Having established that Harleys and beach riding are not made for each other (Mike Jenkins on his lovely BMW GS1200 would have been in his element, but he'd have been on his own), we headed Kaitaia for breakfast - but not before a handful of nurafen and a litre of water had been called into service. Kaitaia really is a town that shows few signs of prosperity or hope, with the locals that we saw seemingly accepting of their lot, and getting on with what little they have. Our breakfast stop was run by a Thai family, cheap, efficient and clean, grease and calories being what is in demand, and being supplied in abundence. Just what was needed. The run to the Cape was magnificent, the roads in great shape, fast and motorcycle friendly, with the prospect of local cops dissipating the closer to the Cape we got - and get here fast we did, revelling in the ride, flashing past the ever present abandoned farm houses, windows and doors empty like missing teeth, but resisting the elements none the less. After regrouping in the carpark, we wandered to the light house, a reasonable walk (downhill there so a climb to look forward to on return). Despite Mike J leaving keys in the ignition, helmet and gear on the bike, it was still there an hour later - if it had been one of the Harleys.... Without the distraction of our machines, we marvelled in the scenery, many frequent world travellers never having visited this iconic spot before. We tough bikers huddled in the shelter of the lighthouse as squall blew through before deciding to relinquish our spots to women and children .. only after so discussion though. We headed for lunch on the waterfront at Mangonui, Garth arriving as we were leaving after a frantic dash back to Ahipara to collect his forgotten rain gear. Destination for the night, the tired but accomodating Copthorne Waitangi. Comments are closed.
|
Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
|