Bikers braced for bitter cold rally
‘‘We actually have proper Brass Monkey weather.’’ Organiser John Willems
About 1200 motorcyclists are expected to brave sub-zero temperatures for the 38th Brass Monkey Motorcycle Rally at the weekend.
The annual rally, hosted by the Otago Motorcycle Club, will be held today and tomorrow in a paddock near Idaburn Dam, Oturehua, in Central Otago.
Speaking from Middlemarch yesterday, organiser John Willems said the temperature was -5 degrees Celsius at noon.
MetService meteorologist Kyle Lee said it was likely to warm up a little over the coming days but warned rally participants to expect cold nights all weekend. ‘‘It’s going to be pretty cold in that area,’’ Lee said. ‘‘Because the winds are generally lighter in that region, it shouldn’t feel any colder than -4C.’’
He said overnight temperatures would range from -1C to -4C.
The rally will be the 10th Timaru’s Shanan Foden has attended and he is planning to take the traditional route along State Highway 1 and turn off at Ranfurly to get to the rally.
Foden said it was a good rally, which was why he kept going back to brave the cold temperatures. ‘‘The old man got me into bikes and still goes to the rally as well. He’s been going for quite a few years – since before I was born anyway. ‘‘I do it for a bit of a laugh.’’ Willems said people generally come from all over New Zealand for the event, and he is hoping to get a few from overseas this year as well.
He said 500 tickets had already been sold, which is the highest number of prebooked tickets sold for the event.
‘‘We’re expecting at least 1200 people. It’s amazing weather here. We actually have proper brass monkey weather. It’s a challenge for people. There’s rallies in Europe that people do in the snow.’’
Mid-South Canterbury police area commander Inspector Dave Gaskin urged motorists to be aware of the motorcyclists expected to make their way through South Canterbury en route to the rally.
‘‘Motorbikes are sometimes difficult to see, so make sure you have clean windscreens when driving. Make sure the roads are clear and make sure you’re checking twice or three times.’’
Bikers will be entertained by a large fireworks display at the event, and a band that will play until the early hours, Willems said.
This year’s proceeds, like last year’s, will go to Youthline.