davebullet
27th November 2009, 20:21
Never been further than bulls, so decided to take 3 days off and do Whakatane and back. A total of 1,420kms.
Moki joined me from Levin and we stayed the night in Turangi on Tuesday. We ate at the Turangi Truckstop (highly recommended - good value), then Moki returned home and I had to be at Whakatane by 1pm (you'll read why below).
Picked up a couple of stone chips. Managed to get better than 20k/litre and found the Teagura pack rack system I invented (until Mr. Ventura arrives) did a remarkable job. Even though the stock suspension did its best job trying to buck like a bronco over various surfaces, the bag stayed put.
The purpose of the trip was to meet a mate at Whakatane who bought a shiny new R6. In true top gear style, the race was on. Could I make it to Whakatane before Air New Zealand? Well the motorcycle was the victor on this occasion (by 10 minutes). My mates riding skills are superior and in no time was he leaving me behind through the twisties. Tyres nicely scrubbed in and no chicken strips at all.
We stayed Wednesday night in Opotiki. We dropped our gear and ventured 60kms around the East Cape Coast. Beautiful road. If you haven't done it, something to add to your bucket list.
After staying Wednesday night in Opotiki, we journeyed to Gisborne via SH2. This is also a lovely piece of road and should also be added to your must do list. A brief detour to check out the action in Gizzie, we travelled to Wairoa and had lunch by the river. Onto Napier where we stayed last night, then finally home down SH2 and the 'takas to finish (a bit windy up there though today).
Driving standard was exemplary. I have no reports of anyone trying to mow me down, being blind, dumb cager etc.... except for yours truly who really made some bad calls. One involved overtaking a sheep truck that also simultaneously commenced an overtake on a tractor in front. All my fault. Luckily Mr. Michelin handled riding off the road onto the dirt / grass at 80+kph. Not panicking, I carefully guided Suzy back onto the road. I apologise to you Mr. Truck Driver.
When I got home, I had an investment property purchased (stress over... or maybe that should be stress beginning!), a very happy Mrs. B, dinner to make and a few toys that had arrived courtesy of some trademe binging (comprising Fork Oil and a GSXR rear shock to try and coax some compliance and replace the pogo stick shock fitted at the factory).
Piccies to come....
Moki joined me from Levin and we stayed the night in Turangi on Tuesday. We ate at the Turangi Truckstop (highly recommended - good value), then Moki returned home and I had to be at Whakatane by 1pm (you'll read why below).
Picked up a couple of stone chips. Managed to get better than 20k/litre and found the Teagura pack rack system I invented (until Mr. Ventura arrives) did a remarkable job. Even though the stock suspension did its best job trying to buck like a bronco over various surfaces, the bag stayed put.
The purpose of the trip was to meet a mate at Whakatane who bought a shiny new R6. In true top gear style, the race was on. Could I make it to Whakatane before Air New Zealand? Well the motorcycle was the victor on this occasion (by 10 minutes). My mates riding skills are superior and in no time was he leaving me behind through the twisties. Tyres nicely scrubbed in and no chicken strips at all.
We stayed Wednesday night in Opotiki. We dropped our gear and ventured 60kms around the East Cape Coast. Beautiful road. If you haven't done it, something to add to your bucket list.
After staying Wednesday night in Opotiki, we journeyed to Gisborne via SH2. This is also a lovely piece of road and should also be added to your must do list. A brief detour to check out the action in Gizzie, we travelled to Wairoa and had lunch by the river. Onto Napier where we stayed last night, then finally home down SH2 and the 'takas to finish (a bit windy up there though today).
Driving standard was exemplary. I have no reports of anyone trying to mow me down, being blind, dumb cager etc.... except for yours truly who really made some bad calls. One involved overtaking a sheep truck that also simultaneously commenced an overtake on a tractor in front. All my fault. Luckily Mr. Michelin handled riding off the road onto the dirt / grass at 80+kph. Not panicking, I carefully guided Suzy back onto the road. I apologise to you Mr. Truck Driver.
When I got home, I had an investment property purchased (stress over... or maybe that should be stress beginning!), a very happy Mrs. B, dinner to make and a few toys that had arrived courtesy of some trademe binging (comprising Fork Oil and a GSXR rear shock to try and coax some compliance and replace the pogo stick shock fitted at the factory).
Piccies to come....