A motorcyclist believed to be on his way to Bannockburn Bike Week died after colliding with a car at Bannockburn on Monday night.
Paul Kidd (46), of Karamea, suffered critical injuries in the crash and was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital by helicopter that night but died on the way, Detective Dean Schroder said.
Bike Week organiser Dave Moreton said yesterday Mr Kidd had registered for the event, which began on Saturday, ''but we hadn't met him yet.
He was travelling solo and we believe he was on his way when the crash happened''.
''It was ironic that at the same time as the accident, we were listening to a speaker from the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council ... and some people at the evening could hear the sirens [of the emergency services travelling to the crash].''
Any fatality involving a motorcyclist was a tragedy, Mr Moreton said.
About 80 motorcyclists are attending the third annual bike week.
A minute's silence was observed at the morning briefing before yesterday's activities.
Det Schroder said the crash happened about 6.15pm on Cairnmuir Rd, near the intersection with Bannockburn Rd.
The car was travelling towards Cromwell and the motorcyclist was riding in the opposite direction.
The male car driver was the sole occupant and was uninjured.
The cause of the crash was being investigated. A member of the serious crash unit inspected the site yesterday.
