29th Brass Monkey not as cold as forecast

Graeme Borley (left) and Murray Beer, of Alexandra, arrive at their 25th Brass Monkey Rally in...
Graeme Borley (left) and Murray Beer, of Alexandra, arrive at their 25th Brass Monkey Rally in Oturehua on Saturday, with Graeme's Vespa. Photo by Rosie Manins.
All manner of motorbikes and alternative modes of transport were ridden out to the 29th annual Brass Monkey Rally at Oturehua on Saturday.

From classic Harley-Davidsons, BMW, off-road, and double-seater bikes, to a $30,000 demo 2009 Can-am Spider from America, it was biker heaven to the more than 1500 people attending.

Property owner Ken Gillespie said this year's event boasted a "tremendous" variety of bikes, owned by about 1550 enthusiasts who attended the rally.

Despite a forecast for snow, Mr Gillespie said Saturday night was clear, although the wind was biting.

Yesterday morning, the riders had to endure some blustery showers, but nothing to prevent rallyists from enjoying their time in the wide open Ida Valley.

While Christchurch couple Edina and Rick Criddle braced themselves for their first night at the Brass Monkey, regular attendee Dave Niles, of Temuka, joked that the mild weather was "warm enough to sunbathe in".

Alexandra motorcyclists Graeme Borley and Murray Beer marked their 25th Brass Monkey with Graeme's 1964 Vespa taking centre stage.

Ian Prime, of Christchurch, turned heads when he rode a $30,000 demo 2009 Can-am Spyder from the United States into the rally.

Mr Prime said he had had the trike for just seven days before taking it to its first rally at Oturehua.

Also attracting attention was Ian Clarke, of Rolleston, who came on his model 1935 Morgan Supersports three-wheeler.

Mr Clarke said he finished building the "cycle-car" in 2003 for the Harley centennial, when he took it to the US.

It had done nearly 50,000km since, he said.

In a different mode of transport was Alexandra resident Joseph Lloyd, who drove his home-built four-wheeler "odyssey" buggy to Oturehua, despite breaking an axle halfway.

Mr Lloyd said the 550cc Yamaha-engined buggy, which resembled a roll cage on wheels, would get him back to Alexandra on one driving wheel, "no problem".

Attendees enjoyed viewing others' mounts and were treated to a freestyle motocross jumping show, put on by Koarse riders from Dunedin and Invercargill.

Live entertainment, a massive bonfire, scenic helicopter rides and hearty tucker kept the rally going despite the chilly wind.

rosie.manins@odt.co.nz

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