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Chang Mai Enduro Tour
Check out his site at - http://endurotours.com/
Report by Col Pete had been up to Chang Mai and taken a tour with Wolfie a couple of years ago and only had good things to say about the ride. After deciding to hit Chang Mai again for a family holiday, Pete emailed Wolfie and arranged a one day tour for the three Baboons. Wolfie picked us up at around 8.45 and drove us about 30 minutes to his home and business. After a cold drink, an exchange of Baht and the signing of an indemnity form, he showed us the bikes and riding gear. He supplies just about everything you need for a full day in the saddle. We took our own hydro packs and he carries plenty of water to keep you going for the day. He has a great range of gear to fit all sizes and uses CRM 250 Hondas. The full days ride including lunch and drinks will set you back 95 Euros and it is good value for the money. There is a few ks of tar riding before you hit the trails which gives you the opportunity to ride through heavy Thailand traffic dodging the scooters, cars and trucks on some major roads. Within a few minutes you the hit the trails which are rutted and winding up through the mountains with really big drop offs. The views are awesome but you dont have a lot of time for sightseeing as a mistake could see you disappear meters down the side of the hill into the jungle. We stopped for a break about 45 minutes into the ride and were told it takes about two hours to reach the same spot in the wet. The ground is generally that really hard packed mud which turns very slippery when wet. Wolfie had his Sweep riding lead on our tour and the young Thai guy has no problems riding hard. This was my first ride back since hitting the roo and although I wanted to pace myself and take it relatively easy I couldnt help chasing him on a few occasions. As soon as I got up close to him he got on the gas and pulled away every time. After a well deserved break at a look out high in the mountains we headed back down the hillside only this time down even steeper inclines. Not use to a 2/stroke and riding a bike with less brakes than my 450, I found myself descending a few times far quicker than I was comfortable with. Somehow I managed to stay on but I did have a few butt clinching moments. The ride wound its way through several villages where the locals were happy to give a wave and dogs slept on the road but could not be bothered even looking up. Wolfie picked up the SOTD award after swerving to miss a group of cows and high siding it over the bars. He also managed a bit of shoulder damaged but soldiered on with a smile. Lunch was at a road side cafe he has been using for the last 15 years. One of those corrugated rooved huts with bamboo uprights, an old half 44 gallon drum doubling as a BBQ and a few Coca Cola signs. There were big hunks of something cooking away on the BBQ but it was a little hard to tell just what it was. Wolfie gave us the choice of a traditional noodle and chicken dish or the BBQ with rice and chillies. After some deliberation we picked the BBQ and had the best Pork, beef and chicken we had ever eaten. We gave ourselves a 45 minute break and headed back onto the trails. The afternoons ride was similar to the mornings ride and after a couple more hours pulled up at a large lake where the locals hang out and eat, drink and relax. Cold beers were served from a building similar to the road side cafe and we sat a talked about the days ride. Although it was a bit dusty at times, we all agreed that we may not have the skill level to attempt the same ride in the wet. Hot showers and clean towels and cold drinks were waiting for us back at Wolfies. We had a great days ride and were challenged many times. If you were riding harder the trails will give you a real thrill. Next time you are heading to Thailand, add Chang Mai to your schedule and book a ride. He will arrange everything from a one day tour right through to a fully catered 6 day ride.  PIC TAKEN AT A LOOKOUT POINT AFTER CLIMBING HIGH INTO THE MOUNTAINS.  COL AND ROLEY HAVING A BREAK.  Another break  ROLEY AND PETER TAKING A BREAK.  WOLFIE AND ROLEY  WOLFIE SHOWING US ON THE MAP THE AREA WE HAD COVERED.  THE LAST STOP ON THE RIDE - LAKE SIDE WITH COLD BEERS SERVED.  |
