Wyndham Street Races end challenge

Burt Munro Challenge 2009

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Tent city at Oreti Park during the Burt Munro Challenge.

GO: Andrew Stroud leads the Wydnham Street Race during the Burt Munro Challenge.

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Thousands of bikers and onlookers lined the streets of Wyndham yesterday for the final day of the Burt Munro Challenge.

The Wyndham Street Races marked the end of the four-day Burt Munro Challenge, which, like its namesake, continues to gain legendary status.

Organisers said between 8000 and 10,000 people were thought to have visited Southland, travelling from throughout New Zealand and overseas for the event.

Yesterday's races were a fitting end to what had been a successful Challenge, organiser Stephen Winteringham said.

Bikes reached speeds of more than 200kmh, and there were several spills, including Ray Flutey breaking his collarbone.

"But I think the haybales came out worse off," Mr Winteringham said.

"The weather's been a bit of a disappointment but that's what people expect from Southland and it's just another part of the Challenge," he said.

Racegoer, economist and motorbike enthusiast Gareth Morgan said the challenge's economic benefits for Southland would be lasting. "The indirect effects will be far bigger: this is becoming the biggest motorcycling event in the country and it's raising at lot of awareness about the region."

That sentiment was echoed by Invercargill businesses. Retailers spoken to by The Southland Times said they experienced a mini-boom, with the dual attraction of the Burt Munro Challenge and the Southland Santa Parade on Saturday drawing in customers.

Tuatara Bar chef Ben Bootsma said staff had been run off their feet on Saturday for the Big Bikers' Breakfast.

Cafe Addiction owner Jane Spry said she was exhausted yesterday after catering more than 1000 meals at the tent city set up at Oreti Park.

"My shift on Friday was 28 hours.

"Financially its been a great weekend  we covered all our costs and put a little bit of kitty away," she said.

The Tattoo Shop owner Deane Jones said he had a few Burt Munro competitors getting inked to mark their travels south.

Police yesterday complimented organisers and those attending the event for what was a trouble-free weekend.  

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Doug Hay   #1   12:38 am Dec 01 2009

Well done southland and visiters for a another weekend of motor sport!!! and keeping the Burt Munro story alive. We will try to cross the tasman for next years events. Cheers from Mackay Doug Hay

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