No spills in Munro Challenge hill climb

FLAGSTAFF Rd on the Bluff was packed with bikers, motorcyclists and motorcycling enthusiasts as the hill climb race of the Burt Munro Challenge was held yesterday.

There were very few corners or spaces not covered by enthusiasts watching a whole array of motorcycles compete to be the best in their category up the 1.4km course.

The oldest bike that raced up the hill was a 1946 Norton ES2, ridden by Byron Clothier.

However, it was not all about winning according to Nigel Lennox, who raced up the hill on his bright pink 1989 Kawasaki ZXR 400.

‘‘It’s just fun, that’s all it is. We go back [home] with a smile and hopefully in one piece.’’

While there was rubber being burnt and some riders may have had a momentary lapse of concentration, there were no spills or crashes.

Over the loudspeaker system it was reported that only two spectators had been treated by paramedics for minor ailments, one of which happened when a person injured themselves as they slipped down a bank.

There were seven categories of motorcycles racing, from the classics to the latest, as well as the quad bikes.

Stalls at the base of the hill did a brisk business providing food and refreshments.

During the course of the day the sun stayed out and the notorious wind stayed away.

All that was to be heard was the roar of motorcycles consecutively making their way up Flagstaff Road at top speed.

Fastest up the hill was Seth Devereaux, of Tapanui, in a time of 42.85sec.

PHOTOS: GIORDANO STOLLEY Getting ready . . . Contestants in the hill climb segment of the Burt Munro Challenge prepare for a test lap up the 1.4km course, before the races start.

Fast as she goes . . . Kevin Ryan, of Greymouth, accelerates his 1966 Triumph MLC 800 up the hill in the Burt Munro Challenge’s hill climb on the Bluff.