Inaugural 'Summer-Rage' a success

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 675, 25 February 1997, Page 7

Inaugural 'Summer-Rage' a success

BY

ANNE

MCELWAIN

Over 450 people from as far afield as Wellington, Kawerau, Napier and Whakatane travelled to the Inaugural Mid-Summer Rage in Waiouru last weekend. "It was absolutely brilliant," saidco-ordinatorMrBobby Vine. "There were a lot of top comments from visitors that they'll be back next year!" Levin band, Roadhouse Rebels, kicked off the weekend' s entertainment on Friday night and the action continued with Saturday morning's bike rally to the Turoa Skifield. Leather goods were available for sale and the tattoeist, Mr Ron Mahon, had a steady flow of customers. Bike events dominated the afternoon with the more challenging being the slow bike event and the 'wienie snatch' with prizes being awarded in each event. The judges of the tattoo competition were hard pressed to choose the best entrant in each of eight categories, ranging from back, leg, arm and front to a "special" grouping. Tattooists themselves, they were very impressed

with the range of tattooing according to Mr Vine. Prizes ranged from trophies, petrol vouchers and alcohol to a $100 cash prize in the wet T-shirt competition. Saturday evening entertainment was shared between two bands, 'FM Wairarapa' and 'Stone Babies' of Gisbourne. With a huge bonfire for atmosphere and the wet T-shirt competition saved until the bands changeover, the night was guaranteed to be a success. A wide range of clubs were represented including members from the Tuggers Road Riders and the Ulysses Club. The latter club's motto of "Grow Old Disgracefully" underlies the club's criteria for membership - you must own a bike and be forty or over to join ! Members had to admit to both for selection. The variety of bikes was also outstanding with the big bikes ranging from Honda's Gold Wing to the Harley Davidson Fat Boys and Big Blocks. There were even a few 250cc "yappers" as Mr Vine described some of the smaller bikes.