The 2025 rally

The 2025 Ariel Register Rally in Christchurch

The rally has been and gone. We had slightly lower numbers due to clashes with other events but in fact too many more might have been a bit of an issue for the venue and it ended up being a very convivial rally. Lookig around the common-room everyone was chatting with everyone and for once it was possible to talk to just about all the entrants at the rally. Great to see several partners attending. Most were from the North Island which, given the cost of the ferry and the accommodation being a full rate for partners, the rally was an expensive project. I think this was mitigated by doing some SI touring afterwards.

The stand out feature of the rally was the departure from the normal Canterbury long flat roads. Indeed, this time we never left the peninsular and the roads were straight out of the Andes in South America. The ride presented spectacular views that I did not think existed in NZ. On a motorbike the views were to be taken in only when stopped otherwise you were likely to end up 1000 feet down the hillside possibly into the ocean.

We have run out of space for images but on this run, there was a distinct lack of any barrier on the downhill side. On the windy (and I mean WINDING) single lane parts, the lack of a barrier was somewhat disconcerting. I heard differing reports ranging from “Did not enjoy this stuff” to “Great roads for a motorbike” . Personally, I cannot say I enjoyed the tough bits but thought the views worthwhile and there was a certain satisfaction to make it intact! Also, way better than long flat roads that go on forever!

Our thanks to the Christchurch team, Brad Govan, Alastair Kermode, Ken Robinson and Larry Ross for taking on this rally especially as they have done more rallies than any other group in the register.

The next rally is in Waipukurau which is about 50km south of Hastings in mid-march 2026

Where were you?

This year's Ariel Rally was one of the best. Here is a report from Shorty Cole:

After all the Covid related cancelations, hold ups etc, our rally finally got out of the starting blocks.

Based at Massey University’s Rugby institute in Palmerston North, the riders gathered from 12.00 noon for checking in and a quick catch up. They received the key to the accommodation, along with their rally pack/bag full of goodies, books, sweets pen, cleaning cloths, handle bar/lever gaiters and much more.

It was then a case of follow the leader, Shorty on his Trials replica Royal Enfield out to Rongatea to Peter and Jennifer Thompson’s private collection of all makes, types and specials of motorcycles. 

Some fun was had with a 1937 Ariel 500 which was offered to anyone who wanted to have a ride except that the axles on the front and rear wheels had been slightly modified off centre to make the bike go up and down as it was ridden.  Going fast was impossible!

 

 Meanwhile, a very understanding pig had thoughtfully donated itself to our cause and was cooking along all afternoon in a fully enclosed spit BBQ, this along with the spuds and veg’s ensured everyone had enough to eat that night.

While this was cooking, everyone dined on chocolate cake, beers juice. At one stage I thought I might move in! Thanks to Peter and Jennifer for all the hard work and effort, and what an amazing collection of bikes well represented by Ariels.

 Saturday, after a rider’s brief, it was out to Pohongia, over to Apiti for lunch,

then a look at Murray Whitehead’s MG’s, boats, racing Anglia, before heading to the “Castle”.

 The Castle is appropriately named; here we were met by Rene Redmond, an ex-RNZAF Mechanic, who over collects aircraft motors and the like. We were given a very interesting talk on the known history of these motors.

Pictured is a 7-cylinder Cheeta Radial, which had not been run for many years, was started for us. What loverly sounding engine, and a credit to Rene and Tarquin and their helpers to maintain and endure that these pieces of history are kept.

  The next engine to be started was a Rolls Royce jet as fitted the RNZAF Strikemaster, and other similar aircraft. Nobody will complain about how much fuel their car uses ever again after seeing the tank level disappearing while not even being run flat out! And that’s not to mention the noise level!

   After this visit all was all back to a well-deserved drink. A really lovely meal put on by the Massey Sports Centre was followed by the AGM and the prize-giving.

Best Single - Jack Chappel-1954 500                Most Original - Daryl Nitschke WNG 350

Best Twin - RobertYoung-1948 500KH               Best Sidevalve -1935 550 Rhys Harold

Special - Roger Wright-1937 500                         Best Square Four - Mike Hardmen -1938 

Hard luck - John Hayman-FH 650                        Furthest Ridden-Graeme Crawley 650 Huntmaster

 Our thanks to the staff at Massy for ensuring that this rally went smoothly and was problem free. Also thank you to all the helpers who chipped in and helped to ensure that the rally was a success.

My first Ariel Blog

This is the editor - just trying to get these blog things to work for members of the register