Air & Bike Rally - Prachuap Kirikan

February 2001

What a weekend of surprises! Who would have suspected approximately 200 bikers to arrive at the Prachuap Kirikan Airfield. After an early departure from Bangkok we arrived at about lunchtime, just before the start of the events. It took several police to escort us to the parking place just alongside of the Air Force Airfield. The turnout of people from Prachuap Kirikan was amazing. It was nice to see how much of an interest our rally had created. Every machine from Harley over BMW to MV Augusta, Ninja's, Ducatis and Triumph were there. The participants had come as far as from Singapore, Ubon, Chiang Mai a truly Star Rally. 

Constantly one could hear the hello's of people who had not seen each other for a long time, and the spirit of friendship was everywhere. This spirit was to rule this event for the next 24 hours. For the organizers it was a nightmare, as many people did not bother to confirm their participation in advance and hotel rooms were getting more scarce by the minute. Nobody had expected this incredible participation. But finally I believe everybody had at least a bed and pillow to put his head down, not that we needed it for long, as the night was to be short.

After a magnificent demonstration of touch and goes, spot landings and bomb runs by the student pilots of the Air Force it became time for the motorbikes to demonstrate the skills. It started of with slow drag, performed mainly by the Harley teams, over slalom runs, to demonstrate the skill of handling a heavy piece of machinery to the very popular demonstration of acceleration in a 1/4 mile. I believe the general public was surprised that these bulks of chrome and glitter were able to perform amicable and gentle in the hands of experienced pilots or show their power in the engines if unleashed. Speeds in excess of 200 kmh were reached on the 1/4 mile. The then following wheelies were the crown of the afternoon. An afternoon of fun, demonstration of skills and friendship.

Well and than came the evening. It has been a longtime since so many people were together, united in the spirit of motorcycling. With a party place located directly on the beach of beautiful Prachuap Kirikan it was the perfect place to eat, drink (to much), dance and sing.

BMSC and Immortals and the Royal Thai Air Force had created the perfect background for what was going to be an enjoyfull evening. First all the sponsors received recognition in form of a plaque, the Air Force received our donation, the reason for this ride, and than the fun started, driven by a fantastic band from Bangkok.

By 1am we were all exhausted, I have never  danced so much on one of our gatherings than that night.

I would like to thank everybody who participated in this event to make it so successful, the riders as well as the organizers, especially the organizing committee from the Royal Thai Airforce, BMW Moto Sport Club and Immortals.