I do both cycling touring and scooter touring, and I just got done doing the Mae Hong Son loop on the scooter. Many of the bills are steep even for the 125cc scooter! In this loop you are either going steep up hill or steep downhill, there are literally no flat sections! I also noted every single steep gradient sign says 8 percent, but they are in fact 10% to 20+% steep! The curvy roads are what makes this loop so famous among motorcycle tourers. The mountain view is spectacular both during sunset and sunrise. For the aspiring cyclist planning this loop, you will have slightly less difficulty if you absolutely lighten your load, and modify your gearing so you have the absolutely lowest gearing for the never ending super steep climbs!
That's route is definitely on my agenda. I made it to Uttaradit early in the year but had to stop before I did the Mae Hong Son Loop because of the choking pollution. This video is a great reminder of what I still have to come. Ride safe friend. JP the old guy :)
All gradient signs in Thailand say 8%, literally every single one I've ever seen. Maybe they mean average 8% but I know from my Garmin they're often way in excess of that.
