About 150 Pattaya cyclists – and a couple of elephants – joined the national “Bike for Mom” event in their own way.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome dispatched the city’s delegation to participate in the Chonburi mirror event of the royally sponsored Aug. 16 ride in Bangkok, honoring HM the Queen, by offering flowers and incense to her portrait before sending riders on their way.
The contingent of adult and youth riders was led by Councilman Manoch Nongyai, who also heads the Pattaya Cycling Club.
Organized and led by HRH Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, Bike for Mom drew a world-record 287,000 people in Bangkok. But smaller events were held in provinces around the country.
Cycling elephants lead the “Bike for Mom” parade at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya, Sunday, August 16.
In Chonburi, The 36.7-kilometer ride began at Chonburi City Hall, past Chonrachadorn-amrung School and to Queen Sirikit Park, the first rest stop. There people planted trees and participated in other activities. From the park, riders continued to the Pla Market and into Bangsaen, resting at Laem Taen.
Cyclists then made their way back to Bangsean Beach and backtracked their route to city hall.
Cyclists and elephants turned out in force to pay homage to HM the Queen.
While they didn’t actually get out on the track, the elephants of Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Tropical Garden got into the “Bike for Mom” spirit as well.
Park director Kampol Tansajja introduced two cycling elephants – Plaikwanmuang and Pungmorakot, both 11 – which took the lead amongst hundreds of cyclists. The bike group was followed by 26 more elephants walking around the garden route as well.
Pattaya mayor Ittipol Khunplume (standing center rear), released hundreds of cyclists from Pattaya City Hall to join the ‘Bike for Mom” celebration.
