Bikes, bulls and reminiscing

Motorbike enthusiasts, historians, food lovers and bareback bull riders were all catered for in Saturday's second annual Awanui Day celebration.

Organiser Bill Subritzky was very happy with the crowds that the festivities attracted, including 252 registered bikers and another 60 who cruised along for the day.

"It was an excellent day," he said.

"The Miss Awanui pageant and the Awanui Olympics had excellent participation. The day went brilliantly.

"Thanks heaps to the local businesses and residents for their support."

Travis Sadler and Cooper (who preferred to remain semi-anonymous), from Kaikohe, both with 15 years in the saddle to their names and members of the Maori Riders' Club, were looking forward to riding the Treble T (To the Top) run to Cape Reinga for the first time, Travis saying the appeal of two wheels lay in "the freedom, and you get into your mind, escape from the world".

Aucklanders Jackie and Steve Bolton were also taking part for the first time.

They were invited to the ride by members of the Northland Riders' Club who they had met on a recent two-week tour of Alaska, Jackie saying they hadn't been to the Cape for more than six years, and she understood much had changed.

Doubtless Bay resident Christine Metcalf was showing off her classic truck, a 1955 Ford F100, which had no shortage of admirers. "It was my husband's pride and joy," she said.

She added that a Far North Car Club was in the works and to "watch the paper for more details after Christmas".

The Awanui Riverside Museum was also popular, organised by local historian Kaye Dragicevich and her helpers, Kaye saying many people had lent exhibits for the the two days.

The display included old photographs, farming equipment, furniture and kitchen/food items.

Born and raised Awanui man Peter Jones contributed various items from his family's farming days, including an old horse drencher and hay knife.

Kaye said the museum had been a great meeting spot for lots of people.

"We set up chairs in the middle of the room so people could sit down and have a good catch up," she said.

Last year's one-day museum had lured 600 people through the doors, and this time Kaye decided to open it for two days, to give more people a chance to see visit.

By late Saturday morning she had already counted 200, among them Athol Johnson, who grew up at Awanui, and his wife Elizabeth.

Kaye was particularly pleased to see Athol, who contributed to her latest book, A History of Awanui - Volume 2.

Others who enjoyed the chance to reminisce included Tui Ruddell (nee Dawson) and Joe Latimer, who were in the same class at Kaitaia College in the late 1930s.