AUTO BAVARIA’S 3,000KM EXPEDIATION
PETALING JAYA: The reported success of the 3,000km Auto Bavaria Ride to Khao Yai has Auto Bavaria vowing to organise more of such events, be it locally or abroad for its customers.
The largest retail and service organisation for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad in Malaysia recently organised its first ever exclusive riding event overseas, the Auto Bavaria Ride to Khao Yai.
Held in conjunction with BMW Motorrad Day in Thailand, the six-day by invitation only bike expedition brought 20 participants aboard their R 1200 GS, R 1250 GSA, S 1000 XR, R 1200 GSA, R 1200 RT and the R 1250 GSA on a 3,000km adventure starting from the company’s Glenmarie showroom to Khao Yai in north Thailand, and back.
On the first day, riders based around Klang Valley gathered as early as 4.30am to start their first leg and safely crossed the border by 11am. The convoy then gathered at the Vista Hotel in Danok, Thailand, where the riders met up with the Auto Bavaria Penang team.
The larger convoy went on sightseeing stints along the way that included a stopover and photoshoot at the Route 41 Cowboy Town. The journey continued with refuelling and resting at Nakhon Si Thammarat and Suratthani before finally settling in for the day at S22 Hotel in Suratthani.
The last few kilometres to Suratthani were challenged by heavy rain and flooded roadways, and these allowed the Motorrad owners a chance to put the BMW bikes through a durability test.
The second day started with a ride to Prachuap Khiri Khan for lunch. The convoy then continued on with a scenic ride through Ratchaburi and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. After a stopover at MF Motorrad Rama II in Bangkok, the riders were escorted by Thai Traffic Police and a Thai marshal as outriders for the continued ride to Khao Yai. Upon reaching Splendid Hotel in Khao Yai, each rider marked over 1,500km on his odometer.
Third day was designed for touristic exploits with a ride to catch a glimpse of the monumental statue of 16th century Thai monk, Luang Phor Thuad, European architecture at Nakhon Ratchasima and 8Speed, the selected venue to celebrate Motorrad Day for this particular excursion. 8Speed is a motor track that caters to the cravings of bikers who wish to push their bikes to the limit.
The journey continued on the fourth day with riders zooming across Nonthaburi, Phetchaburi and Cha-am before reaching the final stop in Thailand, the Nana Beach Resort in Chumphom. A gala dinner was hosted at the resort by Auto Bavaria as an appreciation to its loyal customers.
The fifth day saw the convoy pushed on from Chumphon all the way to Hatyai with stops at the PTT Transformer, where a life sized “Bumble Bee” Transformer greets tourists, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phattalung.
On the final day, riders crossed the Sadao border back into Malaysia.
Throughout the expedition, Auto Bavaria stayed on standby with a number of pit stop crews, support cars, a rescue van and a technical crew to attend to breakdowns and minor checks throughout the trip. A professional photographer and video crew were also present to immortalise the memories for the participants.
“The itinerary is very well done and it is enjoyable to all,” said Derek Clyde, one of the participants.
“It is a great effort by Auto Bavaria, going the extra mile to provide a riding experience that no one else can give.”
Auto Bavaria plans to organise more of such events, be it locally or abroad, for its Motorrad customers.
BMW Motorrad owners who want to be a part of these future events can visit BMW Motorrad Auto Bavaria Facebook or Instagram for updates.