30 up for the Mail Run
Mail Run Rally
The 30th anniversary Mail Run Rally was attended by over 50 bikes including three 100 year old bikes – a 1914 Humber 3.5hp, 1913 P & M 3.5hp belt driven, and a 1918 Indian Power Plus. All made it to the Rangitaiki tea rooms where the now familiar tinkering and checking of bikes takes place. With all well, it was then onto the lunch stop at Tarawera where they put on extra staff to help cope with the influx of riders, along with members of the Hawkes Bay Classic Motorcycle Club, who rode up to join us. After a sandwich and a nice hot drink, we set off for the shores of Napier, 80km away. The climb over the Kaweka Ranges, which forms part of the mountainous spine of the North Island, was a good test for all the old bikes, not just the pre-1920 bikes. It was a privilege and a pleasure to see these old bikes going about their work in a variety of ways, but all achieving the result of getting their riders to Napier. We positioned ourselves out front of the historic Masonic Hotel which was destroyed in the 1931 earthquake and rebuilt in 1932 – where the bikes were put on static display. The evening meal followed by prize giving was attended by over 80 people. The RSA put on a substantial two course buffet which was enjoyed by all. The 100 year old bikes deserved a prize each for bringing these up from Wellington and driving them all the way from Taupo-Napier. If you have a girder fork motorcycle and wish to join us next year for the 31st anniversary, please contact Jim Lord for details at lord.family@xtra.co.nz