First Ride in Chiang Mai
 

Chiang Mai, Thailand
Land of Teak trees, soy milk, motorbikes and cheap pad thai.
I came over here to teach Math and Physics at an international school for a year at least.
So, the ride.
Its flat. Real flat.
The ride from my house to the city center is about 9km, mostly on two 6 lane roads. Being the smallest vehicle on the road, I have no rights. The only thing keeping other vehicles from ignoring me entirely is their own sense of paint job preservation. So I ride like a motorbike (which make up at least 50% of the traffic). Luckily most of the motorbikes are cheap and don't cruise at much more than 25mph anyway. I tried to draft a few but decided I'd save that for at least my second ride in a completely foreign city. I was close to spinning out on 49x17 and by the time I got downtown I was trying to figure out how to get someone to send me a 16t from my parts box at home. On the smaller roads in the city, imagine riding in NY but all the cabs are now motorbikes that ride like messengers and most of the other traffic is compact trucks that serve as taxis but use their turn signals even less.
So, in other words, it's awesome. But this is only after my first ride.

TimArchy, I have very fond memories of my Thailand experience! It is a beautiful country with wonderful culture and amazing food. I can suggest a great ride for you with challenging climbs and exhilarating switchback descents. Simply plot a course from your residence to the Maesa Elephant Camp, which is only about a forty-five minutes from downtown Chiang Mai by car. It will take you considerably longer by bike due to the ascent. You can contact them for their precise address:

Maesa Elephant Camp
Maerim-Samring Road
Tel. +66 5320 6247
URL: http://www.maesaelephantcamp.com/index.html

There are plenty of places to lock a bicycle if you wish to see the elephants, which I wholeheartedly suggest. Bring a camera because you'll be amazed at what these well-treated animals can do! The picture that one of the elephants painted for me is one of my most-prized possessions and hangs prominently in my home. On a subsequent trip you can stop at the Hilton to see their spectacular gardens and enjoy a sumptuous lunch. The service and attention-to-detail you'll experience in that country is unlike anything you've ever experienced. Also nearby is a reptile farm (I've forgotten the name) that also has many interesting exhibits. Enjoy your time there and keep your hands empty so you can perform the gracious wai easily!

Funny about the wai, I was gently corrected earlier this morning by a woman when I didn't wai upon meeting her for the first time. I was here for a week a year and a half ago so I remember a little of the culture. But I'm stoked about being here for a while this time so I'll really be able to get into it.
Do you remember the climb up Doi Sutep? I've heard its nice, but nothing about the difficulty of it. And its very close to my house.

i cannot imagine riding my bike in chiang mai. its a wonderful place, but the traffic there, and in the rest of the country, is completely insane. but then again, there are people pushing food carts and what not on the side of major roads, so i guess it wouldn't be so bad....

Wooohoooo!

Ok, first, you could have said in your e-mail, hey Jes, rummage through that parts box and send me my 16t cog. :)

Secondly, when I go out there we are so going to that elephant place and I'm getting a picture painted by one. Holy crap that's awesome.

Thirdly, your first ride sounds like fun.

I've been there too.. the elephant ride was crazy since our elephant was old and cranky. You can buy bananas to feed them (one at a time) but he wanted them all and started to get a bit angry. anyway, I remember it being a long ride from Chiang Mai but if you can make it, much respect. Not sure how great the roads are.

The roads leading to the elephant camp are nothing like downtown Chiang Mai at all. They are in fine condition and many have positive camber, so the cornering is fun. The very sure-footed elephants are eager to pose for pictures because they know there is a good chance to receive some sugarcane or bananas as a treat. They are very gentle and you'll howl with laughter with everything they do. They are so well-treated there and it looks like they genuinely enjoy what they do and love applause.

Another trip that would be great is if bikes are packed in a coach or fantail boat and taken to northern Chiang Rai region for some touring. This is where the Opium Museum can be found in the Golden Triangle region and it is both interesting and horrifying at the same time. Again, swooping roads, friendly people, and excellent food. Enjoy!