Jack Frost smiles on rally

A few hard frosts were just what the doctor ordered for the 31st Brass Monkey motorcycle rally at Oturehua this weekend.

Motorbike enthusiasts are making a beeline for the rally site next to the Idaburn dam. About 150 were camped there last night, although the event officially gets under way today.

"It's been freezing all flaming day, but then, that's what they say they want, so they'll be happy," property owner Ken Gillespie said.

Early registrations for the event, organised by the Otago Motor Cycle Club, were down on last year's figure but often numbers dropped after an anniversary rally, former organising committee chairman Stan Hansen said.

"For the 30th one last year we had about 2000 riders but we wouldn't really expect that many this time ... Mind you, by the way they've been coming through the gate a day early, who knows?

"Riders were hoping for a clear, sunny day today so the bulk of the rally-goers could travel to Oturehua in sunshine.

Fires burning in drums will keep campers warm and a bonfire will be the focal point for socialising and the prizegiving tonight. Prizes are on offer for the best modern bike, the best classic bike, the "Concourse D'dung Heap", the rider who has travelled the furthest and the best hard-luck story.

The Oturehua Winter Sports Club has the catering under control and uses the event to raise funds for community projects. Funds are also being gathered for the Canterbury earthquake appeal.

Constable Terry Saunders, from the Central Otago Highway Patrol, said with the increased traffic on the roads this weekend, motorists should watch out for motorcyclists.

"I would like to encourage all motorists to keep a lookout, particularly at intersections. The old adage: "Look, look and look again."

- lynda.van.kempen@odt.co.nz

 

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