To ride safely
Never overtake the nominated lead rider
We ride as a group and we ride within our limits . The group naturally adjusts its riding style/speed to cater for everyone
This tour is not a race !
Enjoy the scenery , but always be aware of what is around you … in front of you and behind you … use your mirrors .
Always double check when pulling out in traffic – concentrate – this is often a cause of accidents when riding in groups ; talking about the lunch we just had ; where we are headed — our excitement can hinder our alertness … but the car/truck/bike travelling along the road doesn’t know we are about to pull out .
Don’t be embarrassed to ask for a break , drink stop … or toilet stop ! We want the ride to be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible . No day ride will be longer than 200kms .We have allowed plenty of time to arrive at our destinations . We want you to be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Thailand so if you see something you want to look at – stop .
Our ride routine is ; the lead rider does a visual for rear riders every 30 mins – if you’re not there , we all pull over for 15 mins to wait for you – after that we come looking for you .
If you get in trouble on the ride pull over and call/text us .
We carry 2 x walkie/talkies ; lead and tail rider have them ; they have a realistic range of about 1km .
Ride by yourself ; don’t try to keep up with the rider in front of you and keep a safe distance from them
Slow down in towns/villages ; as a courtesy to the villagers .. and to keep a watch out for stray dogs !
Never turn off the road you’re on ; if we are going to turn off , the lead rider will stop and instruct you what direction to take .
Gently , gently does it on the brakes in the wet — go harder on the rear brake ; better for the rear tyre to slide , than the front
Even if you are feeling condfident on your bike – remind yourself to slow down ; especially in the wet and if we come across dirt roads .
Getting around during your FREE TIME
In Bangkok there are motorbike taxis – lot’s of them . They’re tempting because they look like fun , they’re cheap —- BUT —- they are operated by uninsured riders and most don’t offer a helmet and ride dangerously in and out of traffic . They are an exciting experience , but they are a big risk — many accidents occur on these motorbike taxis . If you want the experience , think of the consequences , before deciding .
Tuk-tuks in Bangkok are expensive !
Taxis in Bangkok are cheap , but make sure to ask the driver to put the meter on
Tuk-tuks in Chiang Mai are cheap — you should be able to hire one for a tour of the city for less than $10AUD ; be prepared to walk away if they ask for more and make sure to tell them where you want to go , or they’ll be taking you to all of their relatives/friends shops .
Behaviour
We’re not at school , but you are part of our tour group . We take great pride in what we do and care very much about the impression we make . Everything you do leaves an impression on Thai’s thoughts of our company and the country you come from .
Think about how you speak/act – Thai people deeply respect their King and Queen and will take offence to any derogatory remarks about them (people have been jailed for insulting the King and Queen !)
Loutish/loud behaviour , spitting , going to the toilet in the open , littering , pushing in line is not tolerated in Thailand ; consequences are serious — no ‘good behaviour bonds here’
Most temples will require you to remove your shoes and be dressed in long pants and shirt – women may be asked to cover their arms as well …. some may even require you to cover your hair . We have always found that if you act in a solemn and respectful way , everything is done to enable you to view their temples (eg – offering overclothes to wear) .
Ask before taking photos of temples and people — if taking photos of people , always offer to show them the photo you have taken if possible ; be even more sensitive taking photos of children .
You are expected to behave in a respectful and responsible manner at all times while you are part of our tour ; the Thai people are a very respectful and courteous people — experiencing this trait is another very important aspect of our tour .
Punctuality – we’ve had to add this .
We run a relaxed tour , but when you’re travelling with a group , there has to be some degree of cooperation . If we say we aim to leave at 9am in the morning , then show respect for others in the group … and be ready by 9 .
It is very frustrating waiting for someone when everyone else is eager to begin the days adventure . We want to start each day on a positive ; same if we make arrangements to meet for dinner .
Communication
Internet (wifi) is available at most of our accommodation
We insist on all customers using a Travelsim sim card in their phone , available from any Australian Post Office — these sim cards have always worked wherever we go in Thailand — everything else has failed , including Telstra , Optus , Vodafone . Not only is it important that you be able to contact friends and relatives overseas (and they you) , but it is very important for us — that we can contact each on the tour ; worst case scenario – you do go over the edge of a mountain road and no one sees you – you can text/call us . In reality , we find that guests use their phones to contact us because they get lost when on their own , during ‘free time’ off the bikes .
All of our accommodation has phones/email (sometimes no electricity !) ; when you get your itinerary , we recommend you pass on the details to your friends/family back home in case they need to contact you and cant reach your mobile.
Extending your stay
If you would like to extend your stay at the end of our tour — you can !
Just notify us at the time of your booking/deposit , and we will make your air travel one way — to Thailand (there will be a reduction in cost , but often a one-way airfare isn’t that much cheaper than a return) .