gijoe1313's Blogs

Well, to cap the night off, caught up with TOTO, Sharry and a new rider to the swarm; Carlosliu.

Carlos turned up second and we had a good chin wag and some ice cream as we waited for any others to arrive. Sharry arrived next sans cash or debit card so in a gallant display of chivalry, I offered to be a temporary wallet for her

As time ticked to the seven on the town hall's clock, we mounted up and tootled melodiously to Mission bay via Auckland Domain, the clarity of the evening sun was a fabulous back drop to the ride.

Now on the way, a slight diversion to the twisties of the Dingle Dell reserve for the special xmas Jingle Bell run was observed before the obligatory St Helier's GP run (twice).

From there, it was a skootle over to Royal Oak to partake of some variegated refrigerated bovine liquids; to wit : ice cream at Ollie's. Sharry still has not had her waffles.

A quick stint up to No-tree hill where the surrounding hinterland of Greater Auckland was observed, the lack of directional finding on behalf of some of the group was laudable and bona fide hilarious. But, my dear reader, I digress.

From there hungry stomachs demanded sacrifice of calorific products and off to Daikoku we went. Now, Daikoku is a fine establishment that serves noodles in all its myriad guises and options. Shio ramen consists of noodles, chicken stock, spinach, nori and bamboo shoots all delivered with a cheerful irrashimashe from the staff. Much slurping and chomping of foods testified to the deliciousness of our choices.

Not withstanding the friendly banter at our table, we took our leave to view the changing of fountain lights at Mission Bay. At this point TOTO left our august company to interview young ladies for his own nefarious needs. The rest of us debated about what colour next the fountain would appear as.

As the witching hour drew upon the close of our Hornet swarm ride, we all drew apart and waved goodnight to the company. From there I rode back via St Helier's GP again and was met by a deluge of rain, in which I have not seen in an age.

What an absolute delight! As I felt trickles become torrents and my riding gear becoming soaked through, I grinned. Boots became filled and the roads became awashed in pools of water. Periodically I raised my visor to clear it of condensation and feel the refreshing drops patter on my exposed skin. It is unique riding experiences like these every so often, that truly makes one appreciate being a biker (but I guess, for most, they could do without that!)

Like the proverbial drowned rat, I rolled into the dry space of home. Taking the time to sort my steed and gear out, I incongruously decide to have a shower as well (as if the downwash of precipitation already had not satisfied me!)

A good night all round. Today, I am drying my gear out and planning for my next riding location. Now where shall I go today? Even I do not know!