BEAR's Racing. New Zealand

Some pics from the recent BEAR's (British, European, American racing) Sound of Thunder meeting (30th Celebration of BEAR's) held annually on the last weekend of February at Ruapuna race Park, near Christchurch NZ. With in excess of 130 rider entries the meeting was going to be a lot of fun, the weather outlook being excellent. Unoffical practice started at 10.00am on Friday 22nd and continued all day, many taking this opportunity to familiarise themselves with Ruapuna again. Sign-in & Racebike Tech checks commencing at 3pm to officially kick off the weekends racing. BBQ & Clubrooms open at 5.30pm

Saturday 8am start at the track sees the pits fulling up, people everywhere, bikes being given the once over, motors being revved as motors warmed up. Riders brief at 9.30am, official practice due to start 10am, with the 1st round of racing scheduled for 1pm. BBQ & Clubrooms open at 5.30pm

Sunday racing starts with Riders Brief, a Tyre Scrub session then into the race programe 0f 23 races to get through before the socialising can begin, followed by a meal put on by the Chch Bears Club, prize giving and more socialising to late. Although 'Kamping strickly Forbotton', most racers & teams have set up their camp in the Pit area and reside here for the whole weekend, dragging themselves out of bed Monday morning for a pack-up & drive home. Their week-ends security duty completed.

The Bears 'Sound of Thunder' meeting runs a mix of Classes: Formula (1 & 2), Superstock (Open & Ltd.), Origin (MotoEuro, Best of British, American), Liteweights (>400's, > 600's), & Heritage classes. Catering for the new state of the art BMW's, Aprilia, Ducati, Triumph, KTMs, Buell's to the old school Nortons, Indian's Matchless, AJS, Triumph's, BSA, Aramachi, Ducati, BMW, Husquvana...... with some of the riders reflecting the age of their machines. It is surprising how fast some of these pre 1978 post classic machine can go, with the sound of old singles, twins & triples making it well worth the weekend spent with these these well timed travelled friends (bikes & people).

The Bear's Club is reknown for their friendly relaxed attitude to racing, until they get onto the track. Riders willing help other riders out to make sure they can race against them in the next race. No 'Bragging Rights' unless you beat them on the track. International race teams from the UK, USA & Australia have joined the Bear's celebration over the past 30 years, with many lifelong friendships being made. John Britten was one of our foundation members, motivated by his Bear's friends and these surroundings, developing and testing the stunning Britten V1000 at Ruapuna and racing the New Zealand National Points Series

For the Bear's Club Organisers, the Track Marshals & Race Officials it is a full on job operating and keeping this annual meeting running smooth, it is a huge undertaking from this bunch of volunteers who continue do this annually. The 2013 Bear's Winter Series is due to start with Round 1 Sunday May 12th. Full track, Ruapuna. This is a 6 round Bear's series including Pre 1982 Post Classics (all makes) and Bucket racing (upto 150cc)

If you are looking at touring New Zealand and interested in motorcycle hire or a guided tour you can contact me at info@garners.co.nz www.garners.co.nz