A late model Ariel Square Four 1000 , production ended in 1958
FOLLOW THE LEADER It was then a case of follow the leader , with ‘ Shorty ’ on his Trials replica ( a Royal Enfield ) out to Rongatea to see Peter and Jennifer Thompson ’ s private collection of all makes , types and specials of motorcycles . A 1937 Ariel 500 was offered to anyone who wanted to have a ride ... the axles on the front and rear wheels had been slightly modified off centre to make the bike go up and down as it was ridden . Fun to watch . Meanwhile , a very understanding pig had thoughtfully donated itself to our cause and was cooking along all afternoon in a fully enclosed spit BBQ , this along with the spuds and veges ensured everyone had enough to eat that night . While this was cooking , everyone dined on chocolate cake , beers and juice . At one stage I thought I might move in ! Thanks to Peter and Jennifer for all the hard work and effort , and letting us see their amazing collection . Saturday , after a rider ’ s brief , it was out to Pohongia , through to Apiti for lunch , then over to have a look at Murray Whitehead ’ s shed of all sorts ; MGs , boats , a racing Anglia , then off to
the next stop ... The Castle , most appropriately named , here we were met by Rene Redmond , an ex-RNZAF Mechanic , who has collected aircraft motors and the like . We were given a very interesting talk on the known history of these motors , one a Cheeta Radial , which had not been run for many , many years , was started for us all to hear . What a lovely sounding engine , and a credit to Rene and Tarquin and their helpers to maintain and ensure that these pieces of history are kept for future generations to appreciate . We were then treated to the starting of a Rolls Royce jet , as fitted to the RNZAF Strikemaster , and other similar aircraft . I don ’ t think anybody there will again complain about how much fuel they use after seeing the tank level disappearing quickly while not even being run flat out . After this visit , it was all back to the accommodation for a well-deserved drink and lovely meal followed by the club AGM . Our thanks to the staff at Massey for ensuring the Rally went smoothly and was problem free . Also , a thank you to all the helpers who chipped in to ensure the rally was a success .
30 KIWI RIDER