Motorbike 101 in the wilds of Thailand

I was extremely indecisive about whether or not I wanted to take my own bike on a 1,000 km trip around NW Thailand. After spending 6 months on the back of a motorbike in South America with Tim, countless trips around the US, and several rental bikes around SE Asia...I felt like it was time to actually learn how to drive a bike. And for more than a few kilometers...I've done that several times and handed control back over to Tim as soon as the road got rough or more congested. I've always wanted to learn to ride, but I've always dragged my feet as my nerves have won out. I was still flip flopping as we were heading to the office to rent the bikes, but I knew I had to this time. I had to prove it to myself that I could. And why not?! I'm in a foreign country, that drives on the opposite side of the road...we were gearing up to do a loop through the jungle that is full of endless curves and daily rain showers. Why shouldn't I just bite the bullet and do it now?! So, I did. Tim and I got a pair of Honda Dreams....little 125cc motorbikes just like all the locals drive. I tried to appear confident as we headed out into Chiang Mai's traffic leaving the rental shop. I don't think I was wavering too much! It was 30-40 km on straight highway before we start climbing up into thick jungle....and by the time we reached the jungle (and the real excitement), I was thrilled to be in control of the moto...my Dream... I had a silly grin on my face as we snaked along a beautifully paved road that unfurled in front of us like the vines hanging from the trees overhead. I sang at the top of my lungs and was delighted to be cruising along these beautiful roads with the wind in my face. Each day added some excitement as we ventured further out. Rainstorms throwing huge icy drops down stinging my skin through my jacket, herds of cows milling about around blind curves, potholes and road construction, hairpin curves and drop offs have kept me on my toes as I cycle up and down through the gears. Tim zips off ahead of me, and usually has a big grin on his face when I catch up to him. He's enjoying having his own moto without me trying to control things from the rear! We have driven some of the most beautiful stretches of road I have ever been on. The Burmese mountains stretch off to our west, as we snake south along the border. Some stretches of road the jungle is trying to reclaim. Waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints break up the ride, giving us a chance to rest...and soak up the scenery as much as we can!