Taupo to Napier Motorcycle Mail Run.

When:   Saturday March 13th 2010.

Where: Starting from Taupo Mariner.

This event is organised by the Hawkes Bay Classic Motorcycle Club and was first run in 1989 for hardy riders of pre 1940 girder fork motorcycles to acknowledge the involvement motorcycling had in the first mail delivery service to Napier in 1920s. Mail originally came up from Wanganui to Taupo but because the Taupo to Napier highway was impassable to four wheeled vehicles motorcycles were used for the first 18 months until the roads were improved. This is their 21st year in running this event and because the girder fork machines are becoming lower in numbers it is now open to motorcycles up to 1965. Category 1 is for girder fork motorcycles built pre 1940, and Category 2 is for motorcycles built 1940 to 1965.

A barbeque starts the event off on the Friday evening at a local residence for those who wish to arrive early and socialise, and the next morning machines and riders gather at the Taupo mariner in Redoubt St (click here for a map) for a departure at 9.30am. Being a non competitive social ride of approximately 145 kms enjoyment is more the key than winning so older machines, slower machines, and smaller capacity machines are sent away first, in small groups (basically when you are ready). The first stop is at the Rangitikei Cafe for a morning coffee break, with lunch at the Tarawera Tavern. Arrival at Napier is around 2.00 pm with the bikes gathering on Marine Parade for a public display. Weather should be fine and there will be a backup vehicle.

There is a social function in the evening with awards for various groups(I like The Fish and Chip award used in the UK €“ for the Most Battered Bike €“ neat eh!)

The ride itself is over one of the best and easy riding roads in the North Island having travelled it personally many times on my modern. So to do it at a slower pace with like minded riders and be able to take in more of the scenery instead of looking out for the local constabulary would definitely be an incentive to attend. To check out the route along SH5 click here.

Click here to download a copy of the information sheet and entry form. Entries close March 7th.

Knobsta is keen so it could be on for the Barnstormer Boys especially as a good time is assured by the Hawkes Bay Classic Motorcycle Club.

Might see ya there!