KoroJ's Blog

We got back from the Gold Coast on Friday, so yesterday I finished off fitting the GPS to the bike by tapping it onto the power, then last night I programmed a ride into the GPS for today. This would double as a bit more conditioning, but mainly to play and familiarise myself with the unit…and I need to do about 2000Km before the TT at the end of the February to: wear out the front tyre as well as get the Km up for the next service prior to the event.

I also had a club ride on at 1630 today so I planned to leave around 1130, do 450’ishKm and get back to Brown Owl around 1600…but the best laid plans!

I got away OK, paused briefly at work, filled at Caltex Kaiwhara’ and was on the Hutt Road at 1200. The first thing I found was that the GPS confirmed my speedo reads 10kph high….so all these years I have been riding too slow!!?? I soon attended to that and had a pleasant ride over the Hill, making good time as I encountered little traffic, then turned off at Featherston to go to my first Way Point at Ocean Beach.

The ride along the Western side of Lake Wairarapa was good and I noted the GPS was tracking both ways when I reached the East-West Access Rd, but correctly had me continuing to the coast. It’s been awhile since I’ve been out there and my recollection was of more gravel, but that must be an indication that the Alzheimer’s is on its way. As expected, I was directed to the beach, then instructed to turn around and when I failed to obey, I was advised to continue another 1.8Km, then turn around ??? I’m not sure why, and I turned straight away to head for the next Way Point at Lake Ferry. It’s also lucky the GPS displays the next road as its Maori pronunciation leaves much to be desired (even some English words too) with Wharekauhau Rd coming out something like We-Reka-Who Rd.

I backtracked and was soon on the East-West Access Rd when I noticed the bike wasn’t as stable as it should be and sure enough, a shuffle on the handle bars generated an oozy wobble so I determined to stop and check the rear tyre at Pirinoa, however, it got bad enough that I had to stop at the junction with Kahutara Rd. A kick to the rear revealed some sponginess, so I pulled the pressure gauge and confirmed a definite lack of air.

I already had the right pannier off and bike on the centre stand so I turned the wheel to where a recent plug had been inserted and a bit of spit indicated a slight leak so I proceeded to carry out a repair, reaming, filling with dog-turd and inflating. I got it to 30+psi then thought I’d ride easy to Featherston and fill properly, but when I removed the compressor, I could hear that more air was escaping!!?? Damn! A roll of the wheel revealed another hole further along so I got the gear out again and soon had that plugged as well, pumped the tyre up to 40psi and got on my way.

I might note here that I was probably parked-up for at least half an hour and in that time 3 bikes passed with barely a look and of a dozen or so cars, two stopped to ensure I was OK. Admittedly, even though I had taken my jacket off and had the seat off the bike, I probably didn’t look distressed and in need of assistance but c’mon, there’s not much point in fraternal waves as we pass each other if bikers can’t be bothered pausing for a moment to check all is OK for someone who has obviously broken down.

By the time I got to Featherston it was feeling a little spongy again so I stopped and checked to find the tyre around the second repair had bubbled and it was leaking badly again….Bugger! The tyre only has 4700Km on it and is totally knackered! I filled there, the Caltex Rimutaka, then Petone Mobil before getting home at about 1630, having done about 220Km. I did find out a little more about the GPS , but didn’t complete the plan or Kms required…and now I have to spend another $350’ish + fitting somewhat prematurely.

Bugger it!