Motorcycle Story
By Thomas Rossetti
I was down at the Handlebar Restaurant and Bar located just off Thepprasit, speaking to one of the Owners, Tracy from Liverpool. If you are ever in the area she has done a wonderful job with this unique place. I'm sure in due course Out For A Beer will write about Handlebar but I would just like to say this is a great place especially if you have a wife and / or children as it really has a facility that can entertain in a Biker setting with good food, music and even a pool for the kids.
Getting on with this month's story, while there at the Handlebar, several motorcycle groups were coming and going and I had the wonderful opportunity of talking to a couple of guys from the Mad Dogs. John Williams who I've always admired as being a straight up kind of guy and Peter, who is also involved with Handlebar. Great conversation and the good thing about these guys is you can have an opinion and not get shot for it. (just a manner of speaking)
They both informed me that to a large extent, things are changing in a major way in Pattaya with Motorcycle Groups. More and more groups are realizing that we have more in common than differences and helping the local people goes a long way in maintaining personal dignity and respect. Combined with riding with good people, well, what a great way to live.
Of course it goes without saying that the Jesters with Woody at the wheel have always been the forerunners in terms of not just their intent but their strong, solid actions in making a difference in the community.
At the end of July, a very special Poker Run (don't need to actually play the game) will be taking place. Here is a press release on the event.
Representatives from the Asian Nomads, Samurai, Jesters, Bad Boys, Pit Bulls and Mad Dog as well sponsors from Handlebar and Dave's Repair Shop, to give ideas for the forthcoming
Pattaya Biker Daze on behalf of the Ambulance fund for the Sawang Emergency Response in Pattatya. The aim is to call all Motorcyclists with bikes of 400 cc or more to take part in a Poker Run
scheduled for July. A date was set by those present to be Saturday 28th July as being the
most suitable to all concerned. The admission fee to each rider will be 1000 baht which will go to the fund. The entry fee includes a free tee shirt which have been sponsored in full by ESC.
The question of Private Sponsors was raised and it was suggested that a minimum donation of 3000 baht would put the Sponsors name on the poster and Tee shirt. No limits were set for
sponsorship since the aim is to raise as much as possible towards the purchase of the
Ambulance. A bank account already exists and is managed jointly between the Sawang and
the Pattaya People newspaper and all monies collected will be given to the fund managers on the night.
It was agreed that a cut off date for the sponsor and club logos (in Jpeg) to go to press would
be 14th July, but earlier if possible for the designers benefit. Daryl (Tattoos) will design and
sponsor the Posters, and Cheesy (Mad Dogs) will design the Tee shirt Logo. Stauby (Pit Bulls) offered to sponsor a winners mirror with logos etc, and would liase with Cheesy. Peter (Bad Boys) had already offered a specially designed Clock for a prize and it was suggested that any Pledges of gifts may be auctioned on the day.
Eric (Asian Nomads) agreed to coordinate and hold private sponsor donations, so please
collect your sponsors donations and pass to Eric before the 14th July.
The proposed card / refreshment stops were suggested as Start and registration at 10 am at
the ACE CAFE Jomtien for 11 am lift off.(agreed with Martin by phone) The other card stops
were proposed are ...Officers Club, Ban Saray, (Woddy agreed to contact) The Viyard Bhudda Mountain, (Eric has
made contact) The Boat restaurant on 331, no contact made as yet...VOLUNTEER please....The Berreta Bar home of Nagas and ending at the Handlebar for the sponsored buffet and presentations, before dark. The Pattaya Police have offered there services, free of charge, and the Sawang will attend
with Rescue Vehicles. Media Sponsorship has been offered Sponsorship has been offered by Pattaya People and Pattaya Mail. The more the merrier. We do need to get the word out to
every rider / club in Pattaya so please pass on the message.
Details of the final routing will be passed to you as soon as possible.
I would be pleased to have any comments to John Williams at
snake161@mdmc.org Thank you all for your help.
This is one that no one should miss. Just one more plug before I wrap it up. This is for anyone who is riding a Harley presently and are looking for a wonderful Mechanic. I can tell you that attached to Handlebar Restaurant and Bar, Dave's Speed Shop is now open.
There are quite a few Harleys in Thailand. (Over 4,000 approximately if my estimates are correct) the majority of which are in Pattaya. The challenge most shops have in my opinion is they simply cannot handle the work load and because of the fact that most Harley Owners are anxious to get their bikes back quick, mistakes are made in an effort to oblige the Customer. We need more good shops and Dave is definitely from what I can tell heading in the right direction.
I would highly recommend this shop to anyone looking for a personalized approach to Motorcycle repair. I have known Dave from years ago when we went on a few rides together and besides the fact that he is an incredible guy, the fact that is now doing repairs, paint and rentals is a great thing. Look in the listings and advertising section of this book for a true testimonial of what I think about his work.
Until then, Search, Predict and Act. Ride Safe and Enjoy.
|
