The MAPMEA ride

[young1]

What is MAPMEA?

Mike And Phils Most Excellent Adventure!!

When - weekend of 3 and 4 October here in the Naki

Accommodation

Friday night at the icon of North Taranaki Pubs - the Awakino Hotel. You need to book a room there for Friday 2.10.09. The number is 06 752 9815. If you share a room (two single beds - double beds are available) it would cost you $35.00. Tell them you are with the bike group.

Saturday we are staying at Forrestal Lodge in Inglewood. Here is a link to their web site http://www.bluecastle.co.nz/accommodation-520.htm
There is a free phone number there for you to use. You can see the prices. Plenty of off street parking, pub and take aways / restaurant within walking distance. When you book tell them you with Mike and the bike group.

The ride, on Saturday morning we will go Awakino, Mt Messenger, Uruti, Kiwi Rd, Mt Dampner, Whangamomona for lunch. Back roads to Stratford then up the mountain to the top car park.

Sunday we will leave Inglewood (you can leave gear there) and head towards Waitara, across the swing bridge across the river, then to Tarata, Purangi and back roads to Inglewood. Finish at lunchtime so plenty of time to ride home.

More details closer to the time re fuel and mileage etc

Mike and Phil

UPDATE
Phil and Dawn and Leanne and I plan to arrive at the Awakino Hotel at around 6.00pm on Friday 2.10.09.
It is advisable to fill up at the Awakino Petrol Station (approx 3km north of Awakino before checking in etc)
The ride will leave Awakino at 9.00am on Saturday 3.10.09 and head NORTH to the intersection of SH3 and Taumatamaire Rd, where we will meet MXNUT at around 9.20ish.
We will then ride head up Taumatamaire Rd and ride back towards Awakino.
We will ride past the Awakino Petrol Station and will head South over Mt Messenger to Urenui where there is another opportunity to fill up (Awakino to Urenui is approx 75km). We suggest that everyone leaves Urenui with a full tank.
We then head to Whangamomona for lunch, hope to arrive there around 1.30pm.
From Whanga we will go to Stratford via Makahu and Puniwhakau.
Stratford is another opportunity for gas. If you have small tanks (eg DRZ400s etc) you might want to carry some fuel with you.
Then if weather is nice up to the top car park on the mountain.
Then head to Inglewood for the overnight stop.

Sunday morning Phil has permission to go through a private road that sounds interesting and we will do a loop ending up back in Inglewood at 12ish. During that loop we will be going through Purangi so anyone wanting to head home via Whanga and Ohura or Taumarunui can leave the group there.

Phil will be the lead bike, I will be tail end Charlie. We will operate the corner man system. It is not a race, there is lots of good scenery so we will be making use of the opportunities to stop and look at it.

That is about it, I presume you have all sorted your accomodation at Awakino and Inglewood?

If you plan to leave the ride at any stage please make sure that Phil or I know as we will be keeping a count of the bikes to make sure that we don't lose anyone.

UPDATE 28.9.09

So that I can keep track of where we are meeting people on Saturday. If (other than MXNUT or HOBBES who we are meeting at Taumatamaire Rd at 9.20ish) you not going to be leaving the Awakino pub with the group at 9.00am on Saturday morning but intend to meet up with us somewhere else please PM me. That way we won't lose you...

[tri boy]

Recheck your calender settings.
Can't enter as a attendee.
Hope to make it.

[young1]

Recheck your calender settings.
Can't enter as a attendee.
Hope to make it.

Fixed thanks Brett, be good to see you here

[marks]

I would love to come but your timing unfortunately doesn't work for me.

Ive already committed to another ride the prior weekend here (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=486909) and even my wonderful wife would spit the dummy at two consecutive weekends away. Plus early in Sept I hope to get to ride a Norton Commando down the West Coast - WOOOHOOOO :Punk:

[tri boy]

If you titled it
Mike
And
Freaky Phil's
Interesting
Adventure

Marks would probably turn up

[Crisis management]

Sounds good Mike, I'll be there.


I hope to get to ride a Norton Commando down the West Coast - WOOOHOOOO :Punk:

Take plenty of spares, mine used to break down at the least sign of me really needing to get somewhere, like when you are far away as you can possibly get from help...bastard machine.

[MXNUT]

BODAYOUS DUDES :rockon:










or however its spellt

[Eddieb]

Okay, I'll drag this further off-topic

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And back on topic.

Sounds like a promising ride but I'll have to see closer to the time.

Does 'backroads to Stratford' include the old whanga road down to the Bridge to Somewhere? That could be a compelling incentive.

[Cary]

Worst weekend for me as it falls smack in the middle of my working week :crybaby:

Leave days getting little low to, that and the Rusty 1000 Miler is on just two weeks later....

Will try my best.

[young1]

Worst weekend for me as it falls smack in the middle of my working week :crybaby:

Leave days getting little low to, that and the Rusty 1000 Miler is on just two weeks later....

Will try my best.

Obviously it would be good to see you on the ride Cary, but we understand.

[trustme]

Sounds good Mike, I'll be there.



Take plenty of spares, mine used to break down at the least sign of me really needing to get somewhere, like when you are far away as you can possibly get from help...bastard machine.

Mine never broke down in about 7 years & 3 trips around the Sarf Orland, electronic ignition was the answer along with lots of TLC. Still my fav bike but not the best I have owned.

Won't be a starter, on a tour of the norf with SWMBO & a few mates that weekend. Ditching Swmbo for a weekend down Sth would be injurious to my health. Bugger.

[offrd]

Right! booked at both places!:eek:

Seems to be one slight hickup:bash:

Still have to buy the BIKE:doh:

:scooter:

But thats only a minor detail!

Right????

[young1]

Right! booked at both places!:eek:

Seems to be one slight hickup:bash:

Still have to buy the BIKE:doh:

:scooter:

But thats only a minor detail!

Right????

Excellent. You should ask everyone here "what bike should I buy" that would start a debate that would go for a long time!

[Bass]

Mike,
Had planned to join you guys on this one but a family event that weekend would make it perilous to my privates.
Guess I'll just have to join Mark & Co on the 42, the previous weekend, instead.

[offrd]

Excellent. You should ask everyone here "what bike should I buy" that would start a debate that would go for a long time!

I know what i want, just got to get my hands on it! he he he he

[MXNUT]

Hi Mike & Phill, what time is this most excellent adventure going to kick off on the saturday morning as i may not be able to get through to Awakino on the fri night.

[Crisis management]

Mike, due to a planning disaster (clearly my fault..) I can't come on this ride now....sorry mate, some other time!

[Cary]

In that case...... I'm in :laugh:

[young1]

Hi Mike & Phill, what time is this most excellent adventure going to kick off on the saturday morning as i may not be able to get through to Awakino on the fri night.

What time you can get to Awakino? There is an option to catch up a little after we leave as we do head back (on another road) towards Awakino.

M

[young1]

Mike, due to a planning disaster (clearly my fault..) I can't come on this ride now....sorry mate, some other time!

@##! Just send your exhausts then!!

Shame about that Ian, but we will catch up another time

M

[offrd]

What kind of tyres should i run (that opens a whole new thread!:Offtopic:)
As in, will a really need knobs or will a intermediate style of tyre be ok?
Or should i just run with whatever roadish rubber the new (to me) bike comes on?
Bare in mind, i have no intention of making this a race....:eek:

[MXNUT]

What time you can get to Awakino?

M

Could be there by 9.00 am, is that going to be too late :chase:

[young1]

Could be there by 9.00 am, is that going to be too late :chase:

Not at all, if we any reason you are delayed, we can easily meet you a little later as we plan to go to Uruti and then down Kiwi Rd to the Ahititi / Ohura Rd. So we could meet you there if you were running a little late.



What kind of tyres should i run (that opens a whole new thread!)
As in, will a really need knobs or will a intermediate style of tyre be ok?

Intermediates will be fine, I have a nob on the front but have done it with intermediates. No it isn't a race, I will more than likely be 2 up with someone on the back new to riding on gravel so I (as usual) won't be going fast.

[offrd]

Cool! I will also be 2 up with a newbie to gravel. Oh and new to road, and bikes, and kiwibiker mad buggers ha ha ha ha ha:shit:

[young1]

Cool! I will also be 2 up with a newbie to gravel. Oh and new to road, and bikes, and kiwibiker mad buggers ha ha ha ha ha:shit:

That is just what we love... a virgin!

[Phreaky Phil]

That is just what we love... a virgin!
I think we had 1 last year! A sacrifice to the Gravel Road Gods !!

[That looks like fun]

I shall sharpen the official virgin sacrificial camera lense <_<

[Aslan]

have just committed to your ride Mike, Phil & Dawn :) cheers S :banana:

[young1]

have just committed to your ride Mike, Phil & Dawn :) cheers S :banana:

Good one Steve, looking forward to catching up again. Maybe a visit to your "favourite" bus shelter and corner might be in order!

M

[Aslan]

Good one Steve, looking forward to catching up again. Maybe a visit to your "favourite" bus shelter and corner might be in order!

M


Cheers Mike - I was hoping not to repeat that performance this time - looking forward to hooking up with you and your 'naki hard core pals again - last year was a great ride despite my too close encounter with school bus shelter doh :dodge:

[clint640]

Signed up & booked in :cool:

Hopefully we'll have the Fri arvo off to take the scenic route down to Awakino.

Cheers
Clint

[young1]

The ride is a month away, Phil and I will do a bit more planning soon and start updating the details etc.


Mike

[tri boy]

I need to pull my finger out, and book a twin room at both locations.
Kanny plans to stay at the Awakino and Forrestal, but being on the Bandit, will skip the adv bit, and do a bit of site seeing etc.

[dino3310]

I need to pull my finger out, and book a twin room at both locations.
Kanny plans to stay at the Awakino and Forrestal, but being on the Bandit, will skip the adv bit, and do a bit of site seeing etc.

:gob:shite, your not going to leave Fatty home alone:crybaby: oh the poor fatty, How could you:bash:

[Cary]

Chances are i'll join the trailer trash brigade for this ride, Awakino safe place to leave the ute you think or does anyone have another suggestion?

[That looks like fun]

Park it on the policemans lawn at Mokau :clap:

[young1]

Chances are i'll join the trailer trash brigade for this ride, Awakino safe place to leave the ute you think or does anyone have another suggestion?

It should be, if you want to come through to NP you can leave it at my place.

[Phreaky Phil]

Chances are i'll join the trailer trash brigade for this ride, Awakino safe place to leave the ute you think or does anyone have another suggestion?What bike will you be riding ?

[Cary]

What bike will you be riding ?

Depends how the 42nd/Fishers ride goes. If I bring the Tiger i'll just ride down.

[Cary]

It should be, if you want to come through to NP you can leave it at my place.

I'll keep that in mind Mike, cheers. What time you be leaving for Awakino you think?

[young1]

I'll keep that in mind Mike, cheers. What time you be leaving for Awakino you think?

I will try to be away from work on the Friday at 4.45pm. It is normally about 1 hour to Awakino from NP in the weekend so maybe add a little bit of time on for getting out of NP in the traffic,

[young1]

Phil and I will finish route planning this weekend and I will post an update on Sunday afternoon.

It will be a great ride.

mike

[Aslan]

Phil and I will finish route planning this weekend and I will post an update on Sunday afternoon.

It will be a great ride.

mike


i've no doubt about this :banana:

[That looks like fun]

Crikey, Im getting all goose bumpy just thinking about it :2thumbsup

[XF650]

Assuming my passport visa comes through, I hope to make this ride (business trip of course).
I would be keen to hook up with any of you lower North Island guys going up, especially via the back roads.

[That looks like fun]

Just got back from a ride to Awakino, the pub is filling fast :wari: additional accomadation is avaliable
http://www.aatravel.co.nz/new-zealand/Mokau_Accommodation.html
Craig will run a courtesy shuttle from Mokau. Apparently there are cabins at Seaview Motor Camp as well, although Craig said they might be rustic :blink:
Mike and Phil, any ideas on a start time Saturday morning? And are you heading North or South from Awakino? I am going to ride up from Inglewood Sat morning. Its really getting quite exciting isnt it :Punk:

[young1]

Update, I will also add this to the ride info

Phil and Dawn and Leanne and I plan to arrive at the Awakino Hotel at around 6.00pm on Friday 2.10.09.
It is advisable to fill up at the Awakino Petrol Station (approx 3km north of Awakino before checking in etc)
The ride will leave Awakino at 9.00am on Saturday 3.10.09 and head NORTH to the intersection of SH3 and Taumatamaire Rd, where we will meet MXNUT at around 9.20ish.
We will then ride head up Taumatamaire Rd and ride back towards Awakino.
We will ride past the Awakino Petrol Station and will head South over Mt Messenger to Urenui where there is another opportunity to fill up (Awakino to Urenui is approx 75km). We suggest that everyone leaves Urenui with a full tank.
We then head to Whangamomona for lunch, hope to arrive there around 1.30pm.
From Whanga we will go to Stratford via Makahu and Puniwhakau.
Stratford is another opportunity for gas. If you have small tanks (eg DRZ400s etc) you might want to carry some fuel with you.
Then if weather is nice up to the top car park on the mountain.
Then head to Inglewood for the overnight stop.

Sunday morning Phil has permission to go through a private road that sounds interesting and we will do a loop ending up back in Inglewood at 12ish. During that loop we will be going through Purangi so anyone wanting to head home via Whanga and Ohura or Taumarunui can leave the group there.

Phil will be the lead bike, I will be tail end Charlie. We will operate the corner man system. It is not a race, there is lots of good scenery so we will be making use of the opportunities to stop and look at it.

That is about it, I presume you have all sorted your accomodation at Awakino and Inglewood?

If you plan to leave the ride at any stage please make sure that Phil or I know as we will be keeping a count of the bikes to make sure that we don't lose anyone.

Any questions?

[That looks like fun]

See you at 9 on Saturday :wari:
Any riders coming from the South looking for a bed, tent site or tree to sleep under for friday night in Inglewood,:Punk: pm me

[Rosie]

Apparently there are cabins at Seaview Motor Camp as well, although Craig said they might be rustic :blink:


We stayed there last year, and it wasn't too bad.

[hobbes]

C U all Saturday 9am.:banana:

[That looks like fun]

Which way you heading from hobbes? I was going to peel out of Inglewood about 7.30 ish and cruise up :scooter:

[young1]

One week to go - bring it on!

[MXNUT]

1 x order of fine weather please :love:

[That looks like fun]

the dust is settled :msn-wink:

[Phreaky Phil]

the dust is settled :msn-wink:The lake is forming!!!!

[offrd]

Well, we might have a problem....

That is i might have a problem... thing with two wheels that means we dont have to walk, might not be available in time........:doh:

May be looking for a rental for this ride!

Honestly i am an old nana rider:eek:

[marks]

Honestly i am a HOON:eek:

fixed................

[offrd]

fixed................

Oh thanks Mark!:doh:

[hobbes]

Which way you heading from hobbes? I was going to peel out of Inglewood about 7.30 ish and cruise up :scooter:

My bike will be getting so long overdue TLC, ie dealer service, on the Friday so i'll be coming down from Hamilton and stay the night in Te Kuiti or somewhere. Meet 9:20 at the road end.

PS: Anybody short of a bed for Saterday, I will have space to crash at my place...(S.end of NewPlymouth)

[young1]

I have just updated the first page (and the calendar thread to say)

So that I can keep track of where we are meeting people on Saturday. If (other than MXNUT or HOBBES who we are meeting at Taumatamaire Rd at 9.20ish) you not going to be leaving the Awakino pub with the group at 9.00am on Saturday morning but intend to meet up with us somewhere else please PM me. That way we won't lose you...

[MXNUT]

Just wanted to confirm Mike that it is the eastern end of ( furtherest end away from Awakino ) Taumatamarie Rd that i will be meeting you guys at on Saturday morning ???:confused:

Also what is the maximum fuel range will i require between refills. Need to know how much spare fuel :calm: to carry . Cheers Mark

[young1]

Just wanted to confirm Mike that it is the eastern end of ( furtherest end away from Awakino ) Taumatamarie Rd that i will be meeting you guys at on Saturday morning ???:confused:

Also what is the maximum fuel range will i require between refills. Need to know how much spare fuel :calm: to carry . Cheers Mark

Yes the Pio Pio end of the gorge.

Re fuel, everyone who wants to will top up at Urenui before we head through Uruti valley and past Mt Dampner to Whangamomona. We plan to head towards Stratford via Puniwhakau. I am not sure of the distance, I will check with Phil for an estimate. You will need to carry fuel on your 400 though.

[young1]

MXNUT plan for 200kms

[nooles]

Which way you heading from hobbes? I was going to peel out of Inglewood about 7.30 ish and cruise up :scooter:

I might tag along with you if thats alright Colin, is there somewere I can meet you on Saturday morn.I'll bring the Bimmer for this ride and leave the DR at home. Is arrr anybody bringing a back warmer, just wondering if I should include the Mrs on this ride so she doesn't feel left out:weep:

[young1]

Is arrr anybody bringing a back warmer, just wondering if I should include the Mrs on this ride so she doesn't feel left out:weep:

Sure are, Phil and I both bringing our Partners (Dawn and Leanne).

Phil and I will be at Awakino Pub around 6.30 after refueling at Awakino. Remember you can put your bikes in behind the pub, down the drive past the clothes line from memory.

Safe riding everyone, see you tomorrow (and for those meeting us at Awakino we will be leaving there at 9.00am Saturday)

[That looks like fun]

I might tag along with you if thats alright Colin, is there somewere I can meet you on Saturday morn.I'll bring the Bimmer for this ride and leave the DR at home. Is arrr anybody bringing a back warmer, just wondering if I should include the Mrs on this ride so she doesn't feel left out:weep:

You have a back warmer, and I thought heated grips were good :2thumbsup
Meet you at Shell Inglewood about 7:30. takes abit over an hour from here to Awakino. thought if all went well could have a quick coffee at Mokau before the ride, yeh i know, bloody latte rider :whistle:

[nooles]

You have a back warmer, and I thought heated grips were good :2thumbsup
Meet you at Shell Inglewood about 7:30. takes abit over an hour from here to Awakino. thought if all went well could have a quick coffee at Mokau before the ride, yeh i know, bloody latte rider :whistle:

Right done I'll be there:hug:

[offrd]

Well gutted but i have to pull out sorry guys, did not sort the bike out in time and even if i had, urgent run to wellington has come up so tomorrow as you get ready to ride i will be going auckland-tauranga-auckland-wellington.
:argh:

if anyone wants to take the double bed rooms at both places, feel free. i booked them ages ago......

[Aslan]

quite excited - packing tonight with the intent of leaving Wellington a little after 2pm tomorrow - look forward to linking up with you all - am staying Friday night at Mokau with XF650 - will be aboard my bimmer so expect I'll be near the back of the pack - safe riding everyone - Ciao Aslan :2thumbsup

[tri boy]

I'm going to be a bit late getting to the Awakino pub Fri night, as I'll have to work till 5pm, then head down.
Don't drink all the beer, and i'll see you soon.:2thumbsup

[young1]

Team I forgot to say, any issues my cell number (although no coverage at Awakino) 027 631 4487.

offrd - if no one takes your rooms you want to let the pub etc know?

Nooles / That looks like fun - I am sure the coffee pot will be on at the Awakino Pub that time of the morning.

[hobbes]

BUGGER. I'm having to pull out of the Saturday (most on my regular roads anyhow by the looks of it so will hit most next weekend anyhow), but will try make the Sunday. Will PM young1

[young1]

It looks as though we will have another couple of riders meet us in Awakino in the morning, two good Naki lads - Greg and Brian both on their 990s.

[clint640]

Heading off now to take the scenic route over, see you @ the pub :beer:

Cheers
Clint

[Rosie]

Only 10 more minutes of work this week :woohoo:
See everyone at the pub :apint:

[MXNUT]

Have a safe trip to Awakino tonight everyone and behave yourselves when you get there.

See you all in the morning :zzzz:

[That looks like fun]

Quick everyone pray for rain :eek5: I have been asking for sunshine and its persissting :argh: Reverse physcologe might work :2thumbsup

[dino3310]

Quick everyone pray for rain :eek5: I have been asking for sunshine and its persissting :argh: Reverse physcologe might work :2thumbsup

hopefully the rain might move up past my ways,:wait: then the inlaws might cancel there visit cause of the bad weather and i can sneak of and catch up with you lot:2thumbsup

[nooles]

Quick everyone pray for rain :eek5: I have been asking for sunshine and its persissting :argh: Reverse physcologe might work :2thumbsup

Bluish skies in Kaponga, I can see the Mountain ,looks ok further north lets fill her up and go:wari:

[That looks like fun]

just washing down the toast with coffee and then, IMon me wee, from meseery to happeness todee, ahaa ahhaa ahha aha :wari:

[MXNUT]

Quick everyone pray for rain :eek5: I have been asking for sunshine and its persissting :argh: Reverse physcologe might work :2thumbsup

Still pissing down here.........looks like those Sidi Boots are gonna give me wet feet again :whocares:

[That looks like fun]

50%, thats a pass in school cert? Saturday was overcast but fine :rockon:
Today, well lets just say that when we said our good byes the group hugging my heated grips left reluctantly :cold:
Everyone safely one the way home :woohoo:

[Phreaky Phil]

The time/temp clocks in Inglewood an New Plymouth both showed 7deg !!!:cold:
No wonder it felt cold. Thanks for an enjoyable weekend everyone

[young1]

We are both home in one piece, hands cold and wet but the rest okay. Hope everyone else gets home okay and not too wet and cold.

And as my camera decided to tell me on Saturday morning that it wanted new batteries I didn't take any pictures, so looking forward to seeing what others took.

Mike & Leanne

[MXNUT]

Thanks for another great weekend Mike and Phill. :rockon:

It rained the whole way home and i am sure that i will stop shivering sometime soon.




ps.. that Naki rain is a feck sight colder:cold:than the Waikato rain. It may even be weterer too:crybaby:

[nooles]

We are both home in one piece, hands cold and wet but the rest okay. Hope everyone else gets home okay and not too wet and cold.

And as my camera decided to tell me on Saturday morning that it wanted new batteries I didn't take any pictures, so looking forward to seeing what others took.

Mike & Leanne

We both made it home safe and WET!! was an awesome ride both day's, first thing the Mrs said was what a great bunch of people I have to agree:yes:
Thanks Mike and Phil for organizing the ride loved it

[tri boy]

All good at this end.:sunny:
The bush pig got a quick once over to remove about a cubic metre of Naki clay.
Big ups to Mike n Phil for the ride and accom organisation, and to the handful of riders who helped out with photo opportunities and general big brother advice and paitence.
Now I just need a year in a gym, and to grow some bigger nads.:sweatdrop
(to add to the suicidal wild life list, please include one recently deceased ferret/stoat. Silly lil buggar took on the pig and lost).
PS. Any pics of me bogged, or wallowing in clay, were staged to add effect for the subscribers:innocent:

[Aslan]

big thanks to Mike n Phil - another great 'naki ride - thanks for organising guys - enjoyed everyone's company thanks.


Came home via the Forgotten World Highway #43 - love the Takarau (spelling / name) Gorge!

Came down state highway from Taumarunui - snow from National Park to Oakune where I caught up with my son for lunch at the cafe where he is working.


Reached home about 6.30pm close to hypotherimic having ridden down through the Para Paras from Raetehi.

The new wet weather over gear remained waterproof only until Whanga when the familiar wet crutch effect was felt - from then on it was all down hill - wringing wet by the time I reached Taumarunui

till next time - best wishes Stephen O aka Aslan :scooter:

[That looks like fun]

Good to hear you made it home safe mate :woohoo: Its not far off snowing in Inglewood at the moment so I sure wouldnt want to be anywhere near Ohakune :cold:
See ya on the next one :wari:

[Cary]

Great weekend, fun riding, got to do Wanga Road again :woohoo:

Enjoyed the group meals & drinkys, great company and good to see more of the fairer sex coming along.

Nice drop of Port at the nunnery ah Brent :yes:

New camera so most of the pics not so great as had it on the wrong setting :crybaby: can e-mail larger pic file should anyone want one

If I forgot either of your names i'm sorry....... (names to bikes info welcome!)

pic 1 - Uruiti gas up
.....2 - Beemer.....
.....3 - Coiln
.....4 - Brent & Paul
.....5 - Roger
.....6 - Struan

[Cary]

pic 1 - A shot of my Friday ride down thru Waipuna Road, SW of Waitomo Caves. Great road, crap weather.
.....2 - Mike & Leanne
.....3 - The Lead Queen waves :D
.....4 - Rosie
.....5 - Colin
.....6 - Roger, Freewinding

[Cary]

pic 1 - Brent
.....2 - Stephen
.....3 - Niki
.....4 - Struan & Paul
.....5 - Mark
.....6 - 990

[Dawn Patrol]

Hi guys, Great to see all the familiar faces, and some new especially the females joining in. Had a great couple of nights after the rides talking about anything and everything with great food and drinkies. It was good to talk to Rosie about their Aussie adventure; hopefully we'll get back over there on a ride one day. Shame about Sunday's rain and cold but that's all part of the adventure riding, I guess!! At least everyone made it home in one piece. Sorry I didn't take very many pics but here's what I did take:
#1 If it's not sheep, it's bloody cows!!
#2 Rest stop after the Taumatemare Rd
#3 Rosie coming up towards the Last Samarai set
#4 Brian Hill (one of the Taranaki Guys) at the same spot
#5 Colin (That Looks Like Fun)
#6 Triboy on his new toy

[Cary]

Pic 1 - Mike & Leanne
.....2 - Colin
.....3 - KTM's
.....4 - KTM's 2
.....5 - Rosie
.....6 - Brent

[Dawn Patrol]

Thanks for another great weekend Mike and Phill. :rockon:

It rained the whole way home and i am sure that i will stop shivering sometime soon.




ps.. that Naki rain is a feck sight colder:cold:than the Waikato rain. It may even be weterer too:crybaby:
I think that Naki rain might actually be Ashburton rain, courtesy of our Southern Guest !!!!!!:cold:

[Cary]

Pic 1 - XR :scooter:
.....2 - Stephen
.....3 - Mike & Leanne
.....4 - Wanga Pub on a sunny Sat arvo :)
.....5 - Paul doing a wheelie out of the tunnel, shame it's not in focus......
.....6 - Gotta get yourself a Wanga burger :yes:

[Cary]

Pic 1 & 2 - Wanga Pub for lunch on Sat
.....3 - XR on the Wanga Road
.....4, 5 & 6 - Stratford regroup

[Cary]

Started raining about 9 on Sat night and didn't stop.

Was cold and very wet Sunday, without hotgrips my hands were the coldest they have been in YEARS!

Pic 1&2 is around Purangi where the locals headed home and the rest of us headed north.

Last pic we're back at the Wanga Pub, not for beer like yesterday but 1 coffee & several hot chocolates :cold:

Thanks for leading us on the way home Mark. Quite glad I only had to ride to Otorohanga :baby:

:woohoo::yes::woohoo::yes::woohoo:

[Phreaky Phil]

Pic 1 & 2 - Wanga Pub for lunch on Sat
.....3 - XR on the Wanga Road
.....4, 5 & 6 - Stratford regroupPIC 4.Post 97 Is that our new HQ !!! (check out the name on the building):Oops:

[NordieBoy]

.....4 - Freewind

XF650 - Struan (with the tiddly 19" wheel)...

[Aslan]

XF650 - Struan (with the tiddly 19" wheel)...


Fran - he's vowing to fit a 21" after riding Rogson's Freewind with a 21" front end.:woohoo:

[NordieBoy]

Fran - he's vowing to fit a 21" after riding Rogson's Freewind with a 21" front end.:woohoo:

I've already had a phone call from him trying to get me to part with my "spare" :D

[tri boy]

Great pic's Cary.:yes:
A special mention for some of our hosts over the weekend.
As always, the Awakino Hotel welcomes m/cyclists with a good feed and freindly atmosphere. And the owner is ready with a yarn or three, and nothing is a problem for him. If your cold/tired, or looking for a bed north of Mokau, this is the place.
Forrestal Lodge in Inglewood is probably my new favourite doss down point.
www.forrestal.co.nz
Derek n Kathy are very biker friendly, and the old nunnery has ample showers and loo's to handle a swarm of riders. Only a short walk to pubs, and restaurants, and the thought of staying in a building that housed many "brides of christ" has a certain perverted charm for this deviant:Oops::spanking:
And last, but certainly not least, was the charming and funny Kathleen, owner manager of Fern Lodge and Bar in down town Inglewood www.fernlodgeinglewood.co.nz
I highly recommend the Thai Red Curry with an Irish twist.:drool:
Great people/food/booze(Port Taranaki Port, big thumbs up)/roads/adventures. We lucky few.:sunny:

[Rosie]

We managed to get home safely :cold:

Steady rain and gusty wind all the way home :scooter: Luckily the really strong winds and torrential rain started after we'd got home. Got a text from Paul last night, saying it was snowing in Rerewhakaaitu. :shit:

The Flax Cafe in Taumarunui gets the ADV seal of approval. They didn't mind us dripping water everywhere, drying things on the fireplace, and taking over the couches while we tried to warm up for the rest of the trip home.

Otherwise, it was an excellent weekend. Great people, awesome roads, blackberry port :drool:

All in all, a most excellent adventure, thank you Phil and Mike :rockon:

[kanny]

Great pictures.Sounds like all had a great time.Just bet Brent home by half an hour.Bloody :cold:.I was lucky i got through.Snowing in Waioruru.Just made it through Nat Park. Im sure i passed a few coming down Nat Park way. Sorry i missed out on meeting some new faces and old ones but will catch up again.Had a total blast where i went.Cary i hear there were ear plugs needed in the bedroom hahaha

[Cary]

Cary i hear there were ear plugs needed in the bedroom hahaha
Very handy things when bunking with others! Think we were both trying to imitate our XR's :sick:

[MXNUT]

PIC 4.Post 97 Is that our new HQ !!! (check out the name on the building):Oops:

:Oi: :shutup:Hey speak for yourself :mad:

[Taz]

Cary i hear there were ear plugs needed in the bedroom hahaha

Have shared many a cabin with Cary........
You get used to it :D

[young1]

I am glad everyone got home safely, we were very lucky that the weather didn't all happen one day earlier!

As it is I am at home today trying to shake the cold I picked up :-(

The pick of the roads for me in the weekend was that one yesterday after the tunnel (at the end of it the Northern team split and headed home via Whangamomona). What a great road, grass growing down the middle, good gravel and views of bush and river.

As we say onwards and upwards, Phil (again not that he knows it yet!!) and I will plan something even better for next year.

Triboy thanks for posting the positive comments about the accomodation (although I do wonder what happened to the happy hour at the Irish Bar - the sign did say 4pm - 7pm!)

[clint640]

Big thanks to Mike & Phil! A great ride & the overnight stops at the Awakino Pub & the Forrestal Lodge were very well chosen. The mix of riding on Saturday was very cool - from the scenic cruise along the coastal highway through to the muddy fun of the old Whanga road 'challenge loop' & everything in between.

Cheers
Clint

[Rosie]

(although I do wonder what happened to the happy hour at the Irish Bar - the sign did say 4pm - 7pm!)

It's an Irish happy hour, the don't discount the drinks, they give away free food :D

[MXNUT]

I am glad everyone got home safely, we were very lucky that the weather didn't all happen one day earlier!

As it is I am at home today trying to shake the cold I picked up ........

Rain has finally gone and there is :cold: Snow here on the top of Mt Pirongia for the first time in 8 years :gob: so good call with the weather :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[clint640]

Just got started on the ride report, over on advrider:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=512936

Cheers
Clint

[MXNUT]

Only managed a handfull of pics from the weekend so here they are

Roger / Cary
Rosie
Aslan
Nic / Paul
Struan / Neil
Rosie again

[young1]

Great write up Clint!

[XF650]

Got back late last night from an 8 days on the road, that included work and the MAPMEA ride - just perfect and it was a privilage to represent the mainland.
After the ride I hired a car & did work trip around the Waikato & King Country, including going a few places possibly outside the rental contract terms.

My impressions:
1) Taranaki weather is very West Coastish (which might explain the absence of irrigators).
2) 21" front wheels steer better in gravel than 19" (thanks Roger for the Freewind comparison).
3) The Taranaki smells different (or was that the unwashed riders?)
4) Wanted: 1 x DR650 front wheel (or location of Nordies parts bike)
5) Taranaki rain made the waist of my riding pants shrink
6) 'Sensational' is the only way to describe the way Paul rides his 640.
7) Taranaki has heaps of tunnels, which are very dark when wearing sunglasses.
8) Very disconcerting to be told by lady publican of the Whangamomona Pub that she knows me from Ashvagas - my cover was blown.
9) Ford Territory's can go quite well off road (that's what rentals are for, aren't they?)
10) Aslan & Rogson snore like hell yet still blame others.

The MAPMEA ride is a great way to see the Taranaki back blocks & gravel, and to ride & socialise with an awesome bunch of chaps & chapettes, old faces & new.
Special thanks to Mike & Phil for putting the ride together - these guys are very well set up, with both their bikes and their pillions.
A few pics: