Karoo bike rally success

THE Strawdogs Motorcycling Club celebrated its 30th anniversary in style with more than 1 000 bikers attending their rally in Graaff-reinet at the weekend.

The northern areas club was started in October 1982 and currently has 22 members in Port Elizabeth, seven in Cape Town and eight in Johannesburg – all between the ages of 20 and 50.

Club member Samantha Paige said their Johannesburg and Cape Town chapters had helped them celebrate their anniversary in style, by giving away three bikes and other prizes.

“Bikers of all ages and the town’s locals supported the rally, and the event went by very smoothly. We had an overwhelming response from the people of Graaff-reinet,” she said.

On Friday, the members were welcomed by the town’s mayor, Hannah Makhoba, who had initially invited them to the town.

“The mayor came through to the rally campsite and there was police and traffic officials to oversee the event. There was incredible support and we want to thank the patrons of the town because a town like Graaff-reinet does not always get to host an event of this magnitude,” Paige said.

The club has in the past celebrated its anniversary in towns like Hankey, Alexandria and Maitland – a tradition she said was to uplift the “lower income” communities in those towns.

“There’s an unfortunate perception that bikers are drinkers and smokers but you look at things like the annual Toy Run and you will see that bikers have very big hearts.

“The Strawdogs are a very well-known club in the biking fraternity. We promote safe biking and brotherhood among clubs,” she said.