Forest this year, on a trial basis. The entrance to the forest is up a privately maintained kilometre of gravel, which has a 20km / h speed limit, whilst the forest had a 40km / h limit and the exit road is about 3km of privately maintained road with a 30km / h limit. I was more than pleasantly surprised that all the riders adhered to these speeds, meaning there were no unhappy people on these roads and it showed to the Forest Management that we could be responsible, which has resulted in Kiwi Rider being offered access to several forests in the North Island, so thank you to the riders for sticking to those rules. The first 160km got everyone to Dargaville, eventually. I am always amazed at how people treat a day of riding- we’ re all so different in what we’ re after. I typically like to ride a course without‘ wasting time’ eating, drinking coffee or beer, where others like to have a leisurely ride with lots of stops. There’ s no right or wrong way. From Dargaville the course headed to Maungakaramea and then zigged and zagged to Waipu, with most riders getting to the forest section before the drizzle turned to rain, which cleared as the last riders reached the end of the day. As always after a good ride the vibe is intense with conversations and laughter and this was no exception. The Kaipara Lady Riders had a great meal sorted, with dessert, and as some riders had left early there was more than enough to eat, with seconds enjoyed by some. After a prize-giving, which is always fun, most went off to their accommodation and a well earned sleep. The next Kiwi Rider 350 will be held in Taumarunui on May 8-9. This event will also be a fund raiser for Fishers track, which is receiving a huge amount of funds from the cycling trusts. So it makes sense for the motorcycle community to help with the track upgrades and allow us to work in with the Mountains to the Sea, and to help people see motorcyclists in a positive light. Thanks to all those who came and rode and helped with the event. Pete‘ Vege’ McPhee
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