Strawdogs is back!

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - On Friday 29 April the Strawdogs thundered into Graaff-Reinet for the first time since the rally has been halted by the Covid-19 lockdown and, once again, they certainly did not disappoint as far as entertainment is concerned.

On Saturday morning they had a very impressive mass ride through town and all the suburbs, and the drags and wheelies kicked off in the afternoon at the entrance to the Graaff-Reinet Airfield.

This was followed by festivities at the Urquhart Caravan Park that continued until the early hours of Sunday morning. "This year's rally allowed everyone to just relax a bit and forget about Covid for a while," says Larry Oliver, President of the Strawdogs.

Oliver is aware of the fact that some residents dreaded their return, primarily based on safety concerns, but emphasises that strict safety measures were in place. "The Strawdogs were very disciplined and not a single accident was reported." He added that Covid protocols were also adhered to at all times.

Oliver explains that one of the objectives of the rally is to boost the local economy and contribute to charitable organisations in the community. This year they invited kids from the Sonstraal Educare Centre to join them at the campsite.

They treated the kids to refreshments and also made an effort to collect donations for the centre. The Sonstraal Educare Centre was located in Santaville, Graaff-Reinet, but sadly the entire establishment was destroyed in a fire on 23 January last year.

At present, Sonstraal is temporarily based at the Pinkster Protestante Kerk whilst the principal and staff are attempting to raise funds to rebuild the centre.

According to Oliver, they had every intention of making a substantial donation towards rebuilding the centre but unfortunately, this had to be postponed as they had to spend around R25 000 to transport generators from Port Elizabeth to the Urquhart Park after the municipality cut the electricity on Thursday, one day before the start of the rally.

Oliver expressed his disappointment at how they were treated by the municipality from the onset. "Despite several attempts to discuss the rally and obtain the necessary permission, communication from the municipality's side was non-existent. We even drove to Graaff-Reinet several times to meet with the council but they were never available" he says. "I am not sure how they manage to run the town without ever being present…"

Oliver adds that this delay in the process of obtaining the necessary permission adversely impacted their marketing and organising. What he finds the most disturbing is that it appears as if the municipality used the Strawdogs as a political pawn.

"If they have a problem with the person who is in charge of the Urquhart Park they need to address it with that person without involving guests. Cutting the electricity at the venue after permission for the rally was granted and an agreement was reached is simply unacceptable."

He also mentions that they were taken aback by the condition of the facilities at the Urquhart Park after they were assured that everything is in order for their visit.

Despite these challenges, Oliver believes that the rally was a huge success. "To be the best you have to be able to handle the worst and we certainly managed to do just that."

Oliver extends his gratitude to the municipality for hosting the rally in Graaff-Reinet, the biker-friendly guesthouses that offered accommodation to the Strawdogs, the local businesses and the Graaff-Reinet community.

An enquiry was sent to the municipality and the answer will be published as soon as it is received.