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Meet The Chiang Mai ToyRide Committee:

Robert Straghan

Robert Straghan is a retired Canadian, married to Sirirat, and has lived in Chiangmai for 5 years. A bit of a petrol head, and aside from enjoying life and eating, his other interests include boats, motorcycles and hot rods. Participation in the Vancouver Christmas Toy Ride was the inspiration for starting such an event in Chiangmai.
Robert is a lifelong biker, and has ridden Harley Davidson Motorcycles for 37 years. Current bikes include a Harley Dyna Sport and BMW R-1150-RT.

Khun Raat

Khun Raat is a retired Thai national, now working as a homemaker, and has lived in Chiangmai for over 20 years. She is the other non-biker on the committee, and is happy to ride in the chase car. Past efforts include involvement in social and charity work and she now acts as Treasurer for the Chiangmai Toy Ride.

Scott Jones

Scott Jones, rider, musician, author, comedian, photographer, and founder of the nonprofit organization Give and Live is schizophrenic, but he’ll always have each other. He has released four albums of original music and comedy, performed in all 50 states and recently published his first book "Life in the Laugh Lane: facts, fiction and photos from Asia to America." Originally from, gasp, Fargo, North Dakota, he currently lives in Chiangmai, Thailand, writes for the Chiang Mai Mail newspaper, organizes benefit concerts and leads charity motorcycle tours throughout northern Thailand to raise funds for needy children.

Joachim Erkes

Joachim (Joe) Erkes is a retired German living in Chiang Mai for more than a year. He is married with Maria Reussner who is also helping us during actual ToyRide events. After working 28 years in the industry he retired with the aim in mind to engage himself in social projects. So besides his interests in travelling, hiking, good food and living, he joined the Chiang Mai ToyRide group helping children in need. He is also a member of the Thailandfreunde e.V. which is a registered Human Rights organization in Germany also helping poor and underprivileged children in the North of Thailand.

Chas Begley

Chas Begley, has lived in Chiang Mai for two years and owns Tuskers Bar, Chas has been involved in organising many charity and community events in the past. He is a trustee and founder of EleAid, a UK charity working for the conservation and welfare of Asian elephants.

Richard Wilson

Richard Wilson, has been a resident of Chiangmai for 4 years, and an active motorcyclist with a Harley Davidson, Honda Wave, and Honda XR-250 motorcrosser with which he competes in the over 40 class. Even his businesses are bike related with Richco Motorsports providing sales, parts, and service for Harley Davidson Motorcycles, and Richco Powdercoating providing custom powder coating for bikes and industrial applications.

David Unkovich

David Unkovich (L), aka The Golden Triangle Rider, an Aussie resident in Chiang Mai for 26 years with 2 kids (24 & 18). Well known motorcyclist in and around the Golden Triangle, author of motorcycle touring guide books for North Thailand, plus cartographer of North Thailand and Laos guide maps.

David Early

Dave Early

Dave Early is a retired Police Detective Commander from the U.S.A. who has lived in Chiang Mai since 2002. Dave, in his former profession, worked closely with many agencies in organizing high profile events in the U.S.A. A former motorcycle racer, Dave now spends his time touring S.E. Asia by motorcycle.