Nophamas, as beautiful as the ‘Nine Golds Found In Heaven’

by Rebecca Laroche

It is the full moon of the twelfth
month in the ancient King
dom of Sukhothai. The delicate spires of gilded temples and calm waterways which surround the city like a necklace of jewels glow gently under the caressing moonlight.

A calm has enveloped the small Kingdom and the only sounds are the gentle collision of waves against wood as boats are slowly rowed down the blue canals.

The moon continues to rise, her light glides from house to house. She is a gentle illuminator, slowly lighting each part of the city. When the calm lamplighter has finished her work, movement is perceived. Inside the wooden houses which seem to float on the undulating water, firefly lamps twinkle, golden punctuation to the veil of silver light covering all.

Through the open windows, people are seen moving in the dream atmosphere. Shining silk rustles and molten darknesses of long hair are arranged. Honey colored skin is set off by the glow of red rubies and hair made fragrant by Jasmine.

In the center of the dream is a palace of burnished teak with cornices sinuously curving upward, eliminating angle and edge. The whole edifice flows in its stillness. The moonwater surrounding the palace is a liquid frame for the pliant building in its embrace.

A tall woman is leaning on a triangular pillow. She is slender with honey colored skin, her oval face and aquiline nose in contrast to the serene expression in her large eyes. All her concentration is fixed on her hands. Simple leaves of a banana tree, the freshest of Gardenias, the warm fragrance insinuating itself into the corners of the room and incense of sandalwood brought from the City of Sandalwood, the capitol of the ‘Land of a Million Elephants.’

She tilts her head gently and studies her work as she molds the leaves into the shape of the ‘Jeweled Lotus.’ Satisfied with her work, she lays the once humble, now transfigured leaf-flower to one side. Taking the Gardenia from a silver vessel, she raises it and studies its perfection. She is tempted but does not inhale the fragrance of the flower. This is a gift for the great mother Kongkha, the Queen of Waters, and she leaves the full scent of the flower for Her.

The lady lays the flower into the Jeweled Lotus. Studying her work, she is satisfied. Finishing her gift, her delicate hand selects a candle of the smoothest wax and a stick of the finest Persian-Rose incense which she places in the center of the transfigured banana leaf, which is now a Lotus. She lives in a world of symbolism and why should this humble leaf not be a Lotus if she intends it to be?

Now ready, she unfolds her body and three young maidens appear from corners of the luxurious apartment. They bring her a length of cloth inlaid with jewels. Yellow as young corn, green as rice seedlings and clear as the water from a spring, the jewels seem to be the source of all color as they flash and sparkle in the lamplight which illuminates the room yet does not flood it.

The young women lay the cloth over one shoulder and across her bosom. This has completed her costume of gold woven sarong and upper garment which leaves the honey of her shoulders and delicate arms bare to be caressed by the night air.

Walking slowly and lightly through the corridors, she leaves the inner rooms of the palace and gently descends a staircase leading to the Royal Pier beside the translucent river.

As she walks, every person standing on the hall’s sides, whose sole duty it is to attend her, folds into a graceful bow.

She is the golden jewel of the palace and it is said among those who have never seen her that ‘She is the image of the superb Lotus. She floats on the air like the fragrance of perfume.’

Her name is ‘Nophamas’. This name was given to her at birth by a holy astrologer, who said she would be as beautiful as the ‘nine golds found in heaven.’

Her courtiers are by the river, kneeling on the ground in positions which show their reverence for she, whom they know is a goddess who, transferring part of her essence into human form, has descended to earth.

When lady Nophamas reaches the river bank, the moon is directly above the magic city. Its form is reflected and its light travels through the water, making silver the threads of gentle current.

Kneeling on a frosty silver and green brocade which has been lain at the river bank, she lifts the Lotus. Courtiers bow and light the incense and candle which flares once, then glows in the night air.

Raising the living Lotus to her smooth forehead, she offers a silent prayer to Konkha, the Mother of Waters.

She places the glowing Lotus gently on the water’s delicate skin.
The water accepts the gift and it glides gently into the silver moonlight currents.
Thus, the lady Nophamas created Loy Krathong.

Broadway Revue Company in 5^th Annual Pattaya Visit

Le Cafe Royal in conjunction with Gutzman Productions presents CELEBRATION-A Carnival of Music and Comedy

This November, international entertainer Dale Gutzman brings his explosive fun-filled Musical Revue to Le Cafe Royale. Each Gutzman revue is unique and yet they all have in common - sophisticated humor, a marvelously multi-talented cast, and the world’s finest songs selected from every generation of music from Broadway to the Blues and back again. Gutzman’s topnotch cast blends harmonies, unusual arrangements and a huge spectrum of songs into a soaring 90 minute revue that has packed Le Cafe Royale for the last 4 years. When not in Pattaya, Gutzman and Company have performed in Russia, the Ukraine, London and across America. This year, Gutzman was again named as Best Actor by the press in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where his theater company has its base.

CELEBRATION follows last year’s successful formula of blending show and movie songs with pop tunes and standard hits, mixed in with liberal doses of comedy and audience participation.

After an opening number performed in masks and called CELEBRATION to set the mood, Gutzman and Company launch into a medley of hit tunes concerning love and romance. Songs include "What is This Thing Called Love", "What Kind of Fool Am I?", "What’s New Pussycat?", "Stop in the Name of Love", "I’m So Excited", "She Works Hard for the Money", "Where the Boys Are", "At Long Last Love", and many more.

Next the lovely and talented Sarah Sokolovic, who stopped the show more than once last year, sings the haunting Andrew Lloyd Webber song, "You Must Love Me" from the film Evita. Then Gutzman teases and titillates with the naughty comedy song, "I Never Do Anything Twice". Michael Weiser, back for his third Le Cafe Royale show, will break your heart with his version of "Candle In The Wind".

The boys get a wee bit gay when Sarah appears dressed to the nines and they sing "Is It The Girl, or Is It The Gown?" And then Gutzman’s ten year partner in show business Karl Miller performs a sultry song and dance routine entitled "Sooner or Later".

Next the cast performs a medley of Burt Bacharach songs, including "That’s What Friends are For", "I’ll Never Fall in Love Again", "Wives and Lovers", "Walk On By", "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head", "I Say a Little Prayer for You", "Alfie", and "The Look of Love".

The first act closes with a wild presentation of "Pattaya, Make Me Horny!"

Act Two begins with a twenty minute tribute to the current Broadway and London musical season hits, starting with songs from Cabaret. Then Sarah and Michael duet on the romantic "You are in Love" from Showboat and "On My Own" from Les Miserables, after which the whole cast becomes the Von Trapp family to lead the audience in "Do Re Mi" from Sound of Music. Sarah reprises "Memory" from Cats which she did so successfully last year. Karl and Mike duet on "Beauty and the Beast" and then join Dale for "Razzle Dazzle" from the hit show Chicago.

Karl and Sarah render the theme song from "Titanic" and Dale shares the continuing saga of an alcoholic nightclub entertainer performing "Make It Another Old Fashioned Please".

The entire cast performs a tribute to the hits of Frank Sinatra, including "The Tender Trap", "All Of Me", "I Thought About You", "My Heart Stood Still", "In the Still of the Night", "High Hopes", "Young at Heart", "The Second Time Around", "Where Or When", and "Birth of the Blues".

The finale of the show consists of parade songs that are sure to get the audience up on their feet cheering.

Truly this is the Show with something for everyone. Comedy, song and dance and beautiful soaring melodies to cherish for a long time to come.

Don’t miss CELEBRATION - come celebrate with us.

Shows will be on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12, 13 & 14 November, a special 8th Anniversary Show on Thursday, 19 November, and Friday and Saturday, 20 & 21 November 1998. A 4-course dinner (5-course on the 19th) is served from 8:30 p.m. (20:30 hrs.) and the shows start at 10:30 p.m. (22:30 hrs.). The all inclusive price is 850 Baht each (19th - 1000 Baht each). Reservations are essential.

Le Cafe Royale, 325/102-105 Pattayaland Soi 3, South Pattaya, Chonburi 20260. Telephone: (038) 423 515, 428 303. Fax: 424 579. Email: [email protected]

An introduction to the Pattaya Sports Club

Excerpts of a radio interview with PSC President Peter Malhotra

When one says PSC, all foreigners in Pattaya know that the Pattaya Sports Club is the subject under discussion. A Myriad of sporting events use the Sports Club as their venue. However, sports is not the only purpose of the Pattaya Sports Club, as community work and charity are also large items on its agenda. Sometimes the Club will initiate its own projects and sometimes it will combine with other community organizations.

But, as the old saying goes, "wherever there is light, there is darkness and wherever their is darkness their is light." Although well-known among the foreign community, the words ‘Pattaya Sports Club’ draws blank looks from the Thai community.

The Club just became known in the Thai community when local newspapers, Cable TV and radio began talking of it.

The Pattaya Sports Club became more known on the "This is Pattaya" radio program, anchored by DJ Duangporn Nettongkum. Sophin Thepjug, member of the city council, owner of the Diana Inn and a former president of the PBTA, invited Pratheep (Peter) Malhotra, President of the Pattaya Sports Club, for a radio interview. Mr. Malhotra said the PSC was founded almost 20 years ago by a group of foreigners and Thais with the basic purpose of playing Golf, Darts and Bowling. Now the club boasts the addition of Softball, Fishing and even have their own Computer section. When founded, the Club had both Thai and foreign members who had come to live in Pattaya. The group officially registered as the Pattaya Sports Club Association in May 1996.

Many foreigners, including tourists, are involved in the Club’s various activities. The Club now has over 7,000 active members, making it one of the largest organizations in the eastern part of Thailand.

Golf is probably our biggest sporting activity. We host thousands of golfers from all over the world to play in our various tournaments. Pattaya Sports Club is a long standing member of the USGA.

Among the many privileges, members receive discounts when playing at golf courses in the region and are given special consideration by other organizations.

The Club is also an active member in developing the community. Some of the projects, which the Club is very proud of, are the construction and renovation of the school buildings in Pattaya and Banglamung and the donation of educational and sports equipment to these needy schools.

The Club has joined hands with the YWCA in a program to provide lunches to needy children in the Pattaya and Banglamung schools. The Club has also been part of a fish farm, a valuable and renewable food and protein source, and the "kitchen garden project" to provide valuable vitamins and minerals which make for vivacious and healthy children. These projects were not "handouts" but rather "hands on", in which experts from the various fields involved taught the youngsters how to "do for themselves." The project not only provided food but a valuable learning experience in biology, ichthioculture and group endeavor for the kids.

The Club also encourages those with special skills in sports, such as golf, swimming, bowling and others. At this time, the Club has protégés ready to enter competitions on the local, regional and national levels. When there is a lack of teachers and coaches for these gifted youngsters, the PSC is always ready to lend a hand in providing the required training to help these children advance to their highest potential.

Tennis is being focused upon as another one of the Club’s vital interests, as it can "make a name" for Pattaya in the world of sport. Two young tennis players have been sponsored by PSC. They have both come in 1st in regional playoffs in the 12-14 year age category.

The PSC is very interested in encouraging softball, but at this time there is no standard-sized field (100 x 100 meters) in Pattaya. Pattaya thus lost its chance to host an International Softball tournament. This is such a shame because the athletes are very interested in Pattaya due to its many conveniences, unlike Bangkok, which is a rather problematic city. Unfortunately we did not get enough support from those who could have helped. We’ll try again next year.

Peter said that it was his dream that the youth of Pattaya should have the same opportunities as the young people of other regions. He said that Pattaya was a center of industry for Thailand and a world tourist destination. He also said that Pattaya was home to some of the most promising young athletes in the nation. "They will soon do us proud."

When Deputy Prime Minister Bhichai Ratakul, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 13th Asian Games visited Pattaya, Peter informed him that, as Pattaya is one of the venues for the 13th Asian Games, PSC is willing to give any assistance needed for the success of the games.

Mr. Malhotra hoped that the government offices, public schools and private sectors would continue increasing their encouragement of sports events. The young should be encouraged to expend their energies in sports, so they don’t have too much free time to get involved in the negative side of life. Children are our future, the nation’s future and they must be well taken care of. Whatever these sectors planned, Peter said the Pattaya Sports Club would be behind them 100%.

Basic information: The initial membership fee is 700 baht and 400 baht per year. These fees will come back to the member in the form of "thank you" parties and celebrations 2 times a year, as well as many local discounts. Potential members should realize that the Club is dedicated not only to sports but to improving society for everyone.

The Pattaya Sports Club office is located at 33/30 Soi Diana Inn. See Pattaya Mail’s Sports pages for contact numbers.

2^nd Amazing Thailand Grand Sale

Shoppers and bargain hunters take note. The 2nd Amazing Thailand Grand Sale will be staged for one month from November 15 to December 15 in the Rajprasong area in the center of Bangkok and in the other areas of the city.

During that period, shops and businesses in this popular tourist district will be giving huge discounts on a wide range of products. In addition, there will be all kinds of interesting sales promotions, including cultural shows and competitions for visitors.

As the hosts and focal point in Rajprasong for this Grand Sale, Sogo, Zen, Isetan and Central department stores will be giving 20-30% discounts. Other stores in the same area will be giving at least 15% discount on goods. Hotels in this part of town are also expected to be offering similar discounts on accommodation.

The Sale promotions will include an exhibition on Thai agriculture organized jointly by the TAT and the Department of Agriculture. This will highlight fruits and vegetables grown in the kingdom, along with fruit carving demonstrations, hints on healthy eating and Thai desserts.

The exhibition, to be held next to the Romaneeya building, will be decorated in an attractive style and entitled Vegetable Market and Pier.

In front of Gaysorn Plaza there will be a cultural show, while Amarin Plaza, besides giving discounts inside the store, will also host a cultural show.

The TAT together with the Silk Association and the Jewellery Association will have booths in the World Trade Center. Outside, an International Beer Festival is bound to be a popular attraction.

To help promote the 2nd Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, the TAT will be putting up flags, signs and lighting along Rama I Road, from the Patumwan intersection to the expressway entrance at Phloen Chit, and also along Ratchadamri Road.

There’s never been a better time to shop in Bangkok, so visit Rajprasong any time during November 15 - December 15 for some really amazing bargains.

"Amazing Thailand Grand Sale"

November 15 - December 15, 1998

Special Promotion and Events in Bangkok

Event Opening Ceremony Leather Goods Silk Jewelry Handicrafts Thailand’s Best of the Best Amazing Shopping Street Market Capital Floating Fair

Venue Bangkok, Siam Discovery Department of Promotions Leading Department Stores Leading Department Stores River City & Narayana Phand BITEC Throughout Bangkok Chatuchak Weekend Market Nailert Market Baiyoke Dammoen Saduak

Dates Nov 13 Nov 20 - 29 Nov 11 - 22 Nov 28 - Dec 5 Nov 15 - Dec 15 Nov 27 - 30 Nov 15 - Dec 15 Nov 15 - Dec 15 Nov 15 - Dec 15

Taking care of ourselves

by Rachel Maunder

The ‘Food for thought’ articles in the last few weeks have put forward some ideas on how it’s possible to make some changes in our lives in order that we might feel better about ourselves. An underlying theme throughout has been that we can have more control over our own lives than we sometimes realise. It’s particularly easy to lose sight of that when things aren’t going so well and we feel powerless to change things. In such a situation what tends to happen is that we begin to blame someone or something else for our circumstances and either keep on at the other person to change or wait helplessly for the circumstances to change.

However, the more we start to realise that we can take more control of our lives, that we can make choices, etc., we come to realise that in fact that is all we can do, i.e. however much we would like to we cannot control or change other people. We might sometimes think we can, because there might be countless examples of having asked someone to make changes, or even issued ultimatums that they do, with apparent success, but the fact is that they have made the changes because that was the choice they made in those circumstances. We have not made them do it, i.e. the consequences were such that they happened to make the choice we wanted. That’s not to say, of course, that a reasonable person will not continue to make reasonable changes to reasonable requests, but it’s a helpful point to remember when a situation with someone else is becoming increasingly frustrating because they are not making the changes you would like.

So what can you do when the other person is unwilling to make the changes we would like them to, or if the circumstances seem unchangeable? You can move on from being angry and frustrated and ask yourself what you can do to make some changes. Any relationship, whether it’s an intimate relationship with a partner, parent/child, an employer/employee, teacher/pupil, friend/friend, etc., tends to adopt a pattern. Most people can recognise that they can be different with different people, e.g. with one friend you may tend to be the humorous one, the confident one, etc., and those patterns evolve from the blend of the personalities involved. With those patterns comes an expectation of how each person will respond in a given situation, whether that be a discussion on how to spend the evening, how the country should be run, a request to do something, or even a routine pattern of behaviour. If then, there is a particular interchange where another person’s response always annoys you, hurts you or whatever, instead of getting stuck with those feelings, think about what you can do to change the pattern of that interchange.

To give a simplistic example, if it annoys you that your work colleague, your partner, your children, have slipped into a pattern of waiting for you to make the coffee in the morning, you have a number of choices. Firstly, you could try polite but clear assertions, such as "I’d love it if you would make the coffee for me this morning". If that’s not effective, you could either not make any coffee at all, or you could make a cup just for yourself. The chances are that both of those courses of action will bring a reaction from the other party, which may or may not be the reaction you were hoping for, but at least you have created an opening for explaining how annoyed you feel about being left to make the coffee every morning. Hopefully, the pattern will then change so that either the task is shared, or if it isn’t, that you can feel better about doing it (i.e. the other person may do something else for you, they might take more care to let you know how much they value you for making the coffee, etc.).

The same principle also applies to more complex situations too - if you don’t like the pattern, change your part in it. If, for example, you don’t like the way arguments arise between you and your partner, think about what you contribute to the pattern, e.g. do you start with a criticism, are you sarcastic, so you behave like an injured victim, and try changing that contribution. It’s important to be aware that initially it’s very likely that the other person will be (probably subconsciously) trying to get you to change back to the familiar pattern, or may be a little mistrusting of your new approach, but the point is that once you have changed your bit of the pattern, they must also change theirs, since they will be reacting to something different. Stick at it, even if seems at first that things have got worse, because there has to be a settling down period while a new pattern gets established. Also, the new responses may not be to your liking, and you may decide to experiment with several styles of change, (but remember to give each one time to take effect). What is important is that you have taken responsibility for making some changes to a dissatisfactory situation and once you feel more responsible for your own happiness it tends to be easier to more clearly see what other actions may need to be taken.

Rachel Maunder is a qualified counsellor, currently working for Community Services of Bangkok who offer a counselling service on a wide range of topics in the Eastern Seaboard region on 2 mornings a week. Personal development is one of Rachel’s particular interests. She recently ran a set of seminars on this topic and plans to do so again at the beginning of next year. For further information about counselling or to make an appointment please call the CSB helpline on 02 662 0979.

Successfully Yours: Jakob Langgaard

The first glance at Jakob Langgaard makes you think American Indian, maybe it is the long hair, or his centered manner, then you reconsider. Maybe he is Amerasian or Chinese Thai? Something about Jakob’s appearance is indefinable but distinctly Asian, and then when he insists he is Danish in a very Scandinavian accent you are sure you haven’t heard the whole story.

When pushed Jakob finally admits to being rescued from Korean streets at the age of one, taken to an orphanage and adopted by his parents in Denmark at age five. Jakob insists, "Denmark is my home, my nationality. My Danish parents are the only ones I have, the only ones I ever want".

He remembers nothing before but says with a laugh his Danish parents told him he was very attached to the refrigerator when he first arrived as he had not seen so much food in one place before, and when they went on holidays he wanted to take the fridge with them.

Jakob, who is over thirty, has been here in Thailand for two years having followed a friend over. They have since parted ways and Jakob commenced a company in Pattaya, Rung Thip Computer Thai one year ago. He imports, exports, retails, repairs and supports computers.

His Danish background, education, a degree in computer engineering, and an enjoyable job in a television station as a network systems supporter, is the opposite of his experience here, "In Denmark I led a very protected life. We all were, no one was without the basic human rights of medical attention, home, food and education. In Thailand it is different, education is not valued, only money is. The best education earns you far less than a streetwalker. Education is far too expensive for many Thais, the same as basic medical care. They both should be freely available."

"I would like to be a part of helping the children of Thailand to have a chance. What is desperately needed here is information. I believe everyone here should have the chance to use computers through schools and other places. That is why I help Jeep Holthaus with his charity business to distribute computers to schools."

Just who is Jakob? "I would say I have both my feet on the ground. Everything is rational, so here in Thailand I have learned not to be suspicious, but just to adopt a wait and see attitude. The most important values to me are honesty, reliability, being productive and the love of someone special. My parents taught me how to work hard, to achieve. I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but it only strengthened me and now I am happy with that. Success is not recognition or fame or money or material wealth, those just come from nothing and disappear just as rapidly. Success to me is the ability to help other people so their basic needs of clothes, food, home, medicine, and education are met. I cannot enjoy spending money if I see some people who have absolutely nothing. I do understand it is not helping anyone to give them Baht 100."

The question, "What would you do if you won two billion dollars U.S.?" produced a smile and a considered response. "I would use the majority of it to build a free hospital for the poor people here. The rest I would invest in my company. I have the ambition to build the best computer system possible and compete on quality not just price."

Jakob’s advice to anyone starting up in business here in Thailand is to practice sincerity, honesty and patience because the rules here are totally different, and exercise caution in the selection of Thai partners. Jakob’s last words were, "I always heard that Thailand is the Land of Smiles, but if you go up country, you will notice that people smile much more."

AutoMania: Shocking Facts

by Dr. Iain Corness

Driven down any of our roads recently? Beach Road looks like the aftermath of a squadron of B52’s doing random bombing manoeuvres. Some of the craters are so deep there’s Chinese music coming out of them.

All the ruts, grime and mud really play havoc with your shock absorbers, so if your car is more than a couple of years old you should be thinking about just how well these small, but important items, are standing up to the job.

Harley-Davidson Motor cycle.

To test your shockers is relatively simple. Get on one corner of your car and start bouncing it by pushing down with all your weight. Now stand back and watch. If the car bounces up and down more than once, the shocks are on the way out. Get them replaced, both for comfort and for safety. Let me assure you that once a shocker gives up totally it makes your car almost impossible to drive.

Mick Doohan Vs Michael Schumacher

That contest would have to be a promoters dream. Current World Champion motorcycle racer Mick Doohan against ex (may even be "new", if Suzuka goes his way) World Champion Formula 1 racer Michael Schumacher. Two five lap heats. Car against motor cycle - and then swap mounts and race again.

While that event will never happen, it is interesting to compare the two men, each one the accredited top of his category. Both have a will to succeed. Both are technically brilliant at their craft. Both are "technocrat racers" who can pass on invaluable information to their race engineers. However, only one of them has humility, only one of them is universally looked up to by his fellow competitors and only one of them is known throughout the world as a thoroughly likeable gentleman. So which Michael is it? As if you didn’t know already!

Autotrivia Quiz

Last week we asked you about the origins of the Ferrari Prancing Horse. Some interesting answers, but the correct one is as follows: The insignia comes from the coat of arms of the Baracca family and features the coal black prancing horse of Ravenna. The connection with aviation is that the son of the Baracca family was killed while flying in World War I. Now, how Enzo Ferrari got hold of it is another story!

So let’s carry on with some more total autotrivia. Everyone has heard of the famous marque called Lotus. This company was started by the brilliant engineer Colin Chapman, who built his first car, a trials special, in 1947/48. Popular rumour has it that he called it Lotus after his girlfriend whom he later married. However, Mrs. Chapman’s name was Hazel! I wonder if the cars would have been as successful as they were if they had been called Hazel’s? Somehow I can’t see Graham Hill in a Hazel 49!

This weeks Autotrivia Quiz can then be on the Lotus cars. The Lotus Elite of 1959 was a remarkable car with a monocoque glass fibre body, light weight and very successful on the race circuits, as well as being a very delectable road car. I distinctly remember falling in love with one of these in the early 60’s and being totally unable to afford it! At least I got to drive it round the block. Its engine was interesting in the fact that it wasn’t designed for use in cars at all. For the Automania FREE beer of the week, be the first to fax or email the Editorial office with the correct answer to this. What was the make of the engine, and what was its original use?

Harley-Davidson

1998 marks the 95th year of production of Harley-Davidson motor cycles. It also, incidentally, marked the 2nd year of existence of the Jesters Motorcycle Club here in Pattaya. So with that, the flimsiest of reasons, let us look at the Harley-Davidson company this week.

In everyone’s mind, the H-D name conjures up the big V twin motorcycles with memories of Peter Fonda and the movie "Easy Rider". It was the protest voice of the 50’s and 60’s and had an enormous following all over the world. You are a special person if you belong to the HOG (Harley Owners Group, for the uninitiated)!

However, the family company of William, Walter and Arthur Davidson with their friend William Harley did not begin with big bikes. The first 1903 H-D had a single cylinder engine pushing out a thumping great 3 horsepower. Almost enough to pull the skin off a rice pudding! They followed this up with the big 4 HP model (33% increase in power) which could pull it off!

The first V twin was built in 1911 and the big engined bikes have been the H-D flagships ever since, but the factory has also built several successful small engined machines as well. The "Peashooter" speedway bike had a 346 cc engine and was one of the top dirt bikes and hill-climbers of its time. Walter Villa won the World Road Racing Championship in 1974, 75, and 76 on 250cc and 350 cc H-D racers. There even was a 49 cc moped that came out wearing the H-D nameplate, although it really was a re-badged Aermacchi, so all the Jesters M.C. members out there can relax a little! Somehow the thought of Woody or Geoff of the Jesters riding along in colours on a 49 cc moped doesn’t quite fit.

But if you like BIG BIKES, then a Harley-Davidson probably is your fantasy. Some of them weigh over 350 kg, so if they fall over you call for a mobile crane to get them upright.

I must confess I have never actually ridden a "Highly-Dangerous" but my wife has (fulfilling a long time ambition a few weeks ago by riding pillion with Woody). She reported that it was the smoothest bike ride she ever had (mind you, that may be more of a reflection on my rough style of riding!) and enjoyed the experience immensely. On reflection, you never see one of the Jesters without a big grin, so they must be fun!

Copyright 1998 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand 
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected]
Created by Andy Gombaz, assisted by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek.