Thank to Ian, David and Garry for their tributes.
Chum, who was only 33, was killed riding home from work on Friday at about 10pm. According to Jay, his Streetfighter hit a stationary truck that was parked over the rise of a bridge at the intersection of Petchburi Rd and Ramkhamheang Rd. The truck had stopped to repair streetlights and had warning lights and signs placed too close to the truck which couldn't be seen by vehicles approaching on the incline to the bridge. What a waste!
I went into Ducati Thonglor Saturday afternoon after receiving a text that Chum had been killed. The place was closed up but there were a few bikers and mechanics on site. JC (848) and Tony696 came along after hearing the news. Head mechanic, Jay returned from the police station with Chum's wrecked Streetfighter and it was a poignant moment as we sat and watched Jay and the guys unload the bike.
There was a nice memorial service at St Louis Church on Sathorn in the evening. Such a large number of well-wishers turned up to pay respects that they couldn't all be seated inside. He is survived only by his sister, who gave a moving, tearful thanks to all for attending. It was rather surreal to see the casket with Chum's picture next to it and a video and slide show of his Ducati rides and training courses.
I bought both my Ducati's (S2R 1000 and 848) from him and we had last ridden together on a one-day 700klm ride from Bangkok to Phuket for the bike week in April. A more helpful and friendly guy you couldn't meet. Along with head-mechanic Jay, they were an excellent team at Ducati. He will be sorely missed.
The funeral service is this Wednesday in his hometown of Nakhom Pathom. The turnout is expected to be huge and I will be riding there along with (hopefully, work permitting) Gus, Reimund, JC, Tony696 and others. Obviously, any bikers wishing to attend will be welcome.
