The end of last month saw the Manawatu Classic Motorcycle Club run its 40th Rally at Camp Rangi Woods. What a great weekend it was for those who participated. With the weather firmly in the sunshine quadrant all weekend it meant the ninety participants were able to make most of the outdoor activities.
It was a busy time on Friday for the club members as they prepared for the weekend and the afternoon saw a steady stream of rally goers arrive and claim there bunk beds and then make there way down to the communal kitchen and dining room. Camp Rangi Woods is a wonderful facility for such events and its location up the Pohangina Valley in the Totara Reserve provides a unique scenic backdrop and a great stepping off point for ride the following day. After a welcome dinner the social evening began with many people catching up with others they probably last saw at previous rallys it was soon time to catch some shut eye ready for the big day on Saturday.
With the sun doing its best to make its way above the huge totara trees surrounding the camp the troops got out the polishing cloths and no time at all had there pride and joys gleaming ready for the judging. The bikes were organised into decades and it certainly was a great lineup with a lot of head scratching and contemplation as people voted on there favourite bikes. Of note was the large number of Norton Commandos on show (I think it was thirteen). It was then onto the ride which which was going to be following much of the Manawatu Scenic Route. With the numbers also swelled by locals turning up for the day it was going to be a very large ride and after the riders brief the ride got underway.
The ride headed out of the camp just after 10 with Dave leading the way on his 1974 Honda. He was soon burbling up the road with quite a train of bikes following him. In the meantime my son Clifford and I had gone ahead to a couple of spots to get some photos and it was quite something hearing the rumble of bikes gradually approach and then a frantic clicking as the bikes went by. The stop at Rangiwahia was impressive. I doubt the place has seen such a line up in years with bikes lining both sides of the main street. With the last of bikes arriving into town the 'gang' was soon back on the road heading to Kimbolton.
This is a nice section of road with mile after mile of twisties that ended all too soon with the 50 kmh sign into Kimbolton. A short ride through to Feilding soon had the bikes parked up outside the Rush Family Museum where the pre packed lunches were waiting. Terry Rush gave a talk about the museum which has one of the most interesting collections of significant motorsports cars in New Zealand. Fascinating. People then made there way back to Rangi Woods for either a beer or a siesta; or both!
The evening program got underway with the arrival of Tim Gibbs who was down to give a talk about a life time devoted to motorcycling as a competitor, stunt rider, product developer, dealer and motorcycling events organiser. It is extraordinary what some people fit into their lives. His friend also brought along a restored 1925 New Imperial that had been Tims first bike back in the forties and it was beautifully restored. The prize giving was also memorable because Tim had donated all his old cups to be the club to be used as pass on cups for the different prize categories. As he handed them out to the recipients he gave the background for each of the cups. It definitely created a very special prizegiving.
With that done it was on to the dinner courtesy of KR catering which was a fine meal that managed to fill a hole after such a full on day. The rest of the evening was devoted to more socialising with with the bar doing a great trade. The following morning saw a great breakfast that ensured the rally participants headed home with a full tummy to go along with with some great memories. A big thank you to the committee, friends and members of the Manawatu Classic Motorcycle Club for a wonderful rally. We are all looking forward to the National Rally next year, 20th to 22nd November, Pahiatua, which I am sure will be very successful as it is being run by the club. Put it in your diary.
PS If you want to see more photos go here
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