We tried our best to see if the authorities would make
an exception. But we were unsuccessful - a rule is a
rule. We were lucky to find a very good agent, Mrs Thip
and Mr Thum was our guide. We parked our bikes and
when we got through immigration, the officers told us
that our friends were waiting for us and pointed to two
big bikes right at the border. I had a huge smile on my
face as I figured they were Sanjay's friends, Surakrit (GS
President, Thailand) and Monster.
Both of these gentlemen were very tall, unlike what I
thought about Thai people. I had never met them
before but I felt I was meeting my close friends. I think
there is something about bikers and the biking
community, wherein we connect at a different level.
There is no explanation, nor logic to it, but we bikers
call it 'Brotherhood'.
Surakrit and Monster had ridden over 300 kms to the
border, just to welcome us with a big smile. I ran to
them and told them how happy I was to enter
Thailand and to meet them. Surakrit became our BIG
DADDY. He and sweet Monster accompanied us for
the entire trip, right up to the Laos Border ! Winston
told us how wonderful these guys were as well. A very
special Thank you to Sanjay, for introducing us to these
lovely people.
DISCOVERING THE
While I waited for my temporary license, they helped
OF my SILK
ROAD
get my bike to CENTRE
a mechanic, got
fan replaced
and
my bike serviced. We stayed the night at the city
beside the border. We started our ride the next
morning on beautiful road, passing by beautiful
temples and incredible people.
When we reached Chiang Mai a few more GS riders
were waiting for us, amongst them 2 were lady riders
too. One of these ladies had travelled from Bangkok to
meet me, she was sweet enough to call me her role
model ! We felt absolutely at home.
Our host, Mr Touchapol is THE man of Chiang Mai.
Although he is an high level executive with
municipality, he was down to earth and thorough
gentlemen. Believe it or not, for 3 days they provided
us with a place to stay with breakfast, lunch and
dinner. And they did not allow us to pay a penny. I
believe that the Thai hospitality is unparalleled,
anywhere in the world.
We entered Thailand on the first day of the Thai
New Year. It was my first time at the water festival
and I was excited to be a part of it. There were Fire
Fighters on the street throwing water at people.
There was music, everyone was dancing and
having a good time. I got a pink water gun ready
and crouched behind a car with Big Daddy,
Monster, Pumm and Partner. I did not know what
I was actually getting into when we started
throwing water at each other and the crowd. Then
we got back into the car and got into traffic, our
car was stopped by people at every corner and
they threw ice water at us - buckets and buckets.
It was cold and I was shivering. I couldn't run
anywhere and was screaming at the top of my
voice. Everyone was laughing as I was the one who
started the fight and now I was screaming and
trying to hide. Our day ended with a warm dinner
at home and planning for our next day - a ride
with BMW riders to the highest point of Thailand !
Enroute from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, we visited
the unique and extremely beautiful White Temple
and we were lucky to meet with the architect and
owner. We then headed to a village of the world-
famous Kayan Tribe. Women of this tribe start
wearing thick metal rings on their neck from
childhood and increase the number of rings as
they get older. As per tribal custom, the woman
with the longest neck is considered the most
beautiful. I tried wearing one of these rings and
you cannot imagine how heavy they are. they also
wear rings on their legs, below the knee and
decorate their hair with colourful fabrics and
flowers. Just loved them.
Everything about our ride through Thailand
was perfect. If it were not for the new rule in
Thailand wherein we had to have an agent and
a car following us everywhere and us having to
pay them for each day (which can become
expensive for bikers), we would have stayed
longer to enjoy this wonderful country.
It's finally time to cross another border - this
time into Laos. Big Daddy and sweet Monster
accompanied us right to the border and
showered us with their love and wishes.
Chiang Khong, April 25, 2017. 8:00 am.
"Ride To Be One" will Be Continued
in Next Magazine i.e. July 2019