Well Jim2 organised a ride at a 'respectable' hour, meet at Rimutaka Caltex at 10:15 and go for a ride, destination to be determined.
So after arriving late, as I live close by, it is decided to travel straight to Masterton (SH2 oh dear) and then Pongaroa, Mungamarie(sp), the track and home. A nice jaunt as a few hadn't been across these roads and others would like to get reacquainted with them again.
After the slow trip through to Masterton and the compulsory Ducati petrol stop a change of plans occured. It was plainly obvious that the rain (snow) clouds that were building rapidly along the hills and points north and as Paihiatua is renown for its weather, Castlepoint became the new destination.
Those that are familiar with this road will know that the road to the Riversdale turnoff is fast and twisty, not too much green on the road and wet patches where you would expect them. It was great fun.
At the turnoff there was a very large "Caution" sign, there is logging operations on the road, taking out trees near and on the side of the road. This lead to some 30kmh pieces and the 'happening' of the day. After some lovely 90km corners a short straight and a 100kmh sign, we came to a well banked right that leads into a sweeping left. On the line out of the corner was a 'rough' patch, which upset everyones line, immediately followed by eight potholes. The first pot hole was rather large, two of us went inside and the others on the outside. The outside people were treated to a zigzag of potholes with the option of crossing the centre line being the best way to avoid them. Snuffles didn't make the centre line and as it was his first time on the road he avoided the first two and HIT the third and carried on riding into the left corner. Why the detail here, see the pictures!
The rest of the ride was uneventful even though there was a lot of dirt on the road as a result of the tree (not rider) felling for five or so kilometres. The shop still had breakfast on the menu even though it was after 10:30, this was duly commented on comparing the time to some franchise establishment that does not ever server breakfast after 10:30.
After the compulsory tour of Castlepoint and noting the lack of sand we had the final pit stop and noticed Snuffles front rim was not as it should be. There was a great big dent in the left rim of the front wheel, what the #$#%!!!!! The usual how, what, and when to obtain details and the how does the bike handle - no different - do you have insurance - yes I do - thats good. Slow ride back home then, tyre could be deflated - doesn't seen to be.
Now Jim2 offered to be the tail man as he was lead on the way out. Check out the photo of the two strips on his rear tyre, the outside being the trip to CastlePoint and the 'inner' being the casual make sure that everyone is OK trip back.
At Masterton we all decided that a nice leasuirely ride back would be great, that lasted between the two bottoms of the Rimas and then it was home. Jim2 and I called around to see CelticNo6, saw that he had left his bike out and dissappeared with two wives and three kids.
Well it was the first ride since I had that damn flu, feeling a little weary after the ride but well pleased.
Mike
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must have hit with a hell of a bang.....
Originally Posted by Lynda Blair
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