Bikes and Bees
Kimbolton has always been a very quiet and gentle place where the sculptures are great recent addition to its main street and its cafe a firm favourite amongst the troops. Sitting outside eating your pizza or sausage roll and watching the world go by is definitely one of life's pleasures. What one doesn't expect is to be a part of is one of natures most important procreation activities on the planet. No, not that one; but pollination. One of our group had to make a hasty retreat from a group of amorous bees who seemed to think certain parts of his bike were important to have a relationship with. After stopping to evaluate the situation his strategy to deal with the bees saw him exiting the village in a southern direction with much haste. I am sure that he was at the legal speed limit by the time he crossed the village boundary. By all accounts it solved the bee problem, but after having a discussion with said person, it sounds like its an ongoing problem. For those who enjoy 'adventures' on their adventure bikes can I recommend either the 650 or 1000 Vstrom painted in 'Champion Yellow No2'. It really is a winner....... with the bees. Eh Rich.
This was an interesting conclusion to a ride that saw a group of twelve front up to Memorial Park. We were all of the mind to make the most of the magnificent summer weather and after the hub bub of Christmas and New Year behind a ride around the Apiti Loop would fill the bill. It was a familiar lineup of bikes and riders, bar one. Graham fronted up on his 'new to him' Suzuki VX800. He was giving the new steed its first run after new tyre's and fluids. A very under rated bike that can be currently picked up at a reasonable price and with a shaft drive a very easy bike to live with. It puts out 63 hp with a weight of 238kg so has a descent turn of speed and a manageable weight for us 'mature' folk. It first came out in 1990 so it is eligible for classic status under the 30 year or VJMC 25 year rules. Graham seemed to be enjoying it, so we will see if it is a keeper!
After the rider briefing we were soon off to our first stop at Totara Reserve. With all bikes and riders accounted for we headed on up the Pohangina Valley through the scenery and roads we all know so well. The road was in great condition with no gravel surprises or 'summer ice'. By the time we made it to our next stop at Apiti we sort the shelter of a lovely stand of roadside trees as the day was warming up. Unfortunately the Apiti Tavern wasn't open with the word on the street being the new owners are doing a wonderful job revamping the place. Oh well, maybe next time. This didn't solve our refreshments problem, so it was off to Kimbolton to the tried and true Hansens Cafe.
There are some great sections of road between Apiti and Kimbolton and it certainly encouraged some us to make sure there were no chicken strips still left on our tyres. It was interesting following John on his BMW airhead where on some of the corners the gap between the head and the road was rather small. At no time did we break the speed limit! Hansens cafe seemed to be as popular as ever with the troops ordering there favourites and well satisfied by the time we headed for home.
One of the things that happens from time to time is bike swapping and on this day Ray had the chance to sample the delights of a Harley Sportster. With Sir Al giving Ray some last minute instructions he accelerated off down the main street and he certainly looked the part with his scarf and certain 'don't mess with me' look in his eye's. We look forward to hearing his evaluation of the Sportster in the future. Then to finish off our time in Kimbolton, there were the bee's......... (check out the end of the video for the visuals)
Roll Call
Rich - Suzuki 650 Vstrom
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