Saturday evening started well, a few beers to celebrate safe arrival in Taupo, then dinner – the ladies heading into Taupo for provisions for 20 plus, BBQ dinner and post-game breakfast in the morning. The Chelmswood has a great kitchen / dining area, and plenty of BBQ’s for those who inclined to express themselves on the grill, and that they did. Sausages and steak with all the bits and pieces, even ice cream to follow for those who wanted it. It is always great to get together with old friends and swap stories, and to torment those you can, knowing the favour will be returned in spades. The evening regressed as the empty bottles grew in the recycling bin, numbers dwindling as common sense kicked in, unfortunately there were a few who stayed a wee bit too long, Mal falling face first into the garden at one point, having to be fished out by equally incapacitated Nev. The very keen were up at 4am to watch the rugby (not long after the hard core had finally succumbed), the majority waiting for the later replay, and those slept a wee bit late (missing breakfast as a consequence), settled for a good result, a few nurafen (quite a few) and coffee before our planned departure at 10am on the days ride. Nev surfaced looking very jaded 5 minutes before departure, taking the pressure of me (phew). 16 bikes left the Chelmswood, all looking forward to another of Joe 90’s magical mystery tours. The day improved as we enjoyed the country roads, making full use of the lack of any traffic cops keen on bounties, quickly arriving at Turangi for coffee. A nice spot, the local kids enjoying their skate park – a feature being well used and obviously loved in the community with no tagging in evidence. Late lunch in Ohakune (Chicken and camembert pie, and just a wee slither of custard donut, a freebie from the café – hmmmm), then up to the Chateau for obligatory photos before the last leg back to Taupo, the only direct route of the day. Taupo was really at its best to great our arrival, hardly a ripple on the lake and brilliant sunshine – perfect for those needing a nana nap (spoilt only by those who didn’t…). as the afternoon waned, most gradually gathered outside at the outdoor tables enjoying the vista, with cold beers, bags of bluebird’s finest with my wee boom box providing the sounds. Doc and Dave O were despatched to the local Fish and Chippery for dinner, and for some of us the beers were forsaken by a nice bottle of Pinot kindly supplied by the late arriving Mickey. After last night’s shenanigan’s, an early night for most. Again the keen were up early to watch Australia despatch Argentina from the Rugby World Cup, so and NZ – AUL final to look forward to at Twickenham next week. Most had decided to depart at 8am, some stopping in Taupo for breakfast, but my small group decided to push through to Matamata – a good choice too. So, home safe, 1000kms of rain, road muck and bugs washed away and Sabrina again resplendent in the garage, ready for next time. 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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