Summer Days .......

 

Now that we are over the solstice hump and heading towards those summer days I thought I might put together a couple of posts with material I haven't used in the last few months. In fact it goes back to earlier in the year and reflects those golden months of the year when we have our 'true summer'. that is from February through to April. I thought I would start off with a couple of rides with the Manawatu Classic Motorcycle Club who are a very active group with a growing variety of bikes. It is great to see but it comes with its own problems with relative speed between older and newer bikes becoming greater. Not really a big deal but one to be aware of. Mind you it was great to see the likes of Dave Griffiths usual ride transform from a 1962 Norton Electra 350 to a Kawasaki ZX636R. They are a great bunch of guys with an amazing knowledge base about all sorts of things. Motorcycling and otherwise! One can't help but be impressed with the dedication to the cause and when you sit down with the likes of Phil Pearce who is well into his eighties one can't help but be inspired!
The first ride was in February and followed the Apiti loop with Clive leading the way. Plenty of stops saw the group keep together and at one of these Paul McQuilken appeared on his "regraphiced" KTM 690. He was out doing a reconnaissance for the Backroad Riders group who spend there time exploring the less traveled roads in the region. Paul has a well earned reputation as a great rider due to his road racing career that included best newcomer at the Isle of Man back in the eighties. He really enjoys this style of metal road riding and I am sure he gets to keep his bike skills well honed! The Kimbolton Hotel provided us with a great refreshment spot and a chance to sit around and have a good yarn. One memorable conversation revolved around  the ideal home and the consensus was a very very large garage with a small flat in one corner sleeping and eating activities. The names of those around the table will remain anonymous for obvious reasons!

The second ride was in April and the route for this ride was in a more westerly direction. The ride took us out through Colyton, the back of Feilding with the first stop being at the Stanway Hall. It was here that the discovery was made that we were missing a few of the crew. this was resolved with the decision to head on over to Feilding to our predetermined food and watering hole at Murrays. A great lunch and yarn was had by all!