We seemed to have forgotten that advice after enjoying a bit of messing about recording the Kiwi Rider Podcast along the route and stopping in Otorohanga for leisurely lunch . Tail-end-charlie told us we ’ d have no chance of getting back before dinner if we set out on the main route now , so he sent us on the best bit of road I ’ d ridden in a long time to cut the bottom section of the route out . Leaving Otorohanga and passing by the Waitomo Caves , we carried on along Te Anga Road to the intersection with Marokopa Road at Te Anga to rejoin the main route . This stretch of road is simply incredible and I think is one of the best riding roads I ’ ve had the pleasure of blasting along in recent memory . Sure we didn ’ t do the full route , but we had a blast on the ride regardless . It was
definitely the better choice to ride the gravel on my little Honda Rally , which even managed to keep up with a pair of much larger KTMs for a stretch on the Kawhia to Raglan section before I decided to pull over and catch some pics of the boys coming through . Back at base the small contingent of road riders had long since arrived back and the beers were already flowing as we stumbled back in just before dinner . The collection of riders seemed in great spirits and the tall tales flowed on well into the night . If you get the chance to sign up to one of these events you simply need to bite the bullet and just do it . It ’ s motorcycling as it should be . Lots of like minded individuals getting together and having a blast .
KIWI RIDER 67