rookie Posted February 18, 2008 Report Share Posted February 18, 2008 I'd never been to a motorcycle show before. Early last week I heard about the 5th annual Burapa Bike Week, an event held last Friday and Saturday at the Pattaya Sports Stadium. A friend said it's a fun event; I had my doubts thinking a bunch of cyclists from all over Thailand and SE Asia wouldn't mix very well. I grew up in Los Angeles, and the notorious Hell's Angels motorcycle club started there. My concerns were for naught. In the two days I attended the event I never saw any fights or trouble. It was a very peaceful and fun event! I went to the event Friday afternoon, it was held in the large park area outside of the Stadium. I heard that past Bike Weeks had thousands of visitors and at least 3,000 bike were ridden there. The majority of bikes were Harley's...vintage, new and custom bikes. A number riders were displaying their club colors, wearing leathers and related biker clothing. That afternoon the show was not yet crowded...but attendance grew as the day wore on. The ulmination of the event was Saturday night...and as I later found out....that's party time!! Sign at the entrance Lots of displays and stands for food, equipment and apparel were being set-up. Some of the early entertainment. Maybe they were stoneage or primitive bikers? The majority of bikes displayed were Harley's. A dealer displayed this new model. It only costs 1.5 million Baht! I think I'd rather spend such a sum on obtaining a condo or house!! There were many vintage Harley's on display. I think they were vintage but I don't know squat about Harleys...except they are the only bike designed which has the most efficient way to convert gasoline into noise without the adverse side effect of horsepower. ;-) Here's a vintage look-alike. Not a vintage bike...it had a belt drive, but the siren was cool. You need _long_ arms to ride this one! Bizarre. It had lights in the skull's eyes which blinked while the bike's fan cooled the engine down. There were a number of custom bikes on display. The anodyzed metal finish on this one was unusual. You can't start 'em too young! This kid was basking in the attention from onlookers. Pretty cool! There were very few off-road 'dirt-bikes' there, but this was my choice for the Best Off-Road Vehicle at the show. And only 1-HP! Maybe that's because I feel more confident riding a horse compared to my somewhat limited experience biking off-road ;-) I re-visited Bike Week Saturday mid-day. The crowds had swelled slightly. I again went back that evening...and WOW!! The parking lot at the Sports Stadium was _completely_ full of cars; I'd been to events at the Stadium before and each time the lot was only partially filled. There were two parking aisles that were blocked off. One was filled with dozens of those **#**!! cars laden with sound systems, with each vehicle trying to exceed the others dB's; the other lane had bike stunt riders displaying front and rear wheel wheelies, no hands or feet riding, and other bike acrobatics. As I entered the show area, I was overwhelmed. I would guess that there was maybe 20,000 people there and at least 7,000 or more visitor bikes parked everywhere. Sound cars..they were on both sides of the single parking aisle. Due to the loudness most of the onlookers stood slightly away from the cars. Of course, Pattaya's monster sound truck, with it's most intrusive sound system was there. Damn I hate that vehicle...only those with hearing loss might appreciate it! Entrance All pathways were jammed with attendees. It was elbow to elbow in order to get around. The many display areas were lighted There were a few small stages with muscians And the BIG stage, which was packed with party revelers And bikes were parked everywhere there was a space; there was some large areas which were virtual seas of bikes. Small camping tents dotting the area, which the event personnel and display workers used for overnights. Beer was flowing, everyone was gawking or partying... Later in the evening the effects of the beer were obvious...at the toilets, there were two lines of people 30+ deep waiting to get into their respective rest rooms. No doubt a few of them didn't get in line soon enough ;-) One doesn't need a bike to attend...just show up. It was a party night!! BURP!! And, best of all....there was no admission fee...the event is free...plus the proceeds from renting space for display stands and food & apparel venues goes to help local charities. -Rookie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTO Posted February 18, 2008 Report Share Posted February 18, 2008 EXCELLENT Post Rookie! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mekong Posted February 18, 2008 Report Share Posted February 18, 2008 :thumbup: Excellent report Rookie. I usualy stay in Pattaya for the weekend of the Burapa show and go there with a few of the Jesters, unfortunately business trips mean I was out of the Country for this years. From the pic this years looks the biggest yet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.. Posted February 20, 2008 Report Share Posted February 20, 2008 Awesome job Rookie! Thanks for doing that. An event like that *could* just get me to Patters... Cheers, SD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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