PETE ’ S PEOPLE
It was fortuitous that one Sunday in Clevedon I ’ d lost the riding companions of the day and I asked if I could tag along with a group of likely looking riders parked on the side of the road . The Every Sunday riding group were openarmed , but added that I was “ welcome to ride with them ” and that I was to “ ride my own ride , and not to try to keep up , if I was at all uncomfortable ”. At this stage they were mostly on 1000 and 1200cc machines , while I was on my trusty 1987 Honda GB500 , complete with sheepskin seat . I ’ ve always been skinny bugger , and that sheepskin is an arse-saver , but it may have given the impression I was something of a ‘ nanna ’. I think they were pretty surprised that I was more than up to the task . Since then that group of riders have become my friends and companions , and they have been extremely important to me personally ; respecting my wishes , but also letting me know if they felt I was out of touch socially , and I have to say they ’ ve become a mainstay of my life and wellbeing . The Every Sunday team have helped me to be a better person , actually , through their genuine
caring and compassion for one another . These individuals , clad in leather , may be misjudged by some in society , but they come from all walks of life , and backgrounds , and varied occupations , and they are a great group of men and women who really care for each other , and no one gets left behind . They are family to me .
These last couple of years I mostly ride a very capable Yamaha Tracer GT 900 , and I ’ ve toured both islands on it as well , meeting and riding with ‘ Suns ’ and others , throughout the length of the country . We are beyond fortunate to live in a paradise here . And even at 80 years of age by far the best way to see it , experience its beauty , and be in it , is on two wheels , flying in the company of firm friends .
Above : Alan ’ s trusty 1987 Honda CB500 complete with “ arse-saving ” sheepskin seat . These days , he mainly rides a Yamaha Tracer GT 900 ( left )
82 KIWI RIDER