Waitangi weekend. What to do? Why not celebrate the day by enjoying this wonderful country of ours by getting out in it. Those who were of a similar mind and had the time and inclination turned up at Manawatu Motorcycles at 9:00am and a quick (for us!) decision was made to head towards Hunterville via Apiti and Ohingaiti and a return around the back roads that parallel SH1, through Halcombe and homeward via Mt Stewart. The run through to Hunterville was going to be interesting as it was certainly testing the fuel range of the Kawasakis. A small container of petrol was carried along ; just in case! The roll call was:
Alan Rowell and Richard - Suzuki SV1000
Alan Clark - Kawasaki A7
Paul De Lautour - Kawasaki H1b500
Gary Whiting - Yamaha XJ750
Dion Tornquest - Honda NSR400
The run up through Pohangina Valley was its usual curvey and visual feast with the usual caution around unsigned gravel on bends being needed. A brief stop at Umutoi had us heading for Rangiwahia and 15 km of some of the nicest motorcycling road around. With a quick stop at Pembroke corner we then headed west towards Ohingaiti via Mangomaku road. Yet more curves with a great suspension bridge near the end to complete the picture. Definetly a recommened ride! The lads on the Kawasakis were now cautiously optimistic that they would make it to Hunterville on a tank, and with some cautious use of the throttle they did. I know that if I had been on my KH250 I would have probabaly used up all the fumes in my tank by this stage! Our arrival was greeted by a large number of bikes parked around the cafe. Others had obviously had a similar idea to get out and about and we had some great chats with a variety of motorcyclists. I must say that we are a little concerned about Dion as he spent a lot of time looking at the Boulevard Cruisers. He has always liked his bling and he would probabaly enjoy polishing up the acres of chrome and paint on one. Better keep a close eye on his garage!
Another great ride around this great countryside of ours on some old Japanese road bikes. Come on, get out there and make the most of the rest of summer!
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