The New Zealand Section has just had its National Rally held in Masterton, near Wellington, with around 40 members and 10 Vincent HRDs in attendance. There were 3 international guests including David Bowen and Tony Page.
The facilities provided by Mawley Holiday Park were fantastic and full credit for organising this event must go to Andy & Edith Rackstraw, Tim & Beate Stelzer and many others. Despite the recent cyclone Debbie the weather was fine throughout he weekend and most riders went off to tour and explore the surrounding beautiful rolling county roads. The well organised catering fed everyone and on Saturday night a quick-fire auction of Vincent books and related regalia kept everyone entertained.
I rode my old Series B Rapide from Auckland on Friday and returned on Sunday, tired and very happy, covering 938 miles. While at the rally I foolishly topped up my oil as my bike tends to burn some as it has covered over 100,000 miles since its last engine rebuild. It took less than 200 cc before I realised I'd completely overfilled the oil tank. All of this covered the bike on previously dry bike the return trip. To add to my 'experience' she also wouldn't start and had to be push-started. Embarrassing given the magneto has been 'rebuilt' twice in 7,500 miles.
My thanks go out to all of the organisers and their support crew. Next years NZ National Rally is being here in Pirongia. I can't wait.
The facilities provided by Mawley Holiday Park were fantastic and full credit for organising this event must go to Andy & Edith Rackstraw, Tim & Beate Stelzer and many others. Despite the recent cyclone Debbie the weather was fine throughout he weekend and most riders went off to tour and explore the surrounding beautiful rolling county roads. The well organised catering fed everyone and on Saturday night a quick-fire auction of Vincent books and related regalia kept everyone entertained.
I rode my old Series B Rapide from Auckland on Friday and returned on Sunday, tired and very happy, covering 938 miles. While at the rally I foolishly topped up my oil as my bike tends to burn some as it has covered over 100,000 miles since its last engine rebuild. It took less than 200 cc before I realised I'd completely overfilled the oil tank. All of this covered the bike on previously dry bike the return trip. To add to my 'experience' she also wouldn't start and had to be push-started. Embarrassing given the magneto has been 'rebuilt' twice in 7,500 miles.
My thanks go out to all of the organisers and their support crew. Next years NZ National Rally is being here in Pirongia. I can't wait.