Coromandel for lunch!

With the weather for cast for the weekend looking dodgy since Monday, I was in two minds as to  weather to plan a weekend away on the bike, or stay at home.    

Having met Geoff for the first time last week, and not having had much of an opportunity to talk , I decided that if the weather was any good, a day trip or overnight to Coromandel would be an excellent idea.  From my house it is no more than a 2 1/2 to 3 hour ride.

I  sent Geoff a text on Friday, and asked if he would be around.  He replied in the affirmative, although did mention that the weather was going to be crap, how unusual, summer in NZ!  Still I got up Saturday morning and looked out the window, all was good as far as I could see, it was overcast , but there was no sign of rain.  I texted Geoff , who replied that it was raining and windy in Coro. I was all ready packed, and suited up so decided to go anyway, I don't tend to let a bit of rain stand in my way.

I left Auckland and headed out past Kawakawa Bay, Kaiaua, and into Thames.  This very scenic route takes you down the coast as you ride along towards Kaiaua you can see the Coromandle peninsula on your left.  As yet I did not encounter any rain.  A brief stop at the "pink shop" in Kaiaua for a coffee and I continued on.  Into Thames and then up SHW 25 , a beautiful, scenic, twisty and delightful piece of road, that takes you up the western side of the rangers, and  inland to Coromandel.  Still no rain though.

You have just got to love these roads.

Don't get it wrong though, if you do the Firth of Thames can be chilly!

I arrived at Geoff's place just before lunch and was greeted by Geoff's big smile and the smell of freshly home made bread.  Man this motorcycling life can be hard some times!   After meeting Geoff's lovely wife we settled into a coffee on the deck where we chatted as if we were long lost friends.  Covering topics from bikes, blogger's, roads to ride, trips we had done, family, world fiances,  and just about everything in between.  Some where along the way we had lunch, and Geoff's expertise at blogging is only matched by his bread making capabilities.  Just brilliant.

We jumped in the car and we spent half an hour or so driving around some of the beautiful spots and places that Coro has to offer.    What a piece of paradise this place is.  I have been here many times before and have holidayed here may times, but there is nothing like a local showing you around......  Still no rain though.

Finally about four I took my leave.  I suited up and headed back the way I had come arriving home just before seven...... Still no rain though.  

I had a fantastic day, and a great ride.  Spending decent time with Geoff was a lot of fun.  His passion for life, love of his wife, enthusiasm for bikes, great sense of humour and welcoming spirit, is what life is all about. He may have originally come from from England, but he is a  Kiwi through and through!!!!!  And isn't that one of the great joys of motorcycling, meeting people with a common interest. 

And you know what.......it never rained all day!!