Thailand 2012: Krabi - 3 Nation Welly Charity Ride...

“Somewhere on your journey don’t forget to turn around and enjoy the view...”



(The official logo)

04 Oct 2012 (Thursday)
(KL - Hatyai)

We arrived at Welly's showroom early and straight away went to a nearby mamak restaurant for nasi lemak breakfast. At around 1000 the group of more than 20 bikes gathered for a short briefing by the OTR guide. After the group photo, we were flagged off and rode towards the North-South PLUS highway. There were a few stops for refuelling at Simpang Pulai and Juru and had nasi kandar lunch at Nasmir Restaurant in Auto City.

(A lunch break at Auto City)

Our last stop before crossing the border was in Changloon where we settled motor insurance and money exchange business. By 1800 the group reached Bukit Kayu Hitam for border clearance and rode direct to Hatyai and checked in Hansa JB Hotel around 2030.

(Waiting for room keys...)

The group didn't join the welcoming reception at Nectar Pub. Instead we split into several groups then took a tuk-tuk to Lee Gardens for dinner at one of the Muslim stalls and later bought a few pair of t-shirts at Pink Lady's.

5 October 2012 (Friday)
(Hatyai - Krabi)

At 0700 we had breakfast. By 0800 we were ready to ride and suppose to assemble and start off earlier to skip the speeches and avoid getting stuck in the road blocked during the flag off by the Mayor of Hatyai. Because of some miscommunications on the timing, we departed late from Hatyai to Trang.

On the way, two bikes from our group met with an accident where the bike in front braked suddenly and the one following closely was unable to brake in time. It was made worst when it involved a passing car. None was injured but there were major damages to the bike and the car and a lot of time wasted to settle the matter with the local police.

(A biker inspecting damages...)

The rest continued to convoy to Krabi and around 1600 reached Maritme Park Resort for registration and collection of event packages and door gifts. We later checked in Best Western Ao Nang Bay Resort and went for an hour of body massage at the spa.

(A cozy Resort Hotel and Spa...)

There was supposed to be a welcoming street party at Black Crab View Point but none of us was properly informed of the event activities by the organizer. We later went with the OTR group for dinner at a nearby Thai Restaurant and later had another round of relaxing foot reflexology.

6 October 2012 (Saturday)
Krabi

(Black Crab View Point...)

After early breakfast, the group split into small groups. Some decided to go for islands hopping, the rest wanted to go picnicking or shopping. 5 bikes decided to join the charity ride convoy with thousands other bikes from Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand starting from the Black Crab View Point to Thalan Bay where the Mayor of Krabi released some fishes.

(Bikers releasing fishes...)

(Riders resting under the cool shades...)

We later followed the convoy to Noppharat Beach for lunch break. Later we rode back to Ao Nang Beach and had late lunch at Sharifah Restaurant near the mosque..

(Convoy on the country road...)

After a short rest, the bikers gathered in front of McD and convoyed to Black Crab View Point for a nine-course official charity dinner, stage shows and lucky draws. A few of us didn't wait for the show to end but rode back to our hotel for own activities...

(Dinner and stage shows...)

7 October 2012 (Sunday)
(Krabi - KL)

After breakfast, the same 5 bikes break off from the group and rode towards Hatyai where we stopped for lunch and went to Hatyai Bazaar Market for a last minute shopping.

The border clearing at Bukit Kayu Hitam was smooth. The PLUS highway was jammed with heavy traffic and motorbikes coming back from Krabi. We rode back to KL in the rain and reached our apartment almost midnight....

Route taken: KL - Hatyai - Krabi - Hatyai - KL

Total mileage: 1,900 km

👈👈 2012 DMK: Pattalung, Thailand

2012: Koh Lanta, Thailand 👉👉