2018 - 10th Gtr Mae Hong Son Memorial Ride
- Thread starter DavidFL
- Start date
- Status
Nice idea, Bungy, thanks but some of us have to work for a living! 
Need to get back and head on to Singapore after wards. Look forward ot a fun time in MHS anyway.
Need to get back and head on to Singapore after wards. Look forward ot a fun time in MHS anyway.
We will have 5 copies of Stu Lloyd's new book "Hardship Posting Vol 5" to give away as prizes in Mae Hong Son.
More info here
The homesite of Stu Lloyd - The Perfect Storyteller
More info here
The homesite of Stu Lloyd - The Perfect Storyteller
Last edited:
Hi guys
The GTR MHS Memorial ride is almost here, and it seems that it will be the biggest ever group of riders. At this point, 45+ people have indicated that they are attending, so it seems that the ride is on the map as an important event for expat bikers in the North. The image we strive to present is extremely well liked and respected and we look forward to carefully nurturing the concept and increasing participation each year it is held.
Organisational Costs
As you can imagine, it takes a considerable amount of work and not insignificant cost to organize an event of this magnitude. Fortunately, George (Sunflower Restaurant in MHS) does a lot of the leg work at that end. Invariably, the costs have come down to us, to cover the expenses of the ceremony and band. As the rider numbers increase, so do the costs!
[bcolor=#ffff99]Estimated costs for the 2018 ride are 35,000 – 40,000 Thai baht…[/bcolor]
Major Sponsorship Donation
This year, we offered a commercial sponsorship opportunity to current advertisers on GT-Rider.com. [bcolor=#ffff00]We are thrilled to report that Kay at Big Bike Tours has made a 10,000 baht donation to help make the event run smoothly and we are very grateful for that support![/bcolor] BBT will have a banner promoting their tour business displayed prominently at the evening event.
[bcolor=#ccffcc]To break even, we welcome any other businesses or individuals who would like to make a contribution to running the event.[/bcolor]
[bcolor=#00ff00]Business or Individual Sponsors[/bcolor]: will receive a listing on GT-Rider.com’s list of Memorial Ride sponsors, including your business logos if applicable.
Event Coverage
MHS TV should be at the event this year, along with a representative from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in MHS.
We are seeking a drone videographer / photographer to film the ceremony at the chedi from above as well & this should look quite spectacular. We will also try to get some film on national TV if possible
[bcolor=#ffff00]Would you / your business like to provide some financial support to the GTR MHS Memorial ride?[/bcolor]
If so, get in touch with GTR Admin or go to the Donations page;
- GT-Rider Memorial Ride 2018 Donations – Goal is 40k THB – GT-Rider Motorcycle Forums S.E. Asia
Note: on the day of the event, all riders are welcome to make donations towards the operational costs of the event.
The GTR MHS Memorial ride is almost here, and it seems that it will be the biggest ever group of riders. At this point, 45+ people have indicated that they are attending, so it seems that the ride is on the map as an important event for expat bikers in the North. The image we strive to present is extremely well liked and respected and we look forward to carefully nurturing the concept and increasing participation each year it is held.
Organisational Costs
As you can imagine, it takes a considerable amount of work and not insignificant cost to organize an event of this magnitude. Fortunately, George (Sunflower Restaurant in MHS) does a lot of the leg work at that end. Invariably, the costs have come down to us, to cover the expenses of the ceremony and band. As the rider numbers increase, so do the costs!
[bcolor=#ffff99]Estimated costs for the 2018 ride are 35,000 – 40,000 Thai baht…[/bcolor]
Major Sponsorship Donation
This year, we offered a commercial sponsorship opportunity to current advertisers on GT-Rider.com. [bcolor=#ffff00]We are thrilled to report that Kay at Big Bike Tours has made a 10,000 baht donation to help make the event run smoothly and we are very grateful for that support![/bcolor] BBT will have a banner promoting their tour business displayed prominently at the evening event.
[bcolor=#ccffcc]To break even, we welcome any other businesses or individuals who would like to make a contribution to running the event.[/bcolor]
[bcolor=#00ff00]Business or Individual Sponsors[/bcolor]: will receive a listing on GT-Rider.com’s list of Memorial Ride sponsors, including your business logos if applicable.
- Audited accounts will be published on GT-Rider.com as part of the ride report coverage.
- Surplus funds held over for 2019, or donated to a worthy cause – a good excuse for another ride perhaps?
Event Coverage
MHS TV should be at the event this year, along with a representative from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in MHS.
We are seeking a drone videographer / photographer to film the ceremony at the chedi from above as well & this should look quite spectacular. We will also try to get some film on national TV if possible
[bcolor=#ffff00]Would you / your business like to provide some financial support to the GTR MHS Memorial ride?[/bcolor]
If so, get in touch with GTR Admin or go to the Donations page;
- GT-Rider Memorial Ride 2018 Donations – Goal is 40k THB – GT-Rider Motorcycle Forums S.E. Asia
Note: on the day of the event, all riders are welcome to make donations towards the operational costs of the event.
Last edited:
We have a few extra shirts for anyone who missed out or forgot to order.
There are
4 size XL @ 325 baht
3 Size XXL @ 340 baht
The shirts will be at Mr Mechanic with Yui next Friday.
Any other sizes need to be ordered, but will not be available until after the event.
There are
4 size XL @ 325 baht
3 Size XXL @ 340 baht
The shirts will be at Mr Mechanic with Yui next Friday.
Any other sizes need to be ordered, but will not be available until after the event.
We have more give away Tshirts from Tony Big Bikes, Big Bike Tours and the X-Centre.
The Palm Loft has 5 rooms left for late arrivals, should they want to book themselves a room.
Mae Hong Son Accommodation
The New Palm Loft
Aircon. hot water. TV. Fridge.
800 baht a night
Phone: 053614022 & 0846114705
The Palm Loft has 5 rooms left for late arrivals, should they want to book themselves a room.
Mae Hong Son Accommodation
The New Palm Loft
Aircon. hot water. TV. Fridge.
800 baht a night
Phone: 053614022 & 0846114705
Rendezvous & departure times will be announced in a day or two. once I have double checked the Mae Chaem - Khun Yuam road. It should be 7.45 rendezvous & 8.30am first departures but to be confirmed soon.
The ceremonies at the Wat now have to be split, with the "seub chata"" ceremony held in the sala the same as last year. The Shan ceremony with monks, for the deceased, will be held immediately after at the chedi after the seub chata ceremony. The monks had a meeting and advised it was not compatible to do both ceremonies together at the chedi.
I spoke with the abbot of Wat Doi Kong Mou this morning & he is extremely happy with what we are doing - time honoured & most respectful. The more who come and participate the better he said.
There will be a police escort up to the Wat & we will park the bikes either side of the path way to the chedi, to form an avenue of bikes for the monks to pass through.
This is going to be special.
Please note that arrival time in MHS should be 3PM at the PTT on the south side of town, for the 1st ceremony to start at 4PM,
Sunday morning we want all bikes parked outside the Sunflower restaurant for a group breakfast photo.
More to come.
The ceremonies at the Wat now have to be split, with the "seub chata"" ceremony held in the sala the same as last year. The Shan ceremony with monks, for the deceased, will be held immediately after at the chedi after the seub chata ceremony. The monks had a meeting and advised it was not compatible to do both ceremonies together at the chedi.
I spoke with the abbot of Wat Doi Kong Mou this morning & he is extremely happy with what we are doing - time honoured & most respectful. The more who come and participate the better he said.
There will be a police escort up to the Wat & we will park the bikes either side of the path way to the chedi, to form an avenue of bikes for the monks to pass through.
This is going to be special.
Please note that arrival time in MHS should be 3PM at the PTT on the south side of town, for the 1st ceremony to start at 4PM,
Sunday morning we want all bikes parked outside the Sunflower restaurant for a group breakfast photo.
More to come.
Last edited:
Just to mention that im still recovering from recent bad sickness (bronchitis and flu). On the mend, but still very weak. Resting and will hopefully be recovered by Saturday, but if i am not feeling strong enough I will need to cancel. So very sorry.
The Master Plan Outline
Outline Mae Hong Son Memorial Ride
Rendezvous at the PTT Nam Phrae.
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/Cs7MLioLH8y[/bcolor]
7.30-7.45 am Rendezvous.
First departures 8.15-8.30AM.
Break up into small groups & ride to MHS at your own pace.
In MHS 3PM rendezvous at the PTT at the south end of town. Don’t go off and check into your hotel before!! Everyone Is To Wait At The PTT.
3.30-3.45 PM ride up to the GTR Chedi with a police motorbike escort.
We will conduct two ceremonies at Wat Doi Kong Mu. The first is in the sala at the Wat and the second is at the GTR Chedi right at the top of the hill.
At Wat Doi Kong Mu
Follow the leader & the police up the hill.
Parking at the Chedi is to be either side of the pathway to the Chedi, so as to make an avenue of bikes for the monks & us to walk through when we go to do the Chedi ceremony.
Temple Ceremonies
We will conduct 2 ceremonies at the temple. We would like everyone to participate in these two ceremonies, Please don't wander off.
After we park the bikes, walk down quickly to the sala for the first ceremony, the Seub Chata ceremony like last year.
When this first Seub Chata ceremony is over, walk back up the hill, following the monks, through the avenue of bikes to the Chedi & conduct the 2nd ceremony.
Immediately the Chedi ceremony is over we want to take photos with the monks at the Chedi. So everyone has to get up & move the chairs out of the way fast so we can get a nice group photo (next year’s T-shirt photo.)
Finish 5-5.30PM
Ride back down the hill and check into your hotel.
6.30-7PM meet at the Sunflower Restaurant.
At the Sunflower, George will prepare a buffet @ 250 baht a head. A girl will collect the money at each table, give the customer a ribbon to signify they have paid, plus put their name in for a lucky draw. Drinks – beer & soft drinks - are ordered individually from the bar & paid at the bar.
We have a band to play to kick of the night & later on move to the Crossroads Pub.
Sunday morning
Rendezvous 9AM at the Sunflower for a group photo will all the bikes parked outside the Sunflower.
Breakfast & split up for everyone to go their own way back to Chiang Mai.
Saturday Lunch Stop
The designated lunch stop is Phu Chan Dang Resort, 3 kms before Khun Yuam.
Th resort is on R1263, the Mae Chaem – Khun Yuam Road.
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/3eqxiyAfW7H2[/bcolor]
It is on the right hand side of the road.
ETA here should be around midday.
The restaurant will prepare a 2 dish buffet – Fried Noodles with Pork & Fried Rice with Veges.
The price is 50 baht. Pay direct to the restaurant + any drinks that you may have.
From Phu Chan Dang to Mae Hong Son is 68 kms & about 1-1.25 hrs travel time. So you should leave here by 1.30PM at the latest to be in MHS by 3PM.
Some Distances & Rough Travel Times
PTT Nam Phrae - Mae Hong Son = 276 kms = 5.5 hrs travel time. Fast riders should be much less.
PTT Nam Phrae- Mae Chaem = 114 kms = 1.45 hrs ride.
Mae Chaem – Mae Hong Son = 162 kms = 3.5 hrs.
Mae Chaem – Phu Chan Dang lunch @ Khun Yuam = 94 kms = 2 hours 15
Mae Chaem – Pang Khia = 68 kms = 1 hrs 15
Pang Khia = Phu Chan Dang (lunch) = 26 kms = 1 hour
Phu Chan Dang (lunch) – Mae Hong Son = 68 kms = 1 hr 15
Phu Chang Dang is 3 kms from Khun Yuam & the T Junction with R108
If you’re travel time from the start at the PTT Nam Phrae to Mae Chaem (114 kms) is over 2 hours you should allow 3 hours for the Mae Chaem – Phu Chan Dang, as this is the slowest mountainous section.
Stop for a drink at the PTT / 7-11 in Mae Chaem. Fuel up here.
Between Mae Chaem & Khun Yuam stop for a drink in Pang Kia, a Hmong village 68 kms from Mae Chaem / 26 kms from the lunch stop.
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/vtXPxof9WWK2[/bcolor]
Pang Kia is in the middle of the rough asphalt & a short break here is nice. There are two small drink shops on the left.
Overall, the road conditions are 90% good, only the 10% of rough asphalt between Mae Chaem and Khun Yuam will annoy people, and/or test out inexperienced riders.
On R1263 the vegetation often comes down to the edge of the road, to make it like riding in a tunnel with poor vision ahead. Extra care is needed.
Don't bunch up & ride in a pack. Ride so that you can see the road & not just follow the rider in front. Ride at a pace that you are comfortable with, but please don't dawdle. We need everyone in MHS at the PTT by 3PM, to start the temple ceremonies on time at 4PM.
At the PTT in MHS, there will be 2 drones to film us riding up Doi Kong Mu plus the Chedi ceremony from the air.
Both the head of MHS TAT & the Tourist Police will be joining us in MHS. We want the event & ceremonies to run nicely & not be a shambles. Your close attention will be most appreciated.
Outline Mae Hong Son Memorial Ride
Rendezvous at the PTT Nam Phrae.
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/Cs7MLioLH8y[/bcolor]
7.30-7.45 am Rendezvous.
First departures 8.15-8.30AM.
Break up into small groups & ride to MHS at your own pace.
In MHS 3PM rendezvous at the PTT at the south end of town. Don’t go off and check into your hotel before!! Everyone Is To Wait At The PTT.
3.30-3.45 PM ride up to the GTR Chedi with a police motorbike escort.
We will conduct two ceremonies at Wat Doi Kong Mu. The first is in the sala at the Wat and the second is at the GTR Chedi right at the top of the hill.
At Wat Doi Kong Mu
Follow the leader & the police up the hill.
Parking at the Chedi is to be either side of the pathway to the Chedi, so as to make an avenue of bikes for the monks & us to walk through when we go to do the Chedi ceremony.
Temple Ceremonies
We will conduct 2 ceremonies at the temple. We would like everyone to participate in these two ceremonies, Please don't wander off.
After we park the bikes, walk down quickly to the sala for the first ceremony, the Seub Chata ceremony like last year.
When this first Seub Chata ceremony is over, walk back up the hill, following the monks, through the avenue of bikes to the Chedi & conduct the 2nd ceremony.
Immediately the Chedi ceremony is over we want to take photos with the monks at the Chedi. So everyone has to get up & move the chairs out of the way fast so we can get a nice group photo (next year’s T-shirt photo.)
Finish 5-5.30PM
Ride back down the hill and check into your hotel.
6.30-7PM meet at the Sunflower Restaurant.
At the Sunflower, George will prepare a buffet @ 250 baht a head. A girl will collect the money at each table, give the customer a ribbon to signify they have paid, plus put their name in for a lucky draw. Drinks – beer & soft drinks - are ordered individually from the bar & paid at the bar.
We have a band to play to kick of the night & later on move to the Crossroads Pub.
Sunday morning
Rendezvous 9AM at the Sunflower for a group photo will all the bikes parked outside the Sunflower.
Breakfast & split up for everyone to go their own way back to Chiang Mai.
Saturday Lunch Stop
The designated lunch stop is Phu Chan Dang Resort, 3 kms before Khun Yuam.
Th resort is on R1263, the Mae Chaem – Khun Yuam Road.
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/3eqxiyAfW7H2[/bcolor]
It is on the right hand side of the road.
ETA here should be around midday.
The restaurant will prepare a 2 dish buffet – Fried Noodles with Pork & Fried Rice with Veges.
The price is 50 baht. Pay direct to the restaurant + any drinks that you may have.
From Phu Chan Dang to Mae Hong Son is 68 kms & about 1-1.25 hrs travel time. So you should leave here by 1.30PM at the latest to be in MHS by 3PM.
Some Distances & Rough Travel Times
PTT Nam Phrae - Mae Hong Son = 276 kms = 5.5 hrs travel time. Fast riders should be much less.
PTT Nam Phrae- Mae Chaem = 114 kms = 1.45 hrs ride.
Mae Chaem – Mae Hong Son = 162 kms = 3.5 hrs.
Mae Chaem – Phu Chan Dang lunch @ Khun Yuam = 94 kms = 2 hours 15
Mae Chaem – Pang Khia = 68 kms = 1 hrs 15
Pang Khia = Phu Chan Dang (lunch) = 26 kms = 1 hour
Phu Chan Dang (lunch) – Mae Hong Son = 68 kms = 1 hr 15
Phu Chang Dang is 3 kms from Khun Yuam & the T Junction with R108
If you’re travel time from the start at the PTT Nam Phrae to Mae Chaem (114 kms) is over 2 hours you should allow 3 hours for the Mae Chaem – Phu Chan Dang, as this is the slowest mountainous section.
Stop for a drink at the PTT / 7-11 in Mae Chaem. Fuel up here.
Between Mae Chaem & Khun Yuam stop for a drink in Pang Kia, a Hmong village 68 kms from Mae Chaem / 26 kms from the lunch stop.
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/vtXPxof9WWK2[/bcolor]
Pang Kia is in the middle of the rough asphalt & a short break here is nice. There are two small drink shops on the left.
Overall, the road conditions are 90% good, only the 10% of rough asphalt between Mae Chaem and Khun Yuam will annoy people, and/or test out inexperienced riders.
On R1263 the vegetation often comes down to the edge of the road, to make it like riding in a tunnel with poor vision ahead. Extra care is needed.
Don't bunch up & ride in a pack. Ride so that you can see the road & not just follow the rider in front. Ride at a pace that you are comfortable with, but please don't dawdle. We need everyone in MHS at the PTT by 3PM, to start the temple ceremonies on time at 4PM.
At the PTT in MHS, there will be 2 drones to film us riding up Doi Kong Mu plus the Chedi ceremony from the air.
Both the head of MHS TAT & the Tourist Police will be joining us in MHS. We want the event & ceremonies to run nicely & not be a shambles. Your close attention will be most appreciated.
Last edited:
Re confirmation of the route for the people who have asked.
Please note with a required ETA of 3PM in Mae Hong Son, this is not a sight seeing picnic ride.
You need to ride at a good pace all day!
PTT Nam Phrae - Chomthong - Hot - Mae Chaem
Routes 3035 - 108 - 1088
Distance 114 kms
You need to ride this fast & not mess around to give yourself time on the mountain section Mae Chaem - Khun Yuam.
Mae Chaem - Mae Na Chon - Khun Yuam
Routes 1088 - 1263
Distance = 97 kms.
This is the slow section. It should take most people around 2 hours + in here.
The poor asphalt 12-15 kms is in this section. It will slow you down.
You can stop for a drink in the Hmong village of Pang Kia 68 kms from Mae Chaem.
The lunch stop is at the end of this section. Phu Can Dang is 26 kms after Pang Kia.
You should leave the lunch stop by 1.30PM to be in MHS by 3PM.
Khun Yuam - Mae Hong Son
Route 108
Distance = 66 kms.
Please note with a required ETA of 3PM in Mae Hong Son, this is not a sight seeing picnic ride.
You need to ride at a good pace all day!
PTT Nam Phrae - Chomthong - Hot - Mae Chaem
Routes 3035 - 108 - 1088
Distance 114 kms
You need to ride this fast & not mess around to give yourself time on the mountain section Mae Chaem - Khun Yuam.
Mae Chaem - Mae Na Chon - Khun Yuam
Routes 1088 - 1263
Distance = 97 kms.
This is the slow section. It should take most people around 2 hours + in here.
The poor asphalt 12-15 kms is in this section. It will slow you down.
You can stop for a drink in the Hmong village of Pang Kia 68 kms from Mae Chaem.
The lunch stop is at the end of this section. Phu Can Dang is 26 kms after Pang Kia.
You should leave the lunch stop by 1.30PM to be in MHS by 3PM.
Khun Yuam - Mae Hong Son
Route 108
Distance = 66 kms.
Well done David! And all the other people that helped with the organisation of the 10th Memorial ride, it was a day of mixed emotions with the ride out to MHS great fun, then of course the celebration of life and death at the MHS Wat, then dinner with the accompaniment of a great band, I think they played something for everyone! Power on Lung!
As Scotty above,its my 4 year and it gets better each year.The organisation from David,George and no doubt many others is fantastic ( the phrase herding cats comes to mind )
I enjoyed the food stops and the 2 ceremonies and had a great evening thought Stu very funny with presentation ( I will treasure the empty box I won )
Its a very moving experience and a pleasure to be included.Its so easy to forget the deceased and its good they are remembered here.
Safe riding
I enjoyed the food stops and the 2 ceremonies and had a great evening thought Stu very funny with presentation ( I will treasure the empty box I won )
Its a very moving experience and a pleasure to be included.Its so easy to forget the deceased and its good they are remembered here.
Safe riding
- Status