Dear Fellow Classic Car Lovers,

This is the news you have been waiting for!!

This month’s CCL Run is an overnight adventure, kindly arranged by David Hardcastle, with a one day trip on the side for those who would like a shorter journey, with a choice of accommodation and activities for those of us going the whole way.

The Dates are Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd of June so please make a note in your Diaries and return the attached booking form at your earliest opportunity – the last date for booking is Monday 16th June.

In conjunction with the local branch of SKAL – an International Organisation of Tourism Professionals – we plan to visit Chiang Rai and have been invited to display our Classics in the Plaza of the Legend Hotel and have been invited to stay in this 5 star resort and attend the SKAL dinner on the Saturday evening at advantageous SKAL prices.

We shall meet, as so often, at the Coffee Bus, bright & early on Saturday morning for snacks and a chat before starting and then drive approximately 80 kilometres North to our Lunch stop at Cabbages & Condoms. David has this to say about the restaurant – “A Thai Senator, Khun Meechai, ran a very successful condom making business and fell in love with a lady farmer who grew cabbages. Together they opened a restaurant in Bangkok specialising in both products. Their success and fame grew, as did their chain of restaurants, and Khun Meechai became a hero of the fight against AIDS and a great benefactor. Part of his generosity included opening extra C & C restaurants (with guest houses attached) in the provinces, and this is the closest to us. The generosity bit is that after establishing the rural C&C’s he turned them all over to the local communities to own and run.

So by having lunch there we are directly supporting some of the less well off of the area!”

Those of us making the one day trip now have the pleasure of waving the rest of the group off to Chiang Rai, before returning back home at their leisure, whilst the overnight party complete their journey North.

On arrival at The Legend Hotel we begin to sample the thoughtfulness of CCL (and SKAL) member and General Manager of the hotel, Marc Dumur. Marc has arranged a valeting facility for our cars at the hotel so that they are sparkling before we arrange them for showing. Those staying at The Legend (1800 baht nett per room, 1 or 2 persons) can then check in, whilst those who have opted to stay at The Golden Triangle Inn (800 baht nett per room for 1 or 2) will find Song Taews arranged to take them there. Both accommodations include American Breakfast.

If you plan to join SKAL for their excellent value dinner please be ready at The Legend at 6 pm for a complimentary Cocktail Reception, hosted by Marc and The Legend, prior to entering the Ouh Kao Hall for our Buffet Dinner(600 baht per person, plus 200 baht extra if taking the wine selections).
This is our chance to mingle with the SKAL delegates and let them know about our passion for Classic Cars!

As additional attractions David Hardcastle, who also happens to be a member of SKAL will be giving a short presentation on the Myths & Mysteries of Rolls Royce – AND – not to be outdone Marc has arranged a special surprise for the evening!

Should you wish to make your own arrangements for the evening both hotels are quite close by the night market and restaurant areas of downtown Chiang Rai.

Join us after breakfast the next morning for a prompt 10.00 am departure to the Rai Mae Fah Luang Agricultural Museum, here’s David again – “The museum is a modern building in a large, beautiful park with a lake and with interesting old rustic buildings and agricultural carts and instruments. One of the MUSTS of Chiang Rai and located close to the city centre.”

Afterwards we start our journey back to Chiang Mai, stopping for lunch at Charoen Garden Resort, famous for their delicious Cakes and Desserts as well as fine Coffees and Snacks.We shall then return in Convoy, or at your own speed.

Please note that some of these arrangements may be subject to amendment , any changes will be notified should that affect any bookings made.

This promises to be a most exciting weekend – please book NOW on the attached form as we MUST make all reservations in advance .

Look forward to seeing you all on this Great Weekend
Yours in Classic Motoring

Ian