The Harbour bridge was down to one lane on each side , feeder roads clogged , and the 10 minute journey from town to Wairau Road was taking 45 or more . Hail pounded down so hard on the huge tin roof it was completely impossible to hear someone shouting beside you . Autumn in Auckland ; as usual a turmoil of thunder , lightning , lashing rains , flooded culverts and people attempting to get home . Grant Woolford , the owner of Cyclespot , the venue for the long-awaited launch of the new BSA 650 Single , was pacing the floor . Signs , lighting , catering , music , bikes shrouded under black cloaks and soon to be revealed , were all in
waiting for the crowd that now , seemingly , would not be coming to the 6:30pm gig . Normally the car-parks out front are crammed to bursting with motorcycles , young and old riders alike , clad in black and leather and carrying coloured helmets . Tonight , the car park is full of cars . But sure enough , in they come – the faithful Auckland biker crew – from Triumph Riders , Every Sunday Motorcycle Collective , the Litas , the bike shops and the punters , greybeards and retro boys , smart women in cool attire , plus all the usual journos and me , every one of us with an ‘ Auckland traffic ’ tale to tell .
BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS We were all gathering to see the return of one
88 KIWI RIDER