Huge enthusiasm ahead of 'Bike for Dad'

[rooster59]

Huge enthusiasm ahead of 'Bike for Dad'

BANGKOK: THOUSANDS of jubilant cyclists gathered at the Supachalasai National Stadium yesterday to receive commemorative T-shirts and souvenirs and register for next month's "Bike for Dad" mass cycling event in honour of His Majesty the King's birthday.

Long queues formed as early as 6am, when officials started allowing the waiting members of the public into the stadium. Many people arrived at the stadium long before dawn.

The stadium was guarded by a large number of military officers. Those entering the stadium had to pass through security checks.

The T-shirts and souvenirs are presents by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. Scheduled for December 11, the event is in celebration of His Majesty the King's 88th birthday, which falls on December 5.

The final rehearsal for the event in Bangkok is scheduled for this morning, starting at the Royal Plaza.

Various state agencies and provincial authorities have also held rehearsals, with the events to be held simultaneously.

High-ranking Defence Ministry officials yesterday took part in a cycling rehearsal for the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bangkok's Bang Khen district. The group was led by the permanent secretary for defence General Preecha Chan-o-cha.

Preecha said the rehearsal aimed to better prepare ministry personnel for the big day.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra yesterday inspected the routes to be used for the event. He was accompanied by other senior officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

After the inspection, Sukhumbhand said the landscape renovations along the route were almost complete and more than 2,000 security cameras had been installed on the route.

There will be medical teams |on standby at various locations |along the route in case of an emergency, he added.

The 29-kilometre route starts at the Royal Plaza and passes by several landmarks, including the Ratchaprasong shopping district, Chulalongkorn University, Chinatown, Wong Wian Yai and Democracy Monument.

As many as 20,000 police officers will be deployed in Bangkok on the day, an average of one officer every 20 square metres, the caretaker Metropolitan Police commander, Lt-General Sanit Mahathaworn, said yesterday.

He said he wanted to turn the entire capital into a safety zone, adding that in addition to police, "home guard" volunteers would help keep order.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Huge-enthusiasm-ahead-of-Bike-for-Dad-30273922.html

-- The Nation 2015-11-29

[NongKhaiKid]

When will he Minister of Tourism and TAT get into the act and start quoting their very suspect figures for all sorts of tourism and of course the mega-squillions that will be spent during the week of celebrations ?

Incidentally, just who here would have the nuts to openly say they had no interest in the event ?

[tbthailand]

When will he Minister of Tourism and TAT get into the act and start quoting their very suspect figures for all sorts of tourism and of course the mega-squillions that will be spent during the week of celebrations ?

Incidentally, just who here would have the nuts to openly say they had no interest in the event ?

I'm busy that day, oops, week...

[NongKhaiKid]

When will he Minister of Tourism and TAT get into the act and start quoting their very suspect figures for all sorts of tourism and of course the mega-squillions that will be spent during the week of celebrations ?

Incidentally, just who here would have the nuts to openly say they had no interest in the event ?

I'm busy that day, oops, week...

Congratulations, you've just won unlimited AA sessions at an undisclosed 5 Star military location so relax, enjoy and adjust !

[LannaGuy]

I can honestly say, Thai style, that ALL my Thai friends will be attending this wonderful event and that we are expecting many millions to take part and are looking forward to 'Bike for Kids'

[impulse]

Slow start for me on a Sunday morn and I'm too lazy to come up with new content, so here's my rehashed post after Bike for Mom:

Just got back from wandering around the startup area near Dusit Palace and Dusit Zoo.

To all the grumps poo-pooing the idea, you're wrong, and you're missing out.

I was impressed by several aspects:

1) Tens of thousands of people enjoying themselves. Maybe a hundred thousand, but they were scattered over quite a wide area.

2) Virtually all of them smiling and joking around. Not a sour puss in the bunch that I saw. In spite of the wicked hot sunny day.

3) Tons of bicycles that cost more than my pickup truck. A lot more. Proof that Thailand has an amazing bicycle market.

4) Lots of support services, including medical, security, information guys, bike repairs, traffic control, etc. Yet not intrusive.

4) Traffic nicely under control and a whopping 5 minute detour in the taxi getting back to Asoke where I live.

6) A high percentage of them were gorgeous bicycle chicks- lots to fall in love with

7) As it turns out, bicycle chicks have amazing legs...

It ends at 21:00 tonight at the same place, when it should be quite a bit cooler. I'd go back if it wasn't past my bed time.

Edited November 29, 2015 by impulse

[taony]

Already got messages from Thai friends pissed off about road closures this morning.

Don't know why but the bus driver on phetburi made everyone get off at chaan isara bc he said the roads were closed past bradu nam bc of the bikes.

[Puwa]

I know I'm excited.

[Jeremy50]

I will be taking part, though I have to say, it's a lot of fuss over a 20k ride. I've been cycling in a yellow shirt for a couple of weeks now, though it is a Tour de France winners yellow jersey, it's 'Royal' colour gets some response and it even feels like I have a bit more respect on the road than usual. Maybe worth a try for the keen cyclists out there.

[LannaGuy]

I will be taking part, though I have to say, it's a lot of fuss over a 20k ride. I've been cycling in a yellow shirt for a couple of weeks now, though it is a Tour de France winners yellow jersey, it's 'Royal' colour gets some response and it even feels like I have a bit more respect on the road than usual. Maybe worth a try for the keen cyclists out there.

well aren't you the wonderful one

[impulse]

Already got messages from Thai friends pissed off about road closures this morning.

Don't know why but the bus driver on phetburi made everyone get off at chaan isara bc he said the roads were closed past bradu nam bc of the bikes.

Then they better pray Bangkok never gets F1, or a Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, or the Summer Olympics...or...

A minor inconvenience so 100's of thousands can have some fun.

You just can't please some people...

[NongKhaiKid]

Slow start for me on a Sunday morn and I'm too lazy to come up with new content, so here's my rehashed post after Bike for Mom:

Just got back from wandering around the startup area near Dusit Palace and Dusit Zoo.

To all the grumps poo-pooing the idea, you're wrong, and you're missing out.

I was impressed by several aspects:

1) Tens of thousands of people enjoying themselves. Maybe a hundred thousand, but they were scattered over quite a wide area.

2) Virtually all of them smiling and joking around. Not a sour puss in the bunch that I saw. In spite of the wicked hot sunny day.

3) Tons of bicycles that cost more than my pickup truck. A lot more. Proof that Thailand has an amazing bicycle market.

4) Lots of support services, including medical, security, information guys, bike repairs, traffic control, etc. Yet not intrusive.

4) Traffic nicely under control and a whopping 5 minute detour in the taxi getting back to Asoke where I live.

6) A high percentage of them were gorgeous bicycle chicks- lots to fall in love with

7) As it turns out, bicycle chicks have amazing legs...

It ends at 21:00 tonight at the same place, when it should be quite a bit cooler. I'd go back if it wasn't past my bed time.

I've no doubt you're right about the enthusiasm etc but how many posers with money have had themselves kitted out with the best of gear because they just HAVE TO be seen taking part and may never get on the bike again ?

Well not until the next high profile must be there event.

Edited November 29, 2015 by NongKhaiKid

[Mbaki]

Wife bought me a T shirt and I've fixed up an old bike, ready to roll [emoji4]

[impulse]

I've no doubt you're right about the enthusiasm etc but how many posers with money have had themselves kitted out with the best of gear because they just HAVE TO be seen taking part and may never get on the bike again ?

Well not until the next high profile must be there event.

There were a couple of hundred folks in the VIP sections with special covered waiting areas and lots of press.

The other 100,000+ people were joking and kidding and enjoying themselves in whatever shade they could find, slamming down the free bottled water.

[jacky54]

Anything that gets people on bikes and out of cars has to be applauded

Edited November 29, 2015 by jacky54

[LannaGuy]

Anything that gets people on bikes and out of cars has to be applauded

Anything that gets people diverted has to be applauded

[Jeremy50]

I will be taking part, though I have to say, it's a lot of fuss over a 20k ride. I've been cycling in a yellow shirt for a couple of weeks now, though it is a Tour de France winners yellow jersey, it's 'Royal' colour gets some response and it even feels like I have a bit more respect on the road than usual. Maybe worth a try for the keen cyclists out there.

well aren't you the wonderful one

No , not really. But who knows? Maybe a little exercise might help YOU grow a more likable personality. It's funny how leading an active and healthy lifestyle seems to illicit such contempt and resentment among some types.

[bangon04]

"THOUSANDS of jubilant cyclists gathered at the Supachalasai National Stadium yesterday to receive commemorative T-shirts and souvenirs "

Totally understandable enthusiasm for receiving free T-shirts and other gifts. In fact it was surprising that even more people didn't turn up to demonstrate their enthusiasm.

And it would be very bad form for any Thai to show any less than total enthusiasm for any Royal event.

[davemos]

Came here to take part but was told that the Bangkok registration is Full What now ...?

[Hawk]

After the inspection, Sukhumbhand said the landscape renovations along the route were almost complete and more than 2,000 security cameras had been installed on the route.

2,000 cameras at 20,000baht each, landscape renovations that cost millions of baht, overtime for all the government officials, cops and military. The government is certainly generous with tax payers money!

[Hawk]

Came here to take part but was told that the Bangkok registration is Full What now ...?

Wait. Be first in the queue for next year!

[dageurreotype]

I will be taking part, though I have to say, it's a lot of fuss over a 20k ride. I've been cycling in a yellow shirt for a couple of weeks now, though it is a Tour de France winners yellow jersey, it's 'Royal' colour gets some response and it even feels like I have a bit more respect on the road than usual. Maybe worth a try for the keen cyclists out there.

well aren't you the wonderful one

No , not really. But who knows? Maybe a little exercise might help YOU grow a more likable personality. It's funny how leading an active and healthy lifestyle seems to illicit such contempt and resentment among some types.

It wasn't the 'healthy lifestyle' but your derisory 'lot of fuss over 20k' together with 'wearing yellow seems to get me respect even though it was from Tour de France' which was being snickered at Pompous ass

[dageurreotype]

Came here to take part but was told that the Bangkok registration is Full What now ...?

Oh just tag along anyway. Nobody'll notice

[EnglishJohn]

I will be taking part, though I have to say, it's a lot of fuss over a 20k ride. I've been cycling in a yellow shirt for a couple of weeks now, though it is a Tour de France winners yellow jersey, it's 'Royal' colour gets some response and it even feels like I have a bit more respect on the road than usual. Maybe worth a try for the keen cyclists out there.

well aren't you the wonderful one

No , not really. But who knows? Maybe a little exercise might help YOU grow a more likable personality. It's funny how leading an active and healthy lifestyle seems to illicit such contempt and resentment among some types.

He would never be able to ride a bike with the huge chip on one shoulder.

[Enoon]

When will he Minister of Tourism and TAT get into the act and start quoting their very suspect figures for all sorts of tourism and of course the mega-squillions that will be spent during the week of celebrations ?

Incidentally, just who here would have the nuts to openly say they had no interest in the event ?

Don't ask, don't tell.

[taony]

Already got messages from Thai friends pissed off about road closures this morning.

Don't know why but the bus driver on phetburi made everyone get off at chaan isara bc he said the roads were closed past bradu nam bc of the bikes.

Then they better pray Bangkok never gets F1, or a Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, or the Summer Olympics...or...

A minor inconvenience so 100's of thousands can have some fun.

You just can't please some people...

Minor inconvenience? The entire building couldn't get here on time to work this morning. On the 11th we have to close entirely. Its a sad state of affairs that half the city needs to shut down because the road system is completely useless.

Why do they keep needing to practice this nonsense anyway?

[NongKhaiKid]

After the inspection, Sukhumbhand said the landscape renovations along the route were almost complete and more than 2,000 security cameras had been installed on the route.

2,000 cameras at 20,000baht each, landscape renovations that cost millions of baht, overtime for all the government officials, cops and military. The government is certainly generous with tax payers money!

I'll bet every one of those cameras will actually work.

Heaven forbid there's any sort of incident but imagine the fall out if there was no coverage because the cameras in the area were u/s !

[JAG]

I will be taking part, though I have to say, it's a lot of fuss over a 20k ride. I've been cycling in a yellow shirt for a couple of weeks now, though it is a Tour de France winners yellow jersey, it's 'Royal' colour gets some response and it even feels like I have a bit more respect on the road than usual. Maybe worth a try for the keen cyclists out there.

I went for a bike ride yesterday morning in an old pair of khaki shorts and a faded green polo shirt.

I have to say I got s*d all respect, a couple of " bai nais" from people I know, and a dog chased me for a 100 meters or so.

Am I doing it wrong?

[kannot]

I cant wait to break bones and remove skin on the silky smooth Thai roads, actually I cant comment really as theyd lock me up

[asdecas]

I can honestly say, Thai style, that ALL my Thai friends will be attending this wonderful event and that we are expecting many millions to take part and are looking forward to 'Bike for Kids'

I'm looking forward to "Bike for Junior".