GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — It's once again time for the annual Strawdogs biker rally in Graaff-Reinet, to be held over the long weekend of 27 to 29 April.
By now most people in Graaff Reinet know of the Strawdogs Motorcycle Club, and while some residents dread the noise to come, most have fond memories of the big bikes and the stunts performed in the town over the last few years.
"After the huge success of last year's rally and all the positive reviews published by rallygoers, we are expecting a mass of bikers to attend this year," said Larry Oliver, organiser and Club President.
It is expected that most will be staying at Urquart Caravan Park.
There will be stalls and live entertainment, as well as a Ms Strawdogs competition and of course the various motorcycle stunts and tricks as well as a concourse for the best bike on the day.
The club has advertised the event as having "freedom of the town" between 07:00 and 19:00 on Saturday, but unlike many clubs, the leadership of Strawdogs strongly encourages members to ride with helmets on at all times, despite any so-called "amnesty".
The safety of their members is considered to be of utmost importance.
The club was founded in Port Elizabeth in 1982 by a group of friends, and offshoots have sprung up in other centres, with members in the Cape Town Chapter and in Johannesburg.
It has become a very much family-oriented club, with wives and children involved in many of their fundraisers and rallies.
The club is not just about the members having fun - they also give back to the community.
About a month after last year's rally, 12 members of the Strawdogs returned to Graaff-Reinet for the weekend with the promised donations to charity.
The beneficiaries were nominated by a local church, and one hundred food parcels were handed over by the members of the motorcycle club.
They also brought with them three vans full of donated clothing and shoes, which were handed over to those in need.
Club President Larry Oliver is confident that, with even more participants expected this year, the donations will be even more generous.
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