It's like taking off your business hat, says Prapat

How do senior executives like to spend their free time? The more conventional among them might play golf at exclusive clubs, read at home, go to the movies, spend time with families, go shopping - mundane, ordinary pursuits.

The commonplace in leisure activities is not good enough for Prapat Chongsanguan, adviser to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, and Sontaya Kunplome, former Tourism and Sports Minister. They prefer the freedom of the open highway and the thunder of a big bike, for both are Harley-Davidson enthusiasts.

"It's like taking off your business-executive hat," Prapat says. "I feel liberated and focused - unlike when I'm driving in the city. You're quite comfortable and removed in your leather seat. Mobile-phone technology has even enabled us to communicate effortlessly while we're riding for, say, four or five hours."

"When you ride your bike, you can feel the wind sweeping your face, and you feel relaxed," Sontaya explains.

"It's like exercising; you sweat. There's also a sense of altruism when you're riding in a group. We look out for each other and follow the rules. Sometimes we make a pilgrimage to give alms - contributing, in a sense, to society."

Now 51, Prapat fell in love with motorcycles when he was just 21 and a post-graduate student at California State University. He started off with a 400cc Kawasaki, because he was then too light for a Harley. He then graduated to a 650cc Kawasaki before finally, six years later, buying a classic Harley-Davidson Fat Boy.

In the 1990s, the Fat Boy was credited as the chopper that helped put Harley-Davidson back into the heavyweight, or 750cc, market.

Today, Prapat is the proud owner of an Alta Classic, a special 100th-anniversary edition, that he bought second-hand from former police commissioner-general and ex-labour minister General Pracha Promnok for Bt700,000.

In addition to his four Harleys, Sontaya, 43, is also interested in other motor sports, such as racing.

The pair formed a riding group they call the Immortals, consisting of four or five free-spirited riders. General Pracha is also one of their number.

"We often take day-trips to nearby provinces for a meal," Prapat says. "Once a year, we ride to Chiang Mai. But it depends on each member's schedule. We must find the right time."

Sontaya believes the Harley culture is laudable, because different groups can get together and have a good time without drugs, quarrels or fights, without causing anyone any trouble. "We try to create a positive culture among all riders, not just Harley-Davidson owners," he says. "In Chon Buri, we've organised an annual community-service drive. The first one in early November was a success."

Then there's the almost cultlike allegiance. "Harley-Davidson riders have a 'gangster' heart in that they're extremely loyal and helpful to fellow riders," Prapat says. "We don't like to get into trouble."

What's more, these riders behave strictly according to the law. "We don't speed, overtake or tailgate other cars," he says. "When we see someone having trouble with their car on the road, we often stop and help."

When it comes to choosing a legendary road companion, Prapat opts for models that offer the most safety. Harley-Davidson also offers owners the opportunity to "pimp" their bikes to suit every idiosyncratic taste. "I spent Bt700,000 on my bike and another Bt400,000 just to customise it," reveals Prapat.

He counts himself lucky that his wife understands his passion for the giant road machines, even though she seldom joins him for a ride. "My wife has only one caveat: you can go on two wheels but do not take an extra pair of legs with you," he says, laughing at her reference to another woman.

Sontaya jokes that his wife does go with him on his road trips, but in a separate van.

Will they ever stop riding? The two look at each other.

"Only when we have no strength left," Prapat says.

"Even then, I'll put on an extra wheel," adds Sontaya.

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation