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.
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.
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.
RESULTS
Fastest up the hill was Seth Devereaux, of Tapanui, in a time of 42.85 seconds. That was in the open 601cc and above category.
Next fastest was Richie Dibbe, of Wanganui, on a Suzuki GSX-R 600 the open category for bikes up to 600cc with a speed of 44.59 seconds.
For the fans of classic bikes, Bruce Aitken from Warkworth on his 1962 Triton won with a time of 52.42 seconds in the pre-1962 category, while Christchurch rider Vince Burrell on his 1972 Moto Guzzi V Sport 998 won the Post Classic Pre-1972 category in a time of 50.72 seconds.
Chris McMeeken from Invercargill won the the Post Classic Pre-1982 category in a time of 49.03 on his Suzuki GS 1000.
The Post Classic Pre-1989 category was won by another Invercargill rider, Jon Rawcliffe, on his 1989 Yamaha FZR 1000.
Ian Newman from Gisborne won the ATV Quad category with a time of 49.82 seconds.
