7,500 KILOMETRES, 11 DEALERSHIPS, AND 10 CHAPTERS

Chapter Director Vanesh Biloo and members of the H.O.G.® Penang Chapter decided to ride from Malaysia to Thailand, visiting every Thai Chapter in the process

The idea of visiting all the 11 dealerships and 10 H.O.G. chapters in Thailand was mooted while I was attending the Asia Harley Days 2022 at Cha Am Thailand. As we know, Thailand is home to majestic mountains, sacred temples, pristine beaches, animal sanctuaries and captivating coastlines making it one of the countries that every rider should experience once in their lifetime. There is no better way to immerse yourself in Thai life than taking a leisurely two to three weeks road trip across the country while visiting the H.O.G. chapters that are spread around the nation. It took us a month to plan and execute the ride with assistance from our dealer and AEM management, especially Samarth who connected us with all the Thailand chapters.

As the saying goes: “Invest in experiences, not things.” The experience I gained through the 18 days on the Thailand ride is priceless. It was an addictive, hedonistic experience where the senses were assaulted and brought to life. Every day was a joy-filled juxtaposition of both terror and peace, a thrill of adrenaline-fuelled excitement coupled perfectly with the blessed serenity of a cleared mind. Humming my favourite songs, enjoying the changing terrains, admiring nature, and watching the locals living their daily life was so rejuvenating – it brought me so much joy and wisdom.

Our first visit was to H-D Phuket, where we were ushered by H.O.G. members and treated just like old friends meeting after a long time. This was not only in Phuket, but all the rest of the 11 dealerships. As Thailand is often referred to as the “Land of Smiles”, it is renowned for the welcoming and warm disposition of its culture and people. I noticed that Thai people mostly live with cool hearts, so it’s uncommon to see those expressing extreme emotions. The next destination was Bangkok where we were scheduled to visit four dealerships – it’s not that easy to ride in Bangkok’s notorious traffic, so thankfully, the dealers had arranged marshals (H.O.G. members) to escort us to H-D Thonburi, H-D AAS Bangkok, H-D University, H-D AAS Metro and H-D Power Bangkok. We had fruitful discussions with Managing Director, Asia Emerging Markets and staff along the way, and we visited the world-famous Maek Long Railway Market and Floating Market. One needs superior riding skills to manoeuvre in Bangkok traffic, but it was fun!

An average of 600 to 700 km covered a day was challenging, and the unknown landscapes created a mixture of excitement, happiness, fear, curiosity, adventure and many more emotions that made it a wonderful experience.

Our journey continued to the new H-D factory in Rayong, then to H-D Pattaya where we took part in Burapa Bike Week, the biggest bike week in Thailand. The next day we rode about 650 km to the least explored and remote part of Thailand called Isaan (Northeastern), which is blessed with beautiful landscapes and where life moves at a leisurely pace. It cradles some of the most beautiful temples I have encountered in the “Land of Smiles”. The food is remarkable, and people here love welcoming travellers. I must say that the welcoming ceremony and hospitality shown by the members of H.O.G. Iron Lotus was overwhelming and something that we couldn’t pay back. We were hosted with sumptuous dinner, live band, and great brotherhood before we had to leave for our next destination: H-D Khon Kean.

Long-distance motorcycle riding on my iron horse is one of the most exciting things I do and helps me to understand my inner-self a little – it is an awesome feeling that only Harley-Davidson® owners would understand. I often feel I want a space of my own where my mind is at peace and without worry.

Right after Isaan, we continued the journey to the Northern part of the country, which is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Thailand. Its cultures are rooted in the ancient Lanna Kingdom – specific to the region – and the unique taste and love the people for their food is unmatched. With beautiful nature, unique culture, and delicious food, what more can you ask for!?

When we arrive at H-D Chiangmai, a grand party was thrown by the H.O.G. Chiangmai Chapter members – it was a night to remember! Some excitement was added onto our ride afterwards as we embarked on the famous Mae Hong Son Loop, and its 1864 corners, which takes you through some of the most stunning landscape you will ever see in Thailand. It was an achievement for all of us to complete 1864 corners and the certificate of conquest was collected from the Chambers of Commerce office at a nominal fee.

After a good rest at Mae Sai, we continued to explore Kanchanaburi which is known for its “Death Railway” built during WWII across the River Kwai. The famed bridge was the subject of an iconic Hollywood film. As I had already indulged in exploring the beautiful country, I came to realise that the ride was coming to an end. The journey was almost complete but there was still one more chapter to visit. Finally, our mission was completed after visiting H-D Hadyai and their H.O.G. members. We were overjoyed with pride and happiness as we become the FIRST H-D riders to visit all 11 dealerships and 10 chapters in Thailand. Besides that, we have also ridden to all the EXTREME POINTS of Thailand namely:

a. Mae Sai (Northernmost point)
b. Mae Sot (Easternmost point)
c. Kong Chiam (Westernmost point)
d. Betong (southernmost point)

Life cannot be lived backwards, but our memories make up for that by making some moments truly unforgettable. This is one ride where I made the most memories, the most friends who share the same passion for Harley-Davidson, brothers and sisters who truly respect brotherhood regardless of skin colour, religion, or nationality. One thing is for sure, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the entire 7,500 km ride and will always treasure it for the rest of my life.

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