2018 HU Mini Meet in Thailand????

[DeeG]

Anyone heard if there was going to be a 2018 get-together? I know its early, but I'm making travel plans for our next trip, would like to attend if one being is planned.

Thanks!


Dee

[Grant Johnson]

Sorry, at this time there is no plan for one in 2018. With the border issues for travellers the numbers are very small. Hopefully Thailand will come to their senses and things will improve in the future.

[Daffers]

Hi DeeG

That is a shame. We are planning on visiting Thailand in January. Hope to hire bikes and tour for a month.

[Sun Chaser]

Still plenty of motorbike travelers doing Thailand, especially north and north east. I personally know of 7-8 from USA and Canada coming in January (high season) and I'm not in the rental/guided tour loop. Must be 20+ guided tour operators, several based overseas, even some offering multi-country packages and several solo guides. Most travelers fly in, rent or take a packaged tour, and do 2-3 weeks.

Overlander #'s down due to required permits/guides/time lines/IDP driving license hassles and medical check (for some) and cost. Unlike Grant, my local insiders in tour/rental businesses do not believe government will be going back to the "old days" of solo entry and easy transit. New overland game provides jobs and $'s....plus Big Brother.

At the free Touratech "Travel Event" meeting they drew 800+ attendees, however nearly all were Thai or from Malaysia. Reportage here:
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2015/1...venture-event/


Dr. Gregory Frazier
Chief, World Adventure Affairs Desk, CITY BIKE magazine
Entrant #9 and Successful Finisher:
www.rtwmotorcycleadventurerlly.blogspot.com

PS: Dee - see you and Pete in January, maybe we'll have an unauthorized "private" advanced adventure traveler mini-meet :-) at Rider's Corner

[Road Hog]

I will be coming through Thailand in early October and if things work out will travel down to Indonesia for HU meeting there. So if Thailand is not going to have a gathering maybe we should put together a massive group and ride for Indonesia.

Bob

[Sun Chaser]

Hi Bob:
Interesting idea.

Couple of wrinkles, but money and time can overcome:

1) I believe entering Indonesia would require a Carnet.

2) Thailand transit on foreign registered motorbikes (except Malaysia and Thailand) would require the approved gov't permit with approved route, timing and guide(s). See earlier post re: Dr.'s examination and Driving Permit for residents of some countries not signed on to IDP.

3) If renting a motorbike in Thailand to take out of country the options on places where rentals could be obtained is small. I've done it, but some hoops had to be jumped through. For instance, many rental companies require you leave your passport as security for the motorbike.

An option: Rent a motorbike (it likely will be small, under 250cc) on Bali. Many will say it can not be done (renting and taking off the island) but I've done it, and kept my passport with me, not leaving it with the rental agency as security. Time changes rules and regulations, but the rental agency I used on Bali prepared the paperwork to leave Bali that was needed to board the ferry, and offered to do it again. I went to Java, and back.

Just some random thoughts. Lotta hoops to jump through, but doable.

Dr. Gregory Frazier
Chief, of the World Adventure Affairs Desk, CITY BIKE magazine
Entrant #9 and Successful Finisher: The World Motorcycle Adventure Tour and Travel Rally

[Road Hog]

Will be coming through China to Thailand with a group, will do the paperwork and guide to get our bikes in. Will also have a Carnet as it will be needed for some other countries on my route. Plan is to be in Bangkok the 5th of Oct. Then head south.
Will be coming back through solo next year so hope to find out how to transit Thailand without spending too much.
Bob

[Sun Chaser]

Bob:

Sounds like fun, and that you've got it all sorted out.

Maybe pass you on the road in Malaysia as I might be headed north about that time from an assignment in Singapore. Paperwork and costs too much $ and too much BS for me to ship my overland bike into Indonesia and work my way north. Tentative OTR Start after Sri Lanka for me will be out of KL Oct 8, if I'm lucky enough to get cleared before the weekend.

Regards,

Chief, World Adventure Affairs Desk, CITY BIKE Magazine
Survivor: The World Motorcycle Adventure Tour and Travel Rally