Sometimes things come together, but inevitably a mixture of judicious prompting and a lick of luck play their respective parts.
After last years very wet Rusty Nuts Tour, and a ride home from Taupo that was both wet and cold, the decision was made that 2018 would see us head back to the winter less north. Unfortunately out usual date of the last weekend in September had to be deferred a week due to a total lack of accommodation anywhere, and that resulted in a couple of clashes where less dedicated Rusty Nuts made choices that didn’t include coming away - Bathurst and other long standing arrangements- hmmmm. As is to expected at this time of year, weather forecasts varied in optimism, but as our departure approached, got better and but, and so the weather gods smiled. Other than Baldric who had business commitments that ate into his day, the rest of us arrived and assembled at Dairy Flat, enthusiastic and early enough to enjoy a coffee and pie (for some) from the fabulous Asian bakery before departure, and then we were off, SH16, an early preamble for what was to follow. My new bike, having just been christened Anastasia was ready, and we headed of mindful of Harley’s recommended running in procedure - at least for a while. And the Gods smiled again - the roads were largely our own, allowing a fairly quick clip as is our usual way, and a day of riding that just improved as we went. The highlight for most was the leg through the Kauri forest between Dargaville and Opononi, a stretch that tested us all in different ways, some with suspension that wagged like a Labradors tail, others looking for that extra 2%, but all of us had smiles at the next stop, fish and chips and a drink. Onwards to Rawene to meet the iconic ferry, the 45 minute wait part of the deal, and time for a drink at the only surviving pub in town (and “just surviving “ by the look of it). The final leg of the day was more of the same, and other than a few spectacular exceptions, more great roads, magnificent scenery. Single lane bridges are a fact of life in the hinterland, and typically you get the right of way half the time - unfortunately a slight misstep found two of our guys in closer contact than is ideal, but no one was injured so a good outcome. A few cable ties and everyone was nearly as good as New. Once settled into our overnight accomodation at the Bay View Motel, a fabulous spot overlooking the water, it was roundly agreed that today was the best days riding anyone had enjoyed all year. The Motel had a great bar and restaurant, so we were happy campers (some not so happy next morning), with the seafood stone grill and Jeff’s caveman T bone steak the standouts. 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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