A group of keen Bannockburn motorcyclists have combined to show their area's on and off-road appeal through the inaugural Bike Week at Bannockburn.
Beginning tomorrow and running until Friday, February 3, the event is sandwiched between Hokitika's Woodstock Rally (January 27-29) and the Vincent County Rally (February 3-5) at Alexandra.
Bike Week at Bannockburn organiser Dave Moreton said the positioning would allow holidaying motorcyclists to attend three top South Island rallies in 10 days.
The idea behind extending the usual weekend-long format was to ensure participants could enjoy the four days of two, daily rides offered - one for road bikes and one for adventure bikes - on top of their trip to Bannockburn.
While he wanted to keep the ride routes a "bit of a secret", Mr Moreton did confirm one off-road outing would take riders from the Nevis Valley to Garston and back, over Duffers Saddle - the highest public road in New Zealand.
The road riders would make 300km to 400km daily forays around Central Otago.
"It is a great opportunity to enjoy the company of fellow motorcyclists and to see some of our great country. Those on adventure bikes will be able to access some spectacular back country that they would not normally be able to get to and the road rides are also absolute crackers," Mr Moreton, who runs Bannockburn-based business Central Otago Motorcycle Hire, said.
Three guest speakers will provide the evening entertainment, including Jo Morgan, who will talk about riding some of the world's dangerous and remote roads with her husband, economist and commentator Gareth Morgan.
