Always good to get in a
longer ride on a long weekend. This year we decided to head out to Pongaroa
for an Easter lunch at the pub.
There were 7 keen
riders assembled at Manawatu Motorcycles at 9.30. Bruce A on his Honda VFR. Alan
on his Honda VF1000, Kim on the H2A, Mike on his immaculate Suzuki GSX750, Ian
riding his Suzuki GS450, myself on the GSX-R, and meeting us at the top of the Pahiatua
track was Bruce S after a problem with the TZR 1KT meant a trip home to collect
his stunning Aprilia RSV-R Factory.
Although it had rained
heavily in the early morning, we were lucky to have dry roads for the whole
day. Our tour took us over the first part of the Pahiatua track and then turned right and on through Mangamaire onto SH2 and then left into Hamau-Rongomai Rd. We then went right on Mangaone Valley Rd and made our way to Alfredton and then Route 52 to
Pongaroa. This is a great ride in the dry and provides a seemingly endless
series of corners to enjoy. As usual we stopped at Tiraumea School for a
breather, then on to Pongaroa.
The Pongaroa Hotel was
hosting the Annual Easter Pongaroar
Hunt, and as we sat down to lunch and a beer, the pigs and deer started
arriving.
After another generous
Pongaroa Hotel lunch we vacated the parking spaces and headed for home. Our
track was over the Puketoi range, through Makuri and on to Pahiatua. This is
another road full of corners although with quite a bit of loose gravel to watch
for. A quick top up for the Aprilia at the Pahiatua BP and then over the hill
to Palmerston North.
The bikes went well. Alan had some fuel pump problems on the VF
and Bruce is planning to fit a new rear shock to the VFR (this ride highlights any
shortcomings in suspension). I enjoyed a bit of time on the VFR and as per
previous rides I cannot believe how good this almost 30 years old bike is. Ian’s
GS450S is another bike that always surprises with its turn of speed and ability
to hold on the hills. It appears superbly agile (with Ian riding it) and
shows just how good a 44HP parallel twin can be.
I really enjoyed my
ride on the GSX-R and was surprised how well it coped with the road conditions. Its stress
free handling, steadfast braking, and howling exhaust note contributed to a
very pleasant days riding.
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