Getting their motors running, 30 years on

Members of the Chatto Creek Motorcycle Club gather in Chatto Creek on Saturday for their 30-year...
Members of the Chatto Creek Motorcycle Club gather in Chatto Creek on Saturday for their 30-year reunion. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Dozens of "bikies" gathered in Chatto Creek near Alexandra for the 30-year anniversary of the Chatto Creek Motorcycle Club on Saturday.

What began as a humble meeting of five like-minded enthusiasts three decades ago has developed into a long-running Central Otago motorcycle clique of 120 members.

About 60 past and present members of the club enjoyed speeches, a buffet dinner and some socialising at their old Chatto Creek stomping ground.

Earlier in the day, some chose to get on their bike after the formalities of group photos.

Enjoying commemorations were a handful of founding members, including Brian Davidson and Dean Welsh.

They were part of initial meetings in 1989 when the club started. Then, Mr Davidson owned a 1978 BMW and Mr Welsh a Suzuki 500.

"We approached the [Chatto Creek Tavern] publican at the time if we could have our clubrooms here," Mr Davidson said.

The club steadily grew as members bonded over rally meetings and the latest motorbike innovations.

Mr Welsh remembers the beginnings as "great fun and great days".

"A lot of the high points on the bike, you will remember those times for the rest of your life."

The club has not been without tragedy - former club president Donald Anderson and founding member and president Andy Sibbald were killed in accidents in 1995 and 1999 respectively.

The club always prided itself on its inclusiveness and the club door was open to riders of all bikes, Mr Davidson said.

"We never stipulated that you had to ride a certain bike or certain type. If you rode a Harley or a scooter, it didn't matter."

Mr Davidson said he was proud so many people were still working hard to keep the club going.

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