This ride incorporates the GT. Rider Mae Hong Son Memorial Ride, (an annual ride commemorating fallen riders) and the Bua Tong Sunflower Fields in Doi Mae U’Kho, Khun Yuam Province.
Two-Day Ride
The Full Route
About the Memorial Ride
The GT Rider Mae Hong Son Memorial Ride is an annual memorial ride in which riders get together to commemorate fallen riders. Riders meet up in early-mid November, ride to Mae Hong Son, participate in a Buddhist ceremony, and then have fun together in the evening.
The following video from Destination Thailand TV provides further details about the event.
Day 1: Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son
The Memorial Ride
The memorial ride begins early, with a gathering at a chosen meet point (usually at a larger Petrol Station). Larger groups are then split into smaller ride groups, to stagger the ride. A halfway lunch spot is arranged, where riders dine and check in with other riders, before continuing on to Mae Hong Son.
Blessing in Mae Hong Son
Once all the riders have arrived in Mae Hong Son, the Buddhist ceremonies begin. This starts with a ride to Wat Phrathat Doi Kongmu and a blessing from the monks, then a visit to the GT.Rider Memorial Chedi, within temple grounds.
Evening Event
Once the ceremony is over, riders have time to check into hotels and rest for a while before the evening event begins. Normally, the event is held at The Sunflower Restaurant and includes games and live music.
Day 2: Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai
On day 2, riders make their own choices about what to do on this day. Some riders may choose to remain another day in Mae Hong Son or continue along the Mae Hong Son Loop via Pai. However, this period (November) is also when the Mexican Sunflowers Bloom in Doi Mae U’kho. So it is worth considering riding the R4009 and incorporating the sunflowers.
A Motley Crew of Riders…
I am lucky to know many fun riders and on one particular Memorial Ride, I dubbed the ride “The Guardians of the Galaxy Ride….“, due to the fun and eclectic mix of riders I shared a ride with back from Mae Hong Son.
The thought was sparked by a friend’s helmet that looked like a Judge Dredd helmet.
It is great to ride with people who have respect for each other’s comfort levels and riding abilities.
The R4009
The R4009 is an incredible road with wonderful steep inclines and hairpin bends.
There is very little traffic on this route, but best to still be on guard due to the narrow route and blind corners.
A great viewpoint is halfway along the route.
(Mae Surin waterfall is along this route also. More info on the waterfall and camping in the National Park is here.)
Posaho Cafe’
A cafe worth stopping at is Posaho Cafe‘.
It is run by a local hilltribe community, where the orders are taken by local children.
Bua Tong Fields at Doi Mae U’kho
The Bua Tong Fields in Doi Mae U’kho in Khun Yuam Province become a dramatic sea of yellow during November. Luckily, the Memorial Ride often ties in with the bloom period. For a more detailed break down of the Sunflower Festival, head over to this guide.
Petrol Options
Keep in mind that petrol options are limited on the R4009 and this area. There are a few self-service fuel pumps, so make sure you have notes or coins if you need to use one of them.
Funny story about this petrol pump. Last year I put in money and the damn thing wouldn’t give me out any petrol! I went to tell the shop owner and he came out to the pump, gave it a hard thump, and then the petrol came out! So, when it happened yet again this time around, I figured I would just give it a thump, because yet again the stupid machine took my money but wouldn’t deliver any fuel. Cue a young local family coming to watch slacked jawed at the crazy foreigner women slap the bejesus out of a self-service petrol pump. Haha!
I explained why I was hitting the machine, and then the young father came and joined in to help me, thumping the heck out of the machine. This resulted in the petrol coming out. So funny!
This video from the previous year:
Bathroom Facilities…
It’s worth mentioning that bathroom facilities are few and far between on the route. This one, for example, was at a local roadside eatery.
Once the R4009 joins the R1263, it is a staightforward ride back to Chiang Mai. Alternatively, you can choose to ride the longer and more scenic back route, which is included in the Mae Wang Loop GPS Route Guide.
Video
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