Singer Burin Boonvisut might be known for hitting the stage, but lately he's been pounding the pedals.
The Life Cycling Club led by president Patee Sarasin, sixth left, and executive director Krissanayoth Buranasamrit, second right, is organising the ‘Singha Presents Bangkok Life Cycling 2013@The Emporium’ from Friday to March 7.
After a year of cycling his health has improved immensely.
"I have my health check-up annually, and the results have never been better," Burin said. "Even my doctor was surprised to see that everything _ my blood pressure, cholesterol level, sugar level and overall health _ is at its best. Now my doctor is also a bike lover."
Burin's bike will be among those owned by celebrities going on display under the "Singha Presents Bangkok Life Cycling 2013 @ The Emporium" event from Friday to March 7.
The event, organised by Life Cycling Club, Singha Corporation and The Emporium shopping complex, aims to encourage people to become healthier through exercise and promote cycling for environmental purposes.
The event will gather bike enthusiasts, who will share their experiences, and showcase a collection of bicycles, including limited edition machines belonging to collectors and celebrities such as Burin's LOOK 695 Mondrian. There will be concerts and stunt shows.
Life Cycling Club executive director Krissanayoth Buranasamrit said biking connects people.
"At work, people feel intimidated by me and would not talk to me as friends, but when I am biking, sometimes a total stranger would give me advice without caring who I am or what my job title is. It's a very genuine community."
Club president Patee Sarasin said cycling is a healthy lifestyle choice, and he had also formed great friendship with other bike lovers.
"These bikers don't just bike leisurely _ they bike with passion. Sometimes they go as fast as 50km/h, and that's definitely faster than a Ferrari stuck in traffic. I hope more people will turn to bicycles to save the environment, and my club wants to be an example. We have so much voice and I want it to be heard by the government."
The week-long event will feature daily concerts performed by bands whose members are bike lovers. The line-up includes Patee & PT the Project, Tae Bhurit, Krungthep Marathon, Knock the Knock, Tue's Day, Apartment Khunpa and La Ong Fong. Bike stunt shows will be performed daily at 5pm and 6pm, while a "Miss Cycling" competition will be held and fashion shows will present cycling apparel.
"Singha Presents Bangkok Life Cycling 2013 @ The Emporium" will take place at Emporium Parc in front of The Emporium shopping complex, with the official launch on Friday at 3pm at the first floor Fashion Hall.
The organisers will also donate 200 bicycles so students in the rural areas can commute to school. The event is sponsored by Muang Thai Life Insurance, M Sport, Toyota Prius, Daikin, Inspire, Siam Sport and Bangkok Post.