The First Ride of 2017 (January 29, 2017)
After countless rides on paved roads, I finally had the opportunity to tackle some dirt tracks. Freeman invited me on a casual ride, and being the easygoing person I am, I readily agreed. Little did I know the harrowing experience that awaited me.
First Off-Road Experience: A Hilarious Adventure
This article chronicles my first foray into off-road driving, an experience that was equal parts exhilarating, challenging, and humorous. As a complete novice in this domain, I embarked on this adventure with a mix of trepidation and excitement.
The narrative vividly captures the essence of the journey, highlighting the unexpected twists and turns that unfolded along the way. The author's use of descriptive language effectively conveys the thrill of navigating through uncharted territory, while also injecting humor into the account.
The article's strength lies in its ability to entertain and inform simultaneously. It provides valuable insights into the world of off-road driving, while also offering a lighthearted and engaging read. The author's personal anecdotes and reflections add a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making it relatable and enjoyable for the reader.
The first day of the trip to Chiang Mai was by Thai Smile Airline. At the beginning, I almost missed the flight because I thought I was boarding at Don Mueang Airport. Fortunately, I realized my mistake just in time. The actual departure airport was Suvarnabhumi!
This trip spanned four days.
Let's jump straight into the driving experience to avoid wasting time.
In the morning, we practiced basic riding skills in the field to get familiar with the bike and learn various techniques before hitting the real track. The track offered a variety of terrains to test our skills, including dirt, rocks, water, and sand. Despite being a beginner, Freeman only fell twice on this level (for now...).
The CRF 250 Rally has a high seat height, but it compresses when you sit on it, allowing you to almost flat-foot the ground. (Freeman is approximately 175 cm tall and is wearing motocross boots.)
Riding technique for uphill dirt grooves: Lean forward and keep your body perpendicular to the ground.
The water follows the same principle, flowing smoothly along the surface of the path.
This seemingly ordinary pile of rocks in the field is actually much more formidable in reality. Let me tell you, it's quite a sight to behold.
In the field of driving techniques, Mr. Art God Rider is the instructor.
This video may contain some missing techniques. We apologize in advance for any shortcomings.
After a short test drive, we stopped for refreshments at Oh Kajhuu restaurant. (The name of the restaurant is a play on the owners' names, Wu and Joe, which is a clever pun in Thai.)
The first destination was Mon Long-Mon Cham.
The path during this period will have alternating sections of rocky terrain, sandy soil, and small patches of muddy clay. While challenging, it is not excessively difficult.
The first rest stop is located on the way to Mon Long, near the road leading up to Mon Chaem. We took a considerable break here, as the next stage (Stage 2) would be slightly more challenging.
The path is becoming increasingly rutted, which would be quite a challenge during the rainy season.
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After driving for a while, we arrived at the second rest stop at Mon Wiwangam. The atmosphere was truly beautiful, as the name suggests. At this point, Freeman himself switched vehicles to test drive the CRF250 L.
To compare the differences.
Comparing the L and Rally, the CRF250Rally's seat is slightly higher. The shock absorbers provide better cushioning, offering a smoother and more viscous feel than the L.
After a full rest, we will continue our relaxed run and then begin the real challenge.
After driving for half a day, the HP has dropped to the point where the red light is flashing. At this point, I just want to sleep and return to the save point, knowing that I haven't even reached the halfway point. However, since I've come this far, there's no turning back. I have to keep going until I reach the end…
Brutal: Half Submerged
This phrase describes a situation where something is severely damaged or compromised. The image of being "half submerged" evokes a sense of being overwhelmed and in danger of sinking completely.
Here are some possible translations, depending on the context:
- "Devastating: Half submerged"
- "Crippling: Half underwater"
- "Catastrophic: Half sunk"
- "Dire: Half gone"
The specific translation will depend on the specific situation and the intended audience.
From this point on, we had to hurry because it was getting dark and it would be difficult to travel. Finally, we arrived at our accommodation.
After a long and tiring day, it's time to fill my stomach with a delicious meal. I'm going to eat everything I can until I'm completely full and then fall asleep in bed. I've learned a lot today and gained valuable experience.
On the second day, after passing through the brutal dungeon, we will go on a relaxing and comfortable journey. Our first destination today is Khun Wang, where we will admire the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom.
After a brief tour of the surrounding area, we continued on to Doi Inthanon.
This trip was my first time riding off-road into the forest. It was definitely one of the toughest rides of my life. I fell countless times, but luckily I didn't suffer any serious injuries. Most of the falls were due to slipping and falling into the dirt ruts.
This experience has provided me with invaluable driving skills, making it a truly enriching chapter in my life.
Freeman Rider
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 8:16 PM