11.10.09 Leaders of the pack
Harley-Davidsons old and new fly the flag at the first Siam International Bike Week
Bike events are not new to Thailand - indeed the Phuket and Chiang Mai
Bike Shows have been drawing vast numbers of motorbike enthusiasts for
years, as have smaller events in other cities all over the country. Now
downtown Bangkok gets to host an event, with Siam International Bike
Week 2009 all set to rev its Harley-Davidson engines on November 28 in
Siam Square. "Motorcycle events have been organised for more than 10 years but they tend to be domestic affairs and sponsored more motorcycle brands. This is the first time an entire event is
being devoted to Harley-Davidson and its international image," says
Chaiyaphat "Aor" Chanvilai, founder and managing director of
architectural company Jomsubhan and organiser of the Bike Week. "If
our event were to be included on the annual World Calendar of
Motorcycle events, Harley-Davidson bikers from all over the world would
automatically come along. "Last year's Phuket Bike Week
drew foreign enthusiasts from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the
Philippines and Brunei. We even had bikers from Saudi Arabia who
deplaned in Singapore and rode up to Phuket. I'm really hoping they'll
come to Bangkok. I'd also like to see bikers from Japan participating
in our event." The Harley Owners Group says its global
membership currently stands at 1.3 million. Established by
Harley-Davidson in 1983, the group kicked off with a few thousand
customers keen to share their passion and show off their precious
motorcycles. By 1985, membership had increased to more than 60,000 and
in 2006, it passed the one million mark. Chaiyaphat, who
won Bt1 million on Channel 3's reality quiz show "Atchariya Kham Khuen"
("One Night Genius") three years ago, says there are about 10,000
Harley-Davidson owners in the Kingdom alone and that he's expecting
more than 3,000 local and international bikers to turn out for this
first event. "I think Siam Square is an ideal venue," he
says. "It's accessible by Skytrain and near major shopping centres Siam
Paragon, Mah Boonkrong and Central World, so we'll draw the crowds.
Most importantly, it's suitable for the bikers. "I
initially intended to block off several sois in Siam Square but in the
end, settled for just sois 2 and 3 because of budget limitations," Chaiyaphat,
who is spending Bt6 million on his dream, says visitors and
participants will be able to enjoy a wealth of activities on the day.
These include the "Ride for the King", an "Asawin" (Knight of the King)
exhibition with speeches by the honorary bikers, several
Harley-Davidson booths, a concert, a Miss Siam International Bike Week
contest and a Mr Young At Heart competition. There'll also be
Harley-Davidson contests for "Best of Classic Bike", "Best of Custom
Bike", "Best of Stock Bike" and "Best of Character", plus a Hall of
Fame Award. "The exhibition should feature eight 'Asawin'
motorcycles, among them the Shovelhead 1973, and the Electra Glide
Police 1200cc, which was named by His Majesty the King. The Hall of
Fame award will go to a Harley Davidson rider who has brought honour and fame to his country." Those
who are planning on spending the day at the event might want to snap up
one of the 5,000 tickets for the lucky draw. While pricey at Bt883 a
pop, the winner does take home a Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883cc
worth Bt658,000. "It is the new and smallest
Harley-Davidson bike from America," explains Chaiyaphat, who's been
riding a Harley-Davidson for 15 years and currently owns a Screamin'
Eagle Ultra Classic, priced at Bt1.8 million. "I used to own a Softtail Sportster but these days a Touring class bike better suits my needs. "Our
country has some of the best motorcycle routes in the world and the
roads are good in several provinces. I especially enjoy riding from
Chokchai Farm to Lamtakong in Nakhon Ratchasima; the scenery is
incredibly picturesque," concludes Chaiyaphat, who's a member of the
Immortals Thailand Motorcycle Club.
Revved up and roaring The Siam International Bike Week takes place on November 28 from 8am to midnight in Siam Square, Bangkok. Call (02) 941 8384 or visit www.SiamInternationalBikeWeek.com. Upcoming bike events NOVEMBER 2009 14-15: Lampang Bike Week 21: Sisaket Bike Week 21: Ayutthaya Bike Week 27-28: Nonthaburi Bike Week 27-28: Bang Saen Bike Week DECEMBER 2009 3-4: Phitsanulok Bike Week 4-5: Hua Hin Bike Week 5-6: Chiang Mai Bike Week 12: Saraburi Bike Week 12: Sakon Nakhon Bike Week 19 Dec: Thong Pha Phum Bike Week 26 Dec: Chainat Bike Week Source: The Nation, 11.10.09 http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/10/11/travel/travel_30114208.php
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