Pilgrims Rest via Apiti

From Manawatu VJMC Blue Haze Apiti Loop

From Manawatu VJMC Blue Haze Apiti Loop

From Manawatu VJMC Blue Haze Apiti Loop

From Manawatu VJMC Blue Haze Apiti Loop

From Manawatu VJMC Blue Haze Apiti Loop

We had to make the most of the beautiful weather, so a ride was organised to make the most of the Indian autumn before many of the the corners remained in the shade until daylight saving returned. The ride got off to a latish start with Paul Ds Kawasaki H1a refusing to spark. Along for the run were Alan on his Kawasaki A7 Avenger, Kim D on his trusty H2a, Murray on his Kawasaki GTS, Bruce on his BMW, Paul W on his GPZ 750r, Jenni on her RG500, Steph? on her baby Katana 400, Don on his GT500, Dion on the KR250,and myself two up with my daughter Amie on the XJ750. Having filled up with petrol at Ashurst and lost the group, Amie and I decided to head up the Pohangina valley thinking they were ahead of us when in fact they had ducked across to Feilding. We had a great ride up to Kimbolton where we met the group coming the other way. The return journey to our lunch stop at the Pilgrims Rest was brilliant with lovely flowing corners and very little traffic. Upon our arrival Paul was their with the H1 sparking nicely and waiting for us so he could order the Devonshire tea or ploughmans lunch. A geat feed. Dion had brought along a trophy he had made to help prolong and celebrate other peoples misfortunes. Called the "Oh Shit Award". Typical! The first recipient was Bruce because of his piston holing episode on his RT1 and part of the trophy is a holed piston out of a weedeater. So very appropriate. Today was one of those "chocolate box" rides that you think about in the depths of winter as you look forward to the legthening days of spring and summer.