As well as the expected BMW machinery, there was a large selection of other brands covering everything from road-legal enduro machines to big tourers. With 200 bikes to wander around, there really was something for every taste. BMW Motorrad NZ brought a selection of test bikes for people to get up close and personal with, as well as get out and ride. There was literally a queue for the test rides, with the new R1200G / S and R1300RS being particularly popular. Saturday morning dawned sunny and warm, so it looked like we’ d got the weather just right, but as most of you will know, you never know what’ s going to happen in Spring. Myself and a couple of other marshals joined the mid-pack to ride the route and help anyone who needed it, provide directions for those who were navigationally challenged and generally just be out on the route to help. And what a bloody great route it was. From fantastically twisty tar seal roads to sweeping gravel, this was the best selection of riding I’ ve ever done in the area( and based on the people I spoke to at the end of the day, they felt the same). Along the route we were welcomed into Clive Higgie’ s private motorcycle museum at Paloma Gardens, which is a wonderful collection of bikes that is absolutely worth looking up if you’ re in the Whanganui area. A block of land near Paloma Gardens was the host of the Challenge Section of the Rallye. Situated on stunning private land, the section was off road, dropping down narrow tracks, along ridges and through valleys. One particular climb became a significant challenge to most as the grass wore off the hill under the weight of so many tyres. A queue formed at the bottom, but thankfully plenty of good buggers helped man-handle most of the bikes to the top. We stayed and helped for an hour before moving on ourselves. We timed our lunchtime visit to Hunterville perfectly, arriving for the annual Hunterville Huntaway Festival and Shemozzle. Lots of stalls, food options and entertainment. Back at the Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park, BMW
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