One of New Zealand's biggest motorcycle rallies is hoping for even more people this year, but Waimate March Hare organisers are concerned about the effect new drink-driving alcohol limits may have.
Club president Graeme Lane was hoping for about 3000 at the 29th annual rally, which starts on Friday and runs until Sunday.
Recent rallies have attracted between 1800 and 2000 people.
''Already, we are well up on pre-paids - the best we have had for three years,'' he said.
Pre-paid entries close today, but a large number still leave it until they arrive on Friday or Saturday.
The new lower alcohol limit - between 250 and 400mcg - may affect the numbers coming for the event, particularly leaving on Sunday with the police ''booze bus'' present.
''We don't know if it will have an effect - we will have to wait and see,'' Mr Lane said.
''People will have to be a lot more careful on Saturday night.''
The club has been working hard to get the Waimate Showgrounds ready, two nights a week over the past month.
There is another working bee tonight and again on Thursday to make sure all the facilities are in place, ranging from rubbish bins to portable toilets.
Organisers have a similar programme of events to previous rallies, with three bands - Easy Hearts, Top Shelf and Kudos - performing this year.
