The ride schedule showed me listed as Road Captain for Saturday 23rd July, the ultimate destination being Swashbucklers restaurant and bar in Westhaven, chosen as an alternative to anywhere we’d gone before..
Because the weather forecast predicted rain as a certainty, two things were evident, firstly, because I was determined to be there even if only one other turned up (and I knew if I did, best mate Jeff would too), that the numbers would be low especially as so many stalwarts were still touring with Doc in the US, and secondly, that I’d better put another layer of dubbin on my boots to ensure my feet stayed dry when the rain came. One prediction was more prophetic than the other and only two riders departed Auckland Harley, but other than a few drops later in the afternoon the rain never came. We’d decided to take a scenic route through Panmure, then Glen Innes, noting the building projects underway, with new state homes under construction, replacing those built 50 years ago, worn out and ugly, well past their use by date. We noted the odd state house adorned with huge signs proclaiming “Occupied”, selfish occupants refusing to accept that even after several generations had passed through the home that ownership remained with the state, and the property was “theirs”, not just for the life of the original beneficiary, but forever, refusing to accept that others more needy should be considered. We rode through Glendowie, over the speed bumps in Roberta Ave, then enjoying the curves of Riddell Road, ever mindful of the road works, slick steel plates over holes in the road before joining Saturday traffic on Tamaki Drive, slowly making our way towards the city. Mission Bay was as popular as ever, perhaps more so, walkers, joggers, and the café set being joined by the throngs of Pokémon hunters, hundreds clustered around the fountain and playground doing whatever it is that they do, hopefully each spending a few dollars along the way. Traffic cops with lights pulsing alternate red and blue had errant speedsters embarrassed and publicly shamed as tickets were slowly written on the side of busy Tamaki Drive – few road users other than the occasional cyclist being foolish enough to exceed 50kph. Into the city, more road works with Lens train set and major water works projects being blamed for what we now know requires a re-publishing of the map of the inner city. So many streets now have a start and a finish but no middle, requiring circuitous detours – fortunately for me, other than Jeff, our back tracking and encircling went unnoticed, and if our numbers had been greater the Sherriff would have heard and would certainly fine me for not previously reconnoitring the path in advance. Destination reached, Montieth Blacks in hand and a platter of greasy seafood and chips ordered, we set ourselves up outside on the deck, enjoying watching passers-by enjoy the antics of a seal resident in the marina below, as Chucky and Monica arrived (Chucky pleased as punch on his brand new birthday Road Glide). He and Monnie had gone to Donkey’s book launch at Auckland Harley a week ago and Ray had noted him looking longingly at this magnificent machine, and quickly stitched him up… A couple of beers later and with more black clouds closing in, it was time to go. 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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