Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts descended on Chiang
Mai for the annual bikers event, the Chiang Mai Bike Week. Even though the
‘week’ was only from December 10-12, this did not deter the riders and
pillion passengers who came from all over Thailand, plus others from
Malaysia or Singapore.
Juthaporn
Rerngronasa, the deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand
receives a plaque of appreciation from Pol Lt Gen Panupong Singhara Na
Ayuthaya, commissioner of the Provincial Police Bureau Region 5
Harleys, BMWs, choppers, bikers, and biker babes, were
all well represented, many being part of the RUB (rich urban bikers) who
find nothing unusual about spending between one and three million baht on a
motorcycle.
One
of the choppers
It began on December 10 with a welcoming party at Central
Airport Plaza. This included Thai Lanna style cultural shows and the
obligatory Miss Bike Week competition with the winner selected out of six
freezing girls in mini skirts and short tops.
It was an evening to gather, meet old friends from
previous years, check out the accessories stalls and then cruise around
town. There was a steady stream of motorcycles crisscrossing Chiang Mai to
the various watering holes and music pubs in town.
Erwin
Ruser, BMW Motorrad Manager Thailand in the midst of pretty promotion girls.
Bike week 2004 was organized by the local North Comets
Club and supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, with the stated aim
of building awareness of safe riding while promoting tourism at the same
time.
Saturday morning, still misty and chilly outdoors, was
the main riding day and hundreds of bikers met at 10 a.m. for a motorcycle
parade heading up to the Elephant Hospital in Lampang.
A
member of the local bike club, the Lamphun Choppers, prepares for the ride
to the Elephant hospital in Lampang. Photo: (C) Brent T. Madison 2004
The riders made a donation towards the Thai elephant
conservation, while the profits from the two party nights will go to
charities around Northern Thailand.
Although some locals are not enthusiastic about the yearly invasion by
the motorcyclists, it must be pointed out that it is a very successful and
thriving event, with many groups in the North benefiting from charity
donations.
Chiang
Mai residents Fred and Anita Lambersoy from Norway before the ride out to
the Elephant Conservation Center. Photo: (C) Brent T. Madison 2004
Dr.
Charanrat and Peter Dawson with the Montfort team
Prince
Royal’s winners!
