RAG ’07

[Richard Kuysten]

#1952

Yet another one under the belt.  Very pleasant ride down to Taupo on Friday night with the stars to guide us (just as well because the main beam went just after we set out from Tirau about 8pm).  Interesting how few (3 actually) drivers picked up that we had high beam on for the rest of the journey to Taupo.A grey ride to Turangi on Saturday morning then even greyer as we started the ascent of the saddle road to National Park.  Our arrival at Taylors Lodge saw Paul (Wanganui) and Norm (Gisborne) sitting chewing the fat.  The digs were open and the panel heaters going full bore which was just as well because it was cool down there.  We unpacked and took off to Ohakune for lunch and to pick up some stores.  By the time we were back at the lodge there were a dozen bikes and things were warming up.  Familiar faces and friendly banter as more bikes arrived.  Dave was already in the lounge getting the fire going and Clifford with the help of some of the girls to do the veges was preparing a sumptuous meal  once more - and for reasons I won't go into 🙄 the meat was cooked over real embers rather than gas ones this year - what a feast.  The rain set in during the evening and was still with us on Sunday morning as we packed up to leave.  For those of us heading north it was a very wet ride all the way to the Bombays with stong gusty winds to keep us on our toes.  All in all a good relaxing weekend, thanks to all who made it so.Malcolm and JeanPS  We talked last night with Pete  Zimmerman and Danielle and the subject of the impending Lahar came up.  Danielle was unaware of Ruapehu's volcanic history and was interested to hear it was an active volcano.  We thought it would be great if we were able to experience the Lahar although from a safe distance - tonights news reports that at 11am today the wall of the crator gave way and it happened.  A spectacular sight for those able to view it and fortunately no serious damage to the surrounding countryside.

[Dave Ross]

#7228

Thanks for the report Malcolm. I only have one picture which I will post later. We too were amazed about the Lahar, as  the topic also came up when the train stopped next to the lodge. I am not surprised the train got a bit nervous, considering what happened last time. Luckily we were at the nine o'clock location(Pokaka) rather than 6 0'clock (Tangiwai). We enjoyed the Rag Rally and had a good time. The rain spoiled the views a bit, but not the fun. Taylor's Lodge is an all weather location, so if you haven't been to a Rag Rally make an effort next year.

[Jim Young]

#7229

Nice report Malcolm and glad to see you all survived the lahar and the weather, can't believe how much the weather has changed in the couple of weeks we have been away.

[Dave Ross]

#7230

My only photo, a quick stop in Pirongia

[Richard Kuysten]

#7231

Are you sure that was last Sunday Alex? it looks almost dry  😉 and  I'm sure the bikes are casting shadows  😕 We rode in very wet conditions all the way to the Bombays so it looks like a later start might have been a good move.

[Dave Ross]

#7232

The picture was taken on Saturday, we got soaked on sunday. Luckily only  on the outside. Gerard has takeb a few photos, but he doesn't appear to be on the forum.

[Richard Kuysten]

#7233

😀 Ahaaa that explains the shadows – it did seem to good to be true to think that it cleared up on Sunday.

[2bjr]

#7234

and for reasons I won't go into  the meat was cooked over real embers rather than gas ones this year – what a feast.””That is now a real "braai" 😀 😀That is the only way to go with a barbie 😀 Still trying to get to grips with this gas cooking. 😐

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