Mid Week Tourers

The weather forecast said rubbish for Mid Week Tourers on 16 June, but every now and again the sun would pop out which had Martin Spicers’ Motorcycle brigade who had turned up, somewhat confused, so they decided against joining us and opted for an alternate plan to keep dry. They left behind Don Green and Rory King who had 4 wheels and a roof to carry their flag. We had 22 vehicles with 50 people, mostly regulars, ready to check and see if what I had promised was real or not. Dave, AKA Shady, Lane with Terry Costello riding shotgun was giving his Studebaker roadster an outing as were John and Roger Morrison with their recently acquired 1928 Cadillac. Mike Greig, Editor of Waitemata’s Phoenix, was there to sample “Mid-Weeking”, said something about being short of copy! Our drive of 98 kilometers took us via Massey, Taupaki and Old North Road on our way through Kaukapakapa and Highway 16 for some distance, before turning off onto West Coast Rd towards Warkworth and finally Matakana. I had a number of Mid-Weekers who came and told me that the route was sufficiently picturesque to qualify being officially classified as a Tourist Route, with that beautifully wooded dell with a ford over the stream in Falls Rd being the highlight. What a pity the council have now put a concrete bottom in it! Warwick Mortimer, who was our most passionate host welcomed us to set up our picnic lunch in the centre of his recently constructed wonderful man cave. Also with him was Dennis Marwood now aged 88, racer form the 1950’s in his Humber 80, 1970’s in the Rorrison Camaro, & Rothmans “Formula 1” Cooper Climax etc. The race car collection included a number of BMW’s, three of which were models equipped with the American built Dinan 5 litre endurance V8 engine, and the “3 series” M3 factory racer with chassis number one with a great racing history. Other cars include a formula 500 Surtees TS5, McLaren Can Am M8 of the last specification E/F, and the March 84G “Group C” endurance sports racer that Mazda fitted their twin turbo 13B rotary motor for the star driver Yashimi Katayama to pilot in endurance events. Other special exhibits included the prototype “Buckley” Moto GP bike, also its radial 3 cylinder engine displayed separately. Alongside the “Buckley” was one of four time FIM world speedway champion American Gregg Hancock’s track bike together with a set of his leathers. There was much more and Rory King, will be able to tell the bike boys what they missed. Jack Nazer

Mid Week Tourers Contd..

Coming Events:

Wednesday 21 July—Starts from BP Drury Service Centre, Southern Motorway 10:00 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. departure. Jo Bieleski , Neil & Jan’s granddaughter has organised a run which I believe is different to many. Finishing at a fabulous garden near the start. BYO everything or support the café. Wednesday 18 August—All being well, a northern run starting from Warehouse Carpark, Westgate 10:00 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. departure. Details to follow. Remember that Daffodil Day is this month. Wednesday 15 September—Starts from DP Drury Service Centre, Southern Motorway 10:00 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. departure.

The Mid-Week Team Jack Nazer (09) 378 4580 Mike Loosemore 021 027 08848 And the rest (new blood always welcome)