National Rally 2001 was held in Auckland in the Hanui Ranges. Nice spot, shame about the weather! The large Dining Hall was a magnet for all to congregate in.

The forecast for the weekend was for showers. That didn't seem too bad, what's a little water! There'll be sunny patches in between - the weatherman said so...

Friday night we were heading as far as Matamata to catch up with a good motorcycling friend. We arrived just as he was arranging the sleep out to accommodate the three extra bikes, and his wife was putting the final touch's on a Fish Pie that was devine. Perfect timing!

After dinner we sat around talking bikes, as one does, over a wee dram and some blue vein cheese for those so inclined. Apparently the cheese was rather tasty and made locally. It turned out that it came from the cheese shop at Mercer. The cogs started a-turning, the dark depths of my memory were delved, what back roads did I know to bring about a quick detour to Mercer for some cheese sampling?

Saturday arrived, and after consulting a map to check my memory, I suggested a modest little detour through Waerenga and Te Kauwhata to reach the little cheese shop in Mercer. Then cutting back across to Maungatawhiri before turning into the Hunua ranges and our destination.

Beautiful spot at Camp Adair in the Hunua Ranges AUCKLAND. Unfortunately it rained heavily most of weekend so the kids kept us entertained.

All was going well. Sure we'd encountered a wee bit of rain just out of Matamata, but nothing you couldn't escape by hiding behind the fearing! That was until we turned off onto our little detour. Once we'd come through the Maramarua Forest, the heaven's opened - and I mean torrential! Luckily the Waerenga Service Station provided us with shelter until the cloud-burst had passed.

The detour was worth it, the cheese at Mercer was devine. Small blocks of Blue, Smoked Gouda and Smoked Bacon Gouda were purchased and tucked away in our packs. The supply of essentials was made even more complete by the purchase of beer for the boys to drink.

Back in the saddle again, we wound our way along the country roads towards Maungatawhiri, and on to Camp Adair. I initially road straight past the camp, the only WIMA sign around being the banner by the front gate which was set back off the road. Tez soon put me right, and in we splashed.

Sunday morning. The sun is finely out. Taranaki contingent packed up and ready for ride home. From Top Left: Tony, Annie, Stephine, Cindy, Marlene, Darryl, Antonia, Shaina, Keith and Pam.

The number of bikes on site was greatly boosted by the many demo bikes brought out by both Blue Wing Honda and Auckland Motorcycles for us all to ride. We pulled up and parked our own in amongst them all. The good news upon arriving was hearing that the camp had a drying room. Layers were peeled off and placed inside the room in the hope that they would all be a little less wet when it came time to put them back on again.

The selection of demo bikes was amazing. There was everything from the new iridescent pink Trumpy, through to Honda dirt bikes. If it weren't for the fact that my gear was soggy and that it was still raining on and off, I would have taken the new ZX9R out for a spin. Especially as I discovered I could touch the ground on it! The $27,000 price tag more than adequately stops me from purchasing one tho'!

When 2pm rolled around, we located a suitable venue for the AGM (the stage) and curtained ourselves off for an hour. This all seemed to go pretty smoothly and it was great to see that the required quorum of 31 members was actually in attendance!

With the official stuff out of the way, it was time to kick back and relax, drink a little, explore a little, ad take part in the games. Naturally there was the handbag toss, but the game that caused the most laughter was the balloon toss. Have you ever tried to throw a balloon? Do you know how far they don't travel?

Then it was back into the relaxation process. Helped along by a hip flask of Scotch, and the company of many a good friend. Outside the rain continued...

Dinner was a spit roast with a selection of chicken, pork and steamed mussels. Yum. And copious quantities of fresh buns. I was more than satisfied, but I did wonder what the vegetarian's amongst us were to eat.

With dinner out of the way, and the band already set up, the relaxation process was now aided by some damn fine music. I doubt there wasn't one person in the Hall who didn't get up and dance that evening.

Sunday
And what's the weather doing? Yup more rain - this time with sunshine. I was glad to be heading home, but who knew how wet I would get (again) on the journey.

After a quick brekkie of toast and coffee, we loaded up our bikes, put on the now slightly soggy gear, and departed. We were aiming for a couple of minor detours (how unusual!) to Okoroire and Rotorua. The hotel at Okoroire came as a delightful surprise, but I must say that the highlight of the day was luncheon on Lake Rotorua.

The Y Machine