August End Of Month Ride

This months EoM ride was predominantly a 4-stroke affair. There were a couple of bikes new to the group; Warren’s Yamaha R6 which has a very interesting history including racing at the IOM 3 times (has a factory engine race kit fitted), and Scott’s Triumph 955i Speed Triple. 

Of the vintage 2-strokes there were 3; Paul’s GT750, Rich’s T500, and PC’s Kawasaki S3. Also from the 70s Dave’s CB750 Honda. 

From the 80’s we had Bruce’s GSX-R1100, Kenny’s BMW K100, and from the 90’s Brian’s Suzuki Freewind 650, Ian’s Suzuki VX800, and my VFR. From more current times Ray rode his Triumph Tiger 800.

Our destination was Hunterville, via the less traveled Fordell route. This involved a lot of open flowing road for the first leg to Turakina and Fordell. The 46 Km ride from Fordell to Hunterville is a lot tighter, and not in very good condition in parts. The wet winter has taken its toll on the road. There were odd slips including a recent one covering one lane with a tree.  

Lunch was at the usual café, and I scored the last door-stop custard square (it turned out Bruce A had been there that morning which would account for the lack of stock). After lunch we returned via the back roads and on through Halcombe to Mt Biggs.

A group of us then went to Manfeild to have a quick look at the racing. We timed it well with Dion just going onto the track and Tim in the next race. The Blue Hazers did very well considering their out dated machinery. Dion’s Honda NSR appeared to be flying down the straights although in a sporting gesture he let one or two through in the tighter corners. But then dashed their hopes of victory by blasting past them again. Most entertaining.

A good ride on a perfect spring day.