Suzuki T500 Cobra Out in Front - May EoMR

  

The May end-of-month ride saw a good turnout of classics and moderns making the most of a long stretch of fine weather. The 31st of May was also the final day of autumn, and as we move into the winter months and the cooler weather, it is nice to take some ‘warmer’ memories with us as we head to the winter solstice on the 21st June. A ride to Shannon was agreed upon with Warren leading the way on his Suzuki T500 Cobra. He assured us that he had worked out the long way to Shannon over some roads that many of us hadn’t been on for years or ever.

The other classics in the group were Mal on his Yamaha XS Eleven Cafe, Roger on his Suzuki GS110G, Paul D and Sir Al on their Kawasaki H2 750s, Max on his Yamaha FZ750, Stuart on his Suzuki GT750 and ? on his recently acquired Honda GB400. The moderns included Bruce S on his very tasteful Yamaha XSR900 retro, Gary A on his BMW F700 GS, Ian and Rich on their Suzuki V-Strom 650s. Mick had his Can-Am Ryker out, with Ray on his Honda CB500X, Justin on his Triumph Bonneville America, and yours truly on the Suzuki GSR750.

Our departure saw us heading out of town to the east, and it was here Mal and Gary headed over the hill to Tui Brewery to one of the popular Tui Brewery vehicle gatherings held every Sunday, and the rest of us followed Warren on his mystery tour of the Manawatu River Plain. We were soon heading down past the Army base at Linton and the Manawatu Prison. Somewhere along the way, we went through a very short tunnel that took us under the railway line (notice it is a tunnel with a lowercase t) and passed through the outskirts of Tokomaru on our way to the metropolis of Opiki. We were soon in Shannon via Poplar and Okuku roads and parked up across from the Highway 57 Bakery and Café. It was just under an hour of riding from Memorial Park with no stops along the way. Surprisingly, a good number of curves were enjoyed along the way, and Warren set an excellent pace out in front on his 1968 Suzuki T500. Certainly shows why these bikes were so well received back in the day.

Another great run around this wonderful motorcycling playground we have on our doorstep. Spending that time with like-minded individuals just adds to the experience. Let’s see what our first winter end-of-month ride brings for June.

Bikes and Burgers/September EoMR 25

    

Septembers end of month ride saw a good size gathering of the crew for a relatively short Saddle and Track run to a Sunday Bikes and Burgers event in the square. The once a month Thursday evening events are about to get underway again with the summer months just around the corner. Daylight saving signals the beginning of the end for winter as the fruit blossoms and daffodils light up the countryside, with gardens coming alive with many hues. It also signals the beginning of the riding season as the warmer days encourage those of a two wheel persuasion to get out and about. With 15 of us, consisting of seven classics and eight moderns, it made up a sizeable procession of bikes as we made our way onto Main Street and headed out towards Ashhurst and over the Saddle. We regrouped just before the Balance bridge and headed back to Palmy via the Pahiatua track and then into the square. As you can see from the photos, the carpark in the square was chock-a-block with bikes. And what a range! It certainly was a gathering of the clans. Well done to the organisers for providing such a monthly event!

Art Deco Meets Chrome

   

One of the highlights of last months ride was Shane bringing his pristine Honda CB750 to the March end-of-month ride and this month he brought a friend – another Honda CB750! His mate Mark is also the proud owner of an early Honda CB750 and the bikes are both recent purchases with a great story. We’ll save that for another day! Not to be outdone by these 'twins', Paul and Sir Al turned up on their Kawasaki 750H2s. To complete the ‘chromey’ seventies vibe Stuart brought out his Suzuki GT750. Moving into the eighties Gary A had his Honda CX500 out for a spin and Grant on his Suzuki GSX1100. Warren T turned up on his Suzuki Katana 1100 but had to head back home after a flooding carb spoilt his plans for a ride. It was great to see Paul H out on his Moto Guzzi Le Mans and Warren had his BMW K75 out as well. The moderns had Ian and Rich out on their Vstroms and Ken brought his BMW GS out for a spin.

With such lovely weather a trip up to The Argyle Hotel was suggested for food and refreshments. The ride up was via Vinegar Hill, Colyton and Makino Road, then on through Rata and finally to our destination in Hunterville. It was a great run with minimal traffic and following along behind the strokers was nice to get some two-stroke hydro carbons mixed with some wholesome country air!


It’s been a while since we last visited Hunterville so it was a real delight to see how much effort had gone into revamping the Argyle Hotel. Its Art Deco style and spacious indoor and outdoor areas make it easy to understand why it’s already popular. By the time we left the parks outside were buzzing with bikes other than ours. We wish them well and it’s great to have another fantastic destination within easy reach for our rides.

It was time to head home soon. Some took the direct route down State Highway One while others enjoyed the scenic backroads of the Rangitikei. Congratulations to Paul H for accurately recording his odometer reading of 9s on his Le Mans on the way home. It was another great run in the sunshine and we hope for more of the same next month.

P.S. Thanks to Paul and Grant for the photos.