.Beyoncé is now just over a week old, and together we need to get 1600kms on the clock and the first service completed before heading southwards to the Iron Run on 10 March. Having an excuse to rack up quick kilometres is great, but historically it just seems to happen, with Sabrina showing 27000 km after 18 months. With no Hog rides organised for the long weekend I rounded up a couple of buddies, Craig on his new flash new Indian and Neville and the lovely Yvonne on their Classic for an impromptu ride. We met at Z Pakuranga Highway, very unfamiliar territory for Westie Nev, then headed to Whitford, around a very busy Maraetai coast, the lovely sunny afternoon drawing half of South Auckland out to enjoy the beach, Clevedon, Kawakawa Bay and to the pub. A few bikes were all ready parked, instantly recognisable as bad company, black and menacing, with extremely high and aptly named "Ape Hangers", so our bikes were parked slightly to one side, leaving the rough trade to themselves. A beer and a bowl of fries later, we were back on the road, enjoying the quick straights the large groups of camper vans congregated well out of our way along the coast enroute to Miranda. Like me, Craig is running in his new bike, but Indians are apparently more fragile than Harley's and he often became a distant speck in my mirrors, not wanting to push things too hard (as if). Obviously, my usual and preferred style of "Ride it like you stole it" doesn't apply just yet, Harley's apparently don't require too much nursing. The agapanthus are in full bloom, alternately purple and white and very prevalent, not permissible on any rate payers property, but seeming ok anywhere public. The hay making gangs appear to be working every daylight hour, big wrapped bales sitting where they were baled, awaiting collection after everything else is finished. Home via the great windy back roads of the Hunuas and 220km to the good- fabulous. Mel called to encourage me to ride on Sunday and between us we put the word out for a 1pm departure from BP North. The motorway traffic was extreme, stop start from Albany to Silverdale, an annoyance for all but not too much of an impediment for skilled riders prepared to trust Lady Luck and head straight up the middle. After coffee and a quick catch up, about 10 bikes left, swinging by Kaukapakapa to collect Doc & Barb, before heading to Wellsford, the traffic hardy an inconvenience for the most part, at least for those of us at the front. Mel stopped for a pee knowing that his incredible riding skills would soon seen him back in the fold - but only if he went the same way as us - unfortunately he misunderstood our plan and ended up at Shelly Beach - quite the opposite direction. Rather than push our luck from Wellsford, we decided to head back the way we came, planning to finish at the Kaukapakapa Pub, to enjoy a quick drink before heading our separate ways. Butch lead this leg, a very experienced, fast, safe and smooth rider, and a real pleasure to follow, showing real moxy and making short work of the 4 gang guys on their Harley's traveling a bit too slowly for our liking- an obstruction many would choose to accept. Off Butch went, quickly (very quickly) followed by Beyoncé and me.... The Kaukapakapa Pub is still one of the few traditional country pubs about, but I suspect that the big supermarket under construction will inevitably change the landscape to the detriment of the existing community. Safely home and another 250 km on the clock. The third ride of the weekend started well before dawn as I eased Beyoncé out of the garage and out of the neighbourhood as quietly as possible (perhaps a test too far for a Harley at 515am). I was keen to see how good the lights were, so back into the country, away from street lights and any traffic. So, I now know that whilst adequate, the standard Harley "Daymaker" is not as good as 7 LED I am used to, and another project to get underway. It was quite cold (opting for my mesh jacket, I anticipated this), so I stoped in Whitford to put on my hoodie. I was surprised by a very inquisitive chicken than trotted to within a metre, (her jockey the rooster not quite as keen), determined to suss out what all the racket was - amazing. Also surprising was the number of early risers around the Maraetai waterfront, cameras on tripods , awaiting sunrise. The only others about, (apart from a rowdy on a Harley) were a few bods asleep in cars and small tents near the beach, and a solitary cyclist enjoying the best part of the day, thankfully lit up like a Christmas tree. I'd decided to head to Pokeno, and ticked off Clevedon, Papakura, Ramarama then Bombay all of which passed quickly - and I now know that the bunny population between Bombay and Pokeno is of almost plague proportions. Destination reached, I turned for home, stopping for a quick coffee and gas at BP Bombay, a quick blip along the Old Great South Road, before joining the motorway at Drury, looking forward to the morning paper and a cuddle with puss. Another 160kms, about 80km in total since new so we're looking good! Don 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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