‘Not trapped’ the lure
IT started with a failed mission for ice cream for a teenage Phil ‘‘Scooter’’ Scorringe, but years later motorbikes are an obsession for the Dunedin man.
The Bikers Rights Organisation New Zealand Otago president has organised about 25 Vincent County Rallies, of which the 33rd event began yesterday in a Galloway paddock.
Mr Scorringe said part of his love for bikes came from the smell of grass and feel of the breeze while riding.
‘‘You’re not trapped in a car having to turn the stereo up because the kids are screaming.’’
He remembers his first ride on a trail bike when he was about 15.
‘‘I said to Mum and Dad ‘I’m going to get ice cream in Waihola’, not really knowing how far away that was on a trail bike from Dunedin.’’
He did not make it the whole way, he said.
His whole family had been involved in the event at various times, and his son Hayden had had success within New Zealand in motorbike racing.
He was more of a casual racer but had driven ‘‘many thousands of kilometres’’ on his four bikes, Mr Scorringe said.
The twoday event was a gathering for motorcycle lovers, many of whom were return visitors, he said.
‘‘Six people have been to all 33. For a lot of them, they’ll only see certain friends every 12 months.’’
Organisers expected any where between 300 and 800 people for the first night and 1300 to 1500 for the main day today.
There will be bands and mini-events and many attendees will camp there until Monday morning.
There was never any trouble at the rallies, he said.
‘‘We’ve got good security and it’s a good group of people. It’s quite mellow.’’
The first event was held at the Frasers Domain near Clyde in 1985, and attended by about 30 motorcyclists.
jono.edwards@odt.co.nz