Well what a great weekend for a ride down to the Hawkes Bay. Fine weather forecast for the whole weekend with the temperatures not too cold. Knocked of work early on Friday so we could leave at 3.00 o'clock to get to Bayview just noth of Napier for our first over night stay. The Auckland guys had two departure times with a planned over night in Taupo. Saturday and Breakfast in Napier for us and an easy ride down to Wiapukaru and the Pukeora Estate winery where we are to stay for the night. This place used to be the old hospital so is quite a unique place. With a planned afternoon ride around the area all we needed was the Auckland group to turn up. Cold over night and Moto Guzzis dont go together, as they had to jump start a couple of their flock before they could get on the road. While the rest of us waited at Pukeora in the sun, numbering about 12 by this stage from all over the North Island with a mix of Ducatis and Moto Guzzis. By 12.30 the Auckland guys had arrived and unpacked - they number about 12 as well. So for the afternoon ride were 20 Italian bikes of all ages. First stop was a great old pub for lunch then on to the Hawkes Bay Classic club for drinks and a look at some amazing old bikes. Back to Pukeora and there were more bikes there to greet us and enjoy a great night with the restaurant all decked out in Italian colours and easter eggs on the tables. Everyone had a great time drinking and talking motor cycles mostly Italian of course and the routes to take on the way home. Next morning was time to leave with groups heading in all directions.With some brave souls heading over the Gentle Annie on their way back to Auckland and Wellington and a larger group heading back to Auckland and papamoa via the main roads. The fine weather made for a good turn out this year with around 30 bikes at the lodge on Saturday.
Big Thanks to Phil and the local guys for putting on a great weekend.
If you like Italian bikes and own one or would like to meet people that do, before you take the jump to the best that Italy, has visit our web site for meetings and a ride list.
Dont believe the bad rumours left over form the 70s and 80s - your modern Italian bikes are as good as any Jap stuff and may even be cheaper to maintain and run.
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