GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — By now most people in Graaff-Reinet know of the Strawdogs Motorcycle Club, and many will have great memories of the big bikes and the stunts performed in the town over the last few years.
The club was founded in Port Elizabeth in 1982 by a group of friends and currently, boasts 31 PE members. Offshoots have sprung up in other centres, with twelve members in the Cape Town Chapter and eight in Johannesburg. It has become a very much family-oriented club, with wives and children involved in many of their fundraisers and rallies.
Last year was the final year of the group’s original five- year contract to hold the rally in Graaff-Reinet, but the rally supporters decided that they would like to come back for the sixth year. “They just love the ride, the town, the campsite, and the people of Graaff-Reinet, Urquhart,” said Larry Oliver, President of the club.” This town, according to the participants, is "the most biker friendly town in South Africa".
Strawdogs’ 35th anniversary will be held in Graaff-Reinet on the weekend of the 28th - 30th April 2017 Urquhart 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. Due to the lack of suitable facilities, it seems unlikely that there will be any drag racing.
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 organisers expect between 1500 and 2000 bikers at this year's event. They believe that the rally benefits the businesses and the community over the weekend of the rally, and gives local people temporary employment over the weekend.
The club always strives to help underprivileged communities, and this year will be no different. A charity of their choice will receive a donation from Strawdogs , with the amount to be confirmed during the weekend of the rally.
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