What does the Tauranga Waldorf School and the Maketū Gentleman’s Club (MGC) have in common? The answer is, 2017’s class Four, or 2018’s class Five!
Under a clear night sky in rural Pyes Pa in March 2017, parents gathered around the fire after a day supporting the overnight camping experience of their Tauranga Waldorf School children. Two of those Dad’s were Bay Waka’s editor Antoon Moonen and one of MGCs founders, Bill Nicholas.
Locals born to ride
Antoon’s attention peaked when he heard from Bill how a home-grown motorcycle club from 17-years earlier had become a permanent feature on the landscape of Maketū, with its hillside club buildings facing towards the setting sun over distant Kaimai’s and Mauao (Mount Maunganui).
Bill was explaining about the coming ‘Poker Run’ bike rally planned for November 2017 when 100’s of people from around New Zealand and overseas descend on Maketū for a biennial Saturday ride around the Tauranga district together.
Heads up local bikers!
To Antoon, this Poker Run sounded like just the special community event that went unnoticed and he vowed to be around to see for himself and bring it to the attention of the Bay Waka readers.
On Saturday 25 November 2017, Antoon and son were present to watch the start and finish of the biennial Poker Run. There were 480 registrations and the run took place without incident, except for a wholehearted good time had by all!
Other Bay Online articles about Maketū Gentleman’s Club (MGC)
- History of the Maketū Gentleman’s Club
- Every which way but lost – Maketū Gentleman’s Club – Poker Run 2017 (with videos)
- Te Maire Martin rides into town
