Two Thai Riders On a #HDFreedomStoriesAsia Adventure
Motorcycle crews aren’t just about the thrill of the ride— for Yanisa, 43, and Mick—who’s happily cruising into his 50s—it’s a full‑blown lifestyle of freedom, friendship, and a touch of philanthropy.
What They Love About the Road
- Charity rides that raise cash for causes close to their hearts (think food drives or community classes).
- Off‑route discoveries—vintage parks, hidden waterfalls, and the occasional slice of local street food.
- And of course the legendary Harley‑Davidson engines that roar like a promised sunrise.
The Story That Sparked the Catchphrase
When Harley-Davidson launched its #HDFreedomStoriesAsia crowdsourcing wave in July and August, these two Thai riders answered the call. They poured their heartbeats, wheels, and a dash of adventurous spirit into the campaign—turning those moments into epic tales that stuck with the publisher.
Why Riders Keep Firing Up
As they told AsiaOne, the motorcycle hobby has evolved into a way of life—a daily escape, a cross‑culture bridge, and a community that doesn’t just “ride” but ride, laugh, and give back. It isn’t just about speed; it’s about the bonds built on the open road.
A Nudge from the Riders
They love riding for the same reason most of us chase the wind: a feeling of uninhibited freedom. But for Yanisa and Mick, that freedom is tinged with camaraderie, charity, and unforgettable road trips. And let’s not forget their faithful Harley—the unmistakable roar that turns strangers into friends on a single curve.
I’m the only woman in my group and at times, I also lead the group
Meet Yanisa: The Trailblazing Woman of a Motorcycle Riding Group
Who is Yanisa?
Yanisa works as a distributor in the construction materials industry, which means she’s no stranger to the hustle of getting around on a motorcycle. In March 2020, when the world hit pause, she turned her weekend rides into a serious hobby.
Why She Took It Seriously
- Nothing to do during the pandemic, so she found a perfect outlet.
- Her dream was one bike – the Pan America – and she chased that aspiration like a superhero chasing a cookie.
- She became the sole woman in a riding group that was otherwise all male, breaking records and expectations.
How She Made Her Mark
- She trains hard, proving that skill isn’t about gender.
- Her group recognizes her as a leader, inspiring other women to hop on the back of the wheel.
- Yanisa’s story is a testament that joy can be found even when the world feels stuck.
Feel the Vibes
Imagine the wind whipping through her hair, the roar of the engine, and the thrill that only a bike can give. Yanisa’s journey is not just a ride; it’s the story of a woman who dared to shift gears and accelerate her life.
Dreaming of a Harley & Cruising into the Wild
Yanisa has always carried a little mental billowing image in her head: “If I had a sweet ride, it would be a Harley‑Davidson.” In her own words, the bike is “such a classic,” and she’s ready to make it a reality someday.
Not Just a Commute – It’s a Passport to the Outback
Instead of just riding to work, Yanisa has turned her two‑wheel adventure into a weekend get‑away into Thailand’s rugged countryside. She’s especially fond of the northern provinces—Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Nan—where the scenery feels like a paint‑by‑numbers from a nature documentary.
Why the North? Simple Love for the Great Outdoors
“Because I’m so in love with nature, and most of the places we visit are hard to reach by car,” Yanisa says. She keeps her motorcycle as her ticket to remote trails, waterfalls, and ancient temples that would otherwise stay shut behind highway signs.
Getting a Little Dirty is the Best Kind of Fun
“Getting dirty, falling, or getting a little hurt is so fun,” she laughs. Picture her in a fresh leather jacket, knees splattered with mud, grinning like a gumshoe detective who’s just uncovered a secret path. It’s a mix of adventure and a little harmless mischief that keeps her heart racing.
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Meet Yanisa and Her Cyclist Family
She’s built a tight‑knit crew of like‑minded riders, dubbing them her family—and they’re all on board for every ride.
From Three to a Whole Brigade
- Start: Yanisa + 2 founding members
- Growth: Each rider invites friends, multiplying the squad rapidly
- Result: A full‑scale biking gang where she’s still the bright rose among thorns
She’s Not a Burden, Just a Bonus
Gender isn’t a weakness for her, and neither is it a source of differential treatment in the group.
“I’m not going to be anyone’s burden. They’re thrilled to have me on every trip, and honestly, a woman can lead just as well.”
So, whether it’s a sunny sprint or a rocky trek, Yanisa’s crew rolls on, confident that she adds both skill and spirit to the ride.
Riding is a family affair
Mick’s Moto Family Feels the Burn of the Open Road
Meet Mick, a gaming consultant by day who moonlights as the assistant director of the Harley Owners’ Group (HOG) Chiang Mai Chapter. He’s not a lone rider; his wife wheels across the countryside “almost every trip,” and even their eight‑year‑old son is often tagging along for shorter escapades.
One thing that never goes out of the loop on Mick’s adventures is his trusty Road Glide. “I’ve racked up over 40,000 km in the past two years, and I’m not slowing down,” he says with a grin.
Target: Every Province in Thailand
Mick’s ultimate goal? Visit every single province in Thailand. He wants not just to pass through, but to live the moment and explore all the intriguing spots in each place.
Bucket List Beyond Borders
- Mandala‑minded Cambodia
- Vibrant Vietnam
- Spiced‑up Malaysia
- Array of Singapore’s skyline
- Classic Americana: Route 66
“Riding is a feeling you can’t define with words alone. You need to be on the bike and feel the wind,” Mick explains. “It’s about the freedom on the open road and the connection to the surroundings. The destination matters less than the joy you gather along the way.”
Local Highlights Surpass the Exotic
Despite dreaming of far‑away destinations, Mick’s most memorable ride has actually been home‑grown. Together with HOG Chiang Mai friends, they rode a whopping 1,300 km from Chiang Mai to Lanna in a single run to attend a committee member’s father’s funeral.
“He didn’t think we’d show up,” Mick recalls. “We just arrived on the last day, and he broke into tears when he saw us.”
Riding with Purpose
Mick feels strongly that a group of riders can do more than just have fun. By bonding on the road, they aim to make a real difference in their community—and maybe the world—one adventure at a time.
How the Harley Owners Group Stole the Spotlight
Food Fight During the Pandemic
Picture this: six weeks, a crew of rev‑v‑v‑ed volunteers cooking 400 meal boxes daily—talk about mopping up a shortage!
From Floods to Fundraisers
- When the waters rose, they rolled up their sleeves and helped.
- On accident days, they were right there, offering a lifeline.
- Once a month, a charity bash turns the town into a roll‑and‑shop.
Mick’s Take on Biker Stereotypes
He knows the myths, but he’s ready to rewrite the script. “From motorbike misfits to community heroes”—that’s the mission.
Our Brass‑Buddies Keep It Real
“Harley Owners Group isn’t just about horsepower. We’re heavy on social responsibility and help train our new‑recruited riders to respect the road.”
More stories of freedom
Ride into Freedom: The HDFreedomStoriesAsia Campaign
It’s not just a marketing stunt—this is a rolling storytelling tour that captured the heartbeats of Harley‑Davidson lovers from every corner of Asia. From Korea to Indonesia, from Taiwan to Singapore, riders sparked their social feeds, sharing their fuel‑fueled adventures and the saga of what Harley truly means to them.
Who’s on the Ride?
- Korea – Every turbo‑charged tale
- Thailand – The road‑rumor whisperers
- Malaysia – The cultural bike‑tale masters
- Philippines – Island‑speed legends
- Vietnam – The pedal‑pushed poets
- Taiwan – Engine‑chanting virtuosos
- Hong Kong – Skyline speedsters
- Macau – The casino‑ride daredevils
- Singapore – The design‑driven “vroom” connoisseurs
- Indonesia – The archipelago adrenaline seekers
Featured Riders: Mick & Yanisa
When Mick and Yanisa hit the screen, it wasn’t just their stories—there was a whole truckload of personality with them. Think of a live podcast where a bike enthusiast and a road‑wandering philosopher trade jokes, share a love for the open highway, and let you feel the thrum of their hearts against the drumbeat of the street.
Why We Love Their Tales
- They frame freedom as a kind of new‑found friendship, forged on asphalt.
- Each short film is a time capsule, keeping memories alive for the next riders.
- With humor, they remind us that riding ISN’T just a hobby, it’s a way of life.
The Freedom Stories 2.0 Film Series
These movies are a treasure trove where you dive into the birth of a rider, the first time they hissed a engine, and the deeper passion that keeps them on the road. Expect heart‑warming scenes, a smidge of irony, and a sprinkle of “watch‑your‑speed‑limit” warnings.
Want to Watch?
Grab a comfy seat and click here to watch all the episodes. You’ll be laughing, crying, and maybe even craving that next ride you’ve always planned.
More About Harley‑Davidson
Curious about the specs, the lineup, or the latest releases? Check out the official Harley-D David-son Asia website—no surprises, just raw bike enthusiasm.
