After a busy and event-filled year for many of the Hazers, it was good to see our last end-of-month ride smiled on by the weather gods. This certainly encouraged many to come out for a run after the previous week’s festivities and attending the last round of the Suzuki Series at the Whanganui Cemetery Circuit. It was the usual mix of moderns and classics, with smokers represented by Paul and Sir Al bringing the Kawasaki H2s out for the run and Stuart flying the Suzuki smoker flag with his Suzuki GT750. Gary was out on his Honda CX500, with Roger bringing out his Suzuki GS1100G for a spin after completing some recommissioning work. John had his 500 BSA out as well after some recommissioning after an ‘off’…. the trailer incident recently. The supporting moderns had Ray on his new Honda CB 500X, Rich on his 650 Vstrom, Kenny on his Triple Black GS BMW, Grant on his BMW R100 Mystic, Jimmy on his Triumph Bonneville T120, Paul on his Moto Guzzi V85 TT, Roger on his Moto Guzzi 350 and yours truly on the Suzuki GSR 750.
A run around the Apiti Loop was the choice for our ride via Ashhurst and the Pohanginna Valley. John on his BSA was quietly asked about how he felt about bringing the oldest bike in the group along for the ride, and he didn’t hesitate in indicating it wasn’t a problem. (And so it turned out to be, with the BSA able to keep with the pace, no problem!)
With Sir Al out the front on the H2 setting the pace, we were soon at our first stop at Totora Reserve intersection and then headed off to Apiti for our next stop. It was a great run through to Apiti along a large section of the Manawatū Scenic Route. We are definitely lucky to have these wonderful roads and scenery to ride our motorcycles, and especially when the weather was as good as this.
Our stop under the shade of the large trees opposite the Apiti Tavern enabled the troops to regather before heading off to our final destination and coffee stop at Kimbolton. It is a great little run through to Kimbolton with a wonderful mixture of open road corners and tighter sections with an excellent road surface. Great for attempting to get rid of your ‘chicken strips’!
The run back into town as you come down from Kimbolton is a relaxing contrast with its rolling hills through to the Cheltenham straights. The Apiti loop is always a great run and especially in good company. Roll on next month’s run and let’s hope the weather will be just as good.
P.S. This post is dedicated to John Rushton who tragically lost his life just eleven days after this run. He was doing what he loved doing, out with his mates, riding his bike and supporting the many cafes and bakeries in the region! He was actually a lot more than that, and was a stalwart in the Manawatu Classic Motorcycle Club and local motorcycle community and was currently fulfilling that as the President of the Classic Club.
To the family, thank you for sharing this remarkable man with us.
You will be sorely missed John, but thanks for all those wonderful moments and memories you contributed to over the years.
