Harley Days is an annual event held in various venues all around the globe. But no other Harley Days event will have a traditional ceremony to honour 7 Kings quite like the Asia Harley days event in Thailand.
Held over 2 days (Nov 5 – 6), the event was the inaugural one in Asia and held on the picturesque Triple Tree Beach Resort in Cha Am Beach, Thailand.
Touted as a moto-music festival, attendees came from all over Asia including Thailand, South Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, Macao, Hong Kong, India, Guam and Singapore. Eighty Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.®) chapters and motorcycle clubs (MC) from these countries were joined by riders who came all the way from Belgium and Australia.
The aforementioned traditional 7 Kings ceremony initiated a H.O.G. Parade, 350 strong, from Rajabhakti Park, Hua Hin to the festival venue. The parade was led by Harley-Davidson Asia Pacific vice president Dimitris Raptis, and Asia Emerging Markets and India managing director Sajeev Rajasekharan.
Flagged-off was done by Army Tourism Promotion Agency director lieutenant general Pit Chotisut and , Commander of Hua Hin Royal Thai Army Sergeant School commander major general Somporn Donsingha.
Another traditional Thai ceremony was held at the venue by the mayor of Cha-Am, Nukul Pornsomboonsiri to officiate the festival.
Well-known bands such as Ebola, Evolusion, DJ Alpha and DJ Riviere, Silly Fools, Dead Rabbit, Black Rose, DJ Kenny & DJ Karn, as well as June & Sanpond Violin and Saxophone Duet rent the seaside air with their sounds over both days.
As well as the music, many other activities were available to view or participate in such as the gymkhana, slow racing, stunt shows and test rides.
Contests such as best beard, best tattoo, fashion icon, most H-D patches and best slogan were also held. The highlight of the festival was the Custom King, where contestants vie for the best custom Harley award. Food and merchandise stalls were in evidence and well laid out for easy access.
Photo ops on the mechanical bull, games stalls and various backdrops were buzzing with festival-goers.
The evening of the second day witnessed awards to various winners of the on-spot contests and 1st ever Asia Harley Days Hall of Fame recipients, where over 50 select riders and dealer groups were recognized for their contribution and achievement to the community. Harley-Davidson PJ, Penang, Johor and KL, Route 77 and H.O.G. chapters and MCs from Malaysia did the country proud by taking away the most awards.
Among them was Best H.O.G. Activation 2021-2022 for the Largest Harley Gathering (Malaysia Book of Records), Most H.O.G. Chapter Participation by the PJ Chapter, Most MC Participation by Shadowfax MC and also Freedom Riders MC, Most Patches won by Larry Yap, Best Beard by Mr. Ananth. The ultimate prize of the Custom Kingz contest in the Best Overall and also in the Touring Category was taken home by Vijay Sukumaran. A special recognition award was also presented to Harley-Davidson PJ for their 2022 Sturgis Ride.
The event was sponsored by Krungsri Auto and supported by Snap On, Singha Drinking Water, Mueng Thai Assurance, Betagro, Sheraton Huahin Resort & Spa, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Hua Hin Toursim and Thai Airways.