Organiser Phil Scorringe, of Bikers Rights Organisation New Zealand, said in over 30 years of managing the event, he had not seen weather like it.
[We have] never had hail here before — but it was short, sharp and sweet."
The motorcycle rally, held for the 39th time, continues today and 700 attendees were expected.
[We get] variety of bikes and variety of walks of life — we have everything from gardeners to policemen", Mr Scorringe said.
People attended the rally to catch up with people they might not have seen since the previous year’s rally — with some coming from as far as Whangārei.
He said many riders would travel on to the Burt Munro Challenge next week.
Proceeds from the event will support the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter and Heart Kids New Zealand.
We run this event purely to help our charities", Mr Scorringe said.
He thanked the event’s sponsors, whose support meant money could be donated and not swallowed up in operation costs.
Attendees Arran and Tracy Mason, of Dunedin, had been coming to the rally since 2006.
Mrs Mason said they had met many close friends through rallies.
The couple had come to the Vincent County Rally for the friends, companionship and motorbikes", Mr Mason said.
ruby.shaw@odt.co.nz , Cadet reporter
