Number One Tiddler Run

It was inevitable that attention be paid to the motorcycles and scooters that saw many of us introduced to motorcycling back in our youth. They were usually of a minor capacity and did service as road bikes and dirt bikes and they were thrashed and trashed to breaking point. This meant they needed to be repaired and for some this led into trades and sales careers, but for all of us a lifelong passion and interest in motorcycles. Last Tuesday saw some of us attempting to relive those times with a small gathering at Memorial Park. For our initial ride the idea was a 'quick' spin around town and off to our monthly social get together at The Cobb. After a bit of a natter we were soon on our way.

Our little posse of tiddlers was led by Rich on his Suzuki T200 followed by Sir Al on his Honda 50 step through, Gary A on his Yamaha 225 and your truly on the mighty Katana 50 scooter. We were later joined by Kim on his Honda 50 scooter. It was definitely a different sort of ride to our usual ones with a lack of speed amongst the most obvious. We headed off to Massey via Manawatu St and Centennial Drive. We made our way through the Massey Campus to Old West Rd and up the hill to Aokautere. Luckily it was all downhill from here through Ruapehu Drive and down Summerhill with the Katana hitting all of 70kph. We were soon heading up Fitzherbert Ave and wending our way to our final destination at The Cobb. It was a lot of fun and one we should have another go at before it summer departs. So head out to the shed and dust off your tiddler for the next run. Warrens threatening to bring out the mighty Stinger for it!

January End of Month Ride to Wheels with Attitude

 Wheels with Attitude is an annual fund raising event in Dannevirke and it was decided that it would make a great destination for our first EoMR for 2021. It was a mixed lineup of fourteen modern and classic bikes at Memorial Park and we were soon on our way and up and over the great divide via the Saddle Road. Top Grass road took us along the back way to Dannevirke where we had a stop to check up on the 'health' of both riders and there machines. 

Richard brought along his 1968 Suzuki T200 and was certainly struggling as it made its way into a strong wind on the way over. He had his hand permanently hovering over the clutch just in case! All bets were on as to the likelihood of the bikes safe return to Palmerston North. The ultimate evolution of the roading going two stroke street motorcycle is encapsulated in Warrens latest bike he has back on the road; a 1998 Suzuki VJ23 RGV250. It's 70 degree V twin motor has its roots back in Riches bike and it does make you wonder where things would be now if the big four Japanese manufacturers had continued with the development of the two stroke. Warren was certainly enjoying his ride and great to see him growing his two stroke collection. Stuart had his Suzuki GT750 out for another run and great to hear that Suzuki triple sound burbling up the road.

Murray joined us for the first time on his factory Kawasaki Custom Z1000 all the way from the states where they were so popular back in the day. The seat certainly looked comfortable. Rounding out the VJMC bikes was Ian on his Yamaha Vmax, Grant on his GSX1100 and Gary on his CX500. The 'support' crew consisted of Sir Al on his Harley, Bruce A on his BMW, Bruce S on his Triumph Speed 4, Ray on his Tiger, Dave on his Guzzi and yours truly on my GSR750. 

As can be seen from the photos it was a great turnout for the Wheels with Attitude event at the Dannevirke Showgrounds. A two dollar donation at the gate had us into the event as exhibitors. It was interesting to see which of our bikes created the most interest from the punters and it was definitely the older two strokes. They certainly fitted in with the rest of the machinery on display and it was wonderful to see so many heritage vehicles on display. Great to see Paul and Janice there with their E Type on show and being appreciated by many. After a couple of hours of viewing and chatting we decided to head home with a stop at one of the cafes back in town. The cafe was real busy and it was fun watching a parade of interesting vehicles heading home after the event.

It was a fun event and one we will try to have more of a presence at next year with a few more older bikes for the punters to view. 

More photos here