FRDC MC Ride #2

Yesterday was our second FRDC MC ride - just under 2 months since our first one, but somehow I managed to plan even better weather!

We met up in town so that some could indulge in a caffeine fix, yarned a bit, wondered aloud if Ivan's bike would make it around without running out of fuel and Ian even tried to steal a ninja...

The eight musketeers (one hiding behind camera, one even better at hiding)...

Heading out of town we followed the same route through Aokautere to Ashhurst but rode past the Valley Road turn-off and took Pohangina Valley East Road.  After dodging some cars and cyclists we got a bit of clear road in front of us to the first wee "catch-up" stop near Totara Reserve.

That'll be Ian's thumb at it again...

Reviewing the video later it seemed that Ian and Brent had something to say about the first bit of Pohangina Valley East Road.

I think they may have been talking about this bit...

Pressing on there was plenty of fun to be eeked out of the ride.  I do like this bit of tarmac - lots of the windies and also some pretty nice scenery should you decide to take it in...

I was very well behaved too - I ignored a number of turn-offs that lead onto some delicious gravel...

At the turn-off near Apiti it was time for another catch up.

Skipping the delights of Apiti, we carried on around the scenic route to Rangiwahia.  I really enjoy the two drops (and climbs) down into the valleys and crossing the one lane bridges.  Plenty of metal and crap on the road in places but not too much of an issue on the Tenere and everyone else was sensible and riding nicely at their own pace.

Ian

Jasmine

Paul

The old garage was a great spot to get a picture of Ivan on his Harley - he stopped at a garage and it wasn't even broken down!

Even I like the picture...

Next was a dash to Kimbolton for an early lunch.  This was a bit of fun as it's chock full of more great windy stuff.  I had a Buell or two breathing down my neck so we managed to keep the average up through here.

Ian and that Bandit again

Burger time!

Ivan

Paul

Jasmine

Yep, that's a DR hiding in the bunch

After a pretty decent lunch and another yarn session (during which a few even picked up some sunburn) it was time to wrap up the ride with everyone making their way home more or less separately.  I was tempted to join Craig (on the DR) in finding some gravel on the way home but had other things to do so headed home with some Harley powered units following me for some of the way.

Great little ride but I got bored editing video, so gave up (like the Garmin's battery):