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Taupo Remembrance Run, September 2005Saturday morning saw myself, Steve and Julie, Bob (the 4 regulars) along with Colin and Mary on our way to Taupo via Rotorua to pick up Heather. No sooner had we started our bikes than Bob decided his needed a sleep and he lay it on the ground while turning around. Lucky he didn't break his good indicator! Starting in fine weather we were on our way only to have fog set in by Hangitiki. This made riding slightly slower until it cleared at Te Kawa where we turned off and took the back road to Arapuni Dam. These back roads have some lovely scenery and we took a nice leisurely pace to ensure Colin and Mary had time to enjoy the surroundings. Our first stop saw us at Putaruru for a bite and coffee. Not long here and we were on the road again heading to Rotovegas to get Heather. Arriving at her place of residence we were greeted with a smile from Heather and sniff from the dog. A quick snack for lunch as we had to be at the other end of town to meet the group heading to Taupo. This meant Julie had to get a lift with me and Steve took Heather. Only just moving and Bob is weaving all over the road practicing his slalom techniques. Soon found out he had a noise from his chain. This ended up worrying him until the next morning when some oil on the chain reduced the noise. (Oiling your chain once every 12 months can cause this problem?) Anyway back to the story. A slow uneventful trip to Taupo with the Te Kuiti contingent at the rear, except for this one bike that had broken down just out of Rotorua. (No need to mention what brand) Upon arriving we hardly had time to get off our bikes and we were back on "doing a cruise of the main" a lot quicker this year and a little shorter followed by the assembly in the hall for the remembrance of those passed. It seems to hit home more when you have recently lost one of your own members. (A copy of the full service is in the latest Ulyssian. If you wish to have a copy of this let Steve know) Back to Heather's was a little quicker with Steve leading the pack and not even slowing down as we pass the pubs but almost getting us in trouble with the law. Heather's hospitality was excellent with the facilities being 5 star plus. Heated Pool, Spa, Big Screen TV and a drink in your hand. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. A late night was had by all as we stayed awake to watch the All Blacks play. Off to bed with a couple of hours sleep. Next morning the weather was not as kind to us as the previous day and it was decided that we would head straight home rather than take the long way through Tauranga. Steve in the lead again with the rest of us trying to keep up saw our first stop at Tirau for a late breakfast. Stomachs full and we were off again. Bob with his water proof gloves (Rivermill bread bags? Or was it Quality Bakers?) gave a good laugh. He was the only one with dry hands when we got home! No stopping this time as the weather had cleared a little and it was decided that we were best to make a dash for it. All arrived home safely and an excellent time was had by those of us that went. Julie, Steve and Rosko have been out a couple of times since. Julie on her new (old) 650 has been to Te Awamutu, Pirongia and home. Arapuni and back where she met up with Steve, Rosko and Dennis who had been up the Kaimai for a look. Mokau and back. Ray |