It is a month since Sabrina was returned to Auckland on the back of a transporter, an ignominious end to our labour Weekend ride. The good people at Auckland Harley spent a huge amount of time firstly diagnosing the problem, then working through the necessary bureaucracy (with Harley Australia) so they could effect repairs under warranty.
Service manager Tony kept an impatient and anxious owner (me) in the loop, trying to put a positive spin on what appeared to be a problem with no apparent answer. The end result was to ensure this repair didn't end badly, and I have every confidence that this will be the case. Tony phoned me on Tuesday with the good news that Sabrina was about to be road tested, and even rushed out side with his phone so I could hear for myself as the mechanic rode out of the workshop- Sabrina's familiar roar nearly (actually, more than probably) brought a tear to my eye - having said that, Tony had very diligently called me first thing in the morning, unaware that I was Brisbane, the 3 hour time difference (5am my time) was a small price to pay. I persuaded Linda to drop me across to collect Sabrina this morning, (a very happy reunion), although I was surprised that it took a few kilometres before the familiarity returned. Jeff and Mickey were roped into a ride, and a couple of hours later we departed for the Kaiaua Pub. Whitford then Clevedon quickly passed, and the slow traffic with them as we opened up, enjoying what had turned into a very nice Saturday afternoon, the tight twistys between Kawakawa and Orere Point a special bonus, the usual damp moss road surface uncharacteristically clean and dry, inviting an extra few km per hour... A few other bikers had made the pilgrimage to the pub, some on Harleys (one with ape hangers more suited to an Orangutan), some on sexy crotch rockets that go far too fast, and even a tricycle (one of those silly jet ski things on wheels). Pub food rarely disappoints, and our cheeseburgers, snapper and chips were just what the doctor ordered, accompanied by a couple of beers, Bundaburg Ginger beer a favourite once the obligatory Speights had washed away the road dust. Back on the road, this time headed inland, with more fast straights and even faster corners adding to the thrill factor, my radar detector being tested to its limits, although with hindsight, unnecessarily. Throughout it all Sabrina performed magnificently, undemanding of anything other than my best, eager to be pushed hard into every corner, and never faltering in any way. I'm a very happy fella! 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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