Wellington: Short ride to Short Straw Cafe. Photos here

**merv** · 22nd April 2007, 15:16

Thanks to Grub and Nasty a short ride was organised today from Rimutex to top of the 'takas and back down again returning via Plateau, Maymorn, Mangaroa and Whitemans valley with lunch at the Short Straw Cafe in Whitemans Valley.

I'll start posting my pics.

The photos start with pictures of BB#1's bike. First pic is Sels1's brother trying it for size and then the next pics show the damage inflicted when the bolt broke as per this thread http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=48414 Luckily just a broken winker, front brake lever and minor scratches to the fairing.

Then we continue with the photos as people arrived at Rimutex - a few new faces to me.

**merv** · 22nd April 2007, 15:31

Weather was great and we got quite a good turnout in the end of over 20 people.

Being a short ride I thought I may as well take one of my dirt bikes so took the XR250L. I clocked up only 96km in the end from home and back to home again.

**merv** · 22nd April 2007, 15:35

Sels1's brother got himself a Virago to return to the biking fray.

Ronin dropped in to say hi as he was passing from Welly back to the 'rapa and he parked his bike at the scratched Suzuki end of the line.

Bistard dropped by too but I don't think I got any pics of him.

**merv** · 22nd April 2007, 15:41

Grub had left his candy apple at TSS for steering head bearings and was on a loaner ST2. The way he described the bike made it sound like my VFR is smoother, faster, handles without surprises but then hey that's what they call character huh! Can't see me ever getting a Ducati - I prefer my bikes soft, sensual and nice and easy to live with (just like I like my women eh!).

So the photos continue.

Hawkeye once again turned up when he reckoned he should have been working on his rental property.

I didn't catch the name of the guy that turned up on the BSA - he rode to the top of the hill and back down but kept on going at Te Marua and didn't do the lunch part of the ride.

**merv** · 22nd April 2007, 15:48

It was a bit dull at the top of the hill but not enough to bother us and Kinje and elle33f were there waiting for us. elle33f is like Hawkeye, she can be tempted to keep riding with us and ignore her chores and family duties so she came with us to lunch so that I could get more photos of her.

I'm still struggling to see that Hawkeye has a better side.

**merv** · 22nd April 2007, 15:57

There were at least a couple of different groups at the top of the hill so not all these people were with us.

Then it was down the hill, I took off behind quite a few and after passing some caught up behind the old Beezer so stayed in behind that until Te Marua but then he went on. I parked my bike and thought I'd race to the corner and take photos as the others arrived, but bugger I was thwarted - just as the bikes were coming my camera battery went flat and by the time I changed it I'd missed most of you. I was wanting some action shots for once.

You'll see quallman1234 on the DT though and who's that on the GSXR?

So I had to do it again at my next stop when I waited on the corner to the cafe road and got a few of you here.

**merv** · 22nd April 2007, 16:02

Around the corner they all went and parked at the cafe. Its a dead end road so you won't get lost on that road.

Nice setting at the cafe, there's even a playground if you get bored.

**merv** · 22nd April 2007, 16:04

OK here's my last few pics. Others were taking some so add them on please.

After lunch I just cruised off home via Blue Mountains Road and Haywards Hill, tidied up my gear and then started posting for you here.

I've had a pretty good and relaxed weekend with this ride today and doing the trip yesterday http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=48395

**Trudes** · 22nd April 2007, 16:39

Nice one Merv!
Sounds like you all had a great day.
Caught Elle and Kinje at the top of the hill and they were saying they had a nice time. Well done. We may have to join you fellas next time.

**merv** · 22nd April 2007, 16:47

Originally Posted by Mrs Kendog

Caught Elle and Kinje at the top of the hill and they were saying they had a nice time. Well done. We may have to join you fellas next time.

You see them when they were on there way home? So you were riding all the same?

Missed you this time but there will be others I am sure

.

**Trudes** · 22nd April 2007, 16:49

Had to test out my new leather pants and have a tweek of my suspension while having a 'husband and wife day'!

**merv** · 22nd April 2007, 16:52

Originally Posted by Mrs Kendog

Had to test out my new leather pants and have a tweek of my suspension while having a 'husband and wife day'!

... and the verdict is? On the pants and the suspension that is.

**Trudes** · 22nd April 2007, 16:59

Awesome all round!!!! Hubby thinks the pants look sexy

and I'm pleased with how much less I slide about on my seat, and the suspension just needed a little stiffening to tighten the rebound.

So all's well!

**Grub** · 22nd April 2007, 17:24

I had a ball. That Whitemans Valley road is challenging, esp on an unfamiliar bike. For those who haven't done it, ther's bumps aplenty and it's about 1.5 lanes wide but the scenery (if you have time to see it) is great.

Enjoyed everyone's company and we're realising just how close winter is now when standing at the top of the takas