Auckland Area Rep Report
May 14th was the Area Rep’s first organised ride as the area rep and 9.30 am saw 4 other hardy souls line up at Westgate ready for the ride north to Whangarei. Mother’s Day, wet weather and a nasty forecast for the day meant that we were a small group. Headed north up State Highway 16 in wobbly sunshine which continued to brighten the further north we headed.
We managed extremely good time up Highway 16 in the lightest traffic I have experienced in a very long time. A mixture of wet and dry roads saw us taking a moderate pace, which for the only pillion on the ride was enjoyable because it meant she could take in the scenery and think about writing this report!
Once Wellsford was conquered we headed north up SH1 and at the base of the Bendwryns headed left on Highway 12 to Paparoa, where after a short leg stretch and a phone home for one rider for permission from her indoors to continue, we turned north heading for Maungakaramea, Portland and onto Whangarei.
We made Whangarei in good time arriving at the Town Basin just after mid-day in glorious sunshine and in time to jostle with the locals for the few spare tables in the restaurant. We were joined by another rider and a couple who had family commitments in Whangarei (it being Mother’s Day and all) and took the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.
After lunch the main groups of riders (that would be 4 of them) headed back down SH1 hoping to miss the horrible weather that was forecast to hit later in the afternoon. No such luck for us, we took the opportunity to take a quick trip out to Ocean Beach at Whangarei Heads, discovering along the way a café which will feature in a ride north, probably this summer.
Around 3.30 pm we too headed for home via Highway1. Traffic was reasonably heavy, but no challenge for a bike! The closer we got to Auckland the darker the sky became and we finally hit the rain at Orewa – not too bad because as the old song goes – only 25 miles from Tulsa – in our case 27km from home! Those 27 km were pretty miserable as the rain got heavier, and the visibility less, but happy to report we made it home without any incidences.
Thanks to those who braved the elements to support the new Area Rep’s first ride in what turned out to be perfect riding conditions.
Fly spots for this ride = 414 km
