We've been looking forward to the Iron Run for months and it could not roll around quickly enough.
I'd assumed the role of Road Captain, and with it the responsibility of booking ferries, motels, etc.. Unfortunately enthusiasm and ability are at opposite ends of my scale, but after several goes at checking details and fixing errors, I think we'll be ok. Our crew started assembling well before our 1pm departure, eager as schoolboys to get underway. All the forecasts predicted heavy rain and we dressed accordingly, Bulky and sweaty , ready for anything. The sky was black and heavy, threatening to open at any moment, but we dodged a bullet and never really saw a drop, eventually stripping off jackets due to the heat. We arrived at our motel in good time, knowing that those following half an hour behind us would not be as lucky. So, day one ended on a high, Jeff promising that as long as he wore his new wet weather gear, we'd miss the rain... alas, he spoke too soon. As I write the ferry has left Wellington harbour and has entered what appears to be a boisterous Cook St. We are starting to pitch slightly, and I assume most people will be ok until rolling is added to the mix. Not to worry, we paid a wee bit extra and are enjoying the lounge - a good place for those amongst us, especially Jeff and Craig, whose new wet weather gear has been put to the test and failed - Both have been soaked for hours, but thankfully not cold. We know it is a bit rough because the public address system has called for a multitude of drivers and riders whose alarms don't like the motion. Having learned an unpleasant lesson after my last trip on the Interislander, I know to avoid the curry on offer in the lounge - prudence over temptation. Whilst children are excluded from the lounge, unfortunately whining poms are not and I'm struggling to ignore a pair. The rain started in earnest last night as we arrived back from the restaurant a short walk from the motel after enjoying a few drinks and a great pub meal, making sure not to over do our first night away. It rained all night, big fat and heavy rain, the real deal, and that is what we started with as we departed Taupo in the pre dawn, knowing that we had about 5 hours ahead of us, hence Jeff and Craig being disappointed with their respective gear. The road was certainly wet, sometimes greasy, sometimes quite busy, but always headed in the right direction. Whilst we suffered several minor mechanical issues (who'd buy an Indian?), we arrived in Wellington in good time, and hung around as you do between checking in and boarding, standing in the rain, jackets and helmets on, some knowing they were already as wet as they could get. Tonight, Blenheim . 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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