Buffalo Rally smashes records
As organisers crunch the numbers, it’s clear that the 37th Buffalo Rally was one of the best ever – which bodes well for its future in Mossel Bay.
The Rally took place on the Human Rights Day weekend (21 – 23 March), and, said organiser and Nomads Motorcycle Club chairman Luderick Jacoby, attendance was up by about 7.5% on 2013.
“This is exciting because numbers are declining at many rallies around the country,” he said.
“We think the Buff has been doing well over the past few years for a number of reasons – especially because of the support we get from the Municipality of Mossel Bay, and because Mossel Bay is a great destination for an event like ours.”
Despite sensationalised – and erroneous – headlines published by some media outlets, all indicators point to a return to Mossel Bay in 2015. The Municipality released a statement on Tuesday stating that it is “eager to renew the contract with the Nomads Motorcycle Club for staging the annual Buffalo Rally in Mossel Bay for another three years.”
The statement made it clear that the parties have concluded their negotiations, and that, in order to comply with prescribed municipal procedure, the contract needs only to be ratified at a full meeting of the Council. The matter has been placed on the agenda for the 24th of April.
Mr. Jacoby said that good weather played an important part in the success of this year’s rally – and that members of the public of Mossel Bay turned out in huge numbers to support the Concours d’ Elegance, the Mass Ride, and the free trick riding displays which were presented by the Le Riche Brothers and the Christian Motorcycle Association at the Garden Route Casino.
He said that the decision to hold the Concours at the Eden Plaza was a good one. “The weather helped again, but this year’s event drew bigger crowds, too, and more bikes than last year – and the bikes on display were also of a higher calibre.”
GOOD CAUSE
The local Round Table uses the Buffalo Rally as its main fund raiser of the year by organising and managing the beer tents in the rally grounds.
“We’re still working on the figures, but our turnover was definitely better than last year – probably by about 12%,” said Round Table coordinator Wouter Swart.
He attributed this to larger crowds, and to the Table’s arrangement with a new liquor supplier, which allowed it to reduce the cost of drinks – which increased volumes.
Mr. Swart said that the proceeds will be allocated to the club’s various accounts – but that 100% of the nett profit will be used for the upliftment of the community of Mossel Bay.
“Some of it will be used to respond to request from people in need – which we receive on a regular basis – some of it will be donated to the NSRI, and some of it will be used to fund our continuing commitment to the Khanyisa Daycare Centre in KwaNonqaba,” he said. (The buildings at the Centre were financed equally by the Round Tables of Mossel Bay and Zeeuwsch Vlaanderen in the Netherlands: Mossel Bay’s contribution came largely from funds raised at The Buff.)
Both Mr. Jacoby and Mr. Swart thanked everyone who helped with this year’s Rally.
Mr. Swart said that the Round Table worked with a smaller team than last year – the group of volunteers who ran the beer tents included members of the NSRI – and he thanked the NSRI, and also sponsors Mikeva Hyper Cash and Carry Steyns Mica, Viking Fishing, Ace Waste, Havenga Electical, VE Reticulation and Rent-A-Container.
Mr. Jacoby paid special tribute to the Municipality and the South African Police Services.
“All the officials and all the people we’ve dealt with in Mossel Bay went out of their way as they always do, and we’re very grateful for everyone’s contributions,” he said.
Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm said that The Buff provides a welcome boost for the local economy – and that the tourism industry expects long-term benefits from seeing the riders in the town.
“Mossel Bay was alive with a very positive energy all weekend, and the riders noticed it.
“Clearly they love Mossel Bay – and many of them told us that they’ll be back: either for next year’s Buff, or for getaways or extended holidays with their families.”
Results of the Rally’s competitions – including prizes for the best represented club and lucky draws – will be posted to the Nomads site: www.nomads.org.za.
More information:
- Mossel Bay: www.visitmosselbay.co.za
- Nomads Motorcycle Club: www.nomads.org.za