Big Dave & the CP's Victory Tour. [Archive]

Big Dave

23rd November 2009, 18:50

Our tour de Southland kicks off Wednesday.

The plan is a loop of the Majestic South aboard the rather subdued and hard to notice Arlen Ness Victory Vision Motorcycle.
It's the only one in the country and it's worth checking out - even if it's just to hear the stereo.
I'll have fat max's protest song loaded on the integrated iPod - to whit I still have about 40 Bikeoi 'Badgers' to sell. They will be in my camera bag so just ask me. I'll also have some info about the Victory bikes with me. It's an impressive bit of kit.

A blog and what results/reports I can glean on the ground at the Burt Munro Challenge will also go up as soon as I can upload them.

We're leaving Christchurch early afternoon on Wednesday and heading for Dunedin and a Hotel in the city.

What are you up to Scumdawg (and others) - beer somewhere on wednesday night?

One other matter - someone show me on Goggle maps where the Pig Route runs?

That's the plan for Thursday down to Bluff.

AD345

23rd November 2009, 18:57

It's the Pig Root

and it runs through Shag Valley.

I shit you not

AD345

23rd November 2009, 18:58

Highway 85

The Vision'll love it

Big Dave

23rd November 2009, 19:00

It's the Pig Root

and it runs through Shag Valley.

I shit you not

taa - it's one of the leading nominations on the KR survey and its spelleded both ways.

so make with the shagathon map.

Big Dave

23rd November 2009, 19:03

Pig Rooting - It's something horses do isn't it - it's when they buck on all fours or something.

I wish I kept in touch with the extraneous facts boy.

AD345

23rd November 2009, 19:03

here (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=pig+route&sll=-41.244772,172.617188&sspn=9.975874,23.269043&ie=UTF8&ll=-45.286965,170.578537&spn=0.36232,0.727158&z=11)

Big Dave

23rd November 2009, 19:11

23rd November 2009, 19:27

Our tour de Southland kicks off Wednesday.

The plan is a loop of the Majestic South aboard the rather subdued and hard to notice Arlen Ness Victory Vision Motorcycle.

Heading to the BMC myself. Weather looks ...damp down the deep south.

So how do we spot you on this inconspicuous Victory machine? :sherlock:

Does it look much like a Vespa? :scooter: Or is it a bit bigger?

Why can't you ride something thats got totally out-there Flash Gordon styling like nothing else and stands out a bit more. Maybe a Honda VFR

Big Dave

23rd November 2009, 19:31

106 coobic inches heated seats and grips electric shield.

Better that the Met says it will be crap at this stage. How often are they wrong?

mattian

23rd November 2009, 19:55

and an en suite that slides out from under the seat......

I couldnt believe my eyes the first time I saw one..... looks like something out of star wars only much much cooler.

AD345

23rd November 2009, 19:57

Hmmm plan B - the Hill Climb starts at 11.00 on Thursday. I only need to be there for the last bits, but I do need to cover suitably.

Appears too much doubling back on the map - what sort of time are we talking Dunedin to Bluff via 85?

Depends if ya unleash all 106 cubes (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=dunedin&daddr=palmerston+to:alexandra+to:bluff&geocode=&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=-45.763691,169.508057&sspn=2.970026,5.817261&ie=UTF8&z=8)

(an dont get caught)

Big Dave

23rd November 2009, 20:18

Depends if ya unleash all 106 cubes (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=dunedin&daddr=palmerston+to:alexandra+to:bluff&geocode=&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=-45.763691,169.508057&sspn=2.970026,5.817261&ie=UTF8&z=8)

(an dont get caught)

Cheers for that - I don't think it's gonna work.

i haven't done the Catlins either and that looks like it's going to suit the timetable better.

Big Dave

24th November 2009, 08:41

>>Just park the beast on the pavement through the bollards on the Lower Octagon and choose any of the bars opposite.
You can sup and watch them gawk at the Visions sheer audacity!<<

Thank you - I love it when a plan comes together.

I'm thinking 7.30 - 8.00ish Tomorrow (Wed) Night.

Jantar

24th November 2009, 08:51

Hmmm plan B - the Hill Climb starts at 11.00 on Thursday. I only need to be there for the last bits, but I do need to cover suitably.

Appears too much doubling back on the map - what sort of time are we talking Dunedin to Bluff via 85?
You can do the Pig Root on your way south to Dunedin. Turn west at Palmerston and over the Pig Root, then turn south at Kyeburn (sign posted) and down to Dunedin via Middlemarch. That way you get to experience the Pig Root, the Hyde Hill and the Middlemarch - Outram roads all in one go. It will add about 2 hours to the trip.

Big Dave

24th November 2009, 08:56

You can do the Pig Root on your way south to Dunedin. Turn west at Palmerston and over the Pig Root, then turn south at Kyeburn (sign posted) and down to Dunedin via Middlemarch. That way you get to experience the Pig Root, the Hyde Hill and the Middlemarch - Outram roads all in one go. It will add about 2 hours to the trip.

Thank you. Studying it now.

HenryDorsetCase

24th November 2009, 11:32

Big Dave

24th November 2009, 11:49

thats an INCREDIBLY good ride.

But the Catlins is good too.

If we come down to Dunners on 85 we can get to Bluff via Catlins on Thursday.

Suggested Catlins Route/ Photo ops HDC?

scumdog

24th November 2009, 15:47

If we come down to Dunners on 85 we can get to Bluff via Catlins on Thursday.

Suggested Catlins Route/ Photo ops HDC?

Not HDC,
However after Pig Root etc head from Alexandra down the Clutha river (on the road hopefully!) to Beaumont, veer right and carry on down the river to Riviera of the South.
Again, turn right and head south on the main drag until you see signs saying 'Invercargill via Catlins Scenic Route' or similar, turn left this time, carry on out of town and do as the sign said.

Viola' you'll be at Invervegas. (And I won't, cos work, the curse of the drinking man, is taking up my time this weekend)

merv

24th November 2009, 16:24

I like that Scummy, and your work would be the curse of all other drinking men too lol :Police: ,

...... if you catch them that is.

Big Dave

24th November 2009, 17:54

Blog is live.

http://victorytournz.blogspot.com

AllanB

24th November 2009, 18:28

Big Dave

24th November 2009, 18:57

Dave - where is the 'motorcycle' in Christchurch if one desires a perve before you hit the road?

I look at the pictures and think "WTF is wrong with Americans...." but then maybe I'm really wrong and I should check it out in the flesh.

At a private address unfortunately. Maybe we can park it in town for a while on the return trip.

I look at it and see hot rod x caddy. It's been fitted with 'shotgun' pipes too.

Big Dave

26th November 2009, 00:54

Just updated.

http://victorytournz.blogspot.com/

Big Dave

27th November 2009, 12:00

Day 2 continued & Hill climb results http://victorytournz.blogspot.com/2009/11/day-2-hill-climb-and-da-boys.html

gijoe1313

27th November 2009, 15:22

:niceone: Seriously love reading about these road trips and all the little things in between. Keep those write ups coming! :yes:

Big Dave

28th November 2009, 23:54

Cheers Joe.

Check the pics I just posted from today.

http://victorytournz.blogspot.com/2009/11/day-3-huge.html

gijoe1313

29th November 2009, 14:56

Dang, nice piccies there of some of the action, the Britten shot was primo! :yes:

oldrider

30th November 2009, 08:40

Sorry but that Victory has to be the ugliest motorcycle I have ever set eyes upon!

Maybe the proof of the pudding is in the eating but it is not a good visual experience for me! :argh:

Big Dave

30th November 2009, 20:10

Tiger rider hates looks. Uh. Huh. :-P

Universal comment is'It's much better than the photos'.

Jantar

30th November 2009, 20:14

Sorry but that Victory has to be the ugliest motorcycle I have ever set eyes upon!....
You obviously haven't seen a Honda Rune yet. That is UGLY.:sick:

oldrider

1st December 2009, 00:06

Tiger rider hates looks. Uh. Huh. :-P

Strange I know but true! :whistle:

You obviously haven't seen a Honda Rune yet. That is UGLY.:sick:

I have seen one but just chose to ignore it! :slap: Wot "were" they thinking! :confused:

Big Dave

3rd December 2009, 00:32

I quite like the Rune in Black. Not so keen on the lighter colours - and like the Vision it goes pretty nicely.

Back home now - Latest update published.

http://victorytournz.blogspot.com/

Big Dave

4th December 2009, 21:38

Some portraits of Nessie:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwirider/sets/72157622807514565/show/

'Some country y'all got h'yar'.

surfchick

4th December 2009, 21:54

Just checked the blog.
I haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate you!
11/10 for that road trip....booo hooo jealous...

Big Dave

4th December 2009, 22:19

Next year let's apply for funding for a doco. you can edit, you can edit. :done:

Big Dave

5th December 2009, 10:43

Big Dave

5th December 2009, 18:22

Big Dave

5th December 2009, 21:08

98tls

5th December 2009, 21:27

Great work BD,would have liked to have met ya and had a beer when you were down here but sometimes the 4 on 4 off work thing is a bastard,looks like you had a great time.

Virago

6th December 2009, 10:11

It was nice to meet up with you here in Dunedin...:yes:

The Arlen Ness Victory Vision is much better looking in the flesh. It's a stunning piece of motorcycle art.

Mutley and I have been checking your blog site each day, nostalgic about your travels. We even recognise your new banner picture location - Peter's Lookout on the Mount Cook road...?

Glad all went well - shame the weather couldn't have been better for you. No doubt you got used to the great southerner apology for the weather - "You should have been here yesterday / last week...". :crazy:

Big Dave

6th December 2009, 11:43

Peter's lookout I think it was.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwirider/4156908077

Weather provided a great test for the vehicle. It was a shite as you could imagine and the machine dealt admirably.

The only discomfort was from the big flat faced rigs passing downwind. It's the surprise mostly.

You are cruising along in the pocket - unaware of the tempest beyond it - when all of a sudden it's imploded by the bow wave of the B-doubles.

Keeping well left when passing resolved it. Other than that I didn't need wet weather pants when moving.

And we got some mint days too - we both came home with a bad sunburn.

Sorry I didn't have another with youse guys - I got back to base and we'd missed the restaurant at the Mercure. So we went back up to that mint upstairs Italian uptown - loves that joint.

Virago

6th December 2009, 12:05

Peter's lookout I think it was.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwirider/4156908077...

The same view on a better day: :rolleyes:

Big Dave

6th December 2009, 18:42

k14

6th December 2009, 19:01

Great report and nice to meet ya Dave!

P.S. It's Teretonga

Big Dave

6th December 2009, 21:13

Great report and nice to meet ya Dave!

P.S. It's Teretonga

Thanks - I'll fix them.

Big Dave

7th December 2009, 11:34

'selects' - winners and favourite shots Side show:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwirider/sets/72157622936570738/show

gijoe1313

7th December 2009, 22:55

Absolutely fantastic! Seeing those vistas and roads brings back pleasant memories ... better get around to checking them out again to see if anythings changed!

Big Dave

20th December 2009, 07:10

slowpoke

20th December 2009, 11:22

What? No track test as part of the tour? I'm disappointed big fullah......

Big Dave

20th December 2009, 11:25

What? No track test as part of the tour? I'm disappointed big fullah......

I was watching the 'Have a go' session at Teretonga and thinking hmmmmm.

I also gave it a bit of a handful near Fairleigh thinking 'miles from anywhere' and there were three highway patrols having a donut break 5km up the road.

:sweatdrop

slowpoke

20th December 2009, 11:57

I was watching the 'Have a go' session at Teretonga and thinking hmmmmm.

Haha, you could have been sponsored by MSA or sumthin' and done a free safety spec's promo to handle the sparks.....or done the tour a lil' earlier, like 5 November, and done a night track session for Guy Fawkes (now there would be a good photo!)

I also gave it a bit of a handful near Fairleigh thinking 'miles from anywhere' and there were three highway patrols having a donut break 5km up the road.

:sweatdrop

So I'm guessing the picks work just fine then?

Oh yeah, for what it's worth, as a factory effort I don't mind the Rune either.