When: Saturday 19th March 2011
Where: Taupo Marina Departure 9.30am.
The Hawkes Bay Classic Motorcycle Club are proud to announce the running of their 22nd Taupo to Napier Mail Run. There are 2 categories for machines, Category 1 is for girder fork motorcycles built pre 1940, and Category 2 is for motorcycles built 1940 to 1965.
A barbeque starts the event off on the Friday evening at a local residence for those who wish to arrive early and socialise, and the next morning machines and riders gather at the Taupo marina in Redoubt St (click here for a map) for a departure at 9.30am. Being a non competitive social ride of approximately 145 kms enjoyment is more the key than winning so older machines, slower machines, and smaller capacity machines are sent away first, in small groups (basically when you are ready). The first stop is at the Rangitikei Cafe for a morning coffee break, with lunch at the Tarawera Tavern. Arrival at Napier is around 2.00 pm with the bikes gathering on Marine Parade for a public display. Weather should be fine and there will be a backup vehicle.
There is a social function in the evening at the Cosmopolitan Club, Napier starting at 7.00pm, with awards for various groups.
The ride itself is over one of the best and easy riding roads in the North Island having travelled it personally many times on my modern. So to do it at a slower pace with like minded riders and be able to take in more of the scenery instead of looking out for the local constabulary would definitely be an incentive to attend. To check out the route along SH5 click here.
So …. dust off those girder fork motorcycles, down load an entry form and get along to Taupo.
Click here to download a copy of the information sheet and entry form. Entries close March 12th.
Note in the past the Hawkes Bay Classic Motorcycle Club have been able to provide drivers to take your vehicle over to Napier. This service is not available this year so you will have to organise your own driver or ride back to Taupo on Sunday to collect it (another good ride especially if the weather is fine).
Click here to see a montage of photos from the 1993 Mail Run. A nice selection of early motorcycles, and a few riders that you may recognise.