As expected it rained in Hanmer overnight, although not nearly enough to satisfy the desperate needs of the farming community or to upset our plans. Perhaps the Valentines Day plans of others were dampened, but not our enthusiasm to get back on the road, bound for Nelson. The forecast suggested that by mid morning what rain there was would be long gone, and this came to pass - no need to struggle into wet weather gear. Mind you, it was much colder than we’ve experienced on previous mornings. A Highway Patrol car cruised by as we completed loading our bikes - not knowing where he went caused us to be super cautious for the first 30 minutes, anticipating a speed trap around every corner. Fortunately, a false alarm, and eventually, as usual, caution was thrown into the winds, and we were off. The road between Hanmer and Murchison is great, plenty of magnificent scenery, pretty good roads, and lots of opportunities for those among us who enjoy fast or tight corners (or a mixture of both) to practice this many times. As the day progressed, temperatures rose, to the extent that to stop quickly became very uncomfortable- the secret is to ride faster! Mike C has a commitment in Picton over the weekend and peeled of at the St Arnaud turnoff, and will catch up with us again on Sunday at Karamea - weather gods permitting. We have arrived at our lodgings for the next two nights, and the party has started, old Harley friends together swapping stories and winding down the day. 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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