Chiang Mai Toy Ride event in Phrao, 22nd March, 2013

[KTMphil]

Helping underprivileged children and giving them a day they'll never forget

Probably around 60 motorcycles attended the event, Rob will have the correct count. Great weather, ideal location that needed assistance, wonderful day out for an excellent cause.

 

[KTMphil]

Arriving Tesco/ Lotus in Chiang Mai 60 ish bikes

10am Tesco/ Lotus, we found out where we were headed to

The route was just under 100km, north on R 1001 towards Phrao, then a small dirt section to get to the school

Zoom of the last section to the school

 

[KTMphil]

The glamorous lady-riders

 

[KTMphil]

1st stop for some re-grouping. With the full array of bikes from Honda PCX 125 scooter's to Honda CB1300's there's some difference in speeds

Delboy

Max & Fon deep in conversation

 

[KTMphil]

Jim rented the new Honda CB 500 X for the day wasn't impressed with the power 2-up

40km second regrouping, some of the scooters were now in need of fuel

 

[KTMphil]

Arriving at the school just south of Phrao co-ords:





N19.31940

E99.12981

 

[KTMphil]

Great to see real, traditional, Akha villagers so close to Chaing Mai (not just dressed up for tourists).

 

[KTMphil]

The CMTR clowns always a favorite with the kids

 

[KTMphil]

I had contacted "Swiss Gordie" a few days before about this event, who was delighted to join the group on his BMW 1200gs as we passed his house south of Phrao.

 

[KTMphil]

Traditional Akha dance performed by the school, children



Preparation

 

[Hoghead]

Great pics and thanks to all that attended

 

[KTMphil]

The Akha costumes, their intricacy is fascinating

 

[KTMphil]

Then the main event - giving to those that need help

Chiang Mai Toy Ride Committee & the rider's that participated

 

[KTMphil]

You could not have a happier bunch of kids than during an event like this

Then finally the waiting was over -- choose your gift

 

[KTMphil]

Selection assistance was offered to the overwhelmed ones

 

[KTMphil]

They were fast and overjoyed

 

[KTMphil]

It's up there somewhere

 

[KTMphil]

 

[KTMphil]

A really great day for everyone --- Smile

 

[Ally]

Phil you have the day perfectly covered, great pics.

If you would like to see a few more, please go here ...



Thanks for organising another good event Chiang Mai ToyRide Committee

Ally

 

[KTMphil]

Jim (right) had brought some shirts and shoes for the kids

 

[KTMphil]

Jim's GF Ying was the size co-coordinator

Jim owns 2 schools in the USA and has been doing charity work with kids for 20 years

Great idea

 

[harrygps]

Very beautiful pics of this nice event. Maybe I´m wrong, but isn´t it Akha wear?

http://www.tribaltextiles.info/Galleries/U_Lo-Akka/ULA02.htm

 

[The Bigfella]

Great work - well done lads and ladies.

 

[Ally]

Very beautiful pics of this nice event. Maybe I´m wrong, but isn´t it Akha wear?

ula02

Spot on Harry.

Ally

 

[KTMphil]

Spot on Harry.

Ally

Harry you're 100% right ....banged this out quickly, will change it.

 

[harrygps]

some of my pics. A lovely event indeed. What me disturbed, was the "Race" to Phrao. It was said, this is NOT! a race. But it was. In a big group like that, I don´t like ride faster than 90kmh and the few scooters had no chance to follow. Not a gentle Biker act. Yes, I know a car was leading.

.

 

[harrygps]

more.
Pic 3+4 show the new kitchen + new toilet, which are builded/sponsored by the CM-TOYRIDE

 

[KTMphil]

Nice real life photo's Harry, thanks for posting them

 

[2wheels]

Some delightful portraits Phil and Ally.
What an amazing traditional costume.

 

[Hoghead]

I counted 30 bikes so a great turnout for a give away event
The Chiangmai ToyRide spent 93.000 B on this event, plus direct donations from the riders that day so about 100,000 ++ in direct donations to the school and children
Money goes a long way here when spent wisely and we not only brightened the kids day but left some infrastructure and resources to improve their lives

A great day and money well spent

We will be organizing another such give away event in the near future and will advise

 

[Hoghead]

I noticed some Karen as well, and being a Border Police School, no doubt other minorities were represented as well.

Very beautiful pics of this nice event. Maybe I´m wrong, but isn´t it Akha wear?

ula02

 

[KTMphil]

Apart from the PayPal link on the Chiang Mai Toy Ride webisite ( http://www.chiangmaitoyride.com/ ), which I've been told has 4% transaction costs, how can donations be made?


Regular questions are:


- How can I help?


- Should I give money or toys?


- When and where should I give it?



I'm told any sports equipment you have and want to give is an excellent idea (running shoes, tennis rackets, footballs, football shirts and shorts etc.......)

 

[Hoghead]

Regular questions are:


- How can I help?

The Chiangmai ToyRide always needs volunteers to help on the day of the rides so when you see an event notice posted, send me a PM or post offering to volunteer.

Mrs Hoghead does all the shopping for the events and can always use a hand - Thai speaker is best

Suggest a venue, as believe it or not is is not easy to find kids under the radar, accessible by a decent road within an hour - 1.5 hours, a demonstrated need, in CM province, and in line with our Mission Statement
This is currently our biggest need



- Should I give money or toys?
We always need sporting equipment, educational toys, and older kids toys. OTOH we always have lots of stuffed toys so if you are buying toys go light on the stuffed animals

Money is always welcome, then we can buy the specific toys we need, but more commonly use the money for something more sustainable that the kids, orphanage, school, etc really needs on a case by case basis.



- When and where should I give it?
To our Treasurer at any ToyRide event

At our Website via Paypal if you are outside Thailand

PM me to make alternate arrangements.

Our swag is stored at Richco Motorsports and you could drop off toys or Donations there. Richco is moving into his new shop the end of this month so note the new location down the road from Global

 

[KTMphil]

Thanks Rob great info

Never sent from an I-Phone

 

[bigntall]

Hats off to the Chiang Mai Toyrideorganizers and people supporting the cause for pulling off yet anotherfantastic event. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to pull offthe events, how CMTR does it event after event without major issuesis fantastic.


Lovely to see proper infrastructureimprovements getting the support from CMTR. Phil I think next eventif possible, maybe some lenses could be pointed at what exactly theToyride has provided to the locations. This I'm thinking would givepeople a clear picture of what the charity does for each site. Just asuggestion to add to your wonderful pics. Obviously its more thanjust a few toys and good time for the children on that particularday. Tip of the hat to Harry for including the bricks and mortarcontributions of the Toyride.


Glad to hear everyone had a wonderfultime at the event.

 

[Gnasher328]

Shame, I just missed it. Looks a good day out for a worthy cause.

 

[Hoghead]

Thanks for that suggestion as it is more than just toys and we try and not only brighten the kids day, but provide something that is a bit more long lasting.
I think that sometimes people do not realize that and think only fluffy toys.

 

[bigntall]

Thanks for that suggestion as it is more than just toys and we try and not only brighten the kids day, but provide something that is a bit more long lasting.
I think that sometimes people do not realize that and think only fluffy toys.

Most of us know the extent of what the charity provides but I'm thinking for the casual observer it might be best to provide some documentation to educate them about the long term differences you make to the sites visited. People documeting the event can also help with this matter, we know the pics of a toilet facility are not near as interesting or captivating as the other photo opps at the event but important never the less.

Again great job guys.