Minginui - Matawai - Motu Midwinter Madness NZ 2013

[clint640]

The world famous MMMMM Ride is on again 27-28 July

The Matawai Hotel will be doing a buffet dinner plus dessert for $25, from around 7:30 Saturday. Menu details to come. There will also be a cooked or continental breakfast on the next morning. They usually do a pretty good feed.

Can those NOT staying at the Matawai pub, but intending to have dinner there Sat night, please give me an idea of numbers so Essie can rustle up an appropriate amount of tucker?

The ride will kick off from the Rangitaiki Tavern on the Napier-Taupo Rd Saturday morning at 8am sharp. There is food, beer, basic cabins & camping there for those who want to arrive Friday night. Phone them on 07 384 2803 to book yourself a bed.

More comfy accomodation, & extra bunks are also available 5km back down the road towards Taupo at the Rangitaiki Lodge. They have a couple of nice motel units, some tidy cabins & a bunkhouse. Call them on 07 384 2800 to book. As the Lodge bar usually closes at 8 the main Friday night gathering/meal/beers will be back at the pub.

8am Saturday we will leave the Pub & head North along the Waipunga Rd. We will use the cornerman system through the forest to Minginui. Weather & time permitting there will be an optional short challenge section for those with light bikes & decent tyres.

If anyone wants to join in at Minginui be at the Minginui Road turnoff on SH38 at 9:30am. We will stop in at the Waikaremoana Motor Camp for a coffee & fuel.

We will then continue on from Waikaremoana, to Wairoa (if you need gas), Tiniroto Pub for some refreshments & a few backroads to Matawai. I will post up a route sheet & GPS tracks so people can do their own pace Minginui - Matawai & have the choice of bypassing Wairoa on backroads if time & fuel range permits. You need 230km fuel range to bypass Wairoa.

At Matawai there is accomodation at the Pub (booked out now sorry) & the campground over the road has basic bunks, ph 06 867 5016, 06 862 4800 or 027 445 8755. Also try the Motu Community House - contact Paul Cornwall 8635002
The pub does a good dinner but don't expect it to be fast if we are a big group so get your order in early.

On the Sunday we'll head out to Matawai then off down the Motu Rd to Opotiki, From there the route is routesheeted again via some highway & a few more backroads back to my place at Rotoiti.

Any trailer scum planning to attend are welcome to drop their car & trailer at my place for the weekend.

Remember this is a MIDWINTER ride. Based on previous MMMMM rides there is a 100% chance it will rain, a 50% chance of snow, an 80% chance it will be bloody cold & a 100% chance that all those mad enough to do the whole ride will have lots of fun. The main route is all tar & gravel roads, nothing technical, do able on any adventure bike with any tyres. Some of the gravel is often fairly rough & muddy though so you will enjoy the ride more with some knobbyish rubber, particularly if you are a n00b or on a bigger bike.

Distances:

Taupo - Rangitaiki Pub - 35 km (no fuel)
Rangitaiki Pub - Minginui - 75km (no fuel)
Minginui - Waikaremoana 70km (thats 180km from Taupo - pack extra gas if you've got a small tank)
Waikaremoana - Wairoa 60km (Waikaremoana - Matawai on Ohuka Rd etc 230km)
Wairoa - Matawai 180km
Matawai - Opotiki 75km

Check back on this post closer to the day as more info will be added

****See post #50 for routesheet, GPS Route on ADV HERE (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=21883317#post21883317)

Cheers
Clint

[Rosie]

In! :scooter:

[Night Falcon]

Nice work Clint - sounds cool :lol:Have to check my diary but will be there if i can swing it



...wonder if GSers is up for a trip down memeroy lane? :facepalm:

[Tug Boat]

Will be into this again good work Clint

[That looks like fun]

Oh joy of joys, my cabin fever passes behind me :Punk: IN :2thumbsup

[Cary]

Can only do part ride this year, work not gonna let me have time off so have to take a sicky for my Saturday nite shift :shit: and gotta get back to akl by 7pm sunday......

Will meet up along the way somewhere.....

[paturoa]

I had a great time last year. The date may be a challenge as it clashes with another ride that I've commited to. This by far is the better ride!

[Eddieb]

In

Anyone got a spare bed at either Rangitaiki Lodge or in Taupo? I'm not interested in staying at Rangitaiki Tavern based on previous stories.

And I won't have to travel 400km to the start line anymore.

[ducatijim]

Bugger, flying out to LA that day.

Will have to have an adventure of my own. :weep:

[MXNUT]

In Again.
Bookings made, now you just have to sort the weather Clint :scooter::scooter::scooter:

[clint640]

Cool!

For the weather I reckon it's about time we had some snow. :cold: The last couple of years have been a bit tame temperature wise.;)

On the Friday, as usual, I will be riding over via Murupara, Minginui & the first part of Saturdays route as it's not much longer than going via the highway from my place. I'll be leaving 3pm & anyone else is welcome to join me. PM for address details.

Cheers
Clint

[pomgolian]

I should be in as long as work doesnt crop up, im sure there will be a Hawkes Bay contingent NAPIER - MINGINUI anybody else ?

[Waipukbiker]

Sounds like a plan, count me in for a day ride

[Eddieb]

I've rung the Matawai pub for a bed but got an answering machine.

[paturoa]

I'm in. It is #2 spawn's ball night so I'll not be leaving dorkland until about 7pm on Friday night. Overnight in Taupo, or through to the pub if the temp is above zero. Woo hoo!

[NordieBoy]

I've rung the Matawai pub for a bed but got an answering machine.

Nowhere near as comfortable as a bed...

[DR Girl]

I should be in as long as work doesnt crop up, im sure there will be a Hawkes Bay contingent NAPIER - MINGINUI anybody else ?

Same as Ross at this stage. A one dayer :banana:

[Shewolf]

Can't make it, have a good one all, this is one of my faves.

Apologies also for nic, big col and maddad...we riding Enfields in the Himalayas..boy it is fun :)

[Eddieb]

Matawai pub is full, I didn't get a bed in there.

[paturoa]

Matawai pub is full, I didn't get a bed in there.

The cabins are full?

Last year I paid a small sum for a mattress on the floor by the pool table, but had to wait until all of the drunkards had gone to bed before I could snore. Give them another tinkle and ask if the floor is still an option.

[Eddieb]

The cabins are full?

Last year I paid a small sum for a mattress on the floor by the pool table, but had to wait until all of the drunkards had gone to bed before I could snore. Give them another tinkle and ask if the floor is still an option.

She just said they were full and to try the camping ground across the road.

[paturoa]

She just said they were full and to try the camping ground across the road.

My bad I was thinking the Rangitaiki Tavern, not the Matawai place. As you were.

[DR Girl]

Can't make it, have a good one all, this is one of my faves.

Apologies also for nic, big col and maddad...we riding Enfields in the Himalayas..boy it is fun :)

You go Rhonnda. How FAB!! :headbang: I'm sooooooo envious ;) Pass on a hi to Nic from moi :D

[pomgolian]

My bad I was thinking the Rangitaiki Tavern, not the Matawai place. As you were.

Clint is this the campground that cancelled all bookings one week out last year (or was it the year before) are they opening this year ? must give them a call. Any Hawkes Bayers try and do the second day as the Motu and the gravel road Clint used upto the Motu are real good, if the weather is any good might even come round the East cape on the way home stopping sunday night at Waipiro bay on the beach if anyone else is up for it ?

[Night Falcon]

Clint is this the campground that cancelled all bookings one week out last year (or was it the year before) are they opening this year ? must give them a call. Any Hawkes Bayers try and do the second day as the Motu and the gravel road Clint used upto the Motu are real good, if the weather is any good might even come round the East cape on the way home stopping sunday night at Waipiro bay on the beach if anyone else is up for it ?

I very much a fair weather pilot these days but if the weather was looking good.....:shifty:

[GrantWB]

I very much a fair weather pilot these days but if the weather was looking good.....:shifty:

I second what Marty said...:niceone:

[MXNUT]

Clint is this the campground that cancelled all bookings one week out last year (or was it the year before) are they opening this year ? must give them a call. Any Hawkes Bayers try and do the second day as the Motu and the gravel road Clint used upto the Motu are real good, if the weather is any good might even come round the East cape on the way home stopping sunday night at Waipiro bay on the beach if anyone else is up for it ?

There is also a backpackers / B & B across the road from the Pub. Last year about half a dozen guys stayed there,


Someone may know the contact details for them ????

[BMWST?]

She just said they were full and to try the camping ground across the road.


hey eddie this from the hotel facebook page

"Promised I would give the numbers of alternative accommodation for 27th July for the Mid Winter Madness Ride. Try the Motu Community House - contact Paul Cornwall 8635002 for that on For the Matawai camping ground across the road try Danny Larson.on 862 4800."

[paturoa]

... the route is routesheeted ...

Clint,

Last year you did a route sheet that I printed out. I can't find it. Do you still have it?

[Bams]

Hi Clint
There’s 3 Jafa’s that would like to drop in on your ride. Our plan is to arrive Saturday morning before 8am at Rangitaiki Tavern to kick off with the rest of ya .

By the way if this helps anyone else our Saturday accommadation is staying at the Motu community house and I got the feeling that there is still some more room there for others needing accommodation. ph 07 8635002
Also I talked to the camp ground owner at Matawai he said he would be happy open up some cabins if 10 or more people where to book so there seems plenty of options still out there for Saturday night
ken

[clint640]

Clint is this the campground that cancelled all bookings one week out last year (or was it the year before) are they opening this year ? must give them a call. Any Hawkes Bayers try and do the second day as the Motu and the gravel road Clint used upto the Motu are real good, if the weather is any good ?

The camp at Matawai always seem to be hard work to deal with, plus fairly expensive for the basic cabins they have, but I don't think they've cancelled on us. That Whakarau Rd we did 1st up on the Sunday last year was actually MXNUT's idea, I'll add it into the route sheet so people have the option at their own pace.


hey eddie this from the hotel facebook page

"Promised I would give the numbers of alternative accommodation for 27th July for the Mid Winter Madness Ride. Try the Motu Community House - contact Paul Cornwall 8635002 for that on For the Matawai camping ground across the road try Danny Larson.on 862 4800."

Cheers mate, will put those details in 1st post.


Clint,

Last year you did a route sheet that I printed out. I can't find it. Do you still have it?

Revised routesheet & GPS files will be posted up soon.

Cheers
Clint

[pomgolian]

Thanks Clint - it was last year the campsite closed as he has too many cancellations and i managed to get a bed in the shearers quarters behind the pub.

Just rang the camp ground tonight and spoke to Daniel he said someone else had rung today as well and he told them to get together 20-30 people or its not worth him driving from Gisborne to open up, as he would normally be shut for the winter at this time of year which is fair enough.

So any other interest for the camp ground ?

He said there is freedom camping in the gorge (not sure where that is) but it normally gets to minus -5 to -10 degrees at night.

Any other ideas folks ?

[Bams]

[

Any other ideas folks ?

Motu community house and I got the feeling that there is still some more room there for others needing accommodation. ph 07 8635002

[GPS MAN]

Won't know if I can make it until closer to the date....Farmers are getting ready for Spring planting...and that's my market

Will stay and keep you posted ~ Wade

[Crisis management]

[

Any other ideas folks ?

Motu community house and I got the feeling that there is still some more room there for others needing accommodation. ph 07 8635002

I've not been able to get hold of them, left a message but all I'm getting is the answerphone so far, by the way it's (06) 8635002........ otherwise your talking to some one in Waihi.

In other news, the Rangitikei? lodge is getting full as well as they have dog sled racing going on as well, so far I'm in a bunk room this time.

[Bams]

Sorry Ian for the 07 mistake.
I just left a message and they got back to me within a couple of days I think they are having phone problems as there phone kept cutting out while I was talking to them and it took a number of attempts to get the conversation done.
The camp ground guy seems to have increased from minimum from 10 -20 now ?? He seemed a nice enough guy to me and mentioned he had a Dr650 himself someone needs to encourage him to come for a ride and make it worth while I gave him a little friendly prode
Ken

[pomgolian]

Done - left a message this morning and a lady called Jane from the Motu Community Hall rang me back 06 862 8736 she has three rooms all with three beds $ 20 per night, only one other booked but he got cut off the phone so she wasnt sure, so a few other beds if anyone needs one looks OK

http://www.themotutrails.co.nz/directory/accommodation/heartland-accommodation/show/9

[R650R]

He said there is freedom camping in the gorge (not sure where that is) but it normally gets to minus -5 to -10 degrees at night.

Any other ideas folks ?

Freedom camping AKA parking in any available roadside real estate, sharing the luxury with truck drivers and any other travelling vagrants who feel the need to pull over in the middle of the night... :no:
Was looking at doing the whole shebang and overnighting but with the difficulties with these places I might just day trip it again.... and not take off this time... :confused: :laugh:
I do like your camping on the beach idea... it's a LLOOOOONNNNGGGGGGGG way around the cape on a kidney beating bumpy road though...
Sooooo who has the best deal on heated gloves..... :cold:

[R650R]

Done - left a message this morning and a lady called Jane from the Motu Community Hall rang me back 06 862 8736 she has three rooms all with three beds $ 20 per night, only one other booked but he got cut off the phone so she wasnt sure, so a few other beds if anyone needs one looks OK

http://www.themotutrails.co.nz/directory/accommodation/heartland-accommodation/show/9

That place looks alright... those timber floors look a bit nice to be parking a DR650 on though, I have a rule that the bike gets to sleep inside too! :yes:

[Steelie]

Im in.
Saturday Pub was booked early on. Just rang Rangitaiki Lodge - full up. So tried the Tavern and got a bed to my surprise. The Guy at the Tavern would really like to no numbers for dinner if there's going to be any extras from the Lodge etc. He wants to know how many roasts to put on...

Clint, might see you at your place Friday arvo, will confirm closer to the day.

cheers Anthony

[pomgolian]

Freedom camping AKA parking in any available roadside real estate, sharing the luxury with truck drivers and any other travelling vagrants who feel the need to pull over in the middle of the night... :no:
Was looking at doing the whole shebang and overnighting but with the difficulties with these places I might just day trip it again.... and not take off this time... :confused: :laugh:
I do like your camping on the beach idea... it's a LLOOOOONNNNGGGGGGGG way around the cape on a kidney beating bumpy road though...
Sooooo who has the best deal on heated gloves..... :cold:

Come on its only 300kms from Matawai to Waipiro bay and the road was pretty good last time - didnt go to the most easterly light house so if time will go looky, then head home monday, if the weather is shite will head home from opotiki like boxabits and i did last year via mingahooeee (might miss mingahooee as well)

You could try Motu falls real estate but it was very cold and damp early in the morning last year.

[GrantWB]

Done - left a message this morning and a lady called Jane from the Motu Community Hall rang me back 06 862 8736 she has three rooms all with three beds $ 20 per night, only one other booked but he got cut off the phone so she wasnt sure, so a few other beds if anyone needs one looks OK

http://www.themotutrails.co.nz/directory/accommodation/heartland-accommodation/show/9

I'm in at Motu Community Hall so will be doing the two days.:2thumbsup Thanks Paul for the info.:niceone: I didn't feel like camping in a Matawai wwinter:cold: If weather ok I will tag along to Waipiro bay and back home Monday.

[Crisis management]

Ken,
check your pms........

[Dont Know]

Hi Eddie, check your PM, there may a spare bed at the Matawai, an Ausie has pulled out.
:killingme
Cheers
Al


Matawai pub is full, I didn't get a bed in there.

[Bams]

:sweatdrop Thanks Ian all sorted.
Jane at the Motu community house said there is only 1 bed left as of 1/2 an hr ago if anyone needs it

Ken,
check your pms........

[Eddieb]

Hi Eddie, check your PM, there may a spare bed at the Matawai, an Ausie has pulled out.
:killingme
Cheers
Al

Hey Al

I think I have a bed lined up with Cary, he offered one to me and I replied saying I wanted it but haven't heard anything back to confirm it's mine.

[klrkiwi]

Still feeling stupid, I'm in again clint.:banana:

[ianpb]

Hi Clint, haven't seen you for a while, (Naki ride). To busy working overseas, just got home and keen to do the mid winter madness ride.
Managed to get a bed and meal at the tavern on Friday and just spoke to Jane and have a bed in the community house, so all good.
Hopefully be at your place with Garry on the Friday afternoon.
I have a new KTM690 that I've adventurised with Rally Raid tanks and a few other bits, be good to catch up again - Cheers - Ian

[paturoa]

Got the new horse sorted today for everything except the heated grips which are due Wednesday. Got a GPS as well. Will sort the accommodation tomorrow.

[clint640]

I have just updated the rollchart routesheet - same as last time apart from the addition of Whakarau Rd on the Sunday. The lovely Rosie has also updated the GPS data. Routesheet attached below, GPX file on ADV HERE (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=21883317#post21883317)

Cheers
Clint

[That looks like fun]

Downloaded the GPX file and loaded it into BaseCamp. :yes:
It works :banana:

[MXNUT]

Downloaded the GPX file and loaded it into BaseCamp. :yes:
It works :banana:

Cool i will just follow you then :innocent::innocent:

[Crisis management]

Cool i will just follow you then :innocent::innocent:

Good luck with that Mark, I did that last year and ended up in waist deep mud.....

Follow me instead, I will need a hand pushing the RT in the challenge sections!

[That looks like fun]

Cool i will just follow you then :innocent::innocent:

Watch for gates :eek5:

[That looks like fun]

Good luck with that Mark, I did that last year and ended up in waist deep mud.....

Follow me instead, I will need a hand pushing the RT in the challenge sections!


Mud :innocent: What mud? :shifty:

[Crisis management]

Mud :innocent: What mud? :shifty:

Denial is not just a river in Africa you know......

[clint640]

Denial is not just a river in Africa you know......

No, but it might be my response when someone suggests that maybe we left some guy on an RT stuck up in the bush at Minginui :devil2:

Clint

[Crisis management]

No, but it might be my response when someone suggests that maybe we left some guy on an RT stuck up in the bush at Minginui :devil2:

Clint

Awwwww, c'mon, what can possibly go wrong?

I mean the R80 basic is just an RT with knobs on.....









(mind you, I'm still running road tyres) :wacko:

[clint640]

Fine with light winds both days. WTF! I want snow! Sleet! Rain! It's the middle of winter dammit! :mad:

On the plus side it may be a bit frosty sat morning, anyone riding out from Taupo take care, patches of hwy 5 can get icy.

Anybody staying at the Rangitaiki Lodge on Fri night, & planning to dine at the pub, please let the pub know asap so the kitchen doesn't get unexpectedly swamped there, ph 07 384 2803.

Apparently the Waikaremoana Motor camp has new managers as of 3 weeks ago, so expect total mayhem there as Saturday is going to be their busiest day yet by a big margin I'm guessing. Aucklanders wanting their double decaf soy latte may be disappointed, hopefully they took my hint & will have something coffee like available. It would be good if the sharp end of the pack can get straight into fuelling up on arrival to minimise delays.


Awwwww, c'mon, what can possibly go wrong?
:

Summat like this maybe :nya:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/clhandcock/aP1010768_zps59326c31.jpg

I've already filled my quota of BMW lifts this year so yer SOL ;)

Cheers
Clint

[MXNUT]

Anybody staying at the Rangitaiki Lodge on Fri night, & planning to dine at the pub, please let the pub know asap so the kitchen doesn't get unexpectedly swamped there, ph 07 384 2803.


What about the Matawai Pub, are they going to do us a set menu again like last year.:blank:


Also --- what time are we leaving from your place on friday Arvo ???

[paturoa]

Got my GPS mount in the mail today and it fits a treat. Will glue a safety lanyard mount to the GPS tonight.

Took a bit of fiddling to get Clint's GPS tracks to work properly with BaseCamp on my new GPS. After a lots fiddling I found that the default profile for Motorcycle in the Basecamp app was set to avoid unpaved roads! Changed that and away we went.

Metvuw says fine weather.

Tomorrow will complete the packing.

[GPS MAN]

Well, Clint doesn't look like I am going to be able to make it this year....:no:

You ~ guys and gals have a great time and I'll be watching this space:sunny:

[bart]

Yeah, have fun guys. I’m also out for this one.

[That looks like fun]

Got my GPS mount in the mail today and it fits a treat. Will glue a safety lanyard mount to the GPS tonight.

Took a bit of fiddling to get Clint's GPS tracks to work properly with BaseCamp on my new GPS. After a lots fiddling I found that the default profile for Motorcycle in the Basecamp app was set to avoid unpaved roads! Changed that and away we went.

Metvuw says fine weather.

Tomorrow will complete the packing.

I used BaseCamp and turned the route into a Track :msn-wink: No Auto reroutes, dead ends etc. Just follow the dots :niceone:
Also deleted the parts of the track I wont be using (Wiaroa for fuel, etc)

[Crisis management]

I've already filled my quota of BMW lifts this year so yer SOL ;)

Cheers
Clint

It's ok, Al has promised to push the fat pig in exhange for my guiding skills.....




Absolute proof that there's one born every minute!


I'm undecided what style of slippers I should bring, carpet or a more trendy leather slip on?

[clint640]

What about the Matawai Pub, are they going to do us a set menu again like last year.:blank:


Also --- what time are we leaving from your place on friday Arvo ???

The Matawai Hotel will be doing a buffet dinner plus dessert for $25, from around 7:30 Saturday. Menu details to come. There will also be a cooked or continental breakfast on the next morning. They usually do a pretty good feed.

Can those NOT staying at the Matawai pub, but intending to have dinner there Sat night, please give me an idea of numbers so Essie can rustle up an appropriate amount of tucker?

I didn't bother with calendar registrations this time as the number of people on the ride has only ever had a loose association with that list :whocares:

Leaving my place 3pm, turn up a bit earlier if you want a cuppa before we go.

Cheers
Clint

[Tug Boat]

Does the petrol station know we are needing gas on Sunday morning because usually they don't open till 10 ??

[pomgolian]

Anyone know what time the Matawai gas station is open till on the Saturday?

[Tug Boat]

Tried phoning the gas station this afternoon no body home will try again tomorrow

[Tug Boat]

Matawai Gas station is now self serve credit card payment 24 hour

[clint640]

Matawai Gas station is now self serve credit card payment 24 hour

Thanks for checking that out!

Cheers
Clint

[pomgolian]

Thanks Tug Boat means i can gas up the night before as staying at the Motu hall then head off from there in the morning up the Motu.

[That looks like fun]

Matawai Gas station is now self serve credit card payment 24 hour

And the Pies are avaliable how? :msn-wink:

[paturoa]

All sorted, staying on the pub floor Friday night, and Matawai camp ground on Sat night.

If you're still looking for accomodation at matawai I just phoned Essie at the Hotel and she hasn't had any cancellations.

Then I phonned Danny 06 8675016 and the camp ground is open Saturday as he will be there, and I'm in a container?

Edit: all I need now is cash, tooth paste and and poweraid.

[Night Falcon]

New battery in the KTM (BIG shout out for Hastings Honda for sorting it for me - Excellent service, thanks boys :niceone:)
Go pro remote sorted
Hand warmers packed
Tool kit packed
GPS Route loaded into Zumo
Good to go

Where's all the HB crew meeting up? Bayveiw BP again? What time

[Cary]

Hope to see you guys n gals at the Minginui Road turnoff on SH38 at 9:30am. If not, prolly the Waikaremoana Motor Camp stop.

Sat 5:30am departure from the big smoke :cold: (fecken work!)

[Bams]

One of us staying at the Motu community house has had to pull out of the ride so there is a bed free there now if anyone wants it .
I have rung the community house informing them of the free bed so if anyone needs it give them a ring (06) 8635002.
Also they said they have a friend that has a cottage or unit at motu that could sleep 2 or 3 people if anyone needs it.
Ken

[Bams]

The Matawai Hotel will be doing a buffet dinner plus dessert for $25, from around 7:30
Can those NOT staying at the Matawai pub, but intending to have dinner there Sat night, please give me an idea of numbers so Essie can rustle up an appropriate amount of tucker?



Cheers
Clint

Yes Clint there will be 2 of us wanting the buffet dinner at the Matawai pub
ken

[Waihou Thumper]

One of us staying at the Motu community house has had to pull out of the ride so there is a bed free there now if anyone wants it .
I have rung the community house informing them of the free bed so if anyone needs it give them a ring (06) 8635002.
Also they said they have a friend that has a cottage or unit at motu that could sleep 2 or 3 people if anyone needs it.
Ken



Damn, now I be tempted.,...
I am sitting here at Takaka thinking that if I get home in time tomorrow, get the bike, the gear and me ready, I can leave at crack of dawn and ride down to be in time for Clints spectacular briefing :)

[pomgolian]

New battery in the KTM (BIG shout out for Hastings Honda for sorting it for me - Excellent service, thanks boys :niceone:)
Go pro remote sorted
Hand warmers packed
Tool kit packed
GPS Route loaded into Zumo
Good to go

Where's all the HB crew meeting up? Bayveiw BP again? What time

6am corner Crosses & Napier road Marty ? Then onto BP

[GrantWB]

New battery in the KTM (BIG shout out for Hastings Honda for sorting it for me - Excellent service, thanks boys :niceone:)
Go pro remote sorted
Hand warmers packed
Tool kit packed
GPS Route loaded into Zumo
Good to go

Where's all the HB crew meeting up? Bayveiw BP again? What time

Meet at BP Bayview 6.30am? Leave at 6.45am?
Should only take 1 hour max to get to the turnoff.

[GPS MAN]

You guys enjoy it! Maybe next time:baby:

[Eddieb]

I'll have a Spot Tracker running so anyone can follow our progress on the ride via my spot tracker page.

http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/spot-tracker/

[DR Girl]

6am corner Crosses & Napier road Marty ? Then onto BP

Sounds good to me :yes: Will pack tonight. Gave 200 new oil & a filter on Sunday.
Look forward to catching up with you, Grant, Marty, Clint, Rosie & rest of the team tomorrow.

Agree with Marty, Hastings Honda are great to deal with :-)

[MXNUT]

Matawai Gas station is now self serve credit card payment 24 hour

Excellent news about being able to get gas earlier. With the low rainfall leading up to this event the Takaputahi River will be quite low.

For those who are interested on the Sunday morning after we have done the windiest part of the Motu Rd I am planning on doing the Otipi track.

This track starts by crossing the Takaputahi River and then winds it way up to the top of a mountain range before decending down to the Motu river.

Then back out the way we came.

About 20 kms long each way, it is do-able on any bike with decent dual purpose tyres.

Did it last year about a month after the MMMMM ride and it is well worth the detour. Would add about 1.5 hours of riding into the morning for those of you looking for slightly more of a challenge.

If you can get through the River at the start it is not dificult after that.

[Steelie]

Otipi Track A.K.A The Dam Track - Challenge Section. :banana::banana:

[Eddieb]

Excellent news about being able to get gas earlier. With the low rainfall leading up to this event the Takaputahi River will be quite low.

For those who are interested on the Sunday morning after we have done the winidest part of the Motu Rd I am planning on doing the Otipi track.

This track starts by crossing the Takaputahi River and then winds it way up to the top of a mountain range before decending down to the Motu river.

Then back out the way we came.

About 20 kms long each way, it is do-able on any bike with decent dual purpose tyres.

Did it last year abot a month after the MMMMM ride and it is well worth the detour. Would add about 1.5 hours of riding into the morning for those of you looking for slightly more of a challenge.

If you can get through the River at the start it is not dificult after that.

Make sure someone takes a GPS and records the track, take a few pics and then I can include it for other riders to enjoy.
http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/north-island-tracks/

[Night Falcon]

6am corner Crosses & Napier road Marty ? Then onto BP

Sweet - see ya then

[paturoa]

Leaving dorkland soon!

[Night Falcon]

Awesome 1st day - some pics here

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=21963351#post21963351

[DR Girl]

Many thanks Clint & Rosie for another great MMMMM Sat:woohoo::woohoo: Up at 4.45am. A chilly couple hours in the am but a FAB day weather wise & awesome views. Loved the livestock on the road . . .cattle, mares & their foals (cute)& many happy bouncy goats around Wairoa.
Ride safe the rest of you. And watch out for ice tomorrow am :sweatdrop
Enjoyed the ride home with Mark & Marty from Waikaremoana. Crystal blue skies, stunning vista's & the Wairoa - Napier Rd is such a great "bike" road at the end of a long day. Mark pushed on back to Welly!!

[paturoa]

Fantastic trip. Big thanks to Rosie and Clint.

[Crisis management]

Thanks Clint & Rosie, like the others, a great trip and perfect weather a very relaxing weekend away!

[MXNUT]

Thanks Clint for another excellent weekend.

I know that you were dissapointed that there was no rain, but i think you were the only 1.

With Whakarau Rd and the Otipi track included my trip meter read 932 kms from the start at your place to the finish at your place.

We just need to find another 70 kms of riding and it could be the north islands version of the Dusty / Icey Butt

[clint640]

Thanks everybody for coming along, it was a great weekend for it. First time in 9 years that it hasn't rained somewhere along the way so my '100% chance of rain' statistic is shot to hell :laugh:



With Whakarau Rd and the Otipi track included my trip meter read 932 kms from the start at your place to the finish at your place.

We just need to find another 70 kms of riding and it could be the north islands version of the Dusty / Icey Butt

You're an ideas man mate :niceone: Could do another 40km easy looping around Rotehu & Rotoiti (via a beer at the Okere Falls Store maybe) & back to my place at the end. Another nice 5kms in the Ohiwa Loop Rd. That only leaves 25km to find.

Cheers
Clint

[Eddieb]

Thanks everybody for coming along, it was a great weekend for it. First time in 9 years that it hasn't rained somewhere along the way so my '100% chance of rain' statistic is shot to hell :laugh:



You're an ideas man mate :niceone: Could do another 40km easy looping around Rotehu & Rotoiti (via a beer at the Okere Falls Store maybe) & back to my place at the end. Another nice 5kms in the Ohiwa Loop Rd. That only leaves 25km to find.

Cheers
Clint

I went out to Ohiwa Beach and sat on the beach for a while, that was quite nice. Vehicles are allowed along a fair bit of it I believe. I also did a bit of beach just before Opotiki, that was a bit of a challenge section and small bikes only though.

[Eddieb]

Here are the best of my pics, not too many of others as I spent a lot of the ride on my own being slower than the fast guys but faster than the slow guys.

It's a Facebook gallery but you don't need to belong to Facebook to see the pics.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.688794607800848.1073741832.100000109452895&type=1&l=b2dfea9c52

[That looks like fun]

Thanks Clint for another excellent weekend.

I know that you were dissapointed that there was no rain, but i think you were the only 1.

With Whakarau Rd and the Otipi track included my trip meter read 932 kms from the start at your place to the finish at your place.

We just need to find another 70 kms of riding and it could be the north islands version of the Dusty / Icey Butt

884 kms according to my GPS log. Thats from Clints to there and back. Need to find 120kms :wings:

Awesome ride Clint, total enjoyment from start to finish (even without the rain :whistle:).

[R650R]

Will have to make the next one, sounds like you all had good ride.

[Bams]

Thanks Clint and Rosie
It was a great ride and nice to break in the 1200 into adventure riding properly its the dirtiest its been so far and both bike and rider loved it. :2thumbsup
ken

[Steelie]

Thanks to all
Had a great weekend chasing a shiny 690 around and saw bugger all of the scenery. But the Otipi track was a great way to finish.

[pomgolian]

Thanks Clint & Rosie great weekend got home at 8pm tonight, 962kms home via the cape DR broke down in Tolaga Bay with a real bad miss-fire and back fires which scared a few horses !! 257kms on a tow truck home after checking many things and swapping parts from Grants DR thanks Grant. Suspect the coil has failed but nothing in Gisborne. Glad to have AA plus but it only covers $ 800 for towage and the truck company wanted $ 950 Tolaga to Havelock North which i thought was a bit steep. :mad:

[Rosie]

... That only leaves 25km to find.

Who knows if it really exists, but Ruakaka Rd is a loop from Tiniroto to the North East that would add ~19km

While we are on the subject of navigation - if anyone had problems with the GPS route, or has suggestions for improvements for next year, please let me know :sunny:

[Tug Boat]

Thanks always a great ride will be back next year.

[Crisis management]

While we are on the subject of navigation - if anyone had problems with the GPS route, or has suggestions for improvements for next year, please let me know :sunny:

YES!!!!


Please don't let Al have a copy, he's a danger to humanity when entrusted with that sort of knowledge. :bleh:

[Rosie]

YES!!!!


Please don't let Al have a copy, he's a danger to humanity when entrusted with that sort of knowledge. :bleh:

Al got lost before he'd even started navigating with the GPS track :facepalm:

[R650R]

Thanks Clint & Rosie great weekend got home at 8pm tonight, 962kms home via the cape DR broke down in Tolaga Bay with a real bad miss-fire and back fires which scared a few horses !! 257kms on a tow truck home after checking many things and swapping parts from Grants DR thanks Grant. Suspect the coil has failed but nothing in Gisborne. Glad to have AA plus but it only covers $ 800 for towage and the truck company wanted $ 950 Tolaga to Havelock North which i thought was a bit steep. :mad:

Ouch... that is a long way from anywhere though and your paying for the towies time both ways. Another alternative would be to get it to freight company like weatheralls and squeeze it in somewhere.

[Night Falcon]

Ouch... that is a long way from anywhere though and your paying for the towies time both ways. Another alternative would be to get it to freight company like weatheralls and squeeze it in somewhere.

I'd have taken the day off work and come an got him and the bike with a trailer for $899.95 if I'd known- a win win for everyone :shifty:

[pomgolian]

I'd have taken the day off work and come an got him and the bike with a trailer for $899.95 if I'd known- a win win for everyone :shifty:

I guess by the time he drove from Gisborne to Tolaga Bay then back to Gisborne then to Havelock then back to Gisborne it soon adds up, point was i didnt know there was a limit on the cover to get you home but i do now. I asked how far my cover would get me which was BP Bay view so thats where he dropped me off, cranked up the DR and limped home popping and banging but better than it was.

Great weekend all in all ride around the cape and the Motu was stunning above the low cloud, how was the ride home Marty hear you had some adventures as well ??

[Night Falcon]

I guess by the time he drove from Gisborne to Tolaga Bay then back to Gisborne then to Havelock then back to Gisborne it soon adds up, point was i didnt know there was a limit on the cover to get you home but i do now. I asked how far my cover would get me which was BP Bay view so thats where he dropped me off, cranked up the DR and limped home popping and banging but better than it was.

Great weekend all in all ride around the cape and the Motu was stunning above the low cloud, how was the ride home Marty hear you had some adventures as well ??

had a reasonably sedate ride home - nice and slow, taking in the scenery just ambling along - no hurry - you know, enjoying the zen of motorcycling for no particular reason :whistle:

[DR Girl]

I'll start the ball rolling with a wee Maths equation :lol: . . . . I hear 50% of one room on Saturday hit the tarmac on that icy right hand corner, we know that x2 bikes were KTM 690's & not all were from that room. The ice showed various lengths of skid & handle bar? scrapes . . . . . . so . . . . . how many bikes didn't make that corner or did JUST ???? How are your bikes & bodies?:o

[Crisis management]

I know of a Vee Strom that went ice gliding.... no body parts were damaged in that case!




Personally I didn't even notice the ice, it didn't feel any different to the rest of the stuff I was sliding around on, maybe I'm just insensitive?

[Eddieb]

I'll start the ball rolling with a wee Maths equation :lol: . . . . I hear 50% of one room on Saturday hit the tarmac on that icy right hand corner, we know that x2 bikes were KTM 690's & not all were from that room. The ice showed various lengths of skid & handle bar? scrapes . . . . . . so . . . . . how many bikes didn't make that corner or did JUST ???? How are your bikes & bodies?:o

I had heard that 2 out of 3 bikes that came off there were from the Hawkes Bay, one we know was a 690, rumour on the day has it the other was a blue DR from the Bay.


Personally I didn't even notice the ice, it didn't feel any different to the rest of the stuff I was sliding around on, maybe I'm just insensitive?

I didn't see/feel it either, blissful ignorance.

[Night Falcon]

I had heard that 2 out of 3 bikes that came off there were from the Hawkes Bay, one we know was a 690, rumour on the day has it the other was a blue DR from the Bay.



I didn't see/feel it either, blissful ignorance.

ok that makes

2x 690's
1x DR
1x DL

I did hear whispers of a big red KLR tipping over sometime during the day and I know a Wee R 2hundy that got stuck on the challenge section :scooter: :yes:

[paturoa]

What ice?

My total kms was 1023, so all that is needed is for all of you to travel to dorkland on Sunday to make the 1000 ks.

[DR Girl]

ok that makes

2x 690's
1x DR
1x DL

I did hear whispers of a big red KLR tipping over sometime during the day and I know a Wee R 2hundy that got stuck on the challenge section :scooter: :yes:

Yes lol the 2hundy couldn't power out of that clay hole without the help of two helpers. Thanks guys. :niceone:

[DR Girl]

I didn't see/feel it either, blissful ignorance.

Hi Eddie, Guessing maybe those who took a straighter line into the bridge missed the worst of it but when Mark S, Rosie, Clint & I were assisting a fallen soldier :msn-wink: it was quite bad. At 11.30 am too!

[gsig]

I have to confess to being a little dissapointed that it never occured to anyone up at the pointy end of the ride who did notice the ice (and I understand that many didn't notice) to stop and warn those behind.

A little common courtesy could have stopped up to 3 riders kissing the tarmac.

Personally I really appreciate Marty doing such a stellar job warning me of what was ahead.

Oh and thanks Clint and Rosy for a great day

Mark S

[tri boy]

Less jibber jabber.
More pics you bastids.:sunny:

[paturoa]

Less jibber jabber.
More pics you bastids.:sunny:

A couple at the stop before the challenge section.

[pomgolian]

Napier Taupo sunrise - gathering near Minginui - High on the Motu road and lake Wikari

[clint640]

A request to everyone that rode the MMMMM so that it may long continue: Please send a quick email to DOC expressing your concern that the Napier Taupo hwy access point for the Whirinaki Forest Park has been shut off, mention that you have quite recently enjoyed visiting the Whirinaki via Pohokura Rd & the Waipunga public access easement. Email DOC Taupo: tnat@doc.govt.nz

The closure, by Transit NZ, of this bridge came as a surprise to DOC, as it did to Timberlands (both who have been blamed for the gates :facepalm:) & DOC are keen to reopen access to the park from that side. A few emails of support will greatly aid their case. While we can currently ride around the gates there is no guarantee that Transit won't send in a bigger digger & make it totally impassable in the future. It is quite ridiculous that a bridge that was happily carrying fully loaded logging trucks as of a few months back is now deemed unsafe for even light vehicles.

Cheers
Clint

[Night Falcon]

sent off an email and got a pretty good response - as you say Clint I get the feeling DOC weren't too impressed about being left out of the loop. The letter said the gate was now unlocked but they were still in discussions with the hope common sense will prevail.

[klrkiwi]

ok that makes

2x 690's
1x DR
1x DL

I did hear whispers of a big red KLR tipping over sometime during the day and I know a Wee R 2hundy that got stuck on the challenge section :scooter: :yes:

Klr (also known as big red roadblock) just stopped on challenge section hill to see if everyone else could restart an the slippy clay.

[klrkiwi]

I have to confess to being a little dissapointed that it never occured to anyone up at the pointy end of the ride who did notice the ice (and I understand that many didn't notice) to stop and warn those behind.

A little common courtesy could have stopped up to 3 riders kissing the tarmac.

Personally I really appreciate Marty doing such a stellar job warning me of what was ahead.

Oh and thanks Clint and Rosy for a great day

Mark S

Sorry to sound unsporting Mark, but the heavy frost that was very prominent on both berms prior to the seal starting was a BIG hint. For my part a little rear brake test on aproach had the KLR squirming and I choose to use the ample left metal shoulder to aim straight for, turn on, then line up the also slippery bridge. The number of wheelmarks already there was a sign that most of those in front had done the same. Not to say warnings of significant hazards aren't apreciated but mother nature had been telling us all morning to be careful on the south/shady sides of hills

[marks]

woohoo I'm me again


Sorry to sound unsporting Mark, but the heavy frost that was very prominent on both berms prior to the seal starting was a BIG hint. For my part a little rear brake test on aproach had the KLR squirming and I choose to use the ample left metal shoulder to aim straight for, turn on, then line up the also slippery bridge. The number of wheelmarks already there was a sign that most of those in front had done the same. Not to say warnings of significant hazards aren't apreciated but mother nature had been telling us all morning to be careful on the south/shady sides of hills

I used the ample left shoulder as well - but only because I didn't wan't to run over the body lying on the road

if you are not easily bored have a look at this thread (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=908461) on advrider where the issue was thrashed around eternaly. I think the outcome was that we all agreed to disagree but I'm not completely certain.

cheers


Mark S

[Oscar]

woohoo I'm me again



I used the ample left shoulder as well - but only because I didn't wan't to run over the body lying on the road

if you are not easily bored have a look at this thread (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=908461) on advrider where the issue was thrashed around eternaly. I think the outcome was that we all agreed to disagree but I'm not completely certain.

cheers


Mark S

Actually, I ended up agreeing with you.
Scary.

[Night Falcon]

woohoo I'm me again



I used the ample left shoulder as well - but only because I didn't wan't to run over the body lying on the road

if you are not easily bored have a look at this thread (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=908461) on advrider where the issue was thrashed around eternaly. I think the outcome was that we all agreed to disagree but I'm not completely certain.

cheers


Mark S

welcome back Marks - bodies on the road, never a dull moment on the MMMM ;)

[pomgolian]

Didnt realise it was discussed so much on the other side, i was an early one out of the fuel stop and was directly behind the 1st DR that went down sliding bike and rider along the tarmac, didnt think it was that slippery and never even crossed my mind to wait around in the cold to warn others (must be my oldtimers disease) :facepalm: just thought it was not the place to crank it over on a shady wet looking bend and the DR did and went down, no big deal at the time just winter riding. Mark came along we had a chat got the DR upright and left.

Hope the leg is better Marty ?

[Night Falcon]

Didnt realise it was discussed so much on the other side, i was an early one out of the fuel stop and was directly behind the 1st DR that went down sliding bike and rider along the tarmac, didnt think it was that slippery and never even crossed my mind to wait around in the cold to warn others (must be my oldtimers disease) :facepalm: just thought it was not the place to crank it over on a shady wet looking bend and the DR did and went down, no big deal at the time just winter riding. Mark came along we had a chat got the DR upright and left.

Hope the leg is better Marty ?

I wasn't going fast or leaning or even that high on the shoulder - all those other fullas that went down before me must have polished the ice when they were sliding over it - rotters! Leg much better now the brusing in my knee as come out. You got the DR fixed yet Paul?

[marks]

Actually, I ended up agreeing with you.
Scary.

Yes - it felt a bit like Satan hisself had reached out of the firey dustbin of hell, patted me on the back and said 'Well Done Lad'
I've deveoloped a strong desire to hold sharp objects really really tight since you posted.....



bodies on the road, never a dull moment on the MMMM ;)
yes I thought it added a certain zing to my comment - even if it was kinda at your expense
- think of it as payback for your rocks in a blender comment :yes:

[pomgolian]

Think so just doing some extended testing as it ran kinda OK from bay view to home after sitting in a bloody tow truck for hours, so dont want to jump the gun thinking its fixed but did blast down to the Tuki bridge then up & down the peak and to work and back today so think it is.

I was convinced it was the coil in Tolaga but didnt want to strip Grants DR to that extent which still wouldnt have helped anyway, no coils in Gizzy, got it home did a few tests with the meter and the coil check plug lead to plug lead should have been 25k ohms but i had 35 not that out but after removing the plug caps and measuring them individually one was normal 9k the other 85k ohms, two new water tight caps from Barry's Motorcycles and the plug to plug reading was correct and it runs great. Suspect the resistor in the cap went open circuit and the lead shorted to earth somewhere dragging the coil down under load and cutting out the engine.

Hope i havnt jinxed it but will have to keep testing it to be sure ;) guess i should post this in the DR section as well - when are you fit to blast the beaches again ?

[Night Falcon]

- when are you fit to blast the beaches again ?

will give it another week and I should be good to go bro :yes:

[Oscar]

Yes - it felt a bit like Satan hisself had reached out of the firey dustbin of hell, patted me on the back and said 'Well Done Lad'
I've deveoloped a strong desire to hold sharp objects really really tight since you posted.....





If you play Led Zeppelin 3 backwards and you'll get the full message..

[dino3310]

If you play Led Zeppelin 3 backwards and you'll get the full message..

na its one of the Chicago albums

[Cary]

Ice, falling off?? you guys all need bigger heavier bikes!! :Punk:

[clint640]

Ice, falling off?? you guys all need bigger heavier bikes!! :Punk:

Not sure that's a good theory as I think a V-Strom took a skate there as well :doh:

I'm not keen on getting into the finer points of riding technique or health & safety theory, but I would say that if a couple of people have gone down hard, in short order, in the same place, that's about when I'd be thinking of warning the rest of the group as there's a very good chance doing so will save someone's arse. Or knee:pinch:

I put a few pics up on ADV too: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=901658&page=2

Cheers
Clint