Yesterday was the annual 1KC (formerly C1KC) so that meant a very early start for the Manawatu gang as we both start and finish in Palmy but ride down to meet up with the Wellington group at their start.  There were 7 of us who hit the road at about 5am and engaged high-beam on our way down.

Clive's mighty DR - knobblies an' 'all...It was a little chilly on the way down but we did get to enjoy a pleasant ride and to see the sun come up.  In Wellington we didn't muck around too much before hitting the road again.

Climbing up towards the Rimutakas it was still chilly and there was mist in the valley which along with a bright sun made visibility a little tricky.  Still, I had a good run up the hill before catching up with traffic on the descent.
In Masterton it was time to hanger right and make for Alfredton to the first checkpoint on the same great roads I'd ridden 6 days previously.  It was a nice little squirt although one poor little bird did lose when taking on a big, neutron silver missile...

Monie leading some Hondas into the checkpointFrom Alfredton it was the familiar Pa Valley and Mangaone Valley roads into Pahiatua for our first fuel stop and 280km on the board since Palmy.  More SH2 got us into Woodville where we turned and made our way through the gorge to Ashhurst.  Halfway through the gorge we picked up a 1290 Superduke who decided to join us for some of the ride.

Well and truly on home turf now, we crossed over to Cheltenh...