The Gumboot Rally 2010

From Gumboot Rally 13 Nov 2010

From Gumboot Rally 13 Nov 2010

From Gumboot Rally 13 Nov 2010

From Gumboot Rally 13 Nov 2010

From Gumboot Rally 13 Nov 2010

From Gumboot Rally 13 Nov 2010

A small contingent from the VJMC/Blue Haze left Palmerston North for the gumboot rally on the 13th of November. The weather forcaste looked promising so it was decided to try a route none of us had been on for some time that took us up through Fielding, Kimbolton, Rangiwahia, Mangaweka and then to Taihape. The return journey was to be via the familiar Vinegar Hill route later in the day. What a pleasant surprise the road between Kimbolton and Mangaweka proved to be. The winding road made its way through some hilly countryside that took us along hill ridges that provided wonderful vistas through to riding through tunnels of trees in vallleys. Riding alongside the sheer papa banks on oneside and sheer drops into the Rangitikei river on the other make for exciting riding. It is not a road I would want to be on when it rains with the papa spread over the tarseal very quickly turning to a slippery muddy mixture. this is only at the Mangaweka end of the ride, but be warned. Cups of tea and coffee with a toastie were enjoyed at Mangaweka under the shade of the DC3 wing and then on through to Taihape. The motel proved to be a good venue with a good space for people to park bikes alongside a gathering area for socialising. A steady stream of bikes arrived as the afternoon progressed with Kawasaki krowd from Tauranga making a noisy entrance and not far behind the Hawkes Bay crew arrived loaded with luggage, including fishing rods. Apparently they were on a fishing holiday and had stopped off in Turangi on the way through. Didn't see any fish!
Good seeing Roger on his Honda K7 eith the original pipes. I am sure there aren't many of these around in New Zealand. It was an enjoyable afternoon checking out a wide range of bikes and chatting to like minded people. A big thank you to Trevor Opie for organising it.

A Special Sunday Ride

From Umutoi return

From Umutoi return

From Umutoi return

Dr Sprockets service at Umutoi

From Umutoi return

Johns Kawasaki S3a


The new 9:00am meeting time had us on our bikes and heading out of town for the Pohangina Valley just after 9:30. Along for the ride we had John on his Honda 900 Hornet, The Don on his well travelled Suazuki DR650, Bruce on his BMW 650, Sir Al on his trusty Kawasaki A7, Paul D on the immaculate Kawasaki H2, Kim on the improving Yamaha RZ250 and myself out for a spin on the Yamaha XJ750. Our first stop was Raumai after taking the back way via Colyton. As we made our way up the valley the temperature dropped and just past Pilgrims Rest the lovely high country vistas had sprinkling of snow on them. Just short of Umutoi we had our next stop with some taking the time to 'commune' with nature in a very simple service led by the Right Reverend Doctor Sprocket! The return journey had us stopping at the gate of the Pilgrims Rest which was unfortunetly closed so we pushed on to the Waterford. Paul D and Sir Al swapped bikes with Paul very impressed with the performance of the A7. After a some tea, coffee and a snack we headed into Ashurst and then around to Johns place to have a look at his latest purchase. He had just imported from the States a Kawasaki S3a 400 with a mere 2400 miles on the clock. Hopefully it will be all vinned and ready for our next ride in a couple of weeks.
Another great ride!

Haloween Day Run

Report by Dr Sprocket (Paul De Lautour)
Photos by Sparkie (Kim De Lautour)

From Haloween Day Run 2010

From Haloween Day Run 2010

From Haloween Day Run 2010

Six enthusiasts left Manawatu Motorcycles on Sunday 31st October heading west and away from the showers sneaking over the Tararua and Ruahine ranges. Dion on his trusty KH400, Bruce on his T350, Terry on the GT550, Kim on the RZ250, Paul on his H1 and newcomer Alan on his Kawasaki ER5 ( He is thinking about getting an older bike) headed off towards Feilding via Bunythorpe and Colyton. A quick regroup at the top of Makino road had us trying hard to keep ahead of the drizzly rain clouds coming across the ranges and on to Rewa and a stop at Stormy Point lookout. Despite the name it is quite calm with the beautiful Rangitikei Valley shrouded in mist. It was then on to Vinegar Hill and to Hunterville for a welcome Hot drink for some and a cool one for some of the bikes! Then its back to Feilding via some back roads that take us through Silverhope, Kakariki and Halcombe. We had a quick stop at Kens place in Feilding to see if he was working on his H1a (he wasn’t. We would like to think he was out shopping for some polish and getting it ready for next months run!) It was back through to Palmy and we were all still dry.
Another great trouble free ride
PS. Anyone finding a T350 baffle, Bruce would like it back

From Haloween Day Run 2010

Where is Ken? Where is his H1a?