Flyin memorial ride. Martinborough, Saturday 14 May

[StoneChucker]

I met a few people at Caltex Taka just before 11am. From (bad) memory there was Skunk, Storm, Slingshot + partner, Keeper, Jim2, Flame and atleast 5 or 6 other of who's names I either didn't know or can't remember

Set off over the hill, through Featherston and stopped for lunch at the Flying Fish. Met up with more people there including, GarryH, Et al, Velox, Grumpy, and yet more who I didn't know or can't remember

Rode out via a route I don't think I've ever done before! A much straighter(safer) road out to the corner where the accident happened. After we parked the bikes up (in GarryH's picture) we walked to the corner (visible in the picture). Maybe it was just me, but I felt very strange upon approaching the corner, a mixture of goosebumps and feeling very cold (only in the last 20 meters or so). We stood there for a while and reflected on things, and life. Yet more lumps seemed to find their way into my throat.

Jumped back onto the horses, over to Carterton and the Wild Oats cafe. Another snack/drink (and I wonder how I stay "big boned") and back home in various directions (some to Welly, some Napier, etc...)

A rather nice ride all up. I also got to see Jim2's new bike (nice red R6) and finally worked out how to clutch up wheelies - just need practice now.
There were lots of pictures taken, however none by me. I'm sure they will be posted in due course.

Dave.

[Storm]

Also turned up to Caltex as I had no idea where Martinborough was. Whilst having a perv at all the sexy sprotsbikes on display, I noticed that my GN was by far the smallest bike there, thus making me a little bit apprehensive re keeping up.
My fears proved unfounded, as I was able to keep up with the group, and even pass a few cars on the way there. I can now claim to have seen the famous "Fish" cafe, and can recommend first hand thier fries and chocolate cake(its a bloody huge slice for $3.50 ) Once various folk turned up from here there and everywhere; namely Palmy, Napier, and some late to the party wgtn folk,
we pulled ourselves away from the sunny tables and headed off.
Was once again impressed at the fact that the guys and girls on the litre bikes werent hitting the gas and a very high standard of riding was displayed.Got to the corner and walked back with all the rest of the riders. Was quite a sobering few minutes all around, I felt and we all had more than a few introspective moments.
After we paid our respects it was back homeward headed in our various directions. Having no idea where I was (still !) I tagged along with Jim, SC and a couple others (sorry, cant remember the names) and it was off to sample another cafe. And what a Cafe it was !! I put on a couple kays just looking around at all the goodies but hey, .
After more talk in the sun it was time to head for wgtn. I noticed that my exhaust baffle was a little loose and hoped it'd hold for the trip home. However on stopping at the top of the Rimutaka's, I discovered that I had and automatic baffle removing bike, and no idea where the baffle was !!
Must admit, it did give the bike a nice exhaust note. Suppose thats what you get for trying to chase and R1 up the hills. (Although SC can confirm that I passed him at least the once, coming out of the Martingborough turnoff, tapped out, hanging off the back of the bike (literally) )
Had a nice gentle ride down the other side and thence back home.
Huge thanks to all those who made the day such as great ride, particularly the weather, Jim2 for telling me where to go(in the nicest possible way), and also letting my park my filthy Suzuki next to his gleaming R6-dribble-, SC for talking to me when I first turned up. The only thing making it less than a perfect day was the fact it was a memorial ride, otherwise a 10/10

PS SC, those clutching wheelies are looking pretty sharp from the back, keep givin it heaps

[StoneChucker]

Also turned up to Caltex as I had no idea where Martinborough was. Whilst having a perv at all the sexy sprotsbikes on display, I noticed that my GN was by far the smallest bike there, thus making me a little bit apprehensive re keeping up.
My fears proved unfounded, as I was able to keep up with the group, and even pass a few cars on the way there. I can now claim to have seen the famous "Fish" cafe, and can recommend first hand thier fries and chocolate cake(its a bloody huge slice for $3.50 ) Once various folk turned up from here there and everywhere; namely Palmy, Napier, and some late to the party wgtn folk,
we pulled ourselves away from the sunny tables and headed off.
Was once again impressed at the fact that the guys and girls on the litre bikes werent hitting the gas and a very high standard of riding was displayed.Got to the corner and walked back with all the rest of the riders. Was quite a sobering few minutes all around, I felt and we all had more than a few introspective moments.
After we paid our respects it was back homeward headed in our various directions. Having no idea where I was (still !) I tagged along with Jim, SC and a couple others (sorry, cant remember the names) and it was off to sample another cafe. And what a Cafe it was !! I put on a couple kays just looking around at all the goodies but hey, .
After more talk in the sun it was time to head for wgtn. I noticed that my exhaust baffle was a little loose and hoped it'd hold for the trip home. However on stopping at the top of the Rimutaka's, I discovered that I had and automatic baffle removing bike, and no idea where the baffle was !!
Must admit, it did give the bike a nice exhaust note. Suppose thats what you get for trying to chase and R1 up the hills. (Although SC can confirm that I passed him at least the once, coming out of the Martingborough turnoff, tapped out, hanging off the back of the bike (literally) )
Had a nice gentle ride down the other side and thence back home.
Huge thanks to all those who made the day such as great ride, particularly the weather, Jim2 for telling me where to go(in the nicest possible way), and also letting my park my filthy Suzuki next to his gleaming R6-dribble-, SC for talking to me when I first turned up. The only thing making it less than a perfect day was the fact it was a memorial ride, otherwise a 10/10

PS SC, those clutching wheelies are looking pretty sharp from the back, keep givin it heaps

Hehe, thanks mate but you're too kind. The people I normally ride with point and laugh at my "wheelies". But I think I'll have them held up in a couple of months, can't wait! Only thing is, I don't think it's all that good for the clutch, but, you have to learn on something. I guess it is designed to take SOME abuse

That passing move you made, while not crazy fast, was awsome. I've never seen someone doing what I'd describe as a superman (not the mx type). Hands on bars, and lying flat on the bike, feet vertical behind. Made me chuckle for quite some time

If anyone sees a car with what looks like a Merc badge stuck on the hood, look again, it's Storms Baffle! [pt]

Let us know when you're down this way again

[James Deuce]

Debaffled GN


Good to meet you Storm, and nice to see such an excellent turn out, albeit for sobering reasons.

The roadside debrief at the site was therapeutic for more than one of us I think. I was quite astounded at the amount of debris still evident.

[et al]

The roadside debrief at the site was therapeutic for more than one of us I think. I was quite astounded at the amount of debris still evident.

Yes Jim, it hopefully gave us some closure. I rode away thinking about the accident scene and could not avoid reconstructing it in my mind, especially after I made some sense (with help from others) of the accident investigation markings.

[Storm]

Jim2 - I wasnt refering to the physical cleanliness, it was the lack of a Y*&#ha badge that earned me the prejudiced looks (I'm working on getting a big fast R6 just like you, honest injun )

SC You do know that staying on the seat while pulling wheelies isnt compulsary?
Just ask WT to give you a few pointers on the most efficient way to wreck your clutch-oops, pardon me , I meant get the front end up

[Gunner]

Here are a few pics of the ride.

[StoneChucker]

Here are a few pics of the ride.

Pic 1 is particularly good. Nice view of the corner, view of people walking to the corner AND a rather attractive bike in the very front. What more could one ask for!

[Skunk]

Pic 1 is particularly good.

Nah, the cool bikes are blocked by a red thing...

[Storm]

Pic 1 is particularly good. Nice view of the corner, view of people walking to the corner AND a rather attractive bike in the very front. What more could one ask for!

Nice to see an loyal owner showing absolutly no personal prejudice there SC

[phantom]

Earlier on in this thread a few people ( jazbug, csl, bear and myself - probably others ) were unable to do the first memorial ride. There doesn't seem to have been any other discussion on this but I will definitely be doing it regardless of weather. I presume we'll meet in the Martinborough square at 12 on Sunday