(Click on Image for Larger View)

CMTR will be providing the children with many personal items, book bags, and of course a fun day of partying with toys, games, clowns and snacks.  Although the event will be held at the temple location, both schools will receive school supplies, books, lockers, tables, chairs and playground equipment, as requested by the teachers, and more.

The nursery school has a new building which was previously built by donations and volunteers from overseas.  However, the building was not able to be used as it lacked an electrical hookup, wiring and outlets. The children were not able to use the building due to the construction and the heat.  We are having the wiring and other equipment installed, along with 9 wall fans and other items as necessary.

Come join us!  As usual for our giveaway events we are only asking for your participation.  All items have been purchased with donations and sponsorship money that we received through our annual main Chiang Mai ToyRide celebration in February.

We will assemble at Tesco Lotus Kamtieng and depart at 10:30AM.  The ride to Chiang Dao is 65km on Highway 107.  It will be all paved roads to the temple/school event location.  We will NOT be riding to the more isolated nursery school.  This will be a rain or shine event.

(Lotus Kamtieng is the main location on the Super Highway, Hwy 11, north side of Chiang Mai.  Map )

See you there!!

A few of the 250+ Bikes

Our 5th annual Chiang Mai ToyRide received fantastic support from our sponsors and we had terrific attendance. More than 250 motorcycles of all types and sizes left Tesco Lotus for our parade through the city. and our ride through the countryside. to our main event location.

For more of the photos from Tesco Lotus please click on the photos above.

At Tesco Lotus our great MC “Bo” explained some of our sponsorship opportunities in both Thai and English.

Our special guest, Khun Ruchuchai Potha, of the Chiang Mai Labor Department, was instrumental in aiding us in getting all our permits in order and clearing the way for this event. He is also a rider and joined in all the activities.

The bikes hit the road for a trip through downtown Chiang Mai led by the traffic police.

For more great photos from the start of the event please click on any one of the above photos.

At the X-Centre more than 100 anxious children cheered the arrival of the bikes.  The day included;

• Live Music and Events
• Children’s Lunch and Clowns
• Vote for Best Dressed Bike
• Trophy Presented for Top 3 Bikes
• Kids Games-Face Painting
• “Visitors” from Wild Asia
• Nick the Magician Show
• Toy GiveAway
• Crazy Golf Show by Noel
• Tug of War – Bikers and Kids

Delicious food was made available by Chiang Mai Eurodiner & Bar,  The Duke’s and X-Centre.

John Nash and his renowned band.

Nick the Magician Show

Nick the Magician

Games Co-ordinator Khun Nut

For more pictures from the party have a look here!  We want to again thank Ally Taylor for her great photos.

Below Photo Gallery courtesy of GT-Rider

Thanks to our contributors. And thanks to all who made this a successful event. See you next year!

Pah Lin School

Approximately 35 attendees departed our meeting point, Chiang Mai X-Centre, via trucks and 24 motorcycles for the 45km (one way) ride . It wasn’t possible to ride ’street type” motorcycles up the 5 km dirt road to the event.  Therefore, we parked the bikes at the bottom of the road  (security provided) and shuttled the riders to the school by 4×4 vehicles and pickup trucks.  A number of  Dirt bikers enjoyed roaring up the dirt road ahead of our caravan of trucks.  For many, the dusty, bone jarring transport to the village was an adventure in itself.

We delivered items that had been requested by the school during our advance meetings.  White boards for the classroom,  a TV and DVD player (donated by a generous supporter), educational materials, tables and chairs, desks, file cabinets, sport uniforms, a framed photo of Thailand’s beloved King and Queen,  and more. A box lunch was provided by our sponsor the Euro Diner.  Thanks to all who participated, and contributed.

A Group of Happy People

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so please click on the thumbnail photos below for a larger view (then continue by selecting next), look at the faces staring in wonderment, smiling with pleasure and excitement, and no further words are necessary.  Oh, I will add that our “tug of war team” still has a record of zero wins.  Why are all these kids so strong?

Photo by Ally Taylor

Ally Taylor has been a supporter of the Chiang Mai ToyRide since it’s inception. She is also active in a number of other charitable activities of her own.  Click on the photo above, or this link, to view her perspective of the day through her outstanding photographs.  Well worth it. Ally Taylor Photo Link.

]]> http://chiangmaitoyride.com/?feed=rss2&p=1346 0 http://chiangmaitoyride.com/?p=1357 http://chiangmaitoyride.com/?p=1357#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:30:55 +0000 CMTR Committee http://chiangmaitoyride.com/?p=1357 This will be a “Boxing Day” ride for some of you, and just the ‘day after Christmas’ for others.

More than 100 orphans of various hill tribe groups live at this school throughout the school year.  The school is located in a beautiful location on a winding mountain road and beside a bubbling mountain stream.

Mae Meh School

We found the school to be in very good shape compared to other similar schools we have visited.  They have adequate teaching aids and materials, satellite TV feeds, and internet.  They have plenty of clean water and the toilets are not bad.

Still, all the children are orphans and come from far away villages and have very little to call their own.  We will concentrate our efforts on direct aid to the children.  Athletic supplies, gloves, warm socks, are some of the items suggested. Apparently the children have enough clothes, says the headmaster.

The government provides 13Bt (14 cents U.S.) per child to fund 3 meals per day. Clearly this is not sufficient and they would like seeds to grow food, and also canned fish.

The  boys dorm, pictured below, is in need of some fly screens, storage lockers and some other fixing up.  We are working with the school to see what we can do to improve the living conditions in the dorm.

Computer Assistance Needed!

The school has about 10 computers which were donated approximately 2 years ago.  Apparently at least 5 or 6 or not operational.  We would like someone to volunteer to diagnose and hopefully repair this computers.  The CMTR will arrange to transport the computers, if necessary, and pay for the needed repairs.  Can you help us?  Drop us an email at info@chiangmaitoyride.com

Dave, from The Dukes Restaurant, has generously agreed to cover the cost of repair for the computers.  CMTR will transport the computers to a shop of his choice and return them to the school after the repair.  Thanks for your contribution, Dave.

The Ride:

This will be about 64 km one way.  We will turn off of hwy 107 near Chiang Dao and follow a paved concrete road which winds through rain forest and a mountain valley approx 14km to the school.

There is a 1.1 km of  unpaved rutted dirt.  This is still easily ridden on most street bikes.  Our committee co-chairman rode his Kawasaki Versys and said he could also do it on his Harley without a problem, so don’t let this scare you away.

The ride will assemble at the Chiang Mai X-Centre, DEPARTING at 10:00AM.  Put this on your calendar.

]]> http://chiangmaitoyride.com/?feed=rss2&p=1357 2 http://chiangmaitoyride.com/?p=1351 http://chiangmaitoyride.com/?p=1351#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:11:10 +0000 CMTR Committee http://chiangmaitoyride.com/?p=1351 Every year, members of the Chiang Mai ToyRide Committee visit a local hospital and deliver gifts to the children.  As we do not wish to disturb the hospital or the children, except of course for Santa Claus’ laugh, this is a closed event.  We do pass on the heartfelt wishes of our CMTR Sponsors and contributors, and a full report will follow.

It is your donations that make this possible.

The CMTR learned of an orphans home in Doi Saket called Mercy Home.  The Thailand director of Asia’s Hope Foundation is TuTu Bee.  Asia’s Hope sponsor a number of orphanages in Thailand and Cambodia, however the Mercy Home is without sponsorship.  They subsist off individual donations and TuTu Bee assists in providing direction and trying to find sponsors.

The home currently supports 36 children, ranging in age from 3 to 10 years of age. They are primarily Hmong, Karen, Lisu and Thai orphans.

We visited the home in May, and although very sparsely furnished, it was clean, the children well fed, and  well cared for.  The Chiang Mai ToyRide Committee felt we could help.

The first priority was the fact that the children would be attending a local school which would start in June.  The children did not have suitable footwear.  The Chiang Mai ToyRide purchased 36 pair of shoes and socks for the children to have when they attended  their first day of the school term.

The home only had a few full size mattresses that were placed on the floor when it was time for the children to sleep.  They requested beds.  The CMTR purchased 10 bunk beds, blankets, and a number of wardrobes to store their clothing and other items.

On June 18, 2011 we scheduled a toy ride give away event.  20 motorcycles, and approximately 30 people rode from Tesco Lotus to Doi Saket.

Arriving at the Mercy Home we found a whole different atmosphere than on our survey visit.  Our CMTR Clowns were ready and waiting.  The children lined the path into the home, thrilled by the motorcycles arrival, anxious to see what the day was going to bring, and as polite and welcoming as could be.

And the party began……………….

As is our tradition, school supplies and learning materials were donated to the home, and toys were spread for the children to swarm and take their pick.  Individual donors and riders added to the pile and also donated book bags and other items for school.

The children had prepared songs for us, and put on a well choreographed “extravaganza”. OK, so I am exaggerating a little. Still, it was enjoyed by all.

Never before seen at an event such as this, the children came over to the riders, and led them to dance and sing together.  It was a great and touching interaction.

It didn’t take much persuading to get some of the riders to take the kids for a short spin on their motorcycles.

The obligatory group photos were taken, and farewells were exchanged with the hope that we return again.

Thanks to all who attended and to those who contributed. A special thanks to Chiang Mai EuroDiner (Khun Well and Gary) who donated lunch for all the attendees.

For some great photos, Click her to see a GT-Rider report.

We hope to see everyone at our next event later this year.  Stay tuned.

CMTR Main Event 2011

The 4th Annual Chiang Mai ToyRide Main Event was held on 20 February 2011.  We kick off each year with our main event, where we raise funds and gifts through sponsors, donations, and other contributions,  in order to fund our giveaway and Playground Plus+ events through the coming year.

We started with an impressive turnout of motorcycles and supporters at Tesco Lotus, one of our headline sponsors. Here, beginning at 9:30AM, motorcycles of all types and sizes began to arrive laden with gifts and toys.

(Click on Photos to Enlarge)

A number of riders made a last minute dash into Tesco-Lotus to buy “just one more toy” when our best decorated bike contest was announced. 10 motorcycles were selected and all participants would later vote for the motorcycle which best fit the toy ride theme.

Accompanied by the Chiang Mai Traffic Police, the bikes paraded through Chiang Mai and around a 52km loop, finishing at the Chiang Mai X-Centre Xorb Ball site for the rest of the festivities.

The children, who were anxiously waiting at the X-Centre were thrilled when all the bikes rolled in.

The motorcycles selected at the Tesco Lotus starting point were lined up, and participants voted for the best decorated motorcycle by dropping tokens (received at registration) into a bucket in front of their favorite.

And the winner is Roger Dale and his Honda Phantom.  Great job.

With our CMTR Clowns,  Nick the Magician, our talented volunteer face painters, games and ice cream, the children were kept entertained.  Our premier event, the Tug or War, is held at every giveaway location through the year.  We line up the toughest, strongest (?). bikers against the formidable opposition provided by the children.  Some day the adults may actually win………………..

The highlight for the children is always the toy give away.  The donated toys are placed in the middle of the game area, a select number of children were released by our MC, Khun Bo, and they had a limited time to dash and select their toy.  At the sound of the whistle, they had to quickly return to their places and the next group was released.  Great fun for all.  Toys that are left from this event will be distributed at our other events held through the year.

(Video by X-Centre Staff)

John Nash, and friends, entertained all day from our stage with a great selection of songs and music.  Their performances are terrific and they are one of the most popular bands in Chiang Mai.

This year, professional golfer, Mr. Noel Hunt, volunteered his time and performed  his ‘World’s #1 Golf Show’ , with an array of golfing skills and unbelievable trick shots.

Noel Hunt World's #1 Golf Show

Did we have fun? Well, scroll through the photos below and see what you think.

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We appreciate the tremendous support of all our sponsors and participants, but a few special “Thank You’s” are in order…………………

• The Chiang Mai X-Centre has been the host of our event for the past 3 years.  They close their Xorb Ball attraction for two full days while we setup and conduct our activities.  They supply staff who help with setup, maintain and take down all the equipment, tents, sound equipment, stage and more. Their kitchen staff also prepared 100 individual kid’s meals. Finally, they donate all profit from their food and beverage sales to the toy ride. We can’t thank you enough.

• John Nash and his band.  They donate their time and entertain us all day, with great, professional performances.  The party with John and his friends goes on long after the official program has ended.  I don’t know of a better performer in Chiang Mai.

• The Chiang Mai Traffic Police.  This year it took 26 police officers, plus 3 motorcycles. to safely see us through our route.  There were many complimentary comments on the terrific job they performed.

• Our good friends Khun Nat, Khun Bo, and staff who organize and conduct all our children’s games for the day.

• Miguel’s Mexican Cafe & Bar-Nong Hoi and the organizers of the Leather and Lace Fashion Show, who donated 25,000 baht from their fund raising event to the CMTR.

• POE Group.  A group of workers from Pan Orient Energy, based in south Thailand, heard of the toy ride and liked the concept.  In 2009, and 2010, they collected contributions from fellow workers and donated to our events. This year they contributed a whopping 70,600 baht.  What a great group of guys!

100 Children attended from organizations supported by Chiang Mai Family Services, Hope Asia, and also from the Children’s Association of Southeast Asia (COSA). There is a very touching video available about COSA’s work here.

Please support our sponsors, and also open your heart to the children in need.  We hope to see you at our next event. CMTR Upcoming Events

Also:

The Chiang Mai ToyRide Rides Again. A Great Day!………..courtesy Chiang Mai Mail

Thailand Kids Enjoy Chiang Mai ToyRide………courtesy Asia Hope News

Chiang Mai ToyRide 2011…………..courtesy of City Now! If it’s happening, it’s here.(PHOTOS)

Click below on “Comments” to add your’s or see what others have to say.  Thanks!.

There really isn’t much I can say that is not said much better by browsing through the photos.  Please take a few minutes and have a look.

The CMTR provides our Santa Claus, Toys and other gifts.  The hospital staff provide support and a warm welcome.

The children provide the heartwarming smiles……………………

(click on the images for a larger view)

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The children say thank you, and so do we.  Please donate what you can to “Help Us Help the Children”.

Mae Sapok school is a very small Karen nursery school located in the mountains near Mae Win (Hwy 1013).  There are 44 children ranging in age from 2-6 years of age.

They have requested school materials,  floor mats, sweaters, and also shampoo, soap and toothpaste for the children.  CMTR has purchased these and other items. A water canteen, some shelves and even a toy slide were on the list.

It was disappointingly rainy and chilly Friday morning, but it didn’t deter the CMTR participants and volunteers. They showed up at Richco Motorsport, our starting point, in surprising numbers.  Thanks to you all.

Upon our arrival, our committee and volunteers quickly unloaded the donations for the school and everyone dove in to complete the “some assembly required” portion of the give away.

The Children quickly got into the spirit of the event and were enthralled with the CMTR Clowns and all these visitors who suddenly descended on their school bearing all these fun things.

Presentation were made of school furnishings and equipment.  Also books and other learning material were given.  The children each received backpacks, blankets, warm clothing and of course toys.  Once the formalities were over, the frenzy was on……………….

The children provided some entertainment for those in attendance.  What they may have lacked in synchronization, they made up for with enthusiasm.

Much to our surprise, the children then lined up and presented the riders with gifts, from the kids and the school.

We said goodbye to everyone at Mae Sapock School and the riders that were still willing to bear the chilly rain, and a rough, steep road, continued another 15 km  to where we delivered similar items to the Huay E-Khang nursery school.

This is a small day care and nursery, housing extremely poor children, many suffering from ill health due in part to the current cold season weather. They had very little in the way of toys or learning materials for the children.

The teacher is responsible for the care of 15 kids, 2-4 years old. They needed baby blankets, sleeping mats and pillows, toiletries, fresh milk and even plastic cups. We supplied these items and also a TV and DVD player along with a good supply of children’s DVD’s.

We only spent a short time here, but we made friends quickly. The children and teacher were happy and surprised, to say the least.

The riders left wet and cold for a 70km ride back home. But it didn’t matter.  We knew that some 60 children would sleep tonight with full stomachs, warm blankets, new clothes, and cuddling with a new toy. Join us next time!

We met the schools principal and were very impressed with what he was trying to accomplish.  He and the school had raised enough money from various donations to build a new building.  They did not have enough funds or resources for all that was required.  They had a logical wish list, and we decided we could help. They had made impressive progress since our first visit to the location in July.

They were still in need of fresh water tanks, a water filtration system (which we had installed prior to the event), lockers for the nursery school.  Music is an integral part of their culture and they needed band equipment.  Football goals and nets were needed to complete an athletic field and, of course, we wanted to do some fun things for the children.

On 22 October 2010, a good turnout of riders on everything from Harley Davidsons to scooters, braved threatening weather, and left from Richco Motorsports.  Forewarned of one of the access roads being inaccessible we loaded a couple 4×4 pickup trucks, and advised our riders they would have a short climb to the school on foot.

(Click on photos for larger view)

Cresting the hill we were met by orderly rows of children, as anxious to greet the strangers coming to visit as we were anxious to meet them.  With only a little hesitation they quickly warmed to their new found friends, began an impressive show of dancing, singing and games that kept everyone entertained.

Of course, the highlight of the day for the children is the toy giveaway.  Musical instruments were handed over to the teachers, a brief introduction of toy ride members,  the kids (in an amazingly orderly manner) selected their new toy, and collected food boxes supplied by CMTR. Food for riders was supplied by Euro Diner in Chiang Mai.

There is also a nursery school associated with this school, which is still located in the village.  After leaving the main school we dropped off lockers, toys and food for the children.

OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

One our participants handed his camera over to one of the students, a 13 year old boy named Heng.  After a few instructions Heng captured the day as he saw it.  A very good job indeed. CLICK HERE TO SEE HIS PHOTOS.

For more photos and comments, visit these websites;

Take a look at these great photos on GT-RIDER (one of our headline sponsors).   GT-RIDER FORUM (by 2Wheels) .

ALLY TAYLOR is a regular contributor and has  unique perspectives in her photos; ALLY in Chiang Mai

This is what it is all about..........

A big thanks to all who attended and to ours sponsors who make it possible. Also  THANK YOU to the school staff and students who gave us a fantastic day.