Dec. 2nd– From Singapore to Mae Hon Son, via expressways, mountains & valleys. It is 14 days since I left Singapore. The days flew past as quickly as the miles we left behind.
A hearty breakfast before we hit the road again. Our gay chef/owner wave us off, saving the last look and a smile for Insane Rider. Tsk Tsk.
Today, we head north on 1088 which runs adjacent to our passage of yesterday when we came south through Doi Ithanon, 15km to our right. Once again, we were in the mountains. As the day wore on, we begin to see more groups of bikers. Taking advantage of the good weather at the start of the weekend.
We branched off to 1263 and head west to visit Doi Mae U kho where wild sunflowers bloom. Then head north for the town of Mae Hong Son.
Our chosen route to Mae Hon Son today is different from those I took on previous trips. Instead of approaching from Tak in the south or Chiang Mai in the north, we are approaching from the east, then pushing north. It’s quite interesting. We got some pretty amazing sights along the way as well. Most of all is the condition of the road. While the route is still twisty and sharp, the tarmac was in excellent condition, offering better grips. It has improved so much. I can hardly believe it. Not only in parts but overall. It’s really nice.
Checked into hotel at Mueang Mae Hong Son after lunch. It is situated near the town park. Simple and cheap food and drinks available around the park. We usually look for a restaurant nearby for dinner like last night at Ban Rai Jai, or at Wang Put Tan, and several other places. But for convenience, street food along Walking Street is the way to go. Plus you can see some colours and lights and shop for souvenirs if you so wish.
Apart from The Imperial Mae Hon Song, the Park and another hotel near the roundabout, everything has change or grown and become almost unrecognisable.
The temperature was in the low 20’s in the evening. And it wasn’t humid. Strolling around in the Park was quite pleasant. Spotted some ‘1864 Curves’ tees (referring to the corners in Mae Hong Son Loop) for sale at some stalls but did not buy any. I am past collecting tees already. I have enough unworn motorcycle tees in my cupboard to last my lifetime. And on a trip like this, you don’t want to be carrying more then what’s necessary. Baggage space and weight take precedence over impulsive shopping. While deciding on dinner, came across a ‘pizza’ hawker. So far, have not seen a ‘pizza’ stall in any of the other Walking Street. So got a couple of Hawaiians, just to break the Tom Yam monopoly.
Looking forward to Ban Rak Thai tomorrow.
jaywalker-on-wheels, rolling & rocking in MHS, 2 Dec. ’22
2 wheels and an engine 