Teuva hosts legal moped meet for wheelies and burnouts

Teuva will host its second official moped meet on Saturday, where young riders can practise wheelies and burnouts legally in a closed area, Yle reports.

The free event is organised by the Perälä village association near the centre of Teuva, at the grounds of Kahvila Kasipallo café. Riders under 15 and those without a driving licence can also take part in the controlled area.

The event was created after local young people said they had nowhere legal to practise their riding skills. The organisers have filed a notification with the police, and the meet is described as the only legal and official moped meet in the South Ostrobothnia region.

“I said it looks good, but it was happening in the wrong place,” Sonja Lehtonen said, recalling a conversation after a local boy rode through the centre of town with his front wheel raised. When the boys complained about the lack of a suitable place, the idea for a legal meet took shape.

Instead of simply condemning unauthorised gatherings, the village association has involved young people in organising the event. They have helped build the meet and will take part as organisers, contributors and riders.

Arrangements have included hiring traffic controllers and security stewards, ordering a first-aid team, preparing rescue and traffic-management plans, submitting a noise notification and informing the police. The organisers have also applied to the municipality for permission to close one road.

Last year’s first meet attracted about 500 people despite poor weather. Organisers expect a good forecast to bring an even larger crowd this year. Visitors came from at least Ilmajoki and Kauhajoki, according to 15-year-old Justus Marttila, who is helping with the event.

“The event is not illegal, so there is no need to fear fines,” Marttila said. He plans to burn the rear tyre during the meet.

Riders will also compete for the best-looking moped

The programme includes stunt performances by Daniel Hautamäki, Konsta Kukkola and local rider Emppu Haanpää. Participants can also use the event to practise their skills and display their mopeds.

Eleven-year-old Noel Lehtonen can already perform some wheelies and burnouts, but he said he still needs to improve his balance. His goal is to become as skilled at handling a moped as the young stunt riders performing at the event.

Moped restoration and appearance are also important to participants. Lauri Kiili, who designed the stickers distributed at the meet, has been interested in mopeds since preschool and has taught himself how to repair them, sometimes with help from his father.

The audience and stunt performers will vote for the best-looking moped of the day.

The event comes as recent news about moped meets has focused on dangerous incidents. In Tuusula last weekend, a chase involving a moped rider and police ended with the rider leaving the road and being injured, prompting wider discussion.