, even a lot of dust around now

 

[KTMphil]

Up the buggy trail to the viewpoint looking over Mae Rim

Super clear day

Matt's KTM 300

 

[KTMphil]

Matt's wheelie across a log bridge

Another one further down the trail

 

[KTMphil]

Then onto the infamous "Leech Trail" (I wonder how it got it's name?).

I don't think many people have been on it since before rainy season, i'm told John & Darren went up there and had to turn back a while ago because of the fallen trees, so this could be interesting.


Here was the first one not far into the trail

The one above the locals had made a track around it

 

[KTMphil]

Then the next one from a landslide in rainy season

2 of us dragged each bike under

Looks like there is away around this one higher up made by the locals

 

[KTMphil]

If you want a challenging trail, the Leech trail is probably one of the best in the Chiang Mai city region, lots of technical stuff, loose rocks, big ruts, steps, tree roots etc.....

It's got a real feel of you're in the middle of the jungle with huge bamboo

 

[KTMphil]

Next obstacle a load of bamboo stems

Then some nasty rocky rutted stuff

Went over the bars & smashed my had up coming down the mountain (it's the GF hand too), don't think its broken

Highly recommend the Leech Trail to experienced riders

 

[paulmaehia]

looking good ! Carn't wait to get my new bike now .

 

[johnnysneds]

looking good ! Carn't wait to get my new bike now .

What you getting now Paul?

 

[paulmaehia]

 

[johnnysneds]

Very nice, can't wait to see it in action mate

 

[esspressolungo]

Nice one, nice pictures too... the last time I went there was during rainy season this year, what a nasty track in the rain. Still waiting for parts of my bike, hopefully back in the saddle soon, without a bike is bad

 

[Lao2stroker]

WOW...those trails look great, but you know, that green really brings out the Orange in those beautiful KTMS....I cant Imagine it would work the same on your Gas Gas Paul, it's just tooooo amazing. That is some bike! I'm anxious to hear a ride report.

 

[Loop]

If you want a challenging trail, the Leech trail is probably one of the best in the Chiang Mai city region, lots of technical stuff, loose rocks, big ruts, steps, tree roots etc.....

or that dirty great effen hill we rode up to Ban Mai last friday!!

 

[MastaMax]

Great you guys went through with it. Was there a week or 2 ago but we decided to turn around seeing 2 down trees in the first few 100 meters...

Hope you're ok after you fall.


Paul: great looking bike, hope to see you trail riding again soon.

 

[bigntall]

Nice to see the Smokers out 'n about.

The Gas Gas also has a seat height 2 inches lower than the KTM which is really attractive.

 

[MastaMax]

Did the almost same loop last Saturday, and the leech trail was in great condition (it's still the leech trail though, didn't get that easy neither...). Didn't have to get off the bike a single time. There is a little cut through at the beginning so you get around the first downed tree(s).

Seems like they cleared up a lot. Only remaining obstacle are those downed bamboos where you have to lean the bike a bit to get through:

Next obstacle a load of bamboo stems