My companions?

Jimmy and Jason have expressed their interest in joining me for part of my journey.

They only have a maximum of 12 days from 14/12/2013 to 25/12/2013.

12 days will only allow them to either visit Vientiane in Laos or Siem Reap in Cambodia.

However, they are unable to commit to the trip now as Jason has family commitments and Jimmy has job commitments. They would also prefer not to travel alone on their return journey.

It'll be good it they can join me for the ride but I cannot afford to alter my plans too much for them. I shall continue to plan as if I will be riding alone because they are unable to commit themselves.

My plans are almost confirmed and there are several itineraries that will remain flexible so that I can amend and change them as and when I wish.

My places of interest

These are the places that I would like to visit on my bike:

1) Chumpon*

2) Cha-Am

3) Chonburi*

4) Khon Kean**

5) Vientiane

6) Thakhek*

7) Savannakhet**

8) Pakxe**

9) Phnom Penh**

10) Kep

11) Kampot*

12) Sihanukville**

13) Ko Chang

14) Chantaburi*

15) Rayong*

16) Pattaya

* denotes importance

My focus

There are a number of places that I didn't manage to visit on my previous trip in 2011.

1) Eastern Isan, Thailand

2) Southern Laos

3) Southern Cambodia Coastal route

I plan to focus my ride mainly on Southern Laos and visit Cambodia if the time and situation permits.

I have a max of 23 days and plan to make the most out of my upcoming trip.

Some guidelines that I plan to follow:

1) 1 out of every 5 days is a rest day.

2) To ride at most 600km/day*

3) To ride at most 9 hours/ day*

4) Avoid night riding*

5) Try to avoid loading bike up the train unless time constrainted.

*Exception NSHW/Malaysia

My iron horse

Bike model: Honda Steed Springer 400cc

Colour: Maroon

Age: 14.5 years old

Top speed: 140km/h

Cruising speed: 90km/h

Fuel consumption: 21-27km/l

Fuel tank: 10 litres

Safe fuel range: 180km

Pros for me:

Familiar with bike, can troubleshoot

Tough and bullet proof engine

Low seat height

Comfortable and cool to ride

Can ride slow without overheating 

Left 6 months COE

Cheap if I need to abandon bike

Cons for me:

Engine consumes some oil (need to monitor and top up)

Heavy bike 230kg (already used to it)

Slow speed (good enough in Thailand)

Low ground clearance (can't go off-road)

Tubed tyres (treated with Slime)

Small fuel capacity (frequent fuel stops)

Getting ready

Since my last long trip in 2011, I made a career switch from the banking sector to the healthcare sector. It has taken me some time to settle down and I am now ready to do another big ride.

Today, 14th November 2013, is exactly 1 month before I leave for my long awaited riding trip.

During the past 2 years, I have only managed a number of shorter bike trips. None of these shorter trip has given me the sense of adventure and exploration that I am actively seeking.

The countdown has begin and soon I will be free once more.

I will be updating this blog with my riding plans, my thoughts and feelings, as well as documenting the entire riding journey.

To be continued......