To my biker mates in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I have an idea. I want to start a Rock N Roll stile bar Grill style place for bikers and freinds, a mini resort. I have already the land and 95% of everything in place including deep swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, workshop, a showroom to sell or store bikes etc. anybody interested in getting involved? I can plan a date this month and we could meet up at the location in Baan Pong, just off the Someung Lopp on route 1269. This is no rip off concept, I just want to get busy again and would like to do it with a few freinds getting involved and helping out. My wife owns the 3 Rai of land and the buildings. I see it as a great new hobby as I am not looking to profiteer from this, but have a super homestead for bikers in Thailand.Take my hand and together we can Rock and Roll.I have staff full time already looking after the property, I just need new ideas, we have had the place for over 7 years now and it is just idle, I want to bring life to it with your help. I have a fairly big storage area which can be turned in to a nice pub. Give me some feedback lads and lassies, could be a fun new year.....Cheerz,Muzz
Just an idea.....
- Thread starter Muzz
- Start date
KTMphil
Senior member
I think the main problem you have is that you're out of town & you're revenue would be from an evening crowd, where the margin is on selling beer. That means in the pitch black after a few beers, rider's that don't live in the Hang Dong area have a long ride home not in the "best state of mind". Others have tried to do the same kind of thing on the Samoeng loop and failed, but maybe you've got more charm & tact than they had and that could make a difference? There's a place called "Check-In" 7km north of Chiang Mai that seems to have clicked with the Mae Jo riding burb guys, so there is history that it can work.
I've been talking to someone that wants to do a high-end biker resort in Chiang Mai city, catering to the massive, increasing numbers of BMW 1200gs riders that come through Chiang Mai. The problem is when you budget it, the short season is a killer and it doesn't look economic.
Good luck either way.
I've been talking to someone that wants to do a high-end biker resort in Chiang Mai city, catering to the massive, increasing numbers of BMW 1200gs riders that come through Chiang Mai. The problem is when you budget it, the short season is a killer and it doesn't look economic.
Good luck either way.
With the eyes of the "GS crowd" (even though I was coming through on a DR):
I was daydreaming about a similar setup in places in my way up here where the "GS crowd" is channeled into a narrow area they can't skip. It happens in Malaysia, especially Southern-Thailand, in Laos along the Mekong (since the mountains are "too hard offroad"), partly in Cambodia because of the sights and the Tonle Sap. And from what Phil says Chiang Mai seems like becoming a magnet, especially once Myanmar opens up and they can cross there instead of shipping from BKK.
Once they're in CM, you can do to attract them to your place if they are international is a really good workshop (although probably less effective than it would be in Indonesia since there are options available in Thailand), tire stock (always a problem for GS riders and they will want to stock up before Myanmar) and a regular presence on their "forums" and just generally catering to long distance travelers....just strong branding in general. Organising riding/maintenance/adventure travel workshops for the local/BKK riders would help too.
(Personally I don't like this commercialisation of travel, but it works with the group Phil is talking about....just make sure you put adventure in the name
)
Blahblah...I sound like a broken radio, but got me excited again about the idea
I was daydreaming about a similar setup in places in my way up here where the "GS crowd" is channeled into a narrow area they can't skip. It happens in Malaysia, especially Southern-Thailand, in Laos along the Mekong (since the mountains are "too hard offroad"), partly in Cambodia because of the sights and the Tonle Sap. And from what Phil says Chiang Mai seems like becoming a magnet, especially once Myanmar opens up and they can cross there instead of shipping from BKK.
Once they're in CM, you can do to attract them to your place if they are international is a really good workshop (although probably less effective than it would be in Indonesia since there are options available in Thailand), tire stock (always a problem for GS riders and they will want to stock up before Myanmar) and a regular presence on their "forums" and just generally catering to long distance travelers....just strong branding in general. Organising riding/maintenance/adventure travel workshops for the local/BKK riders would help too.
(Personally I don't like this commercialisation of travel, but it works with the group Phil is talking about....just make sure you put adventure in the name
)Blahblah...I sound like a broken radio, but got me excited again about the idea
KTMphil
Senior member
I would be surprised if anyone could make the numbers work (as a real business) on a high end adventure riding/ 4WD themed resort in Chiang Mai city, we looked long and hard at it the other week and it would have to be a hobby only with the short season, there's no ROE the way we see it.
Even combined with guided bike tours, mechanic shop, tire sales etc...... we cant see how it works on an annual basis as a high end resort.
--Although there is something else we're working on and if we can get it organized it could be huge.
Even combined with guided bike tours, mechanic shop, tire sales etc...... we cant see how it works on an annual basis as a high end resort.
--Although there is something else we're working on and if we can get it organized it could be huge.
With the eyes of the "GS crowd" (even though I was coming through on a DR):
I was daydreaming about a similar setup in places in my way up here where the "GS crowd" is channeled into a narrow area they can't skip. It happens in Malaysia, especially Southern-Thailand, in Laos along the Mekong (since the mountains are "too hard offroad"), partly in Cambodia because of the sights and the Tonle Sap. And from what Phil says Chiang Mai seems like becoming a magnet, especially once Myanmar opens up and they can cross there instead of shipping from BKK.
Once they're in CM, you can do to attract them to your place if they are international is a really good workshop (although probably less effective than it would be in Indonesia since there are options available in Thailand), tire stock (always a problem for GS riders and they will want to stock up before Myanmar) and a regular presence on their "forums" and just generally catering to long distance travelers....just strong branding in general. Organising riding/maintenance/adventure travel workshops for the local/BKK riders would help too.
(Personally I don't like this commercialisation of travel, but it works with the group Phil is talking about....just make sure you put adventure in the name
Blahblah...I sound like a broken radio, but got me excited again about the idea
You're right. I've never done anything similar but my numbers didn't work either...hence the comment "daydreaming".
But he's not looking for profit and can be flexible with downtime most of the infrastructure already given...could be fun for some time
But he's not looking for profit and can be flexible with downtime most of the infrastructure already given...could be fun for some time
Hi Phil, really just looking for a bit of a dream here, Bikes, Rock N Roll, a few bands gigging here a year and hooking businesses up here together that are related. Nowt in it for me other than a bit of time and effort with friends. I may make a few locals jobs too which is great. I am just open to anything which involves a bit of imagination, thought, bringing an interest together and beer!
Cheerz
Muzz
Cheerz
Muzz
Phil, we are only 10 minutes from Chiang Mai Airport. We could have rental bikes on site and a pick up service. It wouldn't cost much, I am just trying to be Mister Positive here as it would help local business here and give the customer a good feeling. Like I say, really, nothing in it for me but the feel good factor.
KTMphil
Senior member
Sounds like a great idea if you know what you want out of it, any help you need let me know.
crowster69
Member
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2012
- Bikes
- ducati 900ss.ducati hypermotard 1100s
Hi Muzz hows it going?personally i think its a great idea.Ive grown up riding and going to places like you mention for days out with the lads.If your not worried about making money on it what the heck especially if you live on the property anyway.I dont think theres anything better than heading out of town somewhere with a few bike riding mates and stopping in and catching up with other riders with good music and good food rather than some little shithole thai coffee house.i reckon if youve got a nice setting,cold beer,a few decent food dishes,a place to stay if you have a few too many,some tools and small workshop ,some live music on a sunday arvo with a barby once a month people will come.well i know i would.cheers Greg
