EOM Ride July 2015

Blue Haze was almost taken over by Moderns and 4-strokes – horror of horrors!

Meeting at Manawatu Motorcycles on Sunday morning were Bruce S on his new Aprilia Tuono 1100, Ken on his BMW R1100R Rockster, myself on latest addition to the stable – Honda VFR800. From the 80s Ian on the Suzuki GS450S, Dion on his NS400R, Brian on a BMW K100RS. 70s bikes were Kim’s H2A and Rich’s T500.

Weather was looking good enough so we decided on the Rongomai route. A dash up the track, right to Mangamarie, out through Rongomai and back to Pahiatua. Lots of corners and roads dry and in fairly good condition. For me it was the first back road ride on the VFR and I came away very pleased with my purchasing decision. 

Bruce's new Aprilia looks and sounds stunning - the Iron fist without the velvet glove. The BMWs also provided something quite different for the Japanese bike enthusiasts amongst us. A completely different approach to 2-wheel design.  

We decided on the Black Stump at Pahiatua for refreshments. The proprietor pushed together tables for us at one end of the café and we enjoyed very good food and drink. Good value for money too.

After a bit of a natter it was back on the bikes and home over the track or through the Gorge. Another good EOM ride. 

Dion and I went to Ian's for a coffee and chat after ride and snapped a few photos of the 2 Hondas on the front lawn :)

12 July 2015 MCMC Ride

 The Manawatu Classic Motorcycles Club had there monthly meeting and ride yesterday so Ian, Sir Al and myself were part of the rumble that left the Vintage Car Club rooms at 11:00am for a wander around the countryside. Although a little chilly we headed off into a wonderful winters morning that had us heading through Bunnythorpe, through to Colyton, Valley Road  and back to the Ashhurst Inn. Caution was required as there was still a bit of mud on the roads from the many slips as a result of the 'deluge' a few weeks ago. The run was fairly uneventful except for Mr Griffiths drawing a lot of attention to himself with some wonderful backfiring sounds and visuals coming from his baby Norton. Apparently the flames looked quite spectacular from just behind! The Ashhurst Inn was a very busy place and although it was a wait for the food the conversation around the table made the time fly. Fish and Chips seemed to be a very popular choice!

It was a great little run and perfect for the bedding in of my new front tyre on the XJ. Great to see Ian out and about with his GS650 cafe racer/brat project. It was his first decent run on it and seemed to go really well. Not sure about the seat though! Sir Al had the H2 out for a spin and all that chrome looked great gleaming in the winter sun. Johns BMW 600 was at its purring best alongside a range of 'moderns' and not so moderns. Loved following the BSA twin up Valley Road with that wonderful British twin sound coming out of the peashooter pipes.
The daffodils are sprouting and the days are getting longer so lets hope for some more days like yesterday. See you out there.

Gary + Ian