Paeroa Weekend Ride Report
Last weekend was pretty wet all weekend and David had some repairs to make on his Valk, so this weekend was our next chance to ride together. The weather during the week was on again off again rain and more was forecast for part of the weekend. This week had the downgraded Cyclone Gita crossing New Zealand with substantial rain and wind.
Saturday
Low 80’s
Mostly cloudy, few showers
110 miles
It wasn’t until Friday that a final decision was made to ride. In addition to David working on his bike, he had wanted to change out the bars on the V-twin I am riding. I would come down by train and spend some time at the Annual Rebel Round Up. This event is a combination of a vintage car show, attendees (mostly women) dressed in vintage clothes, live music, eats and some old school drop flag drag racing of some adventurous souls.
My interest lies in the late ‘60’s- early 70’s muscle cars. There were many of these here, but the cars in the 50’s to 60’s era outnumbered all others.
The owner’s wife (who herself owns a bone stock ’63 Chevelle SS) and their two lovely granddaughters.
Multi-purpose facility here. Horse and motor racing as well as other events
A mix of the car’s and trucks on display.
After spending the morning here, it was time to ride as the weather looked to be moving in. We rode out of David’s shop, heading out towards Manukau Heads Lighthouse. Since the weather this summer has seen more than normal rain fall, the hills and fields are still velvety green and not the dust bowl brown that is more common this time of year. We pass many farms with cattle, sheep and many varieties of agriculture. Occasional splashes of rain hit our visors, but nothing that would force us to stop. Neither of us have rain gear along anyway, and its not needed. With the warm temperatures, what rain that does fall is quickly dried once we hit drier pavement. We climb up through the hills and I am doing a better job of keeping up with David. This Suzuki really needs to be pulled over to make it through the corners. Not at all like the Valk, with her effortless handling. Still learning this ride, so I don’t push it too hard.
As we near the top, we pull over to view the Tasman Sea and onwards to Australia to the West at 1350 miles away.
Heading on, we descend down near sea level and end up at Manukua Head Lighthouse. It is a short walk up the hill to the lookouts and the lighthouse itself. From here you can see down the narrow channel out to the Tasman Sea.
Our high vantage point provides a great view of the channel and the many bars that would confuse a novice mariner. David has navigated these waters many times and his expertise shows as he points out these features and obstacles. The deadliest shipwreck occurred here in 1863 when the HMS Orpheus ran aground on one of the bars. It seems so close to shore where they ran aground, but still 189 of the 259 souls aboard perished.
The low ceiling doesn’t allow for many pictures here, but the view inland would reveal the city of Onehunga and on to the Auckland airport. We mount the bikes and ride down to Big Bay Holiday Park, an RV, tent and self-contained units park right near the water. David just sold a self-contained unit here, so we chat and have a look around.
We retraced our steps for most of the way back, but do take some additional roads that reveal more agriculture fields and twisties.
After arriving back at David’s shop, we take some time to fix a low idle issue with my ride and make sure both bikes as well as David’s daughter’s ride is ready for the next day.
A wonderful evening back at David’s house where his wife, daughter and son were waiting for us. A feast was to be had. David has a wood burning brick pizza oven.
After stoking the fire with tea tree and olive wood, dried bay leaves were added and all were encouraged to make their own pizzas with a plethora of sauces and toppings. Great food, drink and conversation was only out matched by the incredible sunset with glowing reds, oranges and yellows that bathed the sky.
Sunday
Low 80’s
Mostly fine, with a few clouds
120 miles
We had discussed the Annual Paeroa Battle of the Streets race for a couple of weeks prior. We leave out of the shop again, this time with Rose joining us.
We ride to Bombay to meet up with several others to make the ride to Paeroa. After petrol and a large portion of Kiwi biker meal (meat pies),
we discuss routes with David taking the lead.
Arrival in Paeroa found hundreds of bikes and we locate some spare grassy area in the local park.
They close down the streets of Paeroa and create a course that challenges racers at all levels. On top of that, the only thing that separates you from the screaming machines is a very thin chain link fence.
Of course, there are hay bales in strategic corners and barriers, but your wristband says it all about the risk you assume when you pay your entrance fee and walk into the venue. Not sure how long this kind of up close and personal spectator sport will last in these days of legal options.
There were many different classes of classic, superlight and sidecar competition. See the link below for the coverage of the street racing.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_GFpzLOxrNxvnwtheTtW85OQN_ih_GweThe attendance was down this year, and many speculated that due to the chance of bad weather, people planned for other events that day. This was a boon for us, as we had that close access to the pits, multiple track viewing spots and lunch options.
Standing start for all races
Not every riders day ends well........
We left shortly before the last race. David wanted to show us a local landmark in Paeroa. I will let him comment on that.
