My senior moment

[XF650]

Even though this clashed with Brass Monkey, the Irishman Rally was something I just had to have a crack at. 150 vintage cars (pre 1931) converged on Fairlie for the 60th Anniversary of this unique event. Rogson crewed as the 'stick man', which I had better explain who's job it is to hold shifter in gear on the steep bits. He was great company even though he wore his trou outside his red-bands.
The record number of entrants meant the organisers bypassed the real knarly stuff, simply to avoid bottle necks. However the route still stuck to gravel & farm tracks and the first day included some Dusty Butt stuff e.g. back roads around Fairlie, Back-line Rd, Myers Pass, Haka Pass, McKenzie Pass etc., all stuff I've ridden many times before on the bikes but seeing it now in a different way. The wee Porlock was fair "singing", especially after I changed the plugs. And that's the twist - my Singer Junior spark plugs cross code with the Suzuki TF125 Mud Bug farm bike, which proves the Japanese are still copying British engineering. I overtook a few cars with 3 x the cc of mine, not counting the many we saw with their bonnets up.

[XF650]

Day 2 started in Tekapo, after a bloody cold / frosty drive from Fairlie, but being adventure riders we kept the hood down. A few cars overheated from frozen radiators, even though they had drained them over-night. It was obvious my diff seals were shot, so had well lubricated brakes from then on. The route took us via an Irishman Creek tour (where the Rally first started from 60 years ago & hence the name), a loop through Braemar Station tracks and then on up to Mt Cook Station. In the lee of the Mountain they set up a paddock speed slalom, where I was fourth fastest after one run but called it quits to avoid breaking an axle. However the damage was already done, when shortly afterwards the (canvas) diff drive disintegrated, requiring a tow. So technically a DNF but I still won a prize for the only Singer.

1st pic shows Tekapo frost & how small my Porlock is in comparison (5th from left). The moderns were the sweeps.

[Big Dog]

Very cool.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[unstuck]

Good stuff, looks like a whole heap of fun.

[Underground]

Me = envious, this 'paddock slalom' has me intrigued, what were the other 100 odd superior hp'd pussies doing?
Just makes me want to get one of these old timers and show them how its done...

[DR Girl]

I totally agree, way COOOOOL XF650. The same spirit as trail riders

[neels]

Just looking at some photos in the dripfeed newsletter, I particularly liked this one...

[XF650]

Took the Porlock on a gravel tour with a group of 14 cars prior to Xmas. Molesworth was in great nick & at a sedate 30 mph meant I got to see more than ever before. Only passed one bike, a Cagiva I assume going by the Lucky Strike stickers.

[XF650]

Stayed at Cissy Bay in the Sounds, handy to French Pass

[XF650]

While in the area I visited Underground, who's place is accessed by an awesome gravel road with stunning views. To get there I took a couple of "diversions" that tested the Singers ability to descend and then ascend again, plus saw a few skeletons. But all good fun - thanks for the hospitality Jeff & Jo.

[XF650]

By the time we got near the Porika my back end had developed a wobble (the story of my life) - another bloody DNF.
I fear the diff I installed prior to Irishman may include some bent shafts. Have located another so will pull it to bits in the new year.
I now know what it's like to own an airhead.
Happy New Year
XF.

[Padmei]

great RR Struan. A more leisurely approach to adventuring. It's not a proper adventure if the spanners stay in the tool box

[Waihou Thumper]

What a fantastic way to see the South Island!
50kph is the speed limit of the Molesworth? Is this right?
Of course all ADV riders stick to this as well....

[Underground]

Nice to catch up Struan and after going for a spin in the wee beastie I can see how 4 wire wheels on gravel could be as addictive as 2
Plus there is that 'never knowing if you are going to make it' adventure thing going on.

[Woodman]

great RR Struan. A more leisurely approach to adventuring. It's not a proper adventure if the spanners stay in the tool box

Plus there is that 'never knowing if you are going to make it' adventure thing going on.

Yeah , what is it about that?

Cool stuff Struan, so did any of the group do the Porika? But more importantly did anyone find my sidecover and, if so who do I send the prize to.