Having broken all the rules with regards mixing grain and grape, (and quantity), I missed getting out of bed at the usual 4:45am, and was soundly reprimanded by puss who was waiting for his breakfast - unfortunately he told me off several more times before I finally relented and fed him a couple of hours later. Lucky for him my initial ill will towards his impatience had passed.. Lawns needed mowing, the garden needed Round Up, the paths and drive needed 30 Seconds, and Sabrina needed a wash, so the next few hours were spent paying penance - at least while I was busy I was not being reminded of the previous nights over indulgence (or not too many times). As the morning progressed, the showers swept in more frequently transforming what had started as a lovely day into one where riding motorcycles was going to be a wet business. After some procrastination I decided " to hell with it" and headed to Auckland Harley, meeting point for the HOG ride, lead today by ever reliable Joe 90 - if anyone else turned up, I'd be there to join them, and perhaps surprisingly, 9 bikes departed shortly afterwards, even after our ride briefing ended in the rain. To get to the Kaiaua Pub we needed to deal with wet and slick roads, corners greasy like ice, any stones long since pushed away, and a prominent strip of green moss ready to upset the unwary, doing very well in the dark and damp. It was apparent that we were riding in the middle of winter,aforementioned rain, lowlying pasture waterlogged and mushy, sheep knee deep and miserable, creeks transformed into fast moving streams and rivers, tearing away at banks that normally contain them. Three geese, indignant and noisy but so fat all they could manage was a slow waddle risked Death by Harley crossing the road on a blind corner. Joe did well to avoid them, and then they were safe - at least until next time. The windy coast section of our ride was scarred by slips of clay that regularly blocked half the road, ever present and ubiquitous floro road cones showing the way, the mud on the road making a mockery of this mornings efforts with Sabrina, she now needing another big dose of TLC. We arrived at the pub just as another shower came through, pleased to see a fire roaring in the lounge (the table closest quickly being claimed by the ladies in our midst), wet gear laid out around it, the ever hopeful looking forward to having something warm for the trip home. In deference to last nights excess I opted for Bundeburg over beer, also foresaking the deep fried Snapper Kaiaua is famous for in favour of an egg burger, perhaps a marginally more healthy option. Fed and watered, it was time to think about heading home, the direct route being deemed most appropriate, particularly as another squall hit us just as we left. An hour later I was home, pleased to have gone, the rain only a minor blip on an otherwise fabulous ride. 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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