I rode a few new trails near Huai Kaeo then headed up the 4074 over the Lampang/CNX border. I found a few interesting trails on Google Earth and decided to see if I could ride all the way back to the 1230 (near Mae On) on dirt trails. It was an overcast, cool day riding over the mountain. As I neared my destination I looked back at this spot near one of the checkpoints. If you look carefully you can see that yummy trail in the distance. Unfortunately, the gate was down and I was alone, so I backed out. Google Earth shows that there is a nice road back there and there must be an awesome view from the peak to the SW. Gate located at 18.855668°, 99.367501°. There is also an unkempt dirt track on the north side of the 4074. I will check it out some other time.
I walked up the trail just a bit and took this shot looking back at the road:
The views were splendid today:
Here is my first waypoint: Ban Pamiang 18.828532° 99.387484°. I am looking for the dirt trail now to head S'ly and W'ly toward a trail that Phil and I rode last week.
It turns into dirt a few hundred meters down the road. This bridge and adjacent water crossing is interesting now only because I have to go back with my truck. More later....
Nice trail
I decided to go left. If I had only gone right I think I would have found my connection.
Another left
I made it through a village and up the mountain about 500 meters or so, then my clutch burned out....AGAIN!. Luckily, I coasted down back through the village and parked the bike here. The route up past the village is behind my bike and a shadowy right-hand turn at the storage shed.
There were maybe 7 or 8 houses and only one had signs of life. It was a young Thai man and his infant son... in the bath. I apologized for walking up on them. He was happy to walk back and look at the bike. No one was around to give me a ride, so I left my gear at his house and left the bike where it was parked. I started walking back 5 or 6km to my starting point. Not fun in offroad boots. Luckily it was cool and there was only a brief rain shower. Also, I have been hiking (voluntarily!!!) so I was ready to do it.
I found some network access to make a call and luckily Fishenough was more than willing to come rescue me.
Here are photos from the walk:
Self portrait with forced smile
Back to get the Lifan this week, get it fixed, AND SELL IT!!! I can't wait to get back here with a decent bike.
