MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Deryck Vice (73) enjoyed his 45th Buffalo Rally last weekend. 

He has attended every single Buff since it was founded in 1969. 

The first one took place in Bathurst, near Port Alfred, in the Eastern Cape.

Vice says: "There were nine years that the Buff did not take place, because the government stopped public gatherings during the struggle years. 

"Then for two years during Covid it did not take place and also last year, it was cancelled because of the lack of support for it, after Covid." 

Vice and his wife, Alrose, rode from East London to attend the Buff. 

He rode a Yahama Super Ténéré. 

"It's too powerful for me at my age," he says with a chuckle. "It's a 1 200cc." 

Alrose (70) rides her own motorcycle, a Honda Deauville 700cc, and has attended 25 Buffalo Rallies herself.

Vice says: "I was 17 years old when I did my first Buff. It was the year I started work." 

Born and bred in East London, Vice had a 40-year career with the railways there as a diesel electrical technician, having completed studies for dual trades - mechanical and electrical. 

He retired 18 years ago. His knees are problematic, but they do not keep him from riding. 

"I've told people that the day they prevent me from riding, I will book a knee replacement operation." 

Vice and Alrose ride every weekend. 

"We are founder members of Road Runners East London Motorcyclist Club (MC), which started in 1976. 

"We ride with them and every second weekend, with the Ulysses MC East London chapter." 

About 14 Road Runners MC members came to Mossel Bay for the Buff last weekend.

The couple are founder members of their club.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’