Alright, gather 'round, folks, and let me tell you about the time Mr. and Mrs. Knobby decided to trade Christmas carols for the chaotic charm of Myanmar in December 2014. Yes, Myanmar. On Honda CRF250Xs. Because, you know, why not?

Our journey began with a flight itinerary that looked like a drunken game of hopscotch across the globe: BOI-SFO-NRT-BKK. We departed at 8:40 am and landed at 10:55 pm the next day. I'm pretty sure we aged a decade in that aluminum tube. Bangkok was a welcome, if slightly disorienting, rest stop at the Siam@Siam Hotel. The rooftop pool was lovely, even if the view of the city made us wonder if we'd accidentally stumbled into a cyberpunk movie set.

Then, it was off to Mandalay! A quick hop from DMK to MDL, and we were immersed in the vibrant chaos of Myanmar. The Hotel Yadanarbon was… an experience. Let's just say the breakfast buffet was a culinary adventure, and the "hot water" was more of a lukewarm suggestion.

We spent a day touring Mandalay, which was like stepping into a time capsule. Temples, monks, markets overflowing with everything from jade to questionable street food – it was a sensory overload in the best possible way. The Royal Power Hotel provided a comfortable base for our adventures, and the staff's smiles were as warm as the Mandalay sun.

Now, here's where things got interesting. We hopped on our trusty Honda CRF250Xs, affectionately nicknamed "Bumpy" and "Bruiser," and set off for Kyaukme. The roads were… well, let’s just say they were less "roads" and more "suggestions of where a road might be." But Bumpy and Bruiser handled it like champs, or at least, like slightly rattled champions.

Kyaukme to Pyin Oo Lwin was a scenic ride, winding through hills and villages that looked like they'd been plucked from a postcard. Pyin Oo Lwin itself was a charming colonial town, with horse-drawn carriages and a botanical garden that was surprisingly well-maintained.

Then came the fateful ride to Kyaukse. This is where the story takes a sharp turn, literally and figuratively. See, yours truly, Mr. Knobby, decided to have a little… disagreement with a particularly stubborn rock. The result? A leg and ankle broken in three places. Ouch.

So, while Mrs. Knobby continued on Bumpy, I was relegated to a truck. Yes, a truck. For four days. Bouncing along those "roads" with a freshly broken leg is an experience I wouldn't recommend. Think of it as a very bumpy, very painful massage.

After my truck adventure, I decided to cut my losses and taxied from Inle to Mandalay. Let me tell you, a Burmese taxi ride with a broken leg is a story for another time. Then, it was back on a plane and home.

What did we learn? Myanmar is a land of incredible beauty and equally incredible roads. The Honda CRF250X is a tough little bike, but even it can't protect you from your own clumsiness. And most importantly, even with a broken leg, the adventure continues, albeit in a slightly less glamorous vehicle.

So, folks, remember: when riding in Myanmar, be prepared for anything. And maybe invest in some extra-strong painkillers. Until next time, stay safe, and try not to break any bones!