December Dash

By Matt Brookes

Jess and I had planned to head away first weekend in December for some time, and had sent a couple of teaser emails to gauge interest – not a lot of response so we carried on with plans to do a loop of the lower North Island.

Day one was a short ride to Otaki Beach right on dusk Friday night arrived in at 9pm. Before setting out the rear tyre needed a repair, two patches on an old tube not a good look, so in with a new one. Jess was waiting for me to arrive at home, so a quick shower and pack before we set off for Otaki. The new vespa Super had been run in so just a case of trying to set a reasonable pace two up – first thing I noticed was the angle of the floor and suspension lent to sliding off! This meant we had to work quite hard against any headwinds. Great boat spotting by the Kapi-mana island on calm cool evening! we made fairly good time to Otaki just on sunset - a great view to the South even as far as Canterbury peninsula!

Day two was a late start and breakfast with two local moggies at the Brown Sugar Cafe. We had plans to meet a couple of Palmy folk at the Streetwise coffee cart at 10am. Andrew Lynn arrived via Sears Allstate 150 vespa bang on time although James Morris (in four wheels) was held up with bottleneck traffic from Levin. Once our business was done we headed for Sanson, unfortunately a business phone call for Andrew meant he had to head to work after hours, so we only rode together as far as Levin. We pushed on, finding the Polini tuned engine was reliable enough on the vespa, although thirsty on fuel and this meant we ran the tank dry near Sanson only half a k from the servo. Luckily the good folk at Sanson Streetwise had time and energy to bring a ute and fuel to help us out. Thanks team!A compulsory coffee and a quick look at the scooters stashed in the yard next to Streetwise, then the heat of the day was starting to make it hot work so back on two wheels to keep cool. The side ride to Feilding was a good diversion and on stopping for fuel I suggested scooter hunting – trying to find a shed on the outskirts of Ashhurst 15 years was almost impossible. Luck was on our side though as Graeme happened to be on his way home when we passed him heading through town. A quick hightail to chase him home and he was very hospitable offering to unearth the Lambretta that's been there for 30 years or thereabouts. What a

treasure. All there however motor was stored elsewhere, along with the wildcat tuning parts fitted like Amal big bore and o/size piston kit! We had a look at all his British cars strewn about the place plus did an ID on a vespa front end for him. We needed to visit my father in Dannevirke so headed through the Manawatu Gorge which is another perfect scooter section. We came to Woodville and started to get battered by easterlies so this made the riding a little arduous. Refreshments and meal in Dannevirke were substantial! Thanks to the local village idiots at the servo (Ed: sitting in their car giggling and poking fun at the scooter) I provided a burnout on the BP forecourt to vent some anguish. SH 52 via Weber and Pongaroa, now a favourite road after the Classic rally in Pukeora, was the only option to find some twisty roads to suit small wheels. The distance proved to be a little too far and once again we ran short of fuel near Eketahuna (3 km west in fact) At this point it was a little too late (Ed: the stars were out and it was pitch dark...) so we made a cold call on the nearest farmer for $5 of fuel . He managed to nearly fill the tank with his jerry can so we had enough fuel to get to Masterton. What a highlight - 100 kmh, clear skies, stars out – 'living the dream' to quote a friend. Another magic moment scootering! Our accommodation in Masterton was adequate - by now we both needed some R&R. (Ed: I didn't want another episode of nodding off on the scooter...) Day 3 dawned clear and very hot - We decided to try to make the early meeting at Deluxe Cafe for Scootwell in Wellington. Breakfast was postponed and we set off and made a clear run to the Rimutaka Hill. Of course the wind whipped up and soon enough we were challenged to make the summit of the Rimutukas. Safely there we shared stories with some keen motorcycle dudes. The downhill run to Kaitoke was much easier to manage and a trouble free run on the motorway to home. Never ceases to amaze me - as soon as we hit Jervois Quay there were two scooters parked up at the markets, and then on Kent Terrace none other than NZCSC editor David Edmonds on his Tigress ahead of us – we tried to get his attention to pull up at the cafe but he rode on blissfully unawares. Two scooters at the motorcycle park was a great welcome as we were a little late arriving. Great food and company with Nick Whiting and Phil Mansford plus Arnold Reagan on his new 300 Super! Nice.

Must make mental note “take fuel can on next trip!” sorry Jess.

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Classifieds: Free to subscribers: email your text classified by 20th of the month prior to publication. jess@scootnz.co.nz Cover photo: Breakdown stop, on the way to Nelson. LAST scooter tour Photo: Laura Feasey ISSN 1178-7643 Made in New Zealand