20,000 rev up Silverlake Vineyard for Burapa Bike Week

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A change in venue revved up the annual Burapa Bike Week, with 20,000 motoring enthusiasts taking over the Silverlake Vineyard for two-days of cycle and custom-car exhibitions.

Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome closed the Feb. 15-16 event with top area political, police and tourism officials attending.

The two-day “week” featured a ride for peace through the streets of Jomtien Beach and Pattaya. The Riders for Peace project aims to raise awareness about the importance of wearing helmets and promoting peace, unity and friendship among Thai and foreign bikers.

The sign says it all.The sign says it all.

Festivities continued with a parade of cars, an extreme-sports competition, KR Stunt Thai Championship, a Miss Chopper pageant, booths selling motorcycle and car accessories, and a paramotorcycle exhibition. Bands from Thailand and Scandinavia entertained festival goers.

Prasan Nikaji, president of Big Bike Burapa, said enthusiasts from three continents attended, including bike groups, classic cars clubs, youth groups and tattoo artists.

This year’s event was the first to be held at Silverlake, after moving from the smaller Eastern Indoor Sports Stadium on Soi Chaiyapruek.

Minister of Culture Sonthaya Kunplome presides over the opening ceremony.Minister of Culture Sonthaya Kunplome presides over the opening ceremony.

A beautiful model poses on a retro bike.A beautiful model poses on a retro bike.

A few of the big choppers that made it to Burapha Bike Week 2013.A few of the big choppers that made it to Burapha Bike Week 2013.