MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Since earlier this week you've heard it, the BRRR BRRR or even VROOMMM of the first motorbikes arriving in town for the 10th annual Buffalo Rally to be hosted in Mossel Bay.
The Nomads Motorcycle Club organisers rate Mossel Bay people 'great' and has only accolades for the reception they and all the bikers have received from locals.
Hard work by a small committee of dedicated Nomads Motorcycle Club Committee members and volunteers have paid off and thousands of motorcyclists will again visit Mossel Bay this weekend.
This year, a record number of previous attendees have registered to attend, and an estimated 5 000 visitors are expected. Perhaps the increase to R125 000 in the purse of the cash prize awarded annually will also have many more locals attend the event.
"We would like to thank the South African Police, the provincial and municipal traffic officers, and especially Mr Awie Terblanche of the municipal electrical department for the tremendous support we have been receiving. Thanks to all of Mossel Bay who have made both the organisers and bikers feel welcome in town, for their patience and tolerance in putting up with the noise and inconvenience. Thank you to all the locals and shop owners who so kindly assist bikers with directions, enquiries and the likes," says chairman of the Nomads Motorcycle Club, Mr Luderick Jacoby.
Hosting the Buff, as it is colloquially referred to, means big business for Mossel Bay. Not only do the organisers pay the Mossel Bay Municipality R80 000 for the Santos Caravan Park facilities, they are contractually required to make a R40 000 deposit into the Mayoral Fund. Over and above the returnable deposit of R25 000 the club pays for breakages, they have to supply all toilet paper, refuse bags and waste facilities.
The Nomads employ at least 24 locals as cleaners for the duration of the event. In addition, they employ 17 groundsmen and 60 security staff for at least five days at above average salaries. The club even provides portable toilets to augment the existing facilities. In addition, they provide a dedicated ambulance and paramedic service at a cost of R18 000 for the duration of the event.
Conservative estimates put the value of the Buff for the local economy at R15-million. Many of the Buff bikers prefer to stay in local guesthouses and hotels. All of the bikes need to refuel in Mossel Bay. All of the visitors shop locally and are not shy to spend copious amounts on entertainment and food.
Charity, also, benefits from Mossel Bay hosting the Buff. The local Round Table annually hosts the very well-supported beer tent free of charge and proceeds go towards the very many charitable events they sponsor. Round Table chairperson Mark Furness told the Mossel Bay Advertiser that they expect another year of great support from all the bikers. Even Mossel Bay's own beer brewers South Cape Breweries and their Glenhoff beer is well-supported by the Buff riders.
The beer tent alone is costing R60 000 for the weekend and is procured in the Southern Cape. In fact, the several vehicles the organisers use in Mossel Bay is hired locally, and many locals put up stalls for the event. The Nomads rent containers from local suppliers that remain in Mossel Bay annually.
To provide for possible load shedding, the organisers have asked stall holders to ensure that they have generators available.
The Buffalo Rally is the first ever motorcycle rally that was organised in South Africa. The very first rally took place way back in 1969, also organised by the Nomads Motorcycle Club. Since inception, the event was multiracial.
Although the rally went to towns such as Port Elizabeth, Aliwal North and Oudtshoorn, most riders prefer the locale at Mossel Bay, where for at least the next two years the event will be hosted.
Club treasurer John Lee, who has attended all the Buffs since 1969, says Mossel Bay is ranked very highly by riders who attend the rally.
Watch out for the 'eye in the sky' drone that will be taking visuals of the Buffalo Rally for the first time this year, when Jacques Mostert of Dronetech and the Mossel Bay Advertiser collaborate.
The Nomads Motorcucle Club Cape Town committee organising the annual Buffalo Rally are Wally Brandt, Luderick and Helewese Jacoby, Pietie Kotzé, John Lee, Glen Kotzé and André Heyliger.
These grade 12learners from PW College in George, have great plans for this weekend. Marco Burger (18), Lukin Fry (18) and Morney Olivier (18) are leaving at 13:00 this afternoon to take part in this year's Buffalo Rally in Mossel Bay. Although they are currently writing exams, they will enjoy a break from their books this weekend for sure!
ARTIKEL: NICKY LE ROUX, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST.
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