Motorcycle Report The sun shone at last for the ride to Havelock and in spite of conflicting events the turnout was so good a call had to be made to the tavern doubling our lunch booking from 12 to 27. We had seventeen club eligible bikes, including one lady rider, 2 modern bikes, Mindy and Geradine riding pillion and Paula driving the back up with 2 passengers to do the lifting if required and Mick (the dog) to offer support. There were some welcome additions to our group. John and Geradine were with us for the first time on their newly acquired 1972 Yamaha 500 TX and Norman on a Triumph Anniversary. Short of Okaramio the 1954 Aerial was parked up, some poking, prodding, cursing and a change of spark plug and he was on his way. Further on the 1929 AJS came to a stop, but he also managed to re start, only for a few miles before it stopped again and the decision was made to trailer it. At the tavern the AJS received the benefit of some combined wisdom and it was soon off the trailer and the happy owner headed for a late lunch. The motorcycles lined up outside the tavern made an impressive sight until a gust of wind blew one over creating a domino effect on the line up, some damage did occur and credit goes to the owners of the machines affected for showing admirable self-control. The heat during the lunch break caused some vaporising in fuel systems and several members resorted to push starts to get bikes started. This caused some amusement and cheering from some watching children. Cheeky sods. For the back up crew the journey homeward lasted less than a kilometre when the other AJS came to a stop and the rider walked back down the road head down like a bloodhound on a scent. His gear lever had fallen off and he was looking for the locking pin. Once found and in ten minutes he was on his way, so was the backup but not for long. Further down the road the first AJS had suffered a relapse of the earlier problem and it was back on the trailer again. Further down the road a stop was made at a farm where two members live. An old house, lots of old shed, lots of old cars, lots of old trucks and tractors, a historic black smith shop. The property has been in the family for over 100 years and not much had been discarded. A pickers paradise. Again, some more pushing was required to fire up reluctant motors but no more stoppages occurred, thankfully. Thanks to Paula for driving the backup, to Peter and Robbie who showed us around their property.
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