First-timers Report6:45am – Get up. Trip over cat. Poke head outside. Damn, looks pretty bleak. Check metconnect for the latest radar picture. Hmm, a narrow band of mustard was working its way down the west coast, seemingly straight for Tutukaka, our destination. Check it again at 8:00am, not much better. Nevermind, I’d go and introduce myself, have a coffee and a chat and see what I get for my membership fees. Seven riders showed up at Starbuck’s and briefly debated the weather, whether to go north or south, the likelihood that the Auckland motorways will ever be tolled, and benefits of flat-fee bus fares. The decision was made to go south to avoid the weather, but we had to wait while Dave the Pom went to change and get his bike, he being the only rider in boardies and a t-shirt. And a car. They all have to drive Land Rovers, don’t they? Guess the MG was being serviced! He returned on his tricked-out K1200S, and we headed north (a snap decision as we crossed the car park).Though the surface varied from wet to dry with a few bits of fresh chip, we still managed to keep a spirited pace up Old North Road and Peak Road to Kaukapakapa. Hwy 16 was a bit drier, traffic was light, and presented no difficulties apart from Dean testing the friction coefficient of the fogline a few times. We took a break in Wellsford, cast a wary eye to the sky, and decided not to push any further north. We chose instead to head south down Hwy 1 to Puhoi for lunch and a beer. As it was around 10:30am, justifications such as “to avoid the rush� and “to get a good table� were tossed about, but there was still no getting around the reality that by 11:00 we were drinking.A light lunch and some light Yank jokes and we were off. Back down through Orewa, Dairy Flat, and Sunnyside Road into the back of Coatesville. The last leg was the Riverhead-Coatesville Hwy to Kumeu, then back down Hwy 16 to Starbuck’s for a post-ride meeting. The motion to adjourn was carried unanimously at 2:15pm, and we all went home to do chores. Great ride, Dean! By far my favourite one to date! Next time you have to bring your HP2 motard.Dave the Yank
