I'm still gibbering.
Heather rang up and said, 'Let's go to Mum's (the Mother-in-law of course) for tea." Between Carterton and Greytown.
Hmmmm.
I need about 30 seconds to convince my "other" side to leave work early to go for a ride.
"We're coming back tonight though, I haven't packed stuff for the kids."
Choice!! (Old school saying that means, "Top Ho chaps."). Two rides over the hill in one night. Perfect weather, little traffic, new bike, weekend ride spoilt by weather - no more reasons needed.
I got to the first part of the Te Marua/Kaitoke section that's been turned from a technical cornering section into a High-G fairground ride, with face distorting forces and everything. And promptly get overtaken by a van.
Alright buddy, if that's the way you want it. It's not often you come across a 4 wheel vehicle driven with commitment and skill. The last time I had this challenge put to me it was a 1.8T Beetle (the new variety, so it was a water-cooled, turbo-charged, Audi engine, not some low-end VW Golf powerplant) and I was riding the ol' CBR600. With full fledged reborn newbie lack of skills in place.
This demented old bugger hasn't owned a bike that doesn't need a gear change for 0-100 testing for a long time, and neither have I felt this comfortable on a bike for a while.
He came past me again at Kaitoke Gardens.
And waves.
I'm 40, and I will not let my 14 year old ego surface.
I'm 40, and I will not let my 14 year old ego surface.
I'm 40, and I will not let my 14 year old ego surface.
Ahhh shuddup.
The rest of the ride over the hill was a blur, and huge fun, with a high five through an open van window as I head off toward Featherston. That's the feeling that "they" are trying to ban. Transport is for A-B only, and don't you forget it.
The ride back was even better. I haven't had a clear run over the "Hill" in clear weather for a couple of years. I think I saw Darkman and fatjim heading toward Featherston on the way back. It's amazing how much more brain power you have available when you don't have to think about what the person in front is doing. I think the Dirt guys know that feeling well, because they still have uncongested roads to play with.
I reckon we need to plan a Wellington Wednesday Wairarapa feed run. I think the Italian restaurant in Featherston still has the $10 pasta and pizza Wednesday, so maybe we can all get that nice clear run in before the Summer ends.
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