Hope everyone had a great time at the National Rally. Sadly, Jo and I could not make the weekend (Jo was called away to Picton on family business Friday morning) but I found myself with a few hours to spare on Saturday. A phone call to Aslan and KSlider was all it took and we opted for a quick squirt over to the Gladstone Pub. Of course this was to be via Hinakura and Ngakonui Station out toward the Wairarapa Coast, as gravel is the order of the day for two Dakars and the 1150GS – why else would you have one 😕Weather wasn't looking promising on the Wellington side of the hill and we did notice a few spits of rain on meeting at Caltex Rimutaka around 11:00. However, things we looking on the up as we traversed the mighty hill and, albeit a bit blustery at the top, it came out mighty hot on the other side. A sedate jaunt through to Martinborough with many people out enjoying the sun and taking on coffees in the numerous cafes, but we were motivated to meet the Coast - so straight through on this occasion.First stop was at the top of the Martinborough-Hinakura Road. More of an opportunity to lose a couple of layers than anything else.....but also a fabulous spot just for the view...............Further on down the road, and just after it turns to gravel, you come to the Hinakura junction at which sits the hall. Straight ahead, a fantastic windy gravel road that follows the river for about 30Kms out to Pahaoa Sation and the Coast. Don't have time for that though, just a quick breather at the hall........This is what we like to see................and plenty of it now as it takes us through to Ngakonui Station up to Summerhill and down Admirals Road pretty much all the way to Gladstone.KSlider - motoring on some of it.............and coming back for another shot.Aslan doing his bit, great looking form as he motors that 1150GS along.....We made one detour down by the Wainouioru River that crosses Ngakonui Station, just to have a play around on the sandy bits  😀Onwards, and some more great views once you get up and over Summerhill....More good motoring on Admirals Road and these boys sticking reasonably close together despite the dusty conditions...After a couple of hours of this, nothing better than a cold one or two (Ginger Beer actually) at the Galdstone pub. A bowl of most excellent wedges shared and a bit of a chin wag before heading back home along some of the great backroads the Wairarapa has to offer. Great company, great couple of hours out on the bike, all good really  😀I know Aslan got some photos as well, over to you young man ..........................