Ashhurst boys out to meet real riders 6/2/7

[Meanie]

Single lane last I heard. But there's always the alt scenic route, which I wont go into details. It may take a bit longer though.............

Two lanes now

[Grub]

I like the idea of going down to Wiakanae then turn off you end up in upper hutt, been a long time since i went over that road i remember it as windy and narrow
I am sure it is all sealed

Yep, all sealed, a bit leaky in parts and rough on top but you're not going more than 40kmh on those parts anyways. As you pass the cemetry towards the end, put your back pegs down, stand up and salute to Uncle Bruce. Oh and ... ummm ... when you're doing that, watch that corner just after the cemetry gates ... its off camber and ... interesting

[Meanie]

Will do

[sugilite:Me]

Single lane last I heard. But there's always the alt scenic route, which I wont go into details. It may take a bit longer though.............

Scenic route, did someone say scenic route???
And I'm in for the Akatarawas too

[cowboyz]

you coming along sugilite? Havent seen you around for a while. You bringing that 10 or is it off the road now?

[sugilite:Me]

I'll be coming on my road bike, the trusty 89 ZXR750

[cowboyz]

cool. put the bacon and eggs on when you get there and make sure they are still warm by the time I show up.

[86GSXR]

Great, looks like it could be the Aka's! I haven't done them for years either, but it will be a bloody good warm up for the Taka's and the Rapa. If I had a map I could do a time, but I'd say 2.15 should just be enough. I just hope we get to the meet in time to get a coffee!

[sugilite:Me]

Waikanae is about 55 mins from Ashhurst and then it's about 45 mins at an amble though the akers

[86GSXR]

Sweet, plenty of time for a coffee then This ride will be good

[elle-f]

Ride safe guys. See you there

[Panther]

ooo guys plz plz plz put up a 'ride report'
im choosing to be stuck in the garage today

[Fatjim]

I suggest next ride you we all meet at AFC in town.

[86GSXR]

ooo guys plz plz plz put up a 'ride report'
im choosing to be stuck in the garage today

Ok, here's my version

It was a very early start, as it looked as though the consensus was to take the Ashurst, Massey, Levin, Waikanae and Aka's route. Given a 1015 meet at the other end meant a reasonable pace would have to be maintained to get there in time, allowing for a couple of rest stops. And the Akas of course! I hadn't been over there for years, but it used to be a fairly regular weekend blast back then.

So, my pillion and I left Palmerston around 7.35 and headed to Ashurst. Sure enough, the boys (and girl) were ready and waiting and after a quick refuel it was off the mark at exactly 8 oclock. We kind of wondered if Sugi was coming, but figured if he was he'd get there anyway and maybe even catch up.

Cowboyz set a decent pace all the way to Waikanae, the only annoying factor being the traffic on the section of SH1 between Levin and the Akas turn off. But what do you expect on a holiday and with the development up this way?

Stopped for a break at Waikanae to be amused by a cop installing one of those large 'read your own speed' devices on the opposite side of the road. Despite the 3 foot high numbers, someone (cage) still missed the hint and promptly found themselves making a contribution to the Cullen Fund Even more interesting were the number of motorists taking advantage of the distraction to go even faster round the unfortunate one.

Anyway, on to the Aka's it was. Yes, it is very curvey, very narrow, and very scenic. And it pays to keep very left! Luckily there was not a lot of opposite traffic and the slog to the top was rewarded by a great run down the other side surrounded by crisp fresh air, sunshine and native bush - fab! Cowboyz was going well and managed a nicely deft manouvre around a car that had inevitably strayed a little too far. No problems.

I must point out though that this road is definitely not suitable for beginners!

Stopped again near the end to wait on the rest of the group, then it was a nice cruise down into the Caltex for the meet up with 10 mins to spare.

Wow, what a crowd, I wasn't counting but there were at least 40 bikes there, huge turnout! After a bit of a catchup Sels 1 gave us the rundown for the day. Up the Takas, stop at the top, down to Featherston then on to Martinborough.

So, the faster group headed off, and in no time we were at the Summit. The road was nice and dry, and had been hugely improved since my last time. Smooth seal sections and wide passing lanes? Great! Must be getting old

However, being a brisk southeasterly, a quick look down into the Rapa, plus some reliable reports confirmed that it was only suitable if you like being wet! So it was decided to head back down the western side again, and with Sugi doing a more than capable job leading the group, it was down into the Hutt, up Moonshine road (brief stop), and another stop at the Paekoc summit (great cornering practise this route!)

At the top it was definitely one of those 'you can't beat it on a good day' days and after some stunning Straight views and another catch up, it was down into Raumati (traffic lights needed at the turn off!) where unfortunately the cafe was full. But the punters must have been impressed at the number of bikes in the carpark!

Wisely anticipating this, Sels invited all back to his place for a barbie - good man

At this point however, after the early start, my pillion and I decided to have a leisurely cruise back up the line. Cowboyz had headed into Wellie to see his sister, and I'm sure we spotted Bonez, Meanie and Dave T heading home as we were enjoying a coffee at just south of Shannon?

All up, a great day out and a huge turnout! Thanks to all, especially Lissa and Sels 1 for keeping it all moving along! And to the Ashurst boys, thanks for another great ride guys

[Bonez]

I'm sure we spotted Bonez, Meanie and Dave T heading home as we were enjoying a coffee at just south of Shannon?

Yip we did the Pahiatua, Gorge Rd, Saddle Rd detour to Aushurst. Natter and a coke at Meanies then off home to entertain the grand kids.

It was nice to meet the two folk from Feilding who came along too.