red mermaid

The New Zealand Blue Knights are the newest chapter of a worldwide organisation that has over 635 chapters in 29 countries and 20,000+ members. Since the founding of the Blue Knights, in the USA in 1974, they have made donations of time, money, and gifts exceeding USD$16.5 million.

The NZ chapter recently held a ride around the central North Island to celebrate the founding of the chapter, and as a way for members to get to know each other. Four members gathered in Palmerston North before setting out on what promised to be a wet and windy day. Wanganui was reached through some of the interesting back roads and here an assessment was made of the weather, resulting in the rain suits been donned.

As the ride continued westwards the weather continued to threaten but all we experienced was the extreme buffeting of the wind as we rode State Highway 45, along the Taranaki coast, to New Plymouth. After a very stormy night we awoke to more rain threatening as we rode north to Mokau for a breakfast where a couple of riders tasted Whitebait fritters.

Our journey continued north on State Highway 3 to the junction with State Highway 4, where we met another member who then lead us to Taupo, via Bennydale and Whakamaru. At Taupo we had 4 other members from around the North Island join up for a night of socialising.

The next day dawned to sensational riding weather, so after breakfast at Wairakei a group of 7 riders headed north to Tauranga, via Broadlands, Rotorua and the Pyes Pa Road. Here 2 riders split off while the remaining 5 carried on to Ohope through the twists and turns of Welcome Bay Road at Tauranga, and Old Coach Road east of Te Puke.

After an overnight stay at Ohope 5 riders went through to Opotiki for what must have been the best breakfast of the entire trip before the group split with 4 heading away to ride the iconic State Highway 35 around East Cape. This road lived up to its reputation with marvellous views, hills, and bends forever. A classic motorcycle route.

All good things must come to an end and after an overnight stay at the peaceful, magic Anaura Bay it was on to Gisborne for breakfast and then south to head home from Napier.

If you would like to enjoy trips such as this, especially our next ride to the far north, with a group of like minded motorcyclists then have a look at our Facebook page or website:
http://www.facebook.com/BlueKnightsNewZealand
http://www.blueknightsnz.org/index.html