Motorcycle Story
By Thomas Rossetti
Dear T.R.
I've been reading your column for quite some time ago as it always seems to give me great information especially on riding tips in Thailand that also applies to me when I ride my BMW in Norway. I am thinking about coming here on a permanent basis next year and was wondering if you could recommend a MC Club to join when I get here? What are the differences between the clubs etc,?
Jan - from Holland
Hi Jan,
Nice hearing from you and thanks for your comments on the motorcycle column. Your question really brings up a lot of points in my mind regarding making the decision to join any MC Club in Thailand. I recently spent some time with a friend and we had several conversations on the subject before he recently returned to Holland. There are some great things I can say about riding with a group of guys you enjoy and respect. Joining a Club can be a good thing if you have a tolerance for Clubs. I have opted in recent years to ride spontaneously with guys I see from time to time but have decided to forsake that whole idea of the Club thing. When I first came to Pattaya from Samui I was excited about riding in some kind of group and contacted a Club that was exclusively for Harley Riders. After talking to several of the Riders I realized that the whole exclusive nature of the Club would not allow someone who did not ride anything other than a Harley to participate in a ride. I suppose this could be compared to any kind of exclusive Club like a VW Club or Veterans Club or any other exclusive Club you can think of but it didn't take me long to realize that this just wasn't right for me. For others, this kind of doctrine can work. Incidentally, this Club does a lot for the community and has a great group of guys involved. There are other Clubs that allow for couples and still others that are primarily National type of Clubs that cater to those Nationals that speak their mother country's language.
The friend I was with just recently commented to me about how it seems that many of the people he talks to are always involved with drama of some kind and always seem to be in a gossip wheel or criticising others who are not members of their particular group or network. Of this it would be best to not comment too much on through this column as there's always bound to be someone who may think that I may be commenting about them or who thinks I may be commenting in a way not congruent with their philosophies. What I will say is, there are some great people out there who ride and are not members of any particular Club. Some of these people I talk to from time to time and they seem quite happy not participating in this kind of way. I am now one of these people. Still others feel they need the camaraderie and perhaps even security of having other Riders who share the same principles or “Colors” and this could be a great way to go
I think that when it comes down to it Jan, the best way to figure out which way its right for you is to get to know the people you are thinking of riding with. It won't take you long to figure out whether or not they are congruent with your principles and way of living. Safety of course is another important aspect to consider and you will want to know that the people you ride with are professionals and have everyone's safety including yours in mind. The only way you can be assured with this aspect is to actually ride with the group you are considering.
All in all, whether or not you decide to join a particular group or not, Pattaya can be a great place to enjoy the experience. Should you need more information on the subject I would suggest checking out the following places:
Wranglers Harley Davidson Showroom – Located on South Pattaya Road in the Duck Square. Advert on adjacent page of this book.
The Ace Café – located going towards Jomtien just past the Statue on the left as you are taking the short cut to Soi 5.
TQ 1 – Located on Beach Road
The Shark Rider – Located on Soi Buakhao going towards South Pattaya Road from let's say Soi Chaiyapoon.
Hot Rod – Located on Thappraya Road. Advert in book.
These are just a few places that you can stop in on and get some basic info on Clubs or future rides.
Ride Safe and Enjoy.
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