How did you get involved in your first Brass Monkey and what was that one like, compared with nowadays?
I became involved in the very first Brass Monkey Rally as I was working in a Dunedin motorcycle shop and spotted the advertising poster. I had heard stories of fun times had at the Cold Kiwi Rally held at Waiouru in the North Island and thought the local version would be worth a look. There were about 300 people there and these days, depending on the weather, there's's about 1600 or 1700.
What's the main attraction of the event and do you go along for the same reasons you went 35 years ago?
Besides testing your mettle in one of the coldest places in New Zealand, the main attraction is having a knees-up with hundreds of fellow enthusiasts. It's like a meeting of the clan with like-minded motorcyclists, all there for a good time, much as it was 35 years ago.
What's the craziest or most entertaining thing you've witnessed at a Brass Monkey?
Craziness is inherent in motorcyclists and seeing a motorised unicycle arrive at the rally or watching a stunt rider leap from his bike just metres before the bike flew up a ramp and landed in the bonfire are just some of the things I have seen.
Tell us about the weather - are rally-goers disappointed if the temperature doesn't dip below zero? Tell us about your coldest rally.
Any temperatures above zero are considered tepid and will disappoint those at the rally. The coldest was probably about 10 years ago, when it was minus 20-something and our beer froze solid in the cans.
Should non-petrolheads steer clear - what would they find to interest them if they visited?
Non-petrolheads still enjoy the carnival atmosphere with musos entertaining during the day and a band blasting out the sound at night in front of a huge bonfire.
Is there a ''rally retirement age''? At a certain age do you graduate to a nearly motel bed instead of camping out at Oturehua?
While some of the senior rally-goers prefer to slope off to heated accommodation, we have had hardy enthusiasts well into their 80s stay over for the night.
A few pointers for first-timers?
Take plenty of warm clothing. Gloves and hat a must, but feel free to sort out those longjohns - the rally is no fashion parade so it's best to be warm.
What do you need to pack if you're going to the Brass Monkey?
Take a good sleeping bag and bedroll or air mattress to keep it off the ground. I have had to shovel 150mm of snow off the ground before today. A good torch is handy, especially when you are repegging your tent in near gale-force winds in the middle of the night.
What are some no-nos?
Save your drinking for when you arrive at the rally site. Checkpoints are a given! Remember the no-glass rule and for those that only feel comfortable partaking in a hotel, the local tavern usually runs a courtesy van. Don't burden yourself with a lot of food and cooking gear. The local sports club runs a superb hot food dispensary, while the motorcycle club provides hot soup and apples for new arrivals.
Any other tips?
Enjoy yourself as you immerse yourself in a sea of motorcycles and other enthusiasts. A good way to mix is visit other groups at the smaller drum fires scattered around the rally site. Ride safely and hope to see you at this and future Brass Monkey Rallies.
