Riders from across the country are making their annual pilgrimage to this weekend's Central Otago's Brass Monkey Rally.
The 39th rally will roar into gear tomorrow, filling roads around the Idaburn Dam near Oturehua with hundreds of motorcycles.
Between 1500 and 2000 motorbike enthusiasts are expected to join in the celebrations, which include a bonfire and live music.
Balclutha motorcyclist Glenn Davidson has been eight times.
"It will be cold, you know that, but the weather there is unique.
"Over the years I have seen 30cm of snow on the ground, winds that would knock you down, hot days up to 22 degrees - or like last year it was a biting -14degC ... It's a great excuse to get out during the winter months and go for a ride with your mates,'' he said.
"It is the ride as much as anything. We have to keep supporting events like this, otherwise they get shut down through no support.
Mr Davidson will be riding to the Brass Monkey aboard his Kawasaki ZX1400 but this year he will be going for a day trip rather than bedding down on the frozen ground overnight.
"I have some mates who head up there on the Friday and stay for a couple of nights but that can get too cold.
"You know it's going to be cold so you prepare for it.
"You are going to catch up with mates, meet new friends and generally have a good time riding there and back - it's an adventure.''
