Rain no match for first day of Burt Munro

Invercargill's streets have come alive once again with the hum of bikes for the Burt Munro Challenge.

After being cancelled last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the region's most popular events was back on track with Southland Honda Track Day yesterday kicking off the five-day festival.

And even the — very — wet weather in the region did not dampen the spirits of motorbike riders. Great South event manager Karen Whitham joked the rain in Southland was kind of a tradition for the event.

Brothers Frank and Lewis Wylie from Arrowtown and Oamaru, take part in the Burt Munro Challenge. PHOTOS: LUISA GIRAO

"We are welcoming everybody to the Burt Munro Challenge and the first thing that people actually need to do is harden up like a Southlander," she laughed.

Despite the circumstances, Southland Honda manager Jeremy Holmes was pleased with the turnout of about 80 entries for the track day.

The event was a chance for the public or motorcycle riders to have a go on the race track without needing to race, he said.

Invercargill woman Penny Muller gets ready to take part in an event.

Invercargill woman Penny Muller was among the group of people who were taking part in the track day for the first time.

She had attended the events as a spectator for years but for the first time decided to live the experience.

"I was really nervous, but after the first laps it was OK. It is quite fun to take part actually and be among the riders."

Brothers Frank and Lewis Wylie from Arrowtown and Oamaru, have been meeting every year in Invercargill for the last decade to take part..

Taking some shelter are (from left) Alex Froc, of Rakaia, Nic Suit and Jordan McAuliffe, both from Waimate.

The tradition started because their Invercargill born father was passionate about bikes.

"It has become a kind of family tradition. Every year we meet here to enjoy the event," Frank said.

About 10,000 people were expected during the week, with 7500 of them from outside Southland.

Alex Froc from Rakaia and Nic Suit and Jordan McAuliffe, both from Waimate, came to this year’s event after watching the movie The World's Fastest Indian about Burt Munro.