EoM ride of two halves

The July end-of-month ride started as usual at MM, but without Ian and Gazza. There was a very good and varied turnout, but only a couple of 70s bikes; Brent’s Trident and Kim’s H2A. Going newer we had Steve’s TRX, Alan and Dave’s Transalp 650s, Bruce’s BMW GS650 and Gary’s BMW 650GS (which is an 800??), Brian’s Suzuki Freewind, Bruce on his beautiful Ducati 996, Ray on a Tiger 800, Graham on a Bonnie 1200, and Rich on his near new DL650.

The plan was to head over the track, Mangamaire, Rongomai, and on to Alfredton. Here we were to split into two groups with 6 of us taking Castle Hill Road (gravel) to Tinui and then on to Castle Point, with the remainder taking Route 52 to Masterton and then out to Castle Point on the tarseal.

Things don’t always go according to plan. Unfortunately the Trident didn’t make the city limit. At Alfredton Kim and Steve decided to head back to town. Ray, Graham, and Bruce went on to Masterton but Graham and Ray decided to have lunch there and return home. Bruce to his credit arrived at Castle Point about 10 minutes after the adventure bikes.

Fish & chips were enjoyed for lunch along with good coffee. After a rest and a natter, it was time to press on for home. We decided to take the main road back to Masterton, then Route 52 back to Alfredton, Pa Valley Road then Rongomai Road into Pahiatua. A splash-n-dash at the BP and over the track and home. Except for Bruce who then had to carry on to Levin – that’s a long day on a sports bike so hat off to that young fella!  

A great ride home with a seemingly endless collection of corners. Fun for all even on the old chook chasers. 

The only unusual occurrence was a young bull standing on the side of the road half way to Masterton. He seemed happy enough and we all passed without incident. 

We arrived back in town about 4.30 having covered just over 300 km, so it was one of our longer EoM rides.