It was great to see Dave out on his trusty K2 Honda 750 for our end of month ride. He is back to using it quite regularly after a bit of a layup whilst he sorted out a few mechanical issues and it is now good for another round of rallies and rides. Dave purchased the bike new in 1974 from Pink and Collison and he has spent the last fifty years creating the original patina you can see in the photographs. Keeping him company were a couple of Kawasaki H2s from the same period of time. It was great to see Kim out on his H2 after having to do an electrical repair after it disgraced itself last year on its way to the Southern Classic race meet in Timaru. Alongside him Sir Al had his H2 out as well and it was was running really well alongside the moderns that came out for the run. A couple of other classics came out as well with John on his BMW R60/6 and Roger on his Moto Guzzi 500.
The extended ride was definitely popular with other riders coming along to support the 'classics'. The Twin Gorge run is also popular and it is no wonder that it is part of the Manawatu Scenic Route. For those of us on motorcycles there are plenty of wonderful corners as you ride alongside rivers and up hill and down dales. As you are doing this you are on a steady climb to Rangiwahia at 554 metres above sea level. Totara Reserve provided our first stop where we gathered every one in. Kerrys little dog Pipi was briefly released from her dog box on the side of his bike and Wendy was able to give her some more attention before we headed on up to our next stop at Rangiwahia. We got to have a chat to some of the campers at the hall and domain who were singing the praises of the place as a destination. I don't know how tranquil it was with the eighteen of us (including the dog) arriving en masse but its toilet facilities were certainly much appreciated by the crew who probably had our next stop in mind with the promise of a cuppa tea.
The run down to Hansens Cafe was very much enjoyed by all. It is a lovely piece of road that is definitely of a twisty nature. One gets to spend a lot more time wearing out the sides of the tire rather than the middle and its many nicely cambered corners, some might say 'encourage' this but one still needs plenty of caution, just in case. The limited staff at Hansens did well to get through our orders and whilst it was a little bit chilly, sitting outside in a little country village supping on a cuppa is definitely one of life's better moments. All to soon it was time to head down the hill and back to home to Palmerston Norths 55 metre elevation. Already looking forward to our next run up into the hills and more than likely Dave will be on his fifty year old Honda K2 as well!
