2009 Coast to Coast Run Report
Posted on October 9th, 2009 by Dom
Photo: Rob Crowley
19 cars in total 15 departing from New Plymouth & 4 from Wanganui…….
On Friday 6 cars travelled in convoy to New Plymouth, the other 9 made their own way. After a meal of fish and chips and a swim in the hot pool at the Flamingo Motel we slept through a rough night, much rain and lightning and awoke early to heavy rain which managed to stop for our start at the beach. Got away pretty much on time led by Robin and Claire on the new ‘SEALED’ route via Kaimata to Whangamomona. After a challenging drive on twisting and real drivers roads, some dropping a way on both sides in driving rain and much lightning we arrived at the final section. GRAVEL/RAISED GRASSED CENTRE STRIP? Forcing many to attempt to ride on the centre strip and the berme of the road in an attempt to stop bottoming out. (Hadn’t seen a grader in years!) Arrived at Whangamomona Hotel where most decided to ditch the Thermos and headed to the warmth and fare at the hotel. Thanks Claire for organising that as it was bloody cold and the campsite toilets were closed. Robin received a bit of stick about his local knowledge All the above made us late to meet up with those who had travelled up from Wanganui and had spent an unpleasant wait for us. Cars refulled and a quick picnic lunch under shelter at the Tauramanui Station and we were off again led by Rob and Jean, all went well until Robs car died going down one of those long hills on the Western Bays Road immediately after a loaded logging truck had let us all through which ended up with a que of MGs at the side of the road and a bemused logging truck having to pass us all in a way not to his liking. We have to give thought as to what happens when a leading car or any car breaks down in the future. All went well in the end except we had some cars stopped and others all split up travelling by various routes to Whakatane. Only two cars made it to the beach, Hugh and Sue and Rex and Jualane, thanks guys, two small buses picked us up for Dinner and Dance at the R S A Where Bernard Atwell did his utmost to fratanise with the locals and many of us enjoyed the dance floor. Afterwards the buses returned us to the Motel after a great night out
The following day we all travelled through the Waioeka Gorge to Gisborne for lunch on the beach front in fine but blustery conditions and travelled on to Kennedy Park in Napier. At the fuel stop in Wairoa where the bulk of the group waited for three of us to catch up after assisting Gay and Bill to to sort out a rear wheel problem (tyre self distructing) Kath with M G Bear was Photographed which resulted in the News paper clipping currently on our Web Site.
Kennedy Park excelled themselves both on a service level and the final night function where we all had a fun filled evening and prize giving. A good trip was finished off with lunch the following day at Cafe 88 at Woodville by many of us. (Ross & Carolyn)
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment