SMC Tour of NZ - Interested?

[Slyer]

What: An extended group ride, seeing all the sights and staying at free accommodation wherever possible.
Where: Counter-clockwise loop south of Auckland. Auckland->West Coast->Wellington->East Coast and all the exciting places inbetween.
When: Between 27th November to 5th December, might not be all of these days.
Who: Trip is for mainly SMC members but all are welcome, anyone who can handle a semi-mature group of early 20 year olds. You must also not be afraid of gravel as this trip will include it in several parts.

This trip will be 7 days+ but you are welcome to come for any leg of the journey you wish, you are only a days riding from Auckland at every point of the trip.
This is designed for more experienced riders but you don't need to be a hardout tourer type, I will be doing this trip on a 250 so bike size is not an issue as long as you are man enough.

We have the general idea of where we would like to go, but much more brainstorming is required. I'd like all your input to make sure this trip sees as many sights and does as many awesome roads as possible.
Your ideas are very welcome!
If you have a relative or friend that we could crash with for a night, please let me know. Will be a great help to keeping costs down.

Day 1: Ride down to Taranaki. Awakino Gorge, tunnels and Mount Messenger. Heading to my cousins farm for the night.
Optional: Heading up Mt Taranaki to Dawnson Falls
<img src="http://i36.tinypic.com/2yx11e9.jpg">

Day 2: Forgotten Highway (Gravel), road up Mt Ruapehu and then SH4 to Wanganui
<img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/2wfo5yo.jpg">

Day 3: Day 3 will end up in Wellington

[Thani-B]

If my budget allows me I'm in, but I doubt it will somehow.

[Danae]

Man, so keen. But my uni break is only around Christmas. :(

[Real_Wolf]

No not keen?

I'd be keen, but would want to be going with my gf, and she kinda works 6/7 days a week, and at the moment getting a job + general maintenance on bike

[PirateJafa]

Count me in.

[Slyer]

No worries RW, she can pillion with someone else and you can fill in her shift. ;)

[Real_Wolf]

No worries RW, she can pillion with someone else and you can fill in her shift. ;)

GL convincing her of that.

[PirateJafa]

GL convincing her of that.

I dunno, she has to be pretty brave already if she's willing to pillion with you. ;)

[Real_Wolf]

I dunno, she has to be pretty brave already if she's willing to pillion with you. ;)

More attatchment than bravery. She used to have her eyes closed pretty much all the time

[Slyer]

More attatchment than bravery. She used to have her eyes closed pretty much all the time
ROFL.
Nothing else needs to be said...

[Suntoucher]

Start of summer, sounds like tent weather to me. Can all but count me in. Will have to invest in some panniers though, and find a nice pillion to make use of my back rest.

[GSXR Trace]

definitely recommend thinking about heading to the south island... go do all the passes in both directions... Did it last summer, and was fantastic!

[Slyer]

For the first large scale SMC trip I think we'll stick to the north island. :bleh:
It means that anyone can leave at any time because we'll never be more than a day from Auckland.

Also gives us a chance to weed out all the unreliable bikes. ;)

[GSXR Trace]

haha fair enough... definitely about weeding out the unreliable bikes! well have fun!

depending on where your at I may join ya on a few legs of your trip... ie around auckland or through forgotten highway etc. since I have to be working this summer and can't take a week off!

[Slyer]

Sweet as! We'll likely be leaving on a Saturday so there's definitely room for a 2 day trip.

[Jantar]

definitely recommend thinking about heading to the south island... go do all the passes in both directions... Did it last summer, and was fantastic!

Wow. That would be a fantastic effort. Do you have a write up on it.

In the South Island PassesRride we did all the passes in only one direction (except for Weka pass which was repeated) and that was a great ride.
See http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/43887-Passes-ride-daily-updates-and-photos...?

[GSXR Trace]

haha no there is no written record of our trip... but it was a lot of fun! they are like a different road riding them in the opposite direction!

yep might see ya at the weekend, ill keep an eye on when you actually get out on the road for the tour!

[EJK]

Come, my children.

[Slyer]

So yeah, looks like we'll just be doing the North Island.

[PirateJafa]

So yeah, looks like we'll just be doing the North Island.

"Just" the North Island? I suspect that just the North Island will have more than enough pubs to keep us occupied for one week! :shifty:

[Slyer]

Well, jeez, if you WANT to put emphasis on the "only".
:bleh:

[GSXR Trace]

haha yeah well truth is that with the reliability of your bikes... top half of north island is probably enough to fill a week with repairs! :shutup: oooo just waiting for the backlash about my suzuki!

[The Pastor]

keen for ride around the north island, north of auckland :)

If we go over a weekend, we can take Friday and Monday off so that gives a solid 4 days etc.

[Slyer]

Nah we'll be doing a trip counterclockwise around the North Island south of Auckland.

[Suntoucher]

Nah we'll be doing a trip counterclockwise around the North Island south of Auckland.

At an average velocity of 30M/s

[Slyer]

ATTENTION EVERYONE

Right, Jafa and I are creating general plans for the trip, where to go, what to see etc etc.
We need to know what week is going to be the best for everyone to do this trip on, I can do any of the weeks but others may have clashes so I need to know which suits best out of these options. I want to get it decided early so everyone can definitely get leave etc. We will be picking the latest date that most people can make, the later the warmer afterall.

20-28th Nov
27-5th Dec
4-12 Dec

Just answer with the letters if you like.
ABC

Any suggestions for places to go/see will be happily received. Current plan is to head west, south then east. Currently fleshing out the details.
Current probable attractions: Dawson Falls/Mt Egmont, The Forgotton Highway, Mt Ruapehu.

Also remember that you can come for as much or little of the trip as you like, we will never be more than a day from Auckland so feel free to come for a day or two and then head back on your own.

[The Pastor]

B.

If your going south, east cape and forgotten highway are top choices.

North, everything is good. I've always wanted to go see kai iwi lakes.

and stick a lot of gravel in the ride :)

[Gremlin]

don't forget, boxing day is the Wanganui street races

[Slyer]

don't forget, boxing day is the Wanganui street races
Not riding anywhere near boxing day. Nov-Dec

[Magua]

Probably A or B.

Are there any good roads through the Ureweras?

Maybe we could go to the southern most point of the North island, Cape Palliser.

[Thani-B]

B.

If your going south, east cape and forgotten highway are top choices.

North, everything is good. I've always wanted to go see kai iwi lakes.

and stick a lot of gravel in the ride :)

The Kai iwi lakes arent that special...

[EJK]

Chateau Tongariro is a great place to take photos. The road up to the Mt Ruapehu is very decent too (esp in summer).

Like.

[GSXR Trace]

ATTENTION EVERYONE

Current probable attractions: Dawson Falls/Mt Egmont, The Forgotton Highway, Mt Ruapehu.

ah.... so your coming to my neck of the woods! :yes: just admit the naki and ruapehu are awesome!!
Your gonna love the roads! all good ideas, come down through the forgotten highway and then do egmont, and then head to ruapehu via paraparas (btwn whanganui and raetihi).... all very good roads!

there are also some good day rides from NP on back roads, like forgotten highway but others that riders in the Naki know about

I'll be out on those roads over summer, so might see ya out there!

[Danae]

EDIT: Oh, reading fail. Can't go. :(

[motorbyclist]

I'm keen for the northland loop part of the trip on Brown Fury; the rest would depend on mood, work and funds.

If you do northland first I can run tail end charlie to repair/pillion all the noobs who can't keep their bike running and/or upright (you should know who you are) - probably good to weed out all the weaker herd members early on :bleh:

There had better be some attempted summitting of mountains (taranaki/rupehu etc) on this trip!

[jono035]

I'm keen for the northland loop part of the trip on Brown Fury; the rest would depend on mood, work and funds.

If you do northland first I can run tail end charlie to repair/pillion all the noobs who can't keep their bike running and/or upright (you should know who you are) - probably good to weed out all the weaker herd members early on :bleh:

There had better be some attempted summitting of mountains (taranaki/rupehu etc) on this trip!

I wouldn't mind doing the Northland leg, either. If need be, I can probably provide some form of accommodation at my parents place (Okaihau) along with a place to do any repairs/bodges.

[Slyer]

If someone wants to organise the northland trip over a weekend in the next few months that would be great. :)

[Thani-B]

David and I could plan it. Possibly. On our roadtrip in Easter there were plenty of roads that we said we wanted to come back and ride.

[jono035]

If someone wants to organise the northland trip over a weekend in the next few months that would be great. :)

A weekend trip would be pretty sweet. I'd talked with a couple of other people about doing a 3 day trip, 1 day to the Bay of Islands, 1 day to the Cape and back, 1 day back again. Would either need a long weekend or to take a day off work/uni.

Alternately the first leg up to the Bay of Islands could be done after work on a friday. It's about 3 hours drive straight up SH1 to my parents place. I know SH1 is boring, but that'd be for transport, not fun. Leave around 6, get there around 9 then use saturday to do the far north, sunday to do the bay of islands and home.

[Slyer]

All good ideas. :) I'm not sure when will be best for you guys, I tried to base my trip after exams. I'll be able to come any weekend.

[GSXR Trace]

For your northland test weekend, obviously you need a long weekend or leave friday for those of you who work, but maybe you could do the northland trip over a weekend during the two week uni break (in two weeks) so the uni students shouldn't have quite so much on... just a thought

[Gremlin]

Cape Reinga is a day trip... you need a single day, just a little longer than a normal one.

[Slyer]

Yes, but not when you are going to see the sights as well.

[Gremlin]

Yes, but not when you are going to see the sights as well.
bush road bush road bush, sea, bush, animals LIGHTHOUSE

(now in reverse... :scooter:) :yes:

[Slyer]

Have updated the first post with day 1, go have a look.
Need to decide fully on what to do for Day 2, the road around mt taranaki is pretty flat and boring apparently, so we'll be taking forgotton highway (SH43) eastward and probably up mt ruapehu. After that? I haven't decided. Thoughts? Anything worth seeing or a place to stay.

[PirateJafa]

Glenross Lodge
http://goo.gl/maps/ivhF

Brian's Place Backpackers
http://goo.gl/maps/AaqH

[R6_kid]

I could defo be keen once dates are confirmed.

[rachprice]

I was gonna say come visit me but i will be in valencia for the GP!

[motorbyclist]

Have updated the first post with day 1, go have a look.
Need to decide fully on what to do for Day 2, the road around mt taranaki is pretty flat and boring apparently, so we'll be taking forgotton highway (SH43) eastward and probably up mt ruapehu. After that? I haven't decided. Thoughts? Anything worth seeing or a place to stay.

apparently the closer road around mt taranaki is much better than the outer one Danae and myself took - the road down the eastern side is pretty much a straight highway, and I'd strongy suggest you take the roads we took rather than SH3 if you're looking for an awesome tour rather than a race/GP. It would probably add a day to the trip, too.

there's two roads up mt taranaki; perhaps get a recommendation or do both?

[motorbyclist]

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=auckland&daddr=River+Rd+to:Bow+St+to:Marokopa+Rd+to:-39.353945,173.908768+to:mt+taranaki&hl=en&geocode=FefAzf0dp7ZqCilNJ5tD-0cNbTETfjlLtTskhA%3BFTTfxv0dWHFtCg%3BFQw5v_0d8kVsC g%3BFU6Ot_0dLQlqCg%3B%3BFepsqP0dFe5fCimRQvfLnbEVbT HCAWAXA3XN0g&mra=dpe&mrcr=3&mrsp=4&sz=11&via=4&sll=-39.351821,174.125061&sspn=0.396096,0.553436&ie=UTF8&ll=-38.341656,175.671387&spn=3.21393,4.42749&t=h&z=8

no tour sticks to highways with single digit designations ;)

[Slyer]

Good suggestions. I'm going to need a GPS at this rate.

[R6_kid]

I was gonna say come visit me but i will be in valencia for the GP!

I could meet you half way at Sepang?


no tour sticks to highways with single digit designations ;)

What about SH4 from Wanganui to Raetahi? That's some of the best 90km of road i've ever ridden.

[Slyer]

Sweet! Sounds like day 2 = Forgotten highway, mt ruapehu and then SH4.

[Slyer]

Day 2 sounds pretty solid, what to do for Day 3?
We could ride direct to wellington and chill out in wellington for the rest of the day. Or are there some sweet roads we should be taking to get there?
Or we could head south and then back up to Glenross lodge http://goo.gl/maps/ivhF where jafa'd like us to stay once.

[GSXR Trace]

By the way, your day 1 isn't very long... under 4 hours riding time.
and yeah suggest taking the roads up around the mountain rather than coastal roads, but will take longer and take care
but your day two are some of the best roads in NZ - forgotten highway and paraparas (btwn raetihi and wanganui) are fantastic! I may just have to join ya on that and then go back through the paraparas to stay in kune the night! haha. but there is a fair bit of road works on SH 4 at the moment, so be aware.

[Slyer]

Well I wanted to start Day 1 off pretty easy, many people coming aren't used to such long rides, myself included. :P

[motorbyclist]

Good suggestions. I'm going to need a GPS at this rate.

I'm yet to take a map... and the one time we did we ended up zig zagging across the north island to get to taupo



What about SH4 from Wanganui to Raetahi? That's some of the best 90km of road i've ever ridden.

conceded, but a fair bit of road works out that way


By the way, your day 1 isn't very long... under 4 hours riding time. MY day one has a 50km stretch of gravel and we have to account for leaving the bombays at noon (SMC 9am) to make it to marokopa in time for a swim before nightfall (or the awakino hotel if things are going smoothly)

[motorbyclist]

Well I wanted to start Day 1 off pretty easy, many people coming aren't used to such long rides, myself included. :P

maybe call northland a practice run?

[jono035]

maybe call northland a practice run?

Yeah, that's a good idea. Would get people used to knowing what they need to bring, how much they're going to enjoy it etc.

I'd certainly like to see how well I hold up to a long but cruisy ride. When I did a coro loop I was thoroughly beaten by the end of it and no longer really enjoying the riding aspect of it due to shooting pain in my wrists.

[Thani-B]

Yeah, that's a good idea. Would get people used to knowing what they need to bring, how much they're going to enjoy it etc.

I'd certainly like to see how well I hold up to a long but cruisy ride. When I did a coro loop I was thoroughly beaten by the end of it and no longer really enjoying the riding aspect of it due to shooting pain in my wrists.

I know that feeling. It's why I will never do the Forgotten Highway both directions in one day again. Way too much.

[Slyer]

Yeah, that's a good idea. Would get people used to knowing what they need to bring, how much they're going to enjoy it etc.

I'd certainly like to see how well I hold up to a long but cruisy ride. When I did a coro loop I was thoroughly beaten by the end of it and no longer really enjoying the riding aspect of it due to shooting pain in my wrists.
Probably because you own a bike with one of the most aggressive riding positions? lol

[Suntoucher]

I know the feeling, that's why I sold my sports and bought a cruiser. Lots of Wellington trips. The old bike had my back and ass screaming bloody murder by 2hours. When I bought this in Wellington, rode it up with quick stops only at petrol stations, didn't even need to get up and stretch.

[jono035]

Probably because you own a bike with one of the most aggressive riding positions? lol

True enough, but that's exactly why I wouldn't want to dive straight into a 6-8 hour epic journey without knowing what it's going to do to me!

Suntoucher: Yeah, if I was doing longer trips around the place then I'd definitely be getting a more laid back bike. For all my normal riding, the VFR suits me fine, though.

[PirateJafa]

Your riding position is wrong.

You should be using your core to hold yourself up on the NC30, and should have essentially no weight on your wrists and the bars at all.

I've ridden to Wellington and immediately back on my first VFR, and apart from some cramping and sleep deprivation, had no major issues.

[Slyer]

This man speaks the truth.
Should be your abs hurting rather than your wrists. ;)

[Squiggles]

Moar grip on tank required :scooter:

Chu lot going trippin when i be flying out to asia :yes:

[Dare]

Your riding position is wrong.

You should be using your core to hold yourself up on the NC30, and should have essentially no weight on your wrists and the bars at all.

I've ridden to Wellington and immediately back on my first VFR, and apart from some cramping and sleep deprivation, had no major issues.

Also brake and clutch levers should not bend your wrists which can cause that kind of pain, though that makes more of a difference sitting at lights than on a Coro loop :P

[motorbyclist]

Probably because you own a bike with one of the most aggressive riding positions? lol

I'd say most sports ducatis are far more agressive than that - plus a lot of the modern supersports, which a lot of riders on this ride may have. The VFR is more compact than aggressive.

The only problem I've had on my nc30/35 is my legs cramping after hours hard riding on the road. Considering I get this on most bikes, and that regular breaks (or relaxed riding) is the easiest solution, this isn't a big deal :P


Also brake and clutch levers should not bend your wrists which can cause that kind of pain, though that makes more of a difference sitting at lights than on a Coro loop :P

VFR flaw #1: can't adjust clutch lever to optimum position due to cable interfering with speedo. fixed for RVF (and trackbikes without speedo)

[jono035]

Your riding position is wrong.

You should be using your core to hold yourself up on the NC30, and should have essentially no weight on your wrists and the bars at all.

I've ridden to Wellington and immediately back on my first VFR, and apart from some cramping and sleep deprivation, had no major issues.

You're also like a foot shorter than I am...

Was going to make the same point as Andrew, the clutch lever has to sit high because otherwise it nails the speedo when turning right... The lever on mine is bent into a Z shape to make it a bit better but it's still high.

I'm sure there are a million things I can improve, but it seems to me that my legs don't fit into the tank grooves right therefore I can't stop myself sliding around if I rely on my legs to grip... I also have to sit far more upright than the shorter people I've seen sitting on my bike. This makes my arms more vertical, hence more issues with the clutch lever. Not complaining, love the bike to pieces...

Besides, ergonomic stuff is all pretty variable, just because you can do it doesn't mean it's feasible for me... Maybe you lot just have stronger wrists ;)

[Jonno.]

http://www.techspec-aus.com.au/honda.html

I'm going to get a set when I end up finding which one would fit.

[jono035]

http://www.techspec-aus.com.au/honda.html

I'm going to get a set when I end up finding which one would fit.

I've seen places stocking stuff that looks suspiciously like that in rolls... 3mm closed cell foam, adhesive backed, non-slip pattern on the top... Could always cut a few pads out to fit.

Come to thing of it, the loose all-weather riding pants probably don't help in the grip department, but they do alleviate the VFR leg roasting, too.

[Slyer]

BACK ON TOPIC NIMRODS
</caps>

[Squiggles]

I've seen places stocking stuff that looks suspiciously like that in rolls... 3mm closed cell foam, adhesive backed, non-slip pattern on the top... Could always cut a few pads out to fit.

Come to thing of it, the loose all-weather riding pants probably don't help in the grip department, but they do alleviate the VFR leg roasting, too.

Stomp-grip?

[R6_kid]

BACK ON TOPIC NIMRODS
</caps>

lol NIMRODS

http://www.aviation-news.co.uk/archive/media/nimrod1.jpg

[R6_kid]

So like, is this like, gonna happen?

[Slyer]

You bet your sweet ass it is babycakes.

[Suntoucher]

Oh, just remembered the AUT lodge can fit up to 20 people, available for booking all year round(I'm an AUT student) and costs about $130 a night.

http://www.ausm.org.nz/ausm-lodge/

Fully equipped and at the bottom of Ruapehu

[Slyer]

Awesome suggestion thanks for that.

[motorbyclist]

that really is awesome! (ausm, geddit?)

totally keen for a ruapehu summiting effort! postpone trip to midwinter!

[Slyer]

We can have another trip in 6 months. :bleh:

[motorbyclist]

bump for date and route for northland loop (and repeat advice that it is done on days one & two to weed out the weaker bikes and wake up the lesser riders)

[Slyer]

A bump because you want someone else to organise it? :bleh:

[Gremlin]

82 posts talking about the potential, the possibilities.

82 posts without a single hard piece of information. Route, time, accomodation.

GiJoe and I have combined have covered thousands of km (more than what you guys will presumably travel in your trip, each) since the thread started. :facepalm:

About par for you guys yeah? :sunny:

[Slyer]

Well fucking good for you.

This thread is me asking for advice. I've never organised a trip this big.
If you check the first post I've got many details of the first part of the trip nailed down, I've never been up the east coast before so have no idea where to go up that way.

[Gremlin]

Well fucking good for you.
:wings:

Ok, bear mind, like democracy, if you have a large group and you try to please everyone, it will never get off the ground. Decide on a distance per day, choose some key places to go see, and factor them into the distance calculations. Set the schedule, people are in or out.

I wouldn't even want to organise too many people. I ride with like minded people, GiJoe and toto, for example. Sunday afternoon, toto and i leave Auckland, and do 1000km up to cape reinga and back. We both like that, but someone else would consider it nuts.

[Slyer]

Thank you, Mr highly experienced godly extreme riding guy who does 1000km without a second thought.

So, back to my original question and reason for this entire thread.
Do you have any suggestions for places to go to on the trip?

[EJK]

About par for you guys yeah? :sunny:

Ooooh burn.

[Gremlin]

Thank you, Mr highly experienced godly extreme riding guy who does 1000km without a second thought.

So, back to my original question and reason for this entire thread.
Do you have any suggestions for places to go to on the trip?
Sure, which part of the country? I normally literally go for the roads, see the sites next to the road without stopping, or do you want to stop and look at stuff as well :blink:

[Slyer]

We want to explore NZ. Not just the roads.

[Squiggles]

We want to explore NZ. Not just the roads.

Goto the Pier, the really long one on the east coast. And the lighthouse, everyone likes lighthouses

[Gremlin]

We want to explore NZ. Not just the roads.
Where do you think you are! :thud: The roads are the entire reason :wings:

Let's see, lighthouses, trees, rivers, mountain things, that should do the trick :yes:

[Squiggles]

Napier Prison (Tis a backpackers)

[motorbyclist]

Well fucking good for you.

This thread is me asking for advice. I've never organised a trip this big.
If you check the first post I've got many details of the first part of the trip nailed down, I've never been up the east coast before so have no idea where to go up that way.

yes, and from what is up there in post #1 it would seem you're ignoring the advice given.....

[Slyer]

yes, and from what is up there in post #1 it would seem you're ignoring the advice given.....
Elaborate. I'm not spending time drawing up more maps till I know where we're going. The trip is not for another 2 months so there's no hurry...
We could just wing it and it would still be awesome.
I'll start making a bullet list of things later.

[motorbyclist]

Elaborate.

the advice/ strong recommendation made is that the first two (maybe three) days are spent doing the northland loop, as a form of shakedown for bikes and riders.

I say this, as by your own admission you're not experienced in organising rides, and by my own observation and experience, some of the riders will inevitably have machines or persons that are not up to the task. You yourself fall into the category of "unproven bike and possibly rider" - sure you ride a bit, but you were also unaware your rear brake caliper was hanging off until I pointed it out to you

By doing northland first, it provides a relative safety net to get back home if things aren't working out for individuals.

Northland first will also allow myself to come along, perhaps give some pointers to the weaker of the group or some advice for organisation. I've also got first aid and mechanic skills/experience.

Northland first is also a known quantity, from where you can judge the group's travel abilities. I reckon if you plan on stopping for breaks (and you will have to stop often for large group to keep it together), that the plan on page1 is a bit ambitious.

The first post does not allude to any of this being taken on board. This is a concern as I've witnessed several poorly organised rides in the past, and while injury may not have been an issue, the disorganisation has in several cases lead to the group being split and lost on two different routes. Another concern is lone riders getting lost which poses a major issue if no-one knows where they are, be it safely on the road home or wounded in a ditch.

"Northland First".... sounds like a political party. vote!

Further note:
I reckon if you guys just set out to put k's under your belt as gremlin suggests, you may as well be doing a 4 day coro-binge. Give plenty of time and remain flexible - it's a tour, so stop at pubs/monuments/beaches and muck around a bit. The best part about most of my roadtrips is not knowing the route until we get there - sure, have a destination, but it's the backroad journey that counts, even if on occasion it means a 50km stretch of gravel and an extra day added to the trip. My secret is to plan the backroads you want to take and major destinations, even update it at the end/start of each day, but the only map to be consulted on the road is the one at the gas station. Oh, and if a local tells you not to take a road, then you have no choice but to take it:whistle: Jafa and myself are a classic case of a 5 day trip bloating out to 10 simply because we were on a tour; we added to the route, rather than cutting it short for time reasons.

Of course, this no-map flexible-tour approach is at odds with what I would normally recommend for a one day trip of the sort normally organised on here, or that for a sufficiently large group (ie more than a dozen riders). If you're in a large group you will have to make considerations for the bikes and riders when you head off the main highways, and be pretty firm about people pointing at intersections and regular stops to keep everyone on track. Speeding at the front only serves to spread the bunch out further.

[Gremlin]

I don't think slyer was intending on riding simply for the km tho, I was just asking what his intentions were

The rest of that long post I do agree with. Its amazing how little distance gets covered as the size of the ride grows. Keeping it "open" means there is little way of figuring out who can do what, and at what pace you'll cover terrain.

Equally, doing a beach stop could result in most of a day going by, not a single km covered. As long as you know what you're doing, go for it...

But then, I'm a planner... 5 days going to 10... :blink:

[Slyer]

Everyone bitches about how nobody ever organises any rides for the club AND AT THE SAME TIME you are critisizing me for taking the initiative to even TRY to organise something.

Nobody else was planning anything so I decided FUCK IT. I'll do something positive for the club, try to get some brain storming going and get help from everyone I can.
And now, simultaneously I'm being lambasted for not organising enough and also for organising TOO MUCH.

Andrew, as I have said a northland trip should be something organised completely separately over one weekend. Why should I have to organise YOUR idea? Aren't you equally or more capable of doing that yourself? Show some of your own initiative.
Help out or fuck off.

All I need now, from anyone, is ideas for places to see, places to stay and the most exciting ways to get there. If you're NOT helping any of these things, e.g. gloating about how many km's you can do, how awesome you are at planning trips, how shit I am at riding/planning trips; you can GTFO.

[Squiggles]

All I need now, from anyone, is ideas for places to see, places to stay and the most exciting ways to get there.

Orsm toilets http://www.aatravel.co.nz/101/MustDo_Hundertwasser-Toilets.html

Waipoua Forest Walk
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/northland/kauri-coast/waipoua-forest/activities/

Cape Brett Lighthouse
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/northland/bay-of-islands/cape-brett/


With a night in the middle (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Waipoua+Forest,+Northland&daddr=-35.2781,173.33812+to:SH+1+to:Cape+Reinga+Rd+to:Puk etona+Rd+to:-35.29271,174.222908+to:Russell+Rd+to:Western+Hills +Dr&geocode=FRr73_0dJydYCimdFmS29lMJbTH6QrOevuCUNA%3BF eyy5f0dCO5UCilT4r-mo24JbTFdjJccrUbEEA%3BFRgu6f0dXrJTCg%3BFRyl8v0daOh KCg%3BFc6y5f0dtkhgCg%3BFdp55f0dPG5iCg%3BFQSp4f0dCF hjCg%3BFTYL3_0dINtjCg&hl=en&mra=mi&mrcr=5&mrsp=7&sz=10&via=1&sll=-35.773258,174.449158&sspn=0.572698,1.012115&ie=UTF8&ll=-35.465144,173.869629&spn=2.299565,4.048462&z=8) at Awanui?

[Magua]

The Rawene ferry crossing could be fun. Adding a water crossing to the journey. From memory it is only a few dollars for a motorcycle too.

Edit: I see Steve's route includes the ferry at Opua.

[Gremlin]

:facepalm:

Its not gloating... its making you aware of the full range of riders you can get, making sure you either restrict who will ride, or make everyone aware of requirements. Some want the lovely scenery (no problem with that), others have seen the scenery and want to experience roads they normally wouldn't find (I've followed others and found roads that way).

Scenery, up north, Kai Iwi Lakes for a swim, capes brett and reinga for views, waipoua forest for a big tree. Opononi has a couple of places for food, kaikohe has the pie place. Bay of Islands is a huge tourist destination, so plenty to see there. Russell also has some nice roads.

Going south, SH22 with the extra bit to Te Uku, even gravel to Kawhia, plus roads around Aria and Pio Pio. Camelia Court Motel in Taupo is good for accomodation, used for trackdays etc. Don't know much more accomodation in North Island... usually getting the hell out of it asap :scratch: :D

West Cape, roads south of Te Kuiti, either to New Plymouth (forget the name) or 8 Mile Junction (plus usuals like Western Access and what, 41? westward of Turangi). If you haven't done the forgotten highway, probably a must, there is 15-20km of hard packed gravel. Rest of the roads on coast are straight and cop magnets.

East Cape, right round the outside, or the inland cut, both brilliant, including Tiniroto Rd. All I can say is, don't stay at some ladies place in Mahia, that wasn't that fun. South of Mahia, the peninsula is gravel, but there are beaches and some fun roads to explore.

If you're keen, there is also the other inland route, Waikaremoana Rd, 100km of gravel, haven't done it, but really want to. South of that is Gentle Annie, Napier Taupo Rd, then further south, back roads through Wimbledon, Pongaroa etc. Just west of that, you have the Pahiatua track, and back roads around that...

That should give you something to start with...

That should

[motorbyclist]

:facepalm:


Everyone bitches about how nobody ever organises any rides for the club AND AT THE SAME TIME you are critisizing me for taking the initiative to even TRY to organise something.

Nobody else was planning anything so I decided FUCK IT. I'll do something positive for the club, try to get some brain storming going and get help from everyone I can.
And now, simultaneously I'm being lambasted for not organising enough and also for organising TOO MUCH.

Andrew, as I have said a northland trip should be something organised completely separately over one weekend. Why should I have to organise YOUR idea? Aren't you equally or more capable of doing that yourself? Show some of your own initiative.
Help out or fuck off.

All I need now, from anyone, is ideas for places to see, places to stay and the most exciting ways to get there. If you're NOT helping any of these things, e.g. gloating about how many km's you can do, how awesome you are at planning trips, how shit I am at riding/planning trips; you can GTFO.

I'm not bitching, and I'm not criticizing you initiative. I am criticising that you're asking for advice but failing to address any of it.

A rigid dayplan will still be fun, but either rule with an iron fist or be flexible - SMC time is a curious beast, and my best advice is to reduce the distance planned in post 1.

I must have missed/forgotten your comment about northland. On the assumption that northland is infact part of the north island, why isn't it part of this north island tour? I'm not organising what should be the first weekend of the tour for two reasons: firstly, I don't have the time to do that (note how smc rides declined as my uni workload ramped up the last few years) and secondly, because I think it would be a good way for you to come to terms with running an organised ride and a good way for you to gage the nature of the group (all part of the shakedown, if you like)

We don't know how good/shit you are, as you're an unknown quantity. You don't know what the group is like for the same reasons. IF the tour was being run by myself, I would do northland first so we could help riders and machines either prove themselves or get up to spec. Your machine is one of those, as is real_wolf's and whoever else turns up be it on a shitter or a brand new ducati. Don't take it personally; sometimes it can be a nice looking machine but the rider has neglected or done something they shouldn't have to it and if you don't pick it up quickly it will bite you in the arse at the worst time. Classic case was a SMCTNR where a zxr250 rider was riding with 20psi in the rear and thought that was normal - apparently corners were much easier with the correct pressure! If I didn't spot that we could've spent the whole night waiting for him or been picking zxr bits up off the road. Squiggles and myself have seen it all from cables about to let go, chains about to come off, chains that are faaar too tight, bent forks, fucked brakes - I even had one guy turn up with an electrical problem who didn't realise his rear brake caliper was hanging off - he's lucky the rear wheel spokes didn't catch it, but a worrying part was that the pads weren't locked together..... isn't using both brakes part of the BHS?


I also like northland because I will be able to join in, can give some pointers that might avoid a future accident, and havn't done those roads north of kawakawa yet. I've also got a two places we could stay.

SO, if there's a good case against northland, perhaps you should clearly state it.

[motorbyclist]

East Cape, right round the outside, or the inland cut, both brilliant

+1 for the outside - brilliant road and I still regret not stopping to take more photos

[Squiggles]

Taihape, they have good food ($5 menu) and an excellent backpackers :2thumbsup

[Gremlin]

+1 for the outside - brilliant road and I still regret not stopping to take more photos
All the better excuse to do it again :wings:

[EJK]

Chateau tongariro.

<img src="http://www.hickerphoto.com/data/media/152/luxury-chateau-tongariro_16939.jpg" />


<img src="http://www.travelpod.com/cache/accom_maps/hotels-whakapapa_village.thumb.gif" />

(F)


My $0.02

[R6_kid]

I vote that Andrew and Sam share the same room, every night of the trip.

[The Pastor]

I vote that Andrew and Sam share the same room, every night of the trip.

agreed, but in single bed room only haha

[Slyer]

Yet another massive post from Andrew and yet again nothing remotely useful.

The first day of the trip from Auckland to Taranaki is going to be a fairly relaxed one and will test rider ability and bike reliability just as effectively as a separate ride north. This route I have done many many times and know well. I've secured accommodation for the night so anyone who wants to turn back to Auckland the next day can do so quite easily. My cousin's place also has a large garage to store all of the bikes as well as tools to fix anything that needs correcting.

Move along shall we?
Keep up the suggestions, I'm going to have to start searching some touristy sites to see what else is awesome and out there.

[jono035]

Most of this looks like good advice, to me. Not quite sure where all this aggro is coming from.

100% agree about the unknown quantities of bike and rider, also about the route planning.

Northland to start with seems logical. Stop worrying about it, pick something that you're confident you can complete easily while enjoying it. Use that experience to dictate what you want to focus on next time. Normally, the best way to learn to do something is to just get in there, listen to what everyone has to say and take a little bit on board each time, make your decision, make your mistakes, learn, rinse, repeat, wax on, wax off.

[Squiggles]

Most of this looks like good advice, to me.

You in riding condition yet?

[jono035]

You in riding condition yet?

Yep, been in the UK for 3 weeks so don't even have the bike back yet though. Starting to get antsy to get on with it.

[Squiggles]

Yep, been in the UK for 3 weeks so don't even have the bike back yet though. Starting to get antsy to get on with it.

'Urry up then :scooter:

[HungusMaximist]

Mopeds r us?

[Slyer]

Mate you can come on whatever bike you like. So long as I don't have to ride it. :P

[PirateJafa]

Most of this looks like good advice, to me. Not quite sure where all this aggro is coming from.

100% agree about the unknown quantities of bike and rider, also about the route planning.

Northland to start with seems logical.

You're clearly as mentally feeble as Andrew.

Northland/Cape Reinga is one day away from Auckland.

Taranaki/Forgotten Highway is one day away from Auckland.

So every argument made for doing Northland applies equally as well to doing the proposed route, except that the proposed route also has the benefit of not having to spend a day riding the highways to pass back through Auckland which we already do every day of the week.

[jono035]

You're clearly as mentally feeble as Andrew.

Northland/Cape Reinga is one day away from Auckland.

Taranaki/Forgotten Highway is one day away from Auckland.

So every argument made for doing Northland applies equally as well to doing the proposed route, except that the proposed route also has the benefit of not having to spend a day riding the highways to pass back through Auckland which we already do every day of the week.

:laugh:

Relatively low km weekend ride to start with = good idea. Northland/Taranaki, not fussed.

[Rayray401]

Whats the amount of gravel on this? :sick:

[Slyer]

Reasonable amount. :bleh:
See new thread:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/129765-SMC-Tour-of-the-North-Island-27-Nov-5-Dec