Northern Mavericks ride in for dry run of Burt Munro

This year’s Burt Munro Challenge being called off did not stop a group of motorcyclists from the North Island heading south.

The traditional Southland event was scheduled for this weekend but it had been cancelled in October last year due to uncertainty over Covid 19.

However, the Mavericks group — made up by riders from Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga — decided to travel anyway to explore the deep South.

to achieve that, Auckland woman Iraani Vlassoff said about 20 motorcycles were flown from their home towns to Christchurch earlier this week and since then, the group had been touring the South Island.

Couple Judy and Steve Powell were excited as it would have been their first time taking part in the traditional motorcycle enthusiasts’ gathering.

Instead, they were able to enjoy the attractions in the city, including the Classic Motorcycle Mecca and a ride to Stirling Point in Bluff.

"We booked as a group, we all travel together — so when we heard the news last year, we thought: ‘Why not go anyway and make the most of the trip?" Judy said.

"We were really looking forward to it. It would be our first time — what a shame. But we still wanted to come anyway," Steve added.

He said people always spoke so fondly of the event they hoped to be able to return next year to enjoy the real Burt Munro event experience.

"We only saw the event through the internet, we want to see the thing for real."

Last year, the organisation of the event had to cancel also some of its main events like the New Zealand Hill Climb Championships at Bluff due to the weather.

luisa.girao@odt.co.nz