Our end of month rides are becoming memorable occasions. It looks as though our end of month ride last weekend left a temporary 'mark' on the landscape near the Foxton town boundary. It was our last opportunity to have a winter ride before the more temperate spring arrives to ease us into the summer riding season. Despite the strong winds, a dense cloud (localised weather event?) was seen in the vicinity of the cemetery as we made our way towards the metropolis of Foxton. It was the two strokes amongst our group with Bruce S on his RG500 apparently being the main culprit with Sir Al and Warren feigning there bikes were running nice and clean.
This all began at our usual departure point at Andrew Young St. By the time everyone arrived, there were twelve of us on an assortment of bikes. With our focus on classic Japanese bikes and two strokes it was pleasing to see the as mentioned bikes of Bruce S on his RG500, Warren with his GT 380 and Sir Al giving the H2 another spin. Great to see Gary A bringing the CX500 out and Dave J showing up on his very smart VFR800. Dave R was out on his Guzzi Le Mans and Ray had his Tiger 800. Stuart was out on the KLE 500 whilst his Waterbus is being sorted out. Ian had his Yamaha Vmax hotrod out with Bruce A adding a few more kays onto his BMW GS. Rich had his Vstrom out for another spin and yours truly having another run on the GSR.
Stuart took the lead as we decided on a trip to Foxton through the 'Oroua Maze'. After making our way out to Mt Stewart, we hung a left at the top and began our zig zag down to Foxton. The number of roads and farms is certainly a sign of how productive our river plains are with a side benefit of providing us with some very interesting countryside to travel through. One of the places we passed by was the Taikorea MX track run by Paul Whibley. It was definitely a very busy place with the car park full of vehicles and trailers. i am sure there are some future Blue Hazers amongst them!
Our destination was Sam's Bakery and Cafe on State Highway One. It started out as a Big Tex restaurant many years ago and then went through a number owners until it was vacant for a while. It recently reopened and judging by the patronage it looks like the locals are really supporting it. They had plenty of room for our group and after a good natter we headed back out to our bikes and headed home. Some travelled back via Shannon whilst others headed back the way we came.
It was a great turnout and role on next months end of month ride.
