There are some rallies that become an annual habit. And for me that has to be the WIMA National Rally. Being Captain and having to chair the AGM are mere side issues! Although I’m not sure how Vicki would feel if I opted not to go and she had to fill in. Would she ever talk to me again!

Having coned the boss’s into letting me leave early (I told them I was off to get drunk and disorderly at a motorbike rally!), I set forth on my journey south early in the afternoon. A great day for a ride too, far better than being cooped up inside an office! Bugger all traffic 'n all.

Stopped at Ashurst to refuel and noticed that the pack rack was on the move. Mutter, mutter… Thought we’d solved that problem. Got the mechanic to beat it back into submission, and then it was off to the tranquil destination that is Camp Rangi Woods. It’s such a peaceful ride up the Pohongina Valley through the Totara reserve.

I’d opted to arrive early so I could help out with setting up. Thought it about time that I leant a hand to the hard working members on the rally committee! Viv and Cathie were there already, along with the first arrivals Andrew and Mischelle, plus wee Nick was adding his vocal thoughts to the proceedings. My partner was heading down later in the day once he’d finished at the office. Bringing along with him our friends from ‘up the road’. Kim and Marcel hadn’t been to a WIMA rally before (only the Wine trail) so they were in for a treat.

People kept arriving until well into the night, and a merry band of around 40 of us spent the time catching up, meeting new friends and generally making a laid back time of it. Supper was provided for us in the form of soup and Pizza - which hit the spot just nicely! Tea, coffee and Milo were of course always free and available.

Saturday. After leisurely waking up to a cup of tea in bed, I casually wandered out for a shower. I must say, the new shower block makes a big difference! No more fighting off the mozzies as you shower. Having now woken up, I ventured forth in search of toast for brekkie.

The four of us decided to wander on into the big smoke of Palmerston North for a look around before the AGM at 2. It’s always fun looking around other towns, and besides you can play up as no-one knows you…

Most rally goers had arrived by the time I returned to chair the AGM. As we sat inside looking longingly at the warm sunshine outside, I requested that reports be kept short and sweet so we could move back out there. Yet again the mission failed... Ah well, there’s always next year…

Back outside it was time for the games. Taranaki area with help from Hawkes Bay were running these, and along with the old favourites (handbag toss, condom throw) there were a few new ones (jousting). When it came time for the hoop and cones, Doug, Viv, myself and Kim reluctantly joined in. With Doug at the helm of his KLR, and the rest of us taking turns to hang on for dear life, we won our heat! Next stop the finals. And whaddayou know - we won that too!! Not bad for a bunch of girls who joined in due to the insistence of the bloke in the team!

It was now time to relax before the Barbie fired up for us to cook our dinner on. As I was suffering from a sinus headache from hell, I had a wee word to Inge to see if she wouldn’t mind applying her magic fingers to my head and shoulder’s to provide some relief. And loosen up the sinuses she did - a big thank you Inge, it never fails to amaze and relief me what a massage can do!

Entertainment for the evening was to be by way of a DJ, but not before we had all satisfied ourselves with our barbecue cooked tea! There was also a prize or two to be handed out. A couple of the girls had been working quietly behind the scenes organising who was to get what, all they wanted then was my voice! The downfall of having a loud voice, and being Captain - you get asked to yell at the masses all the time. Mental note for next year: delegate!

With all the official’ stuff out of the way, it was time to resume the relaxation process. And with the help of a hip flask of Scotch, and company of good friend, I proceeded to do so.

Sunday dawned fine and sunny. Loopy had been a busy body prior to breakfast with the issuing of tasks to each cabin. And I must say this was a damn fine way of getting every one involved in the cleaning up process, and certainly made light work of it all. The best part about it all was my headache had finally departed!

After a quick brekkie of toast and coffee, we loaded up our bikes and headed home. The return journey was via the scenic route. Marcel suggested it as he hadn’t been over the Saddle Road before. I agreed as on a day like today we were bound to get a good view of the mountains - and we did!

The Y Machine