Monday, November 13, 2017
There is a wonderful contradiction in terms of motorcycling. On one hand, motorcycling is deeply serene, takes almost to the meditative state, all one’s attention centers at the present moment, an amazing smorgasbord, the wind on the skin, the numerous shades of green, the jolting vibration and the snarl of the engine. If we look at the other side, it is carnal, exciting and dangerous – a primeval desire of conquer and control, a high-stakes dance with death. In the world, Thailand has the second most dangerous roads, as per the World Health Organisation, of the 24,000 deaths each year, 73% are on two wheels.
And yet…this exposure to the elements of death, followed by the sensory appreciation of beauty, the feeling of discovery…it’s a true peak experience in motorcycle. And there are few more beautiful places to have this experience than Prachuap Khiri Khan.
At a bland motel south of Hua Hin, our weekend sojourn starts with rain in the air; the first stop is Rajabhakti Park, of whose supposedly corruption-riddled construction much has been written in the pages of the Post. The seven statues of Thai kings are immensely impressive; the gargantuan godfathers of Thai history, stern and resolute in their towering infamy.
After that, the real fun starts, as the ten bikes move into the picturesque rolling hills and twisting rural roads. Big bikes of models bigger than 400cc shot up over 100% in both 2012 and 2013 are booming now in Thailand.
