A Write up from Ged about a typical CD's ride
Gorgeous weather, so blue and you had to hunt to find a cloud in the sky.
The only way it could have been better was if there was a small breeze
to dry out some of those dodgy dark corners.
Many of the usual suspects arrived for the start and we got a few more
like
Some planning was done and various regrouping points voiced and off we
went. Over the Track and through Mangamaire and weirdly enough down #2
to Masterton (I haven't been that way on the motorcycle in ages) at a
gentle 103 most of the way regrouping at the turn-off points and then
the Mobil where we picked up the welcome addition of Ross and his
daughter on the blue Blackbird. Down the back of Masterton to
Martinborough through a section I have never done before with sections
of one lane road in it. It has to be noted that many other bikes were
out on the roads and so some care was taken through these one lane
sections (maybe).
Top up tanks in Martinborough and bowl gently down to
Jared joined the queue for fush un' chups in the pub and more than a few
people knowing other people out for a bit of good weather. Lunch was
nice and warm in the sun, a good change from the cool ride we had so
far, some mentioning the state of their heated grips and touring
gewgaws.
Leaving via the west side of the lake for Featherston had me a little
concerned about gas as I hadn't refilled but all was good. Main road and
the Rimutakas only a few km's up the road on a dry day. There was
something of an air of anticipation. Mmmm mmmm, we live for times like
this road. I tucked in behind our esteemed President, Bruce & Maz, and a
dude on a thou sport bike (I shouldn't write these write ups when my
memory has fuzzed up). Mr Pugh quickly overtakes B&M then proceeds to
brake too heavily into corners and some competitiveness surfaces.
I have to say sorry to Glen on the downhill side on a wet right hander a
car pulled over to let people pass and I wasn't sure if the car in front
of me was going to have a go or not so I didn't pass and Glen was right
on my tail at the time.
After that there was a group of about 5 of us (Andy King, Ralphy, B&M,
the thou', and I) tootling down the hill around 104 and opening a small
gap which I will talk about later. We got onto the motorway and there
were some quite quick take offs from the lights at various points. The
The front group stopped at the bottom of the hill by the rail yards and
in bits and pieces everyone regrouped. So with an invite to Mr King's
for a cuppa and the distinct possibility of some home cooked cake or
bikkies we set off, eventually being whittled down to just Andy, B&M,
Eddie and myself dropping in and enjoying some of the last light
lingering in the trees and tea/coffee and cake, thank you Faye, as the
evening chill came to bear. B&M went for #1 and Eddie and I #2 (not
rude, shame on you for thinking that, this is a family magazine) and the
ride finished for me about seven at night.
You all missed a cracker of a day with lots of enjoyment.
Ged