KIWI RIDER NOVEMBER 2017 VOL.1 | Page 26

Zenith Watches and Hedon Helmets and Barkers Clothing, with Triumph NZ supplying a number of bikes to both international and celebrity riders. The turn out in Auckland saw 400 riders registered, and the ride along the waterfront through town, up College Hill, taking in Ponsonby and Karangahape Roads to the Domain, was smoothly green-waved by NZ Police. Local organiser, Mike Andrews, beautifully turned out in a great suit, led the way aboard his newly built Honda, and then departed at the Domain to organise the arrival and after-party for 400-odd motorcyclists, and their friends and families at Moto Magnet in Penrose. A great venue, with plenty of space, it filled up quickly, with good coffee, and hot food in massive demand. ‘Durty Murdur’, an original two-piece rockabilly/punk outfit wowed the crowd, and the party rocked until late afternoon. Amongst the fun crowd was John Kirwan, in attendance on his Italian Vespa, Jared Turner aboard Triumph NZ’s new T120, and ‘Julie’ a visitor from Canada who was loaned a pristine, white Thruxton. The DGR is definitely retro in style, and for safety reasons the number of participants has to be limited. Given its popularity, there were murmurings from those who felt the style guide excluded them, and to be fair - it does do that. Sports bikes and modern motorcycles