Quote by: Skippy

Last time I was riding in the mountains outside Chiang Rai I was stopped by the police, they told me that the last six people killed in motorcycle crashes in the area were all males over 30 years old. In all but one of the crashes, the motorcycle rider had caused the accident by going too fast.

The two most recent deaths happened when the rider went onto the incorrect side of double lines and hit a car coming the other way.

I was told that the Royal Thai Police recently used an unmarked motorcycle to stop riders in the Chiang Mai area. To those who complained about sneaky police. It's easy slow down and you won't get into problems with the law.

Why am I telling you this? Simple: I like to ride in the Chiang Rai area and I don't want to be hit by some fool going too fast on the wrong side of the road.

Hi Skippy,

I just noticed your post and I have to agree with you. Much as I love giving my bike a blast through the hills, I never try and treat the roads like a race track, in the fact where I will cut corners. Too much Middle East riding with idiots driving all over the road with no regards to the consequences of their actions.

Also, on more than one occasion riding the hills I've had the odd scary moment when Mr. Isuzu / Mr. Toyota pickup decides to take the racing line. Hmm let me think about this...200kgs of bike VS 1500kgs of pickup...okay buddy, you can have as much road as you like and have a nice day you prick.

I hope that my road craft has been honed over the years riding in the Middle East, Thailand and in 'very legal, you will lose your license' Australia. Luck still plays an important part and think most of us have been lucky at one time or another, thinking 'how in the hell did I get away with that unscathed?'.

I love my passion and it won't stop me having my fun, but a reality check is always enforced as we aren't on a race track.



Cheers,

Warp

Good advice from all the previous writers,
My long passed away uncle told me some good advice when i got my first Road bike(CB750F2 ) I had several bikes before but all motocross or enduro bikes, never a road licenced bike.

He told me NEVER ride fast on an unfamiliar road, Get to know the road first, check the camber of the corners, tightness of the corners, any other dangers that may be around like side roads, T junctions, check out the road surface for grip, pot holes and loose material ( sand or rocks etc. ) check for stray cattle, dogs, pedestrians or any thing else that can cause drama and make you come unstuck.
When you know the road well you can open up the throttle and enjoy the thrill with confidence, knowing your not going around a blind corner with no knoledge of whats instore.

This advice has served me well, with many years of accident free FUN, ( apart from 1 mongrel dog that ran out onto the road, attacked and tried to take a bite out of my front wheel at 70km/h, sending me sliding down the bitumen. But no serious harm done, just 6 stiches and a scar to my stomach, and more importantly a dead dog ) ( that will teach ya..you flea ridden corpse. )

So GOOD ADVICE to all those riding up in the mountains ( or anywhere for that matter ) If you have never ridden these roads before, TAKE IT EASY, DONT BE A HERO. When you know the roads well, ride as fast as you want but SAFELY.

Happy Biking and Happy New Year to ALL...

Personally, I commence every ride with the self-reminder;

'everyone out there is out to kill you mate. Don't allow them the satisfaction".

ie defensive riding, total concentration, total distrust of everyone else on the roads and total respect of my own well-being.

So far this approach has worked!