Over the Hill and Not So Far Away

 It certainly feels like Autumn is on the way as the days get shorter and the last of the tomato's get redder on the vines. Hopefully there are still plenty of nice sunny days to help ripen the fruit and give us a few more warm rides around the wonderful motorcycling roads we are surrounded by here in Palmerston North. Sunday saw a solid group of the lads head off to the east on one of favourite shorter runs. We call it the Rongomai run that takes us over the Tararuas via the Pahiatua Track and on to Mangamaire with a brief run down State Highway 2. Then the the turn off from there had us on the Rongomai Road and making our way towards Pahiatua. These B roads in the district have been absolutely hammered due to unprecedented natural events over the last few years and it is great to see the a decline in road cones. It was with some surprise one particular stretch of road provided a few surprises with a lot of gravel over it not being signalled with signs. Just as well the crew were proceeding at a cautionary pace.

The rest of the run up to Pahiatua through Mangone Road was uneventful with a pace that certainly allowed one to enjoy the countryside and lovely mix of twisty sections and sweepers. Minimal traffic was encountered and all to soon we were on the final section of road leading into Pahiatua. It was here that Gary A, our fount of all things backroad took the lead and had us on some interesting roads that had us making our way around the back of Pahiatua and Mangatainoka and heading towards Hopeland. Nice to see these roads were in in a great state and we once again enjoyed some nice little twists and turns. We were soon back on to State Highway 2 and were heading back into Woodville and the Windmill Cafe for cuppa and hopefully a good pie! I can report that Sir Als recommendation to sample there Eggs Benie pie was definitely a good one! 

It was a great little run around the Tararua and lets hope for a few more rides in the sun as we move into autumn.

Stuart - Suzuki Bandit 1250

Stephen - Cagiva 1000

Grant - BMW Mystique

Gary A - BMW F650 GS

Bruce - Suzuki SV650

Sir Al - Suzuki Vstrom 650

Gary W - Suzuki GSR750