The party night @ the Goodview, ex Sunflower, was a beauty.
Johnadda & Tony P provided the music, plus Joe with a nice jam.
Stu Lloyd did a magnificent job as MC, off the cuff, no script & it is easy to he is a pro & enjoys it. Many thanks from me Stu, because if you didn't do it I don't dare to think who else might be lumbered with the job. I do however, have an interesting idea for a joint MC team next year.
With a very recent change of ownership at the ex Sunflower, the new guys - Gai / Pla / Mu - did an excellent job in a week, preparing what they could. The new big bar in the centre was a nice bonus, as was an improved sound system.
Food & catering at the ex Sunflower has always been something of a challenge with a big group, but with the new Goodview team I think we got a satisfactory arrangement with a BBQ pig & salads - keep it simple.
What is impressive for me at the party night is how everyone is so relaxed, & enjoying themselves together, with people they've only just met & ridden together for the first time.
It is a total joy for me to see this, as that's the Memorial Ride is about - a celebration of life, the good times, good rides, good mates & missed friends. It should be a reminder how lucky we are to live here, ride our motorbikes & enjoy the life that we can & do with good friends without the harassment of "nanny state laws" that we so often see in the West nowadays. Having the right positive attitude helps.
Some pics from the night
the famous Mike Gagne indulging in a compulsory shot of Jamesons that he has to do everytime he hooks up with GTR.
Joe Cummings & Thomas.
Thomas had a slight mishap going home from the Crossroads Pub in the wee hours.
His first time in MHS, he stopped at the sala in the lake to admire the view one more time; where he slipped & fell over on his hip, breaking a bone.
Somewhat over the limit & with a flat phone battery he laid there until sunrise, when he was found & taken to the hospital around the corner.
A very lucky man, as he could have fallen in the lake & drowned perhaps.
The rest
Last but not least
Moto Bistro & Big Bike Tours
One of the issues organizing an event like this, is that money has to be paid up front for people involved at the temple - items for the ceremonies, plus even lunch this year.
Moto Bistro & Big Bike Tours support therefore is greatly appreciated. These two wonderful guys / companies helped get the event underway with 10,000 baht sponsorship each.
Their donations are very much appreciated, because without them, costs would not be covered & we'd have to ask for more donations from everyone. Last year was the first year there was a surplus & the first year we were able to make a donation to the temple, but every other year previously I've had to dip into my pocket.
Even at the Mae La Noi lunch stop, a deposit was required to ensure that 50 motorbikes did turn up & the lady vendor could buy supplies in the market the @ Mae Sarieng the day before.
So this year we are all good...and
The morning after it was up to the temple to see the good abbot & give him another donation from GTR & everyone who came & supported the event.
Present were Joe Cummings, Tim Stanley & Vero.
And the amount this year was
14,000 baht was given to the Wat in appreciation of their generous approval of the GTR chedi.
We will continue to run this memorial ride every year & donate whatever funds we have left over to Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu.
A big thank you to all participants & donors.
Some gave more than others, but it all came from the heart.
Long may the happy memories of our departed riding mates live on.
How many went in 2019?
There were various counts & numbers.
I had 52 once, someone else had a 72.. I make it 44 in the photo.....
Let's do it again next year, with more riders.
Thank you one & all.
Thank you Robert Hoghead & Korn for the back up service vehicle.
