NZ Mail Run
• 20 March, 2021 – Taupo-Napier NZ
The 32nd running of the Mail Run took place with the threat of having to call it off at the last moment due to COVID19. That said, it was with reduced numbers from previous years but with several new entrants we were able to continue to run this event. I’m still in awe of the 90-year plus riders that attend this rally. Lloyd Baker from Tauranga rode his modern bike this year – a CBX 550 only because his faithful Ariel had mechanical issues. Another 90+ entrant, Mike Harris from Wellington, once again whooed the crowd with his Nimbus and its exposed rockers. A 1920 Triumph ridden by Adrian
Cave of Gisborne, was unfortunately unable to climb the hills coming out of Taupo due to its new V belt bedding in rapidly and thus becoming extremely loose. After removing belt links the next day I was privileged to be able to take this bike for a spin down the road. It really is great to ride and changed gear smoothly; braking is of the era and best described as retarding. Using the decompression lever works almost as well! The BSA E29 of Dave McLeod suffered a broken cam follower, but was soon sorted after the event and they too have vowed to return. Gerard Smith’s 741 Indian stopped after blowing two head gaskets. The resulting heat on the metal tube that is between the cylinders and guides the HT leads, got so hot it melted the leads – shorting to the tube.
I decided that to help keep this event running in the future, I would lend two of my 741 Indians to friends for the Rally. This proved to be great fun for both who were new to handchange motorcycles and were seen to have been nervously discussing what they had let themselves into. The smile on their faces during and after the event was priceless! Talking of smiles, mine would have been as big when I returned after riding Mike Harris’ Nimbus along Napier’s Marine Parade at the conclusion of the event. The smooth 4cyl motor propelling it along, watched by public and riders alike. Thanks Mike for the ride on this delightful machine. Hoping to see a return of you all next year under better circumstances.