Motocycle Diaries

2009-11-05T15:22:00.000+07:00

A friend sent these two photos of some native tribemen riding rudimentary Harleys, so I couldn't help but post them for you to enjoy.

Elephant Reintroduction Ceremony

2009-02-11T21:54:00.001+07:00

Motocycle Diaries

Following an invitation from Khun Sivaporn, our ex-boss, we decided to ride our motorcycle up North to join the Elephant Reintroduction program at Khun Tan National Park, Lampang. Since the event is in the afternoon and there’s enough time to take a detour, we will ride early (5 a.m.) to catch cool breeze in Bung Porapet, Nakornsawan on Hw 225.

7:30 a.m. Freshly brewed illy espresso served with Moji on board our boat.

After noodle lunch (Kao Soy) in Koh Kah, Lampang, we rode further north past Hangchat to Doi Pha Mueang Wildlife Conservation center. Khun Sivaporn was giving speech to the donor, the Rietzler family and friends.

Khun Rojana turns paparazzi too.

Mr. Manfred doing Brahma offering.

Cute little elephant ready for the ceremony.

Brahm gave the young elephant “Jerm”.

Khun Rojana chatting with the Rietzler family member.

Catholic ceremony followed.

Group Foto shoot of participants

Letting the young elephant free.

Khun Sivaporn teached Pukkie how to get off a pick-up truck properly.

We rode further north on Hw 11 to Chiangmai for the annual Flower Parade festival at Suan Buak Had, downtown Chiangmai.

Morning coffee at Starbuck with Pa Tong Koh from Khun Oun. Followed by Kao Soy at Samer Jai, Fa Harm. Then Tea time at Leenawat’s brother tea shop Vieng Joom On teahouse with chocolate soufflé…Three breakfast in one morning..??

Lots of flowers especially orchid in the competition for the best flower of the show. Co
Should have release this elephant too…??
Easy to spot Noke, wearing all RED cap and T.
Lucky nobody wear YELLOW cos the RED mob is marching outside the show…!!

Shopping at the walking street of Chiangmai

Dinner, dinner and dinner
From French cuisine at Le Crystal to Somtam Lao at streetside plus Durian Kan Yao as desert..!!

Morning “Jok” Hong Kong style congee at Vieng Thong square, Lampang. Then followed by Guangtong Chinese lunch at Mae Sod, Tak.

Side stop at Kampaengpet province for “Phob Phra” (discovery of Emerald Bhuddha)
Following recommendation of Khun Tul Suvanarat, seven times Paris Dakka rally racer.

HD Police Motorcycle

2008-07-16T11:19:00.003+07:00

No sir.

Aor was too afraid to ride with a bunch of crazy bikers krub.
Think she went with her Mom.

Totally agreed with you on 668 krub.
The ladies are promoter of Marlboro and trying "desperately" to sell the
cigerette to the crowd.

Some of our riders even buy the cigarette and give away to others....just
to chat!
One of our riders got Harley Road King Police for less than THB 700k.
Look real cool.
Wish i can find a cheap one too.

Have a happy Riding krub.
Ciao.
Ekachai C.

Chanel Bike

2007-10-25T16:03:00.000+07:00

Not quite a motorbike, but I couldn't resist posting this special edition bike by Chanel; about US $ 12,000 each.
The limited edition bike has been designed as part of Chanel's spring/summer 2008 collection to celebrate the heritage of the house and Coco Chanel's love of sport. Exclusively hand-crafted, it is bedecked with Chanel’s signature quilted leather and double-C logo as well as a utility saddle bag. Weighing about 16.5 kilos, it comes with an attached 8-speed gear.
Undeniably, it is the most chic mode of green transport for this festive season. However it will rip you off your greens as it can be bought from Chanel boutiques from December onwards.

Harley Davidson - Bangkok

2007-09-27T21:33:00.000+07:00

Harley Davidson holds an exhibition at the Siam Paragon exclusive shopping center in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mongolia's Easy Riders

2007-07-11T20:50:00.000+07:00

On this visit to Mongolia we are pleasantly surprised to see Mongolian motorcycle riders participate in the Nadaam Festival, in addition to the standard archers, wrestlers, horse riders, and traditional costumed tribesmen and famous musicians and singers.

Pee Ta Kon Festival, Loei Province, Thailand

2007-07-02T16:00:00.000+07:00

Pracha Chumnarnkitkosol ( "Noke") rides up to Loei Province in northern Thailand to join in the fun of the famous "Pee Ta Kon" Festival.

Ekachai, Adisorn and Pukkie

2007-06-27T10:53:00.001+07:00

Khun Siva krub,Yesterday we took Adisorn for a real ride (first long distance trip).I have promised Sorn for a long time to ride with him to some nice place.Pukkie joined and witness the ride too.Thanks for the inspiration you gave me two years ago when you took me on myfirst ride to Khaoyai.Cheers.Vehicle : Adisorn Ducati Monster 800 Pukkie BMW F650 GS Ek BMW K1200RDestination : Granmonte Vineyard, Khaoyai via Prachinburi sideLunch Menu : Linguine with prawn in white wine sauce Grilled Cod fish inside vine leaves with anchovie sauce Grilled Aussie tenderloin steak topped with foe grasWine : Kirimaya chenin blanc 2004Traveloque:6:45 Riding passed the Central World Plaza (former world trade). Lots ofcars on the street. Met a big group of scooters (100s) came in couples.Ek: Some thing is wrong here... Why this Manga-sai (scooter bug) came soearly? Why lots of them are on Pra-tu-nam area early morning?Front page Bangkok Post today "Yesterday morning 6am around 200 motorcyclestook over the street in Petchburi road and organize a road racing causingtraffic to standstill...! One policeman was ran over by gangsters whilerunning.Ek: Lucky me. If the Police hold up those gangsters middle of the road, Imight get caught with those Manga-sai too...!? Hell freezed over.7:00 at the meeting pointPukkie: I never come to meeting point alone and wait for you guys to showbefore. I hate waiting.7:30 at Amazon Cafe, PTTPukkie: Where is Sorn ka?? Will he come? Walking back n forth between7-Eleven n her Bike n Cafe'7:35 Finally show up.Sorn: Can i have breakfast? So early and very hungry too!7:45 Time to go. Crossing the bridge of Huay Kwang and meet smilingPoliceman standing mid-way hands out.Ek: So early Mr. Policeman?? Probably my bad day cause i just came out ofPTT gas station 100 meters away.After s few chats, I told him i gotta leave for Khaoyai, he patted me inthe back and i left. He walked towards Pukkie and...Policeman: Are you sure you can go?? Can't say otherwise lah si? Already inthe road chai-mai-lah... Then he laughed.Pukkie: Keep on smiling.... then go.8:30 Pit Stop at Cafe' Boran (old coffee house) in Nakorn NayokOwner: Oh you ride motorcycle too..? She's been seeing us on bicycle formany times.My husband used to ride Japanese 750cc. So scare... too fast for me.Then she took her kid (very small girl) to see our bikes.Brunn...bru..unnn...!9:30 At the south entrance gate of Khaoyai National ParkTicket Woman: Three tickets sir..? Where are the rest? Why are you and yourbike alone at my booth?Aren't they coming too sir..??Ek: Yes they will come. Just the slope here is too steep to park andsomebody feet is too short for the turtle back road surface..!10:30 Pit Stop at the Park office. We were drinking Gatorade and chatting.Suddenly a local bird (Nok Ei-ang) landed in front of Sorn on Pukkie's niceand shine helmet.Sorn: This bird is very aggressive na krub. (The bird just landed in themiddle of table some 30cm from Sorn-Pukkie-me triangle) Finding nothing onPukkie's helmet, it jumped to Sorn's helmet then chit on it then fliedaway. What the H....? Leaving white/greyish mark on his helmet.12:00pm At Granmonte vineyard. All six staffs in the cellar room all comeout and watch us parking our bikes. Feel like a motorcade. Cos...No otherguests at the time. Greeting by the owner-Khun Visoot while walking to therestuarant. Long time no see.At the outside patio under the tamarind tree of the Italian restuarant:Pukkie: I can have only one glass of wine.Sorn: Me too, only one glass.Ek: How much does it cost per glass?Pukkie: A bottle cost as much as three glass. So instead of ordering three.Get one bottle then.Ek: Fine, I will take back the rest then.13:30 Still drinking until the bottle became empty. The sunlight wasovershadowed by cloud. Nice cool breeze.14:00 Sorn: Better take some nap before we head back home. So tired nowafter those ride, those food, and wine.15:00 Rain came. Got coffee and run back into the roof. Near escape fromshower.15:15 Rain stopped..! Dressing up prepared to ride back16:00-17:00 Rain, shower, storm, rain17:00-home No rain but very cloudy in the city.

2007-06-27T10:53:00.000+07:00

Pukkie's New Bike BMW F 650 GS

2007-01-29T20:31:00.000+07:00

Top: Ek rides pillion to check Pukkie's handling ablities of the

BMW F 650 GS Single cylinder air cooled trail bike.
Bottom: Pukkie speeds up the road to Khao Yai National Park on her own.

2006-10-19T11:43:00.000+07:00

In front of "Dynosaur" in Syracuse, N.Y. ,the place reccomended by Patrapa for lunch since she graduated from Syracuse University a few years ago with a Masters in Information Management.

2006-10-19T11:38:00.000+07:00

On our trip to the USA, we, all of 14 people, stop to have some fabulous ribs and sliced beef sandwiches at "Dynosaur" in Syracuse, N.Y. Nattamon (Vor) poses with the Harleys parked in front of the crowded eatery.

2006-07-01T18:08:00.000+07:00

We go to see "The World's Fastest Indian", the true story of New Zealand's Burt Munro's efforts to set a world land speed record with his 1920 Indian motorcycle. It is a heartwarming movie.

2006-04-19T22:06:00.000+07:00

Flowers in my backyard on Election Day for Senate House.

2006-04-17T19:40:00.000+07:00

Ekachai and his biker friends prepare to exit from the bank where they have cashed enough money for their 4,000 kilometer round-trip ride from Bangkok to Singapore.

2006-04-17T19:37:00.000+07:00

Sunset at Fisherman pier, Hua Hin. Caruso Italian restuarant run by italian
behind Hilton.

2006-04-17T19:36:00.000+07:00

From Hadyai to Singapore. From Sadao border of Thailand thru North-South
Hiway of Malaysia to Jahor Baru.

2006-04-17T19:35:00.000+07:00

A rest stop on the way to Jahor Baru, Malaysia.

2006-04-17T19:33:00.000+07:00

Bikers tollgate at Butterworth to Penang, Malaysia.

2006-04-17T19:30:00.000+07:00

Bikers watch the sunset at Laem Promthep, Phuket.

2006-04-17T19:29:00.000+07:00

Annual Phuket Bike Week coincides with the Songkran Festival or the Thai New Year celebrations.

2006-04-17T19:27:00.000+07:00

Bikers admire various custom bikes on show at the Phuket Bike Festival.

2006-04-17T19:26:00.000+07:00

More sexy stuff.

2006-04-17T19:25:00.000+07:00

Bikers welcome show.

2006-04-17T19:24:00.000+07:00

Custom bikes on show.

2006-04-17T19:23:00.000+07:00

Bikes gather for the annual festivities in Phuket.

2006-04-17T19:22:00.000+07:00

Phuket Bike Week 2006.

2006-02-24T20:03:00.000+07:00

Motorcycle Diaries – Take me home….to Khao Yai

“I has a farm in Khao Yai, at the foot of Khao Yai national park, The farm lay at an altitude of 375 meters”……… seems like “ Out of Africa” a bit. Knowing that you gonna ask about Denys Finch Hatton and Borkley Cole. Here is our stories.

We descent Bangkok together from MOTOZONE in RCA. Ekachai used BMW K 1200 R and Jem rode YAMAHA R 1. I drove my Harrier using Toll way. 5 min after the end of the toll, I saw them in rear mirror riding like crazy. At top speed of my car, 180 km/hr, they passed me in just wink of my eyes. And keep riding at this speed through the whole trip.

Offcourse, Jem missed the first meeting point. Then we meet again after turning left from Viphawadee road to Mitraparb in Saraburi at PTT gas station. Then we took route no. 3224 and turn left again at route no.2089 to go to Prapassara Farm. This route is perfect for driving and riding due to the curve and scenery. It’s our all time favorite.

Jem and Ekachai having grape fruit juice( not become wine yet) at Prapasara Farm (route 2089).

Bikers with sun flower field on the way to waterfall

Ekachai and me at Jed Saonoi Waterfall.

Having lunch at Mori Japanese Restaurant in Pak Chong (the most beautiful scenery japanese restaurant in my view) . Take a look at Sake box holder. This made this two guys riding faster.

Riding mountain bike instead at the old golf course on Khao Yai. The condition is very rough now. Had to turn back.

Trying to fix Jem’s bike. Sorry, it’s not a run flat tyre.

2006-02-24T20:01:00.000+07:00

2006-02-23T20:56:00.000+07:00

Article about yours truly is published in Hi-Class Magazine about his Harley-Davidson Heritage Softtail Special.

2006-02-19T13:21:00.000+07:00

Ekachai:"Found new Egyptian friends serving the best grilled leg of lamb with arabic rice."

2006-02-19T13:19:00.000+07:00

Ekachai goes mountain biking:"Foggy Mountain at Tung Sa Leang Luang, Pitsanulok known for best route for mountain biking with great view of rolling hills."

2006-02-14T17:08:00.000+07:00

Just received this photo by email from a photoshop in Nan Province. It looks like Bundit's Heritage Softtail and his helmet. But where is Bundit? There is no message or explaination with the photo.

2006-02-14T09:52:00.000+07:00

By chance, we ran into Bundit Saowan and his on-again off-again side-kick: Kamron, at a PTT gas station outside of Uttradit. He and his Australian friends are riding up to Nan Province.

2006-02-14T09:50:00.000+07:00

Bundit's Australian friends, Peter McDowell and Carrie, who came to ride in Thailand.

2006-01-17T08:01:00.000+07:00

Ek and his black and yellow Bimmer at the Pasak Dam.

2006-01-17T07:55:00.000+07:00

Baby black and yellow hornbill thinks the black and yellow BMW K12R is his mother.

Bird Watching at Pasak Dam

2006-01-17T07:52:00.000+07:00

Ek: "Little Hornbill thought that Mommy has changed its body.
Looking for lunch she is nipping at every single bolt and rubber part
on my bike."

Merry Christmas from Peter Michener and Carlos Tan

2005-12-26T21:40:00.000+07:00

Dear Khun Sivaporn,
Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season attached are a few pics from Carlos and my adventure in Napa and the Northern CA redwoods in late October. A spectacular short ride up the coast, thru the redwoods, and into Napa for those who would make a 4-5 stopvoer in San Fran.
See you in the New Year.
Peter

(Hope this very large email goes thru and the picture of grapes is of Champagne grapes at Mumms we Carlos and I had “breakfast”. We discovered that they served no food! A great way to start the day anyway. )

2005-12-26T21:38:00.000+07:00

Carlos Tan and Peter Michener

2005-12-26T21:32:00.000+07:00

Peter Michener poses underneath the Chandelier Tree in the Redwood Forest. Please note that for extra road protection he wears Northern California LED earrings.

2005-12-26T21:26:00.000+07:00

"Avenue of the Giants"- Our intrepid friends Carlos Tan and Peter Michener, gang members of our Immortals Harley-Davidson Thonburi Chapter go riding in the Redwood Forest of Northern California.

Pukkie's Dream Bike

2005-12-01T07:57:00.000+07:00

2005-12-01T07:56:00.000+07:00

Ekachai's new bike.

Wang Nam Kheow

2005-12-01T07:52:00.000+07:00

Dear All,

We'd biked to Wang Nam Kheow this weekend. The weather was so nice. Can't stop going out again. Khun Ekachai's got his new bike. It's the same model as the latest mask rider uses. The childrens in village stunning stared at the bike when we passed by. We also enjoy the trip on the fire guard road at the foot step of Khao Yai, flipping like a fish.

Cheers,

Puk

Reevu MSX1 motorcycle helmet with rear-view mirror

2005-11-22T06:51:00.000+07:00

Putting a clear pane in the back of a motorcycle helmet, viewable via a front-mounted mirror, might seem like an obvious idea in, er, hindsight, but it took helmet manufacturer Reevu to make it a reality. The company’s MSX1, which has been the worst-kept secret in biker circles for several years, has finally made its official debut, at the EICMA show in Milan. The helmet relies on a distinctive raised crown, which provides a clear line of sight from front to back, enabling the mirror — made of unbreakable reflective polycarbonate — to capture the view from the rear. The helmet is expetcted to be available worldwide at about $399 early next year. (from www.engadget.com)

2005-11-10T21:56:00.000+07:00

Manufacturer's plate on my VeloSolex.

2005-11-10T21:55:00.000+07:00

My MotoBecane VeloSolex without the gasoline engine (which is dismantled and in a box). Twenty-five years ago I went to France with Khun Sumet to study the possibility of buying the Solex company to build the Solex for the Thai market. We bought back two Solexs.

Hua Hin Bike Week - Nov.4-5, 2005

2005-11-10T21:47:00.000+07:00

Pukkie and the Piaggio of her desire.

2005-11-10T21:45:00.000+07:00

Pukkie got her eyes on a colorful Piaggio.
Those sweetie colorful scooter travel in wave of colors.

2005-11-10T21:43:00.000+07:00

Night time came and all riders head toward the Rab 16 (Military compound
#16), the venue of Hua Hin Bike Week.
Main sponsor is Beer Singha with lots of shop selling bike product and
apparel.

2005-11-10T21:41:00.000+07:00

Pukkie and Noke at the Hua Hin Bike Weekend.

2005-11-10T21:38:00.000+07:00

Hua Hin Bike Weekend Novemebr 4-5, 2005.
By Saturday afternoon, Hua Hin town was trembling with sound from exhaust
pipe of HDs.
Inside the Starbuck shop, you can feel that another group of HDs had
arrived.
Local people started to feel wave of arrivals of exhaust notes everywhere
in the central town area.

2005-11-10T21:32:00.000+07:00

Bikers arrived safely at Tum Sai Seafood in Sam Roy Yod National Park.
Just in time for Gung (rock lobster). Playing chicken on the salt flats?

2005-11-10T21:27:00.000+07:00

Pukkie lusting over a white HD Road King.

2005-11-02T17:22:00.000+07:00

Puk and Noke in Digen

Do Lamas Write Diaries?

2005-11-02T17:16:00.000+07:00

Lamas normally ride in red outfits, including red helmet.

Pukkie Goes to Shangrila

2005-11-02T17:10:00.000+07:00

Where is Shangrila

In every heart, there must be a sought after place which full of joy, youthness and no sorrow. James Hilton reaffirm our dream by his novel entitled” Lost Horizon” in 1933. The place called “Shangrila” was created since then. And people keep on trying to find it. The location and scenery epiced in this book was lead to a small city in Yunnan at the edge of China and Tibet border named Diqen. The city is located near 6,740 meter Meili mountain. Apart from the scenery, the local people is seemed to be unfriendly in my opinion. During the night, it will not be safe to walk alone on the only main street of the town.
Without love, understanding, friendship and whatever so called which can fullfill our heart, Diqen is not Shangrila. Where is Shangrila?

Tips:
- In order to alliviate altitude sickness which occure to 3 out of 15 people in our group. You must do some exercise and get enough rest before you enter Zhongtian. Stugeron drug will be helped if you’re not allegy to.
- For biker, you need really warm jacket,trouser and most important, to be strong. You can do no wrong cause there is no chance to do it again. Make sure that you put everything in your life in good manner. And, buy sufficient life insurance for your family
- Route: Start at Kunming-Lijieng-Zhongtian-Diqen. You can skip Lijieng if you go by plane.

All the stories in my diaries are dedicated to my friend who made my trip memorable, colorful and full of joy.Real friend’s always there in time of need. Always.

2005-11-01T17:03:00.000+07:00

Battle of the Ducati(s)
==================

999R vs 999s v 749s

Description of each.

999R is almost race bike replica with titanium, magnesium parts everywhere
and full carbon fairing.
The engine is high compression ratio with 150 hp.

999S is a sporty version of 999. Gets Ohlins shocks front and rear.
Beefed up engine gives 139 hp.

749S is the sporty version of 749. Gets Ohlins shock standard and 110 hp.

2005-11-01T17:01:00.000+07:00

"Mine is the best!"

2005-11-01T17:00:00.000+07:00

Ducatis fill up their tanks.

Granmonte Vinyard in Khao Yai

2005-11-01T16:59:00.000+07:00

Wine Tasting at Granmonte

The Chenin Blanc 2004 is launched two weeks ago at Granmonte.
Medium body with slightly fruity palette.
Simply the best white from this vineyard in Khaoyai.
(Quote: Guilio, Matre der Giusto)

Salad and smoke salmon was fine.
Linguine (pasta) was a bit disappointing with too much black pepper choking
our italian chefs.

Pininfarina Designs The New E-Solex

2005-09-28T18:05:00.000+07:00

Design group Pininfarina has released a picture of the new �e-Solex� and re-imagining of the classic moped that they have designed for Cible Group, the French company who bought up the Solex brand from Magneti Marelli. It has an electric engine, disc brakes and front suspensions. It can reach speeds of 35 Km/h (around 21 mph). It can also take an additional battery to increase coverable distance. The prototype �e-Solex�, will be shown at the �International two wheel show� in Paris in October. It�s not going to replace a Ferrari anytime soon but it is a very attractive design.

Posted Sep 24, 2005, 12:02 PM ET by Deidre Woollard

2005-09-28T10:01:00.000+07:00

Pukkie arrives at the resort in Rachaburi Province on the Ducati.

2005-09-28T10:00:00.000+07:00

View of the bedroom at the Rachaburi Resort.

2005-09-28T09:59:00.000+07:00

Rachaburi Resort: Pukkie and Ek relax on the circular veranda.

2005-09-12T19:42:00.000+07:00

Noke got a new bike.
BMW R1200 RT with CDs and cruise control. Soon he will get one with the air-bag.

2005-09-12T19:41:00.000+07:00

Hornbill flies after Noke. It is mating season for the hornbills at Khao Yai.

2005-09-12T19:40:00.000+07:00

Noke flies off on his new BMW bike up Khao Yai.

Pukkie Diaries-Part II (Sangklaburi)

2005-08-23T20:31:00.000+07:00

Since the last trip to Phurua and let’s the pain’d been sunk for a .
Puk: Pi Ek, wanna go biking again mai ja ?
Ek: Where’s about la ?
Puk: Sangklaburi, Kanjanaburi.
Ek: How’s the road condition?
Puk: How will I know la, don’t work for highway authority na.
Ek: Go and ask the resort around that area. Also asking Noke to join.
Puk: Again! Pi Noke will join us for sure. Now he even pee on his bike (oopse, so sorry for being rude). I will drive my car this time to make sure that I can go anywhere I’d like and anytime I want.
Together with nature, Sangklaburi has very strong culture. The town is located in most beautiful and serene place from lush mountains to tranquil rivers. You can enjoy rafting, riding elephant, kayaking, 4-wheel trip to jungle.
DAY 1
* Breakfast at Roslert, Pakgred.Remember! the one I mentioned from Phurua trip.This is the daughter of the one in Loei. Pracha wanna marry her or her sister. Please ask him why.
* Take ring road and enter route 346 to Bang Len.
* Still use route 346 from Bang Len to Kampaeng Saen and then Phanom Tuan (The road condition is bumpy and has 2 lanes). However, GS 1200 and Ducati 999s still going at 160 km/hr. My new car needed to be run in. Certainly, there is no waiting for me. I try my best to be the first in the row at every traffic light.
* From Phanom Tuan to Kanjanaburi(not sure about route no.but the road condition is good enough for all biker with 4 lanes)
* Arrive at Kanjanaburi. We stop and sip coffe at Srifa Bakery(quite nice but busy all the time, the coffee is very sweet).It’s near city’s shrine. You can ask any Kanjanaburian where it is.
* Descend Kanjanaburi to Thongphapoom follow route no. 323. You can fill in your tank just outside Kanjanaburi(so many big gas station)

It’s rained cats and dogs along the way but we still use our 160 km/hr speed. The road condition is great for biker. Despite the rain, the scenery is terrific with teak trees along the way, 4 lanes, lush mountain with fog.
- Lunch. It can be at Chonnabot restaurant on your right hand side , 5 km before Baan Phuthong or Khao Kaeng at Thongphapoom town adjacent to Yamaha bike shop.
-Coffee after lunch. There is one on your left hand side near Hin Dad hot spring aproximately km. 107.You can have toast with jam also ja.
It’s still rained heavily. The owner of Yamaha shop asked us not to bike to Sangklaburi cause it’s too dangerous. It’s rained day and night for 2 month already.What so? We park our bike and descend to Sangklaburi with me 330i.
* Arrive Banhuayulong resort at 15:00 but there’s huge flood coming from the stream. The flood’d never took place before. The resort’d to evacuate its mattresses and electricity appliances from the rooms.
We decided to move to Sangklaburi. It’s about 70 km from Thongphapoom. There is no gas station along the way. You have to fill up your tank before and there is only one PTT gas station in Sangklaburi, 50 meter from the main road on the way Dan Jedi Sam Ong. The road condition is the most dangerous in the country, very narrow, without paceway, surface’s gone and has many big hole. The cars from the other side even more dangerous. They will occupied half of your lane. Use your own discretion for biking along this road.
The scenery along the way is so stunning. The mountain, the river and the lake, what else could we ask from this world. Only 330 km from Bangkok, then you can live in another world. It’s the town between mountain and lake. It’s only competitor is Como!(just kidding, actually Como is far behind, no Rotee and minimart)
Nearly all the resort is fully occupied. Recommend you to book in advance if you want to be there during long weekend.
* Dinner at Pornpailin resort. You can see golden pagoda on the other side of the lake from here. Food at Sangkla is fish from the lake and fresh veggie. The room at new wing of this resort is best at it view.
There is small night market, you can finish walking in 10 minute. It’s still rain from now and then.
DAY 2
* Breakfast at the morning market(it’s the same as night one). You can see the vendor selling gigantic fresh water fish in the market.
* Back to Pornpailin resort to join elephant riding and rafting tour. Normally, the tour start at 8:30. Each resort has its own programe.
* The water is too strong to bamboo rafting. So, we had to ride elephant back. It’s very big, fat and tame elephant. Albeit, Khun Ek’s still dropped. Lucky him, only get dirt.
* Lunch at Samprasop resort. The restaurant here has the most gorgeous view in the town. The food is o.k. Please try Lon Kung(shrimp paste).
“Samprasop” is means three river which are Rantee, Klitee and Songkalia.
* After lunch, we set walk along the longest wooden bridge in Thailand linking Sangkla and Mon villages. The bridge overlooks a scenic of the three river and offer opportunity to see the cultural way of local people here.You can hire boat from the two side of the river to flooding temple at Baht 300 . It’s shown us that nothing is mortal.It’s a very mystery place and also an unseen Thailand.
* Visit the golden pagoda(Jedi Phuthakaya). There’s small shopping inside. Khun Ekachai bought the pop rock burmese cd.It’s sound like a Hong Kong’s singer. Khun Pracha took lots of picture of Sangkla town from the Jedi.
* Visit Wat Wangwiwekaram. This temple is constructed in an unusal mix of Thai, Indian and Burmese Budhist architectural styles, and the abbot “Luang Pho Uttama” is highly revered among Thai, tribal folk and Burmese
* Coffee at Somchai. The best view coffee shop in the west (for sure). The food here was not very impressive.
* Visit Dan Jedi Sam Ong(three pagoda) at the border. Very busy, very lively thriving border market, you can buy wooden furniture, candy and snack from China and wild plants and orchids(please do not support smugglers. It’s also violation of the law).Visitors are allowed to enter Burma from 6:00-18:00.
22 kms from Sangkla, the three miniature pagodas are memorials of an important route of the troops during the wartime.
* Visit Sawan Bandarn Cave , its is 1 km on the way back form Jedi Sam Ong, nice to see, not so difficult, has 4 chambers.Need to bring your own torch.
* Back to Sangkla.
DAY 3
* 8:30 : Join Samprasop Resort’s white water rafting programe. The Koeng Kra Wia river is on the way to Jedi Sam Ong. You have to climb up the mountain about an hour.
* 12:00 : Back to Samprasop Resort. Lunch at Somchai. Visit TISCO’S plantation area on the way to Wat Wangwiwekaram. Teak trees is about 2.5-3.0 meter tall now.
* 13:00 Descend Sangklaburi.
* 15:00 Relax at Hin Dad hot spring(km 107) near Thong Pha Poom. The fee is only 10 Baht. You can enjoy hot spring along the stream untill 20:00. There are many of small vendor selling Somtum and OTOP products in front of hot spring.
* 16:00 Coffee again at the coffee shop opposite hot spring entrance on the main highway.
After stay wet and dry for 3 days. I’d realized that rain used to add more fun when we were young. When does it become obstacle? Why do we let it wash away our life????
Important Informations:

Roslert Coffee and Breakfast : near Wat Cholpratarn,Moo Baan Popsuk, Pakkred, Nonthaburi Tel : 02-9603099(asking Khun Pracha how to get there)
Green World Golf Club and Hot Spring : Thongphapoom.
Tel 034-531382-3
Ban Huay Ulong resort : 281/3 Moo 4, Tah Kanoon, Thong Pha Poom, Kanjanaburi.71180 Tel 02-8656173,01-821-2621 www.banhuayulong.com
Pornpailin Resort : 134 Moo 3, Nong Loo, Sangklaburi.
Tel 034-595355, 034-595322
Samprasop Resort : 122 Moo 3, Nong Loo, Sangklaburi.
Tel 034-595050
www.samprasob.com
Somchai Coffee : 25/13 Moo 2, Nong Loo, Sangklaburi.
Tel 09-5291675,01-74559634
Coffee near Hin Dad Hot Spring : Km 107 on route 323 on your left hand side(from BKK) opposite Hin Dad Hot Spring Junction.

Bike in the Drink

2005-08-11T21:47:00.000+07:00

Some of our biker friends, Noke and Ek & Co., are searching the rapids in Khao Yai for the Ducati that flew into the water!

Pookie's Motocycle Garage -Khao Yai

2005-08-08T16:38:00.000+07:00

Ekachai on Ducati 999S

2005-08-08T16:33:00.000+07:00

2005-08-08T16:31:00.000+07:00

These are our bikers with their bikes:-

James - Ducati 998R with full carbon body part, Moto Corse full system tail
pipe.
Giulio - Buell 12 XR
Fabio - Yamaha ZZR 1300
Massimo - Honda VFR 800
Ek - Ducati 999s

From Ek

2005-08-08T16:25:00.000+07:00

Dear Puk and our bikers,

Yesterday our bikers are exploring a new site for a barbecue lunch
somewhere not too far from Bangkok for our next biking trip.
Place where we bikers can ride back within 1.5-2 hours after italian food &
wine, massage and siesta.!!

Chef Fabio from Giusto, Sukhumvit 23 and chef Massimo (from Venice) who now
work at Primavera, Siam city hotel were exploring the place and tasting
ingredients (herbs from Puk's house) for our next outing around
Khaoyai/Pasak area. Chef Luca from Sukhothai hotel cannot join this time
around.

Weather until mid afternoon was almost too perfect. Cloudy with cool
breeze.
Our ride from Bangkok to Khaoyai and Lam ta Kong reservior is so nice even
better than winter. Lunch at Memosa italian restuarant was nice and simple.
Good pasta, good steak, decent wine. What more can we expect!
Only when we decend from Khaoyai on Prachinburi that the rain caught us and
have to park the bikes at the park office until the rain calm down.

We will let you know when is our next trip. In the meantime ENJOY.

Cheers. Ek

BMW R68 Classic of 1952

2005-07-30T14:35:00.000+07:00

Engine

internal designation	268 / 2
engine type	four-stroke two-cylinder flat-twin
Bore/stroke	72 x 73 mm
Cubic capacity	594 cm³
Max power	35 PS at 7000 U /min
Compression ratio	8 : 1
Valves per cylinder	ohv
Carburation system	2 carburettor Typ Bing 1/26/9 - 1/26/10
Engine lubrication	forced-feed lubrication
oil pump	gear pump


Power transmission

Clutch	single discs, dry
Number of gears	4
shifting	foot shifting (+ auxiliary manual lever on the gear block)
Gear ratios	4,0 / 2,28 / 1,7 / 1,3
Rear wheel ratio	1 : 3,89 (with sidecar 1: 4,75)
Bevel/crown wheel	9 / 35 teeth (with sidecar 7 / 32)


Electrical system

Alternator	Noris 6 Volt L 45/60 L
Ignition	magneto ignition
Spark plugs	Bosch W 240 T 1


Suspension

designation	251/4
Type of frame	twin-loop steel tubular frame
Front suspension	telescopic fork
Rear suspension	telescopic fork
wheel rims	deep-bed3 x 19
Tyres front	3,50 x 19
Tyres rear	3,50 x 19 ( at sidecarbetrieb hinten 4 x 18)
Brakes front	drum brake, Ø 200 mm Duplex, ab 1954: full hub
Brakes rear	drum brake, Ø 200 mm Simplex, ab 1954: full hub


Dimensions and weights

Length x width x height	2130 x 725 x 985 mm
Wheel base	1400 mm
Tank capacity	17 l
Unladen weight, full tank	190 kg (with orig. BMW sidecar 320 kg)
load rating	355 kg (with orig. BMW sidecar 600 kg)
idle/riding noise	85 / 96 phon ab 07.07.1953: 80 / 87 phon
Fuel consumption	ca. 4,6 l / 100 km
oil consumption	ca. 0,7 l / 1000 km
Top speed	160 km/h (with orig. BMW sidecar 116 km/h)

Total made 1452

2005-07-30T14:31:00.000+07:00

BMW R68 Serial No. 650933 of 1954.

2005-07-30T14:30:00.000+07:00

One of five indentations in wheel to prevent tire from slipping off wheel in case of blow out.

2005-07-30T14:28:00.001+07:00

BMW R68 chassis serial number 650933.

2005-07-30T14:28:00.000+07:00

Left side suspension detail.

2005-07-30T14:27:00.000+07:00

Rear suspension.

2005-07-30T14:23:00.000+07:00

Drive shaft transmission.

2005-07-30T14:22:00.000+07:00

Gear change lever on right side.

2005-07-30T14:21:00.000+07:00

Detail of right side of engine.

2005-07-30T14:20:00.000+07:00

Manufacturer's label for this BMW R68 # 650933.

2005-07-30T14:19:00.000+07:00

BMW R68 serial number 650933.

2005-07-30T14:17:00.000+07:00

Left cylinder head detail.

2005-07-30T14:16:00.000+07:00

Rubber saddle made by PAGUSA of Hamburg.

2005-07-30T14:14:00.000+07:00

Ignition key doubles as light switch. BMW speedometer tops out at 200 Kph. Butterfly lever for steering clutch.

Pracha's Mae Hong Sorn Ride

2005-07-26T09:21:00.001+07:00

Noke's bridal suite at Mae Hong Sorn.

2005-07-26T09:21:00.000+07:00

Noke's accomodations at Mae Hong Sorn.

2005-07-26T09:20:00.000+07:00

Noke's BMW bike.

2005-07-26T09:19:00.000+07:00

Mae Hong Sorn cave tour.

2005-07-26T09:17:00.000+07:00

Mae Hong Sorn tour operators.

2005-07-26T09:15:00.000+07:00

Mae Hong Sorn gift shops.

2005-07-20T08:19:00.000+07:00

Trattoria Toscana on Sukhumvit Soi 31. Get a table upstairs; the atmosphere is better.

2005-07-20T08:17:00.000+07:00

Pukkie, Ek and Arin plan the next motorcycle ride. Something .....about going to the "100 years old Market" on the way to Chachiengsao.

2005-07-20T08:14:00.001+07:00

Parpadelle wit Wild Boar

2005-07-20T08:14:00.000+07:00

Spagetti with Clam Sauce

2005-07-20T08:13:00.000+07:00

Homemade Italian sausages. The best dish!