Motorcycle enthusiast Francie Winteringham, of Invercargill, has entered in the Burt Munro Challenge for 10 years.
Since she entered in it every year, many of the others know her quite well and it was not much of a big deal any more.
"Most guys think it’s great because they don’t often get to see it."
Some people still give her some "funny looks" but she is used to it now.
Eight motorcycle events comprise the four-day challenge, held annually to celebrate Invercargill legend Burt Munro.
Ms Winteringham competed in the beach racing yesterday as well as the Hill Climb on Thursday, the Teretonga circuit race today and the street race to be held tomorrow.
She owned about 10 different race bikes.
For the beach championships, she took her 1972 Honda Motorsport in honour of a friend who died.
She said she loved motorcycles because of the atmosphere.
"You get a massive thrill out of it but it’s also the people that come with it."
She had made friends for life from competing in the Burt Munro Challenge.
"It’s not just about racing motorbikes, it’s the people as well."
The beach race was something she did not often get to do.
"It’s exhilarating to go as fast as you possibly can on a bit of rough ground."
New Zealand Beach Racing Championships event organiser Stephen Winteringham told the Otago Daily Times on Thursday he was happy with the numbers entered this year, up on last year.
The tide played a big part in the organisation of the event, Mr Winteringham said.
Everything had to be finished before it rose too high.
According to the MetService website, Invercargill was 19degC about 6pm.
The sea temperature at Oreti Beach was 13degC.
Strong wind picked up the sand but clear skies made Stewart Island visible from the shore.
Burt Munro Challenge event manager Claire Blau said a spectator crowd of 20,000 was expected over the weekend.
The event will conclude tomorrow with the Invercargill Street Races.
British television personality Guy Martin, who has competed in 12 Isle of Man races, also took part.
