‘Phuket Bike Week 2022’ – Motorhead mania in Mai Khao, Phuket.

I was working away editing at Farangbowl HQ when Ad rings me and say’s Phuket Bike Week 2022 in on and happening that weekend (he called me on the Tuesday). Whilst recovering from the shock I booked the hotel rooms, packed the gear and we hot tailed it to the event first thing Friday.

Lef to right: James Alexander and Ad at Phuket Bike Week 2022, Mai Khao, Phuket.

This historical event has now been running for 26 years and usually attracts thousands of tourists from 20 countries to include the USA, however, neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia are particularly loyal to the cause.

The official Phuket Bike Week 2022 website stated that the attractions this year would include several Motorbike exhibition contests, a Classic American Car show and a Miss Phuket Bike Week beauty pageant. Bands performing on the mainstage were to include Thai artists Ad Carabao, Baowee and Job2Do (the Farangbowl was sold).

The main road in the Play Yard at Phuket Bike Week 2022.

“There are many loyal bikers in Asia that will attend this event and I think it will be busy”.
Khun Apple – Suzuki Sales Rep.

The venue for the event this year was the Play Yard in Mai Khao which is on the northern tip of Phuket Island past the airport and minutes from Sarasin Bridge. The Play Yard area seemed ideal for Phuket Bike Week and sat right near the beach. When we got there, it looked like the event wasn’t going to happen. Stalls were being set up late and there weren’t many bikers. As the day progressed, by about 15:00 people started to arrive.

Ad and I had a look at some of the guests’ bikes which ranged from what we think was a Honda Goldwing that had been turned into a batmobile, a Honda Glide, some Kawasaki ZXR-14’s from Malaysia, a batmobile van (it must be a thing here) and various choppers.

We paid a visit to the Suzuki stand and met sales rep Khun Apple who told the Bowl that Suzuki brought four models of bikes to demonstrate the styles the brand has available this year. On display was a retro VanVan 200, a stunning white Suzuki Hayabusa Gen III 2022, a V-Strom and a Bergmann luxury scooter. All very impressive machines, however, the Hayabusa had my vote. When I asked Khun Apple what he thought the turnout would be for the event this year he said “There are many loyal bikers in Asia that will attend this event and I think it will be busy”. He wasn’t wrong.

Left to right: Khun V from Ride4Kickz, James and Ad.

Left to right: Ad, James and Lucas from Ride4Kickz.

Whilst doing our rounds Ad and I first bumped into Khun V who is the wife of the very popular YouTuber Lucas from YouTube Channel ‘Ride4Kickz’ and then the man himself who agreed to chat with us. I subscribe to Lucas’ channel and it was really cool to meet him in person and shoot the breeze.

Following ‘Bike Week’ Lucas and V were heading to Krabi as part of their travels and YouTube channel experience. Do check his channel out if you’re into all things Thai and want some good experienced western perspectives from a veteran of the country.

The evening ended with clouds in the sky and the fear of a downpour at any moment. That being said the entertainment continued with some great live Thai acts on a stage and Soundsystem that would not have looked out of place at Glastonbury. Contestants for the Miss Phuket Bike Week 2022 beauty pageant graced us with their presence which provide some cheer before we retreated to the hotel.

Day 2 was a much brighter and summery affair and it appeared like it was going to be a scorcher. I met with ‘Bike Week’ organizer Khun Danny who advised we go to the Phuket Pheck Point where there was an entry stand for bikers coming into Phuket to meet.

It was great watching all the various types of bikes come in and Ad and I met some interesting cool people. As they say, “Once a biker, always a biker”. Here we saw Indians, Harleys, Royal Enfields, BMW’s, Ducatis, Yamahas, Hondas and Customs. You name it, it was there.

It was awesome watching all these Hells Angel Chapters arriving on the Island, however, it wasn’t until a whole host of American Classic Cars pulled up that it really got insane.

James Alexander in front of the American Classic Car that pulled up at the Check Point.

Ad and I got back to the main event at the Play Yard and went to have a look at the American Classic Cars we’d seen earlier. One owner of an immaculate 1965 Chevy Impala called Khun Bik told us of his love for these vehicles and how he has eight more at his home in Hat Yai. It was such a good-looking car and won the show in my opinion.

The afternoon rolled on with more and more arrivals and I think there must have been several thousand bikes there in all.

We went and watched the beauty pageant and a Thai demonstration from Thai rock legends Ad Carabao who I believe were encouraging the Thai people to be strong during these very difficult times. At this point the area in front of the stage must have had a thousand people seated all drinking beers and enjoying the moment.

The atmosphere was incredible and there was no trouble here at all. I saw many western tourists walking around with children who clearly weren’t bikers and this demonstrates that this event is for anyone who love motor vehicles.

The main stage on Saturday night at Phuket Bike Week 2022.

After a long hard day, Ad and I called it a day with memories that I think will be us for a while.

Thank you to the organizers of Phuket Bike Week 2022, especially Khun Danny for staging a great event and allowing the Farangbowl to film. And thank you readers for all your support.

James Alexander and Ad

Company details

Phuket Bike Week

Promotor: Khun Danny

Address: The Play Yard, Mai Khao, Phuket, Thailand, 83100.

Call: +66 76-530356

Website: http://www.phuketbikeweek.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phuketbikeweek

Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/bMsCC5kUHbMZeRvB7

Ride4Kickz

YouTuber: Lucas and wife V

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Rides4Kickz