Ohautira Road and the perils thereof...
Decided to duck through Ohautira Road today (runs between the Hamilton Raglan highway and the road through Waingaro. It's actually the southern end of SH22). I've ridden it more times than I can remember so am aware of the fact that there are a few things to watch for. F'rinstance...
There used to be a patch of gravel at the top of the small rise over the hills. This is all sealed now. But there are "seal repairs" in that stretch at present. And in keeping with all "seal repairs" that I have come across this summer, the loose blue chip has been left to its own devices. And for the entertainment of motor cyclists, it presents a ball bearing surface to navigate. Very thoughtful of the road fixers I reckon...thanks guys.
There are a couple of signs along this stretch of road warning about "roaming stock". Not to be taken lightly. Today it was two groups of braindead sheep. Long tailed sheep that have probably been feral for several decades by now. And as usual, there is a suicidal maniac in each group - the sheep that spins around and runs in the opposite direction to the rest of the mob. Usually straight into the path of any handy motorbikes... If I thought I could have got it home, it might have filled the larder for several weeks. Chance missed right there.
In keeping with brain dead sheep, there are also many braindead pukeko around as well. Same as the sheep, one of them turns away from the flock then tries to commit suicide by motorbike. I nearly got him but missed. Bugger.
There is a tendency out that way for locals to use the whole road. At all times. Both lanes where possible and the wrong lane most often. For some unknown reason, I didn't see a single example of this today. Could it be that the locals are losing their touch? How sad. I miss the burst of adrenaline. Road gets boring without meeting an SUV head on on your side of the road.
Other than that, it was a very pleasant ride.
Have fun all.
. “No pleasure is worth giving up for two more years in a rest home.” Kingsley Amis
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