A beautiful autumn day, clear skies, cool in the morning and then warmed up nicely in the sun. I had scheduled an 8.30am start from Rimutex with Barry on Saturday and at 8.00am I was on the road. The first stop was at BP to pump up the tyres - they lose a bit of pressure each week and need a top up and as they wear the loss is greater.
Got to the Caltex station a bit before 8.30am and Barry was already there. Two other e-riders arrived so we headed off for breakfast in Carterton. It was a great morning and we all had a cooked breakfast outside in the cafe's garden seating area.
From there Barry and I headed to Woodville, a stop for a couple of minutes there and then over the Saddle Road. The first corner on the hill and hit gravel left over from a reseal - that was a bit tricky and we had to take is very easy for a few kilometers. The other side of the hill was a good surface and we took in spectacular view of the windmills. The plan was to stop in Ashurst for a coffee and there was a place open. It took ages to get our coffees - could have been halfway home, but a nice relaxing break.
The way home was via the bridge to the gorge and then over the Pahiatua Track and Mangamaire Road to SH2. Comfort stop in Featherston and then to the top of the hill where there were many bikes. We stopped for a while, chatted and watched the action on the road before heading home.
It was a good half day out and a decent distance. The Saddle Road, Pahiatua Track and Mangamarie Road were the best part of the ride. There was too much traffic on the Rimutakas to enjoy that bit on the way home.
Stats from MC computer: 385kms, 4.2L/100km, 76kph ave, xxxkph max. Total 7182Km
