Click here to edAfter a couple of hectic days that had started fairly early, most of us enjoyed a morning that did not require a pre dawn departure, instead wandering to breakfast with the sun at our backs. As a matter of interest I checked the Statistics Dept website and note only 1.3% of the local population are listed as other than European (86.6%) or Māori, (13.5%), so quite a contrast to Auckland. After a leisurely breakfast it was time to go, and according to the several weather forecasts being consulted, our ride to Hanmer Springs would be warm and dry. The devastation of recent flooding was apparent, particularly as the road followed the Motueka River - the upside being that I guess the money spent on repairs and infrastructure also generates jobs within the community, but I am sure the locals would prefer the previous status quo. A few spots of rain soon proved the forecasts wrong and we were soon parked up under some trees struggling into wet weather gear, our progress slowing considerably in deference to the shiny asphalt patches, that whilst quite benign in the dry become ice rinks when wet. Fortunately the rain was not particularly heavy and only lasted half an hour, and we optimists all packed our gear away when we stopped at Murchison for lunch - little did we know that the weather gods were having a chuckle at our expense. A retired English couple engaged us in conversation over lunch, thoroughly enjoying our fair land, remarking on how safe they’ve felt whilst here, in contrast to their homeland. By their telling, England no longer belongs to the people who were born there, and I guess you’d be hard pressed to put a counter argument to that. I suggested to the guys with smaller petrol tanks that they might like to fuel up, as there was no gas between here and Hanmer - some did, some didn’t, and it was a relieved Jeff who coasted into Hanmer, with less than half a litre left between him and a long walk. Back on the road, and more spectacular riding, some tight and technical, some fast and sweeping, but all excellent fun for 7 blokes on bikes. With years of super bike racing experience, Mel is our most expert rider, and over drinks each night he has been offering advice to those smart enough to seek it, and each day his pupils eagerly put this into practice, immediately feeling the benefits, with faster safer riding the result. So, the certainty of imminent rain brought about another roadside struggle into wet weather gear, and another spell of cautious riding as we crossed the Lewis Pass, but, soon we were back into sunshine for the final run into Hanmer Springs. Our residence for the evening was very close to the township, handy to pubs and restaurants. Tomorrow, Kumara, birth place of King Dick Seddon (look him up if you need to) it. Comments are closed.
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Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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