And now for something completely different...

[Digger]

G'Day Slackers,
I'm off on another adventure but this time I will be offshore Cycle Touring (again)...back to SE Asia to see some bits I haven't seen already. In 25 words or less...arrive in Mandalay (Burma) and cross the border into Thailand and onto Cambodia before finishing in Siem Reap.

Map of proposed route (it'll change).


YouTube video of my 2015 trip (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam).
https://youtu.be/PvlXosCouGo

And another YouTube video of my trip in 2016 (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand).
https://youtu.be/gWNunRnJA1c

Depart on Wed 18th Jan for Mandalay via Singapore....SPOT activated from Fri 20th January.
SPOT Link is here.
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... UCtYLNPufa

So much to do; so little time. Thankfully, I have this year off (again).

[Robbo]

Looks like another exciting adventure Steve. Have a safe trip, looking forward to seeing the next mongrel dog production.

Robbo.

[wightman]

Exciting times indeed! Now, we don't want to see any slacking (drifting down the Irrawaddy, on a filthy little pump boat, drinking toddys) You've got to pedal every inch of the way

[Digger]

Exciting times indeed! You've got to pedal every inch of the way

That might not be possible...there are still large parts of the Country off limits to tourists. We may be forced to catch busses, trucks and other forms of local transport.

[Digger]

Bikes boxed up and ready for check in. It always worry me a little when the bikes are loaded on the aircraft but they were well looked after. The boxes were undamaged at destination (which is a little unusual).


Our introduction to Burma. The bikes were assembled at the airport and we had to ride 35km to the hotel. Sunset is early and sunrise is late here (Mandalay) at the moment. This was a dusty backroad with the sun low in the sky. This was to set the mood for the next few days.

[Digger]

The following day was spent local exploring around Mandalay. Trevor is climbing to the top of Mandalay Hill which has a significant Buddist Temple at the top and gives commanding views of Mandalay and its environs.



The following day we caught the 4AM train from Mandalay to Hsipaw as it is seen as one of the more unusual train journeys in the world. At each stop, hawkers would board and sell their wares. The journey takes 11 hours to cover only 144 km.

[Digger]

The reason this train journey is popular with western tourists...crossing the Gokteik Viaduct. The bridge was built by the British in 1906 to open up trade routes (and take control of the region) with China.



My view from the open window in 'Upper Class'. Ticket cost was $4AUD for both of us and $1AUD for both bikes.

[Digger]

The following day we started the riding phase of our journey and headed on the Oriental Highway toward Mandalay. The Maps Me App indicated some steep switchbacks at Gokteil Pass.



What the switchbacks look like in real life...a very steep descent and a long and steep ascent once on the other side. I knew what I was signing up for so there were no surprises but a tough day none the less.
SPOT Link is here;
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... UCtYLNPufa

Distance covered to date - 218km.

[wightman]

Yeah, that train journey is called shake rattle and roll, I don't think the train wheels and the tracks have been maintained since 1906. The train driver sits in the tractor seat in front, in flip flops and a baggy pair of pants. There is also about six inches of play in the ball joints between carriages, giving some interesting whiplash on take off.

Keep sending pictures. Have you skipped Bagan?

[Digger]

Keep sending pictures. Have you skipped Bagan?

The route is still a work in progress...we were meant to head toward Inle Lake (via Ywangan) tomorrow but that involved a 4 hour climb thru the mountains so we'll give that a miss. I gotta get Trevor to Yangon to fly out by Tuesday 31 Jan so we will miss some things. Once he's on a flight I'll regather my composure and re evaluate. The visa is only good for 28 days. So much to do....

[Digger]

Saw these guys delivering new scooters to the local Showroom...one had a 1.5 litre water bottle filled with unleaded strapped to his bike. Must be their version of a big tank to give better range. One passed us at speed and you could tell he was not in control by the tank slapping lol. Balance would be a problem on these roads.



Stayed overnight at Pyin U-Lin which was a strategic British Outpost back in the day. The British use to come here often after the town was established to get some respite from the mayhem and dust of Mandalay on the weekends. Lots of British architecture in town. The gardens are well maintained and worth the visit.

[Digger]

A throwback to earlier times and influenced by the Brits. This one looked like it was about to lose a wheel at any time so I gave it a wide berth. Maybe maintained as well as the rail infrastructure if John W's post is anything to go by.



The local community bus (I guess) goin' to the Mall.



Another day; another switchback. This time in our favour going downhill on Oriental Highway just East of Mandalay. From here we started to head South.

Distance to date.
308km.

SPOT Link is here;
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... UCtYLNPufa

[BillB]

Steve if you are passing thru Sein Rep look up a mate of mine Murry Craig, he owns the Claremont hotel in Sein Rep.
Enjoying the commentary and photos.
Stay safe

[Digger]

Steve if you are passing thru Sein Rep look up a mate of mine Murry Craig, he owns the Claremont hotel in Sein Rep.
Enjoying the commentary and photos.
Stay safe

If you mean 'Siem Reap' in Cambodia (Angkor Wat blah blah) then yes, I plan to return to Oz from there (although that could change this far out). That is still many weeks away but thanks for the tip.

[Cookie]

Hello Digger

I am enjoying the views from your office each day, you have the coolest job.....

Did I mention i'm jealous?