A big bike for a big heart

NIKKASIT WONGSAWAS rode home from last week’s “Wrangler True Wanderer Party” astride a brand-new Triumph Bonneville T100, winning the superbike not thanks to speed or driving ability but with a heart-rending short story about a father and son bonding amid beautiful nature.

The high-performance motorcycle – worth Bt460,000 and boasting several safety innovations – was the big prize in the “Wrangler True Wanderer” campaign sponsored by American jeans brand Wrangler and Triumph Motorcycles.

Along with the submissions of the nine other finalists, Nikkasit’s story – recalling his own biking trips with his father to scenic spots like the Krung Nang Waterfall in Nakhon Si Thammarat and celebrating the deep connection between man and nature, the importance of harmony and the motives for seeking out dream destinations – can be read at www.WranglerTrueWanderer.com.

“We always emphasise that ‘an adventure offers more than you think’,” said Maysinee Wisitnorapatt, senior marketing manager of Wrangler for the Central Marketing Group. “The ‘Wrangler True Wanderer’ campaign sought out Thailand’s ‘True Wanderers’ and was a great success – we had hundreds of photos and travel essays submitted to our website.” The campaign gave Wrangler the chance to promote its latest jeans collection, the specially treated Water Repellent line of denims that also stop bacteria forming and thus eliminate odour, and the Tough Gear line, which are sturdier than other kinds of jeans thanks to advanced technology.

Dom Hetrakul, managing director at Britbike, pointed out that it’s not unusual now to see caravans of superbikes on the roads. 

“Many young explorers choose superbikes. The destination isn’t the main thing for them – they just love to be on the road, seeking out exotic places and new experiences that might just help explain to them the meaning of life. Every biker loves to be out there with the wind blowing and the sunshine and picturesque surroundings, sharing their friendship along the way.”

“I personally love both big bikes and adventure trips,” said Ponlakrit Jantarasopark, a physician who helps rural people and also entered the essay-and-photo competition. 

“I get on my superbike and take my friends and my girlfriend into remote areas. The trips aren’t just for fun – I also ask around to see whether our knowledge in medical science might benefit the locals. 

“The story I submitted was about a trip to Pa Ka Nok, a village in Samoeng district up in Chiang Mai, where we offered people free basic medical check-ups and supplies. A lot of the people there are suffering from muscle and digestive-tract problems just because they work so hard!”

Also on hand for the party were Jakkrapong Santirat, general manager of Triumph Motorcycles (Thailand), Nattaboon “Ple” Trinathy, managing director of Cycle Culture Show, and Worawit “Mooyong” Ruengjantaranukul, founder of Zeus Custom. 

Keep tabs on Wrangler’s next plans via (02) 229 7707, Facebook or @Wrangler_Thailand on Instagram.