A Harley Anyone?

It has been an interesting time having one of the troops working for the local Honda dealership. As a part of his job he gets to ride the bikes he is selling in the shop, and from time to time he brings one along on one of our rides. Our EoMR for May was one such occasion and the chuffing sound of a Harley coming around the corner wasn't something we were expecting. The previous arrival of Bruce on his RG500 was more in line with expectations and a two stroke square four certainly makes quite a different sound to a Harley. At least Rich on his Vstrom has some affinity with its V twin motor, but an Adventure style bike is certainly a long way from a Harley Davidson Softail Injected Deluxe 2005! The remaining engine configurations had Ian on his parallel twin W650 and Ross and I had our across the frame fours, with Ross on his Bandit and yours truly on the XJ.
Our departure from town was in an easterly that had us in Ashhurst and then on up the Pohangina Valley and down Valley Road to Colyton. it was here that we encountered a cycle race. I am sure Sir Al thought they were cheering him and the Harley on as passed through the crowds...... (those tassels really get people going!) The crowd was noticeably more subdued when the rest of us passed through, ...sigh. We were soon making our way through the back of Feilding and onto Makino Road where we had our first stop at Stanway Hall. Sir Al was a late arrival with caution dictating a restrained riding style due to an unfamiliar bike? After a short natter we were on our way to our cup of tea spot, Vivs kitchen in Sanson.
Vivs kitchen is one of our favourite destinations. They have done really well with the fifties/sixties ambience and made a huge feature out of the cream horns they make. This visit saw them past there 100,000th, so definitely a few calories worth have gone across the counter. Naturally some of us had to celebrate the occasion by supporting the cause with a purchase. After a good feed and conversation we made our way onto State Highway one and then onto three for the run home. Sir Al and the Harley certainly seemed more comfortable on these roads as we headed for town. Another great run around the countryside and time will tell if certain members have been seduced by the Achdee cult and all its tassels and chrome!