"I had had my bike for about a month at that stage and though 'oh, what an adventure'."
That nutcase adventure was the Brass Monkey Motor Cycle Rally, which has since seen thousands of motorcyclists descend on the Idaburn Dam in Oturehua every Queen's Birthday weekend for the past 31 years.
Mr George is one of about 15 hardy riders who have survived the trip every year.
"It's a very gentle group, a whole lot of rough diamonds there and from the outside looking in, it does look rough - there's Harley-Davidsons, leather and booze ... but they are all friendly."
He said quite a few children had also attended over the years, including his own, and for some, it was a real family event with up to three generations attending.
Though big bikes such as the Harleys are common sights at the rally, Mr George said any bike with a motor was allowed.
He himself rides an old XS 400 Yamaha, which he describes as "a mediocre bike for a mediocre rider".
He said he had seen some "oddball" interpretations of motorcycles ride in over the years, from motorised unicycles to "massive trikes".
About seven years ago, just after the release of a Harry Potter book, a group of people transformed an old bicycle with a moped motor into a broomstick, which they named "Witchypoo 25".
Mr George's daughter Hannah, then 12, attached a witch's hat to her helmet, donned a witch-like dress, rode around the camp and won the best-dressed award for that year.
There are often frosts and sometimes snow in Oturehua at this time of year - cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey, hence the name.
However, Mr George said that only added to the fun and also weeded out those who were not true enthusiasts.
"It means that the people there are the true enthusiasts or those truly dedicated to having an adventure."
Over the years, Mr George has moved into an organisational role, helping to run the weekend.
He said the thing that kept bringing him back was "just the joy of doing something unique, community-oriented and fun".
Another organiser, Ken Gillespie, who also owns the land the bikers camp on, said on site preparations were coming together.
He had been working on a bonfire containing "half a forest" of trees.
He said the Oturehua Winter Sports Club was well on top of catering arrangements and the band and fireworks display had been booked for Saturday night.
Central Otago sub area commander Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk said the event had always been well organised and police had had contact with the organisers.
However, he warned there would be a significant police presence on the roads this long weekend.
