Jatz's travels

[JATZ]

Hello :wavey:

I thought it was about time I started posting some trip stuff again. It's been a while, and I've been clocking up a few K's and been on a bit of a journey :yeah: so thought I'd share with the group
I'll start with my trip to the Brass and beyond and may add some other stuff as it comes to me :wacko:

Day 1
.....I left home on the thursday before Queens birthday heading for Chch the weather was looking pretty dodgy, but :whocares: it was good to be heading away after a pretty busy couple of months with the harvest.
Rain, sun, light showers, and torrential downpours on the way to Murch, then the heavens really opened up :gob: a quick caffeine hit at Rivers and I called into the Fulton Hogan yard to check on whether Maruia saddle was open, it was :D
I didn't take pics cause I wouldn't have got my soggy gloves back on :eek5: but there was goats on the road, and the rain had eased :2thumbsup
Over the saddle and onto the Westbank road. Looks like more wet stuff ahead

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2316_zpsf3d778cc.gif

Nothing else noteworthy, I'm a bit bored with the Lewis pass. Just a drag down to Chch and onto TimG's for a hot meal, hot shower and soft bed, I even remembered how to get to his place :2thumbsup Cheers Tim

Day 2
.... I'd organised to meet a mate of XF650's for the ride to the rally, so I didn't muck about heading for Ashvegas and a new (s/hand) front tyre from the mid canterbury emporium as mine was looking a bit, ummmmm past it's best :crazy:
A quick brew with XF and a snuffle through his castoff and I had my new hoop :woohoo: A quick trip to the local shop to get it fitted and to meet my new mate and a couple of other like minded people.
We left Ashvegas a wee bit late :facepalm: and made good time to Fairlie, no pissing around and we headed for McKenzie pass. After encountering an irate digger driver (i didn't dare take a pick of him, he was a wee bit grumpy) we back tracked and took the long way to Haldon arm rd, over the Haka...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2320_zps5a12837d.gif

and onto Kurow for a late lunch and my mate called Dansys pub to see if the pass was open, we'd heard it was but called just to make sure, it wasn't, buggar :wacko:
We made a decision to take some little roads, past Elephant rocks and down to Hw 1 then over the pig route. No pics as I was keeping up with the little spec in front of me, but it was a stunning evening fang :2thumbsup
On to Ranfurly where we booked into the lodge (mmmmmm heated bathroom floor :D )

[JATZ]

Next Day...
A plan had been hatched the night before over a couple of beers and a hot meal to have a look at the Nevis. It didn't seem quite so good today, my ignition froze over night :brick: It was put before the committee and an easy day was decided on, just cruising around before going to the rally.
-5 heading through Omakau :gob: , a quick catch up with a couple of others in Alex (my fuel cap lock was frozen too :eek5: ) Then it was off to St Bathans, I'm sure the road was gravel last time :scratch:

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http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2325_zps67937de7.gif

Nothing really interesting.... just pootling about, heading for Naesby and lunch

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2327_zps788746b1.gif

We popped into Danseys just to see if it really was closed.....

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2328_zps91287950.gif

It was :(

Then some more little roads on the way to Oturehua

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2332_zps75b45cf8.gif

We cruised around the rally for a bit, I got my badge :2thumbsup but don't feel as though I earned it, maybe I need to go back ?
Looked at some bikes, caught up wiv Shrek, looked at some more bikes.... you get the picture ?
I thought this was cool, in an agricultural sort of way

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2339_zps89c4e993.gif

Then buggered off to Alex and our tent with the heat pump and hot shower :baby:

[JATZ]

Day 4 ??
I was on my own from here on :ride: After good byes I diddled about in Alex for a bit looking for braces, sick of holding my pants up :facepalm: then wobbled my way toward Shreks.
It was a stunning day :sunny:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2344_zps0c56d24d.gif

Shrek had suggested I head up to the Obelisk, across the top and back down Waikaia bush rd, sounded good to me
:D . I didn't get far, it was slippery as and it wouldn't be a good idea to be stuck up there alone.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2348_zpsc1f18372.gif

After I turned around a guy went past with a snow mobile on a trailer, Good call I reakon :yes:

A quick feed in Roxburgh while I waited for the Shreks

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2349_zps8a9afe49.gif

Despite the reputation, Jimmys pies are average at best :yawn:

Then it was onto catch up with the Shreks :wavey: and then to grab the N.Z. tag

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/IMG_20140601_153237_855_zps257a5197.jpg

Then just a drag to Gore via some back roads, to find some iternets to post the tag, no luck there however there was a loverly wee lady at the campground, it seemed a shame not to be staying there.
Onwards to Invercargill, missing out on the Golden Guitars too :crybaby:, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
About this point I was glad to have a smart phone. Check out accom websites, get directions then use the gps to get there. Frikkin brilliant :2thumbsup then google places who sold braces :lol:

Almost forgot....

Fine dinning in Invergiggle :D

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2352_zps5cdb4d66.gif

:facepalm:

[JATZ]

Monday..??

After closing the deal with a retailer who sold the required support for my trou I headed for Riverton then went to check out Monkey island

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2354_zps61f3d6f6.gif

Don't let the sign fool you, there's no monkeys there :mad: It didn't bode well for my next stop, Gemstone beach, hopefully it'd live up to it's name.

It did :2thumbsup

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2356_zps944744c2.gif

Awsome !! a red rock and a piece of leather :banana: I still have them.
These people were looking for gems too

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2355_zps97c8f235.gif

Obviously there's something there if you can afford a beachside mansion

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2357_zps92dae1f8.gif

Feeling a little ripped off I continued on.... next stop, Lake Hauroko :wings: N.Z.s deepest lake
Here it is

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2361_zpsba1294d7.gif

Nice spot, and a nice ride to get there.
I thought these bee chalets were pretty cool, dunno why they're so small :scratch:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2366_zps99b40148.gif

Then I popped into Lake Monowai

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2369_zps68e82c80.gif

and had plans of poking my nose up the Borland saddle....

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2374_zps3692b1d6.gif

Foiled again :angry2:
Nevermind, it'll still be there in the summer, I'll have to go back :wari:
So I just cruised towards Manapouri and Te Anau
From this...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2377_zps631b8e62.gif

To this...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2379_zps0f152300.gif

in a very short time.
And to finish the day in Te Anau, a nice dark ale and a steak
]http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140602_174709_255_zpse5c5e128.gif

Maybe I won't need those braces ??:lol:

More tomorrow...

[Woodman]

Good........

[Padmei]

Agreed.......

[Shewolf]

good stuff, it's giving me itchy feet....:corn:

[unstuck]

Brilliant stuff. If you pop down into the creek at the closed bridge in the Danseys pass and head up stream about 600mtrs, there is an old bulldozer stab track that you can take to get back on the road.:whistle: The hives are new splits by the look of them.:2thumbsup Plenty of internets here if you are ever in need again. Looking forward to the rest of the trip.:2thumbsup

[clint640]

Good work Jatz, keep it coming!


Brilliant stuff. If you pop down into the creek at the closed bridge in the Danseys pass and head up stream about 600mtrs, there is an old bulldozer stab track that you can take to get back on the road.:whistle:

If you're not on a fat beemer there was a perfectly acceptable motorcycle line around that gate. ;)

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/7700/ap2230045ei5.jpg

As we discovered a while back when the gate on the North Side wasn't closed, but that one was :pinch:

Clint

[unstuck]

There is also an interesting :crazy: sort of track that comes down to the creek from further up the hill, but not for the faint hearted. But the ride back down the creek is a lot of fun. :2thumbsup

[JATZ]

Good work Jatz, keep it coming!



If you're not on a fat beemer there was a perfectly acceptable motorcycle line around that gate. ;)


As we discovered a while back when the gate on the North Side wasn't closed, but that one was :pinch:

Clint

I would've taken the other side :lol: don't worry, I've done a bit of gate dodging in the past, and my mate for the day is also no stranger to by passing the Danseys gate :whistle:
I've done Danseys a few times now and it was good to ride something new, even though parts of it had a nice covering of cow shit, and had stock trucks using the whole road :crazy:
You calling my beemer fat ??, I think it's more.....cuddly, in a manly sort of way though :lol:


The hives are new splits by the look of them.:2thumbsup Plenty of internets here if you are ever in need again. Looking forward to the rest of the trip.:2thumbsup

Sweet, I'll be able to sleep properly tonight knowing the story behind the hives :zzzz: and thanks for the offer, ya never know :D

[Phreaky Phil]

Keep up the good work:corn:

[JATZ]

After a night at Edgewater motel :2thumbsup, good price and close to town, I fueled up for the ride to Milford sound. It was still foggy and a little bit chilly. Once I got over the hills and down into Eglington valley it cleared up nicely

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2381_zps76c4a5a1.gif

I'd noticed a road cone in the middle of the road, as I was hurtling past a little van, and thought.... what an odd place for a road cone. I stopped at the next one I saw.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2389_zps0c94997f.gif

:eek5: that could've ended badly :crazy:

Doing the tourist thing at mirror lakes

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2385_zps23301c4f.gif

While I was there a tour bus driver suggested I leave the bike and he'd give me a ride into Milford as the road was pretty treacherous, naturally, I declined mumbling something about it not being the same. Besides which you'd feel like a dick getting off a bus wearing riding gear :weird: Another guy stopped to give me a warning too, shortly after. Hmmmmmm
It really wasn't to bad. just cold and a little slippery in lots of places :gob:
I've posted this elsewhere but I'll stick it here too. This was 2:00 pm heading back to Te Anau.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/NZ%20Tags/IMG_20140603_134925_771_zpsa13aecb7.gif

Anyway.... I made it to my destination, had a pie, chatted to people who thought I was a little crazy, and went back the way I came.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/NZ%20Tags/DSCN2399_zpsafc11270.gif

Nice roads....

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2403_zps9a1b160c.gif

Back to Te Anau to take care of domestic duties....

[JATZ]

:yawn: Another foggy start the following day, Wednesday, I think :scratch: More fuel and warnings about road conditions and ice :yawn: so I just trickled my way along towards Mossburn.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2416_zpsa78b378c.gif

The night before I'd been to the info centre to find out about the Earnslaw and getting on it at Walter peak station for a ride to Queenstown. Sadly it was in survey and the replacement vessel couldn't take bikes. WHAT !!:mad: I think I said a bad word :innocent: but that's the way it goes
Nevermind, I popped into Mavora lakes. It gave me a spell from icy seal anyway.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2419_zpscd8e5c5b.gif

Time for a brew. The setting wasn't bad either :sunny:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2421_zpsc7b1ed4a.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140604_103928_708_zpsbbb8b80c.gif

Brisk though

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Bloody nice road into there, you can really stretch the bikes legs if your so inclined :whistle: then back out to the main road via Center hill rd and on to Queenstown for lunch of supremely well cooked Blue cod

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140604_133046_170_zps7bc7dbbb.gif

Suitably satisfied I saddled up and made tracks for Wanaka, via Crown range, ignoring the signs warning of ice. Pfffft, I've ridden the MILFORD ROAD :headbang:, I'm well hard, and ready for ice.
It wasn't to bad...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2432_zpse7578983.gif

Stopped at Cardrona hotel.... as you do :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140604_151530_072_zpsee3d8e03.gif

I'm sensing a theme here... perhaps I should re name the thread "Jatz eats his way round the deep south" :D
Anyhooo.... Ignoring the signs saying "toll road" and "authorized vehicles only" I made my way up to the snow farm. I tried going up here several years ago but was stopped by snow before the Possum Bourne (?) memorial, it was good to finally get to the top, somewhat slower than Monster would've done it ;)

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2442_zpsc8cdffac.gif

There's not much up there, lots of buildings, no admittance signs, and high fences so I came back down and headed for Wanaka :scooter:

[JATZ]

After a night In Wanaka, a decent brekky was the order of the day while I studied the map book to get an idea of where I might go. The plan was to head over the Haast and up the coast but the weather was looking a bit (lot) dodgy on the coast.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140605_090436_462_zps94332227.gif

( Maybe..."Fatso wobbles round the South" :D )
Anyway, I got away quite lateish and made my way for Hway 8a and a couple of little side roads, Jolly/Deep Creek and Philips roads

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http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2445_zpsb5509942.gif

I really like taking these little back roads despite the traffic :lol: The cocky even apologized for holding me up, I musta looked like I was in a hurry, :weird:
Then back onto the seal for a while, Lindis pass was mint :2thumbsup
I wanted to take the road marked on my map on the northern side of the Ohau river then up the Pukaki river, but I couldn't find out if the roads joined. The last guy I spoke with in Twizel didn't give me much hope and said the river would be up anyway so I gave it a miss. Does anyone know if these roads do link up ? Or do I have to go see for myself ?
Back in the saddle and up Mt Cook station rd. I knew the canal rd was shut so took Braemar rd instead.
Lake Pukaki

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/PANO_20140605_125200_865_zps51212d2d.gif

and Braemar rd.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2453_zpsa1d4d398.gif

Then I thought I might pop up to Mt John and observe some shit but I got sidetracked by lake Alexandrina. Not my idea of a "Holiday getaway"' I bet it gets pretty full on at times, but some people must like it. Nice spot though :2thumbsup

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/PANO_20140605_135106_752_zpsb350c989.gif

I hope thes panoramic shots work ?:eek5:
Then onto Fairlie and a poke around up Random spur rd, I'd done it a couple of times on Dusty Butts but wanted to see where it goes and what was over the next hill/around the next bend

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2462_zpsf6611f99.gif

there was a Hanging rock bridge and a school and some little communities, and some sweet roads :ride: I popped out here somewhere

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2463_zps3f8bd7a5.gif

and just sort of carried on. Cruising up Hw 1 I made the call to stop for the night at the next place advertising accommodation as I was getting a little jaded, and hungry (joking) I ended up at the pub in....... Hinds :facepalm: It was adequate, and the locals were friendly, and a little bit pissed, :drinkup: not a bad bunch of buggers though.

I'll finish tomorrow.... granddad need his sleep :zzzz:

[young1]

Awesome pics, thanks for sharing

Mike

[JATZ]

Awesome pics, thanks for sharing

Mike

Thanks Mike. I'm honored that you took time out of your international travels to read my ramblings :not: I've just been catching up on your RR, looks like your having a good time :D

Anyway.... where was I ?
Hinds ! There didn't seem to be any life at the pub so I woke up, packed up and hit the road :ride: A foggy/drizzly ride to Ashvegas for gas and a coffee. I discovered how slippery train track are in Ashburton when you hit them at a slight angle :crazy: Then onto Chch and a stop at the Suzuki shop to pick up a gel pad for the seat. One of the salesmen there remembered me from the last time we met. Something about a Tenere hemorrhaging oil in their carpark on a trip to the D.B.
After that it was just a slog to get home.... via the usual route, Lewis :yawn: Maruia :2thumbsup which was as slippery as a wet railway crossing :eek5: to start and then Dry weather road.

So that's it....
I still have un finished business down south so I'll go back to do that at some stage, when I get hungry :D
Or maybe North in October :scratch:


Oh yeah..... Breakfast in Culverden
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140606_120510_550_zps215e3527.gif

[unstuck]

Oh yeah..... Breakfast in Culverden


:lol::lol::2thumbsup

[Tazz]

Cheers for the write up. Despite all the closed roads you still got to wander a fair area by the looks ;)


I ended up at the pub in....... Hinds :facepalm:

I hope you did the Robertson Manufacturing factory tour haha. That place still there with all the classic trucks and cars (think it was mainly Morris Minors?) too?

[shafty]

Good write up there Dude! Good to see you "out there and doing it"
And the supreme scenery!

Regards from dry and dusty Texas

Shafty

[.chris]

Hey James,

You can get from Twizel down the track (north side of the river) and then up onto the north side of the Pukaki river, you can do this by crossing this sketchy as bugger bridge (2 lanes metal railings about 2 feet wide each no hand rails).
Or if you can push through a couple of crossings you can get all the way to the Tekapo river and go direct up to tekapo or over to Haldon Arms at the head of lake Benmore but that requires a half decent crossing, this photo (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZDxwobdkFfg/U18wrT6IkQI/AAAAAAAAYM0/4cuiXy2WRNw/s1920/IMG_4142.jpg) shows that the crossing (pukaki north side to tekapo south side) was like when I was there in April, the water was flowing just fast enough to make the slight angle of the concrete crossing slipper enough to make it pretty tricky to cross (without getting we at least).

This all depends on what the rivers are doing, if either the tekapo or pukaki gates are open you are likely to run into big angry water (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yO_q5Gh-IXY/URnP26QUcYI/AAAAAAAAM8k/9HRA-Fpq1Ss/s1920/IMG_1981.JPG). Myself and Clint had a great ride up the east side of the Tekapo river when it was wide open flowing, it was more like a river than a track for most of it. Youtube video of some it from 2:15 onwards. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jbftHVV8cA)

[RMOTO]

Great pics there James!

[JATZ]

Cheers for the write up. Despite all the closed roads you still got to wander a fair area by the looks ;)



I hope you did the Robertson Manufacturing factory tour haha. That place still there with all the classic trucks and cars (think it was mainly Morris Minors?) too?

:yes: It was good for the soul
:no: I didn't get to tour the Robertson Manufacturing factory, Is it worthwhile ? I'd like to visit the steampunk museum in Oamaru at some stage.
:yes: the Morries were there.


Good write up there Dude! Good to see you "out there and doing it"
And the supreme scenery!

Regards from dry and dusty Texas

Shafty

Cheers. Are things really bigger in Texas ?? And when do you get back ?


Hey James,

You can get from Twizel down the track (north side of the river) and then up onto the north side of the Pukaki river, you can do this by crossing this sketchy as bugger bridge (2 lanes metal railings about 2 feet wide each no hand rails).
Or if you can push through a couple of crossings you can get all the way to the Tekapo river and go direct up to tekapo or over to Haldon Arms at the head of lake Benmore but that requires a half decent crossing, this photo (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZDxwobdkFfg/U18wrT6IkQI/AAAAAAAAYM0/4cuiXy2WRNw/s1920/IMG_4142.jpg) shows that the crossing (pukaki north side to tekapo south side) was like when I was there in April, the water was flowing just fast enough to make the slight angle of the concrete crossing slipper enough to make it pretty tricky to cross (without getting we at least).

This all depends on what the rivers are doing, if either the tekapo or pukaki gates are open you are likely to run into big angry water (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yO_q5Gh-IXY/URnP26QUcYI/AAAAAAAAM8k/9HRA-Fpq1Ss/s1920/IMG_1981.JPG). Myself and Clint had a great ride up the east side of the Tekapo river when it was wide open flowing, it was more like a river than a track for most of it. Youtube video of some it from 2:15 onwards. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jbftHVV8cA)

Cool vid :banana:
I'll check out that road next time I'm down there. I'd seen the one from Haldon arm to Pukaki, looks like a better option if I'm going west instead of south.
Plans are afoot to ditch the bag on the back and get the c.o.g. a bit lowerer so it's not such a handfull in rougher stuff.


Great pics there James!

Thanks...
Nice work on the site too :yes: I've had a bit of a snuffle around there and it looks good. From the bits I have done I'd say you've got the grading about right.

and because I can....
Ahhhhhh memories :cry:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2337_zps594088e6.gif

And another couple just because....
90 mile beach,
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN1790_zps7e920430.gif

East Cape
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN1835_zpsace4b70b.gif

[JATZ]

:wari: I love it when box's turn up in the mail. No riding for this post, but I was mildly excited so thought I'd share :D

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140709_184619_527_zps33a7955d.gif

it had one of these in it :blink:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140709_184727_190_zpsdf8d03de.gif

Aaaaand.... Some days I really enjoy my job :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140709_155150_694_zpsa6b09c66.gif

[RMOTO]

:wari: I love it when box's turn up in the mail.

it had one of these in it :blink:



Seems like a very large box for one key ring, but then, I am no packaging expert

:p

[unstuck]

Aaaaand.... Some days I really enjoy my job :yes:



Whats the thumb on??
It dont look like no 20 tonner.:shifty:

[JATZ]

Seems like a very large box for one key ring, but then, I am no packaging expert

:p
Bubble wrap my friend....lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of bubble wrap :D


Whats the thumb on??
It dont look like no 20 tonner.:shifty:
Hell no... no way I'd be let loose on something like that :blink: Just a little 5 tonner, still got to get up some rows without ripping out the trees.
And on the plus side, I've gotta burn them tomorrow, I've already loaded some old m/cycle tyres into the ute to start the fire :D

[pampa]

thanks for sharing really nice pics and comments

I need go back there some time

[Woodman]

Alright, I'll bite

WTF is in the box:ar15:

[Box'a'bits]

Alright, I'll bite

WTF is in the box:ar15:
Obviously some Touratech stuff that he didn't really need...:rolleyes:

[JATZ]

Obviously some Touratech stuff that he didn't really need...:rolleyes:

Oh but I did :innocent:


Alright, I'll bite

WTF is in the box:ar15:

Just some of these....

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140711_150526_911_zps03fefcd0.gif

In stainless :Punk: I wanted steel so I could birdshit them back together when I broke them, but it was about 3 months wait :facepalm: and I'm not that patient.
Finish is bloody good and it only took about 30mins to chuck them on. Quite disappointing, I may remove them tomorrow and do it again, just so I feel I got my moneys worth.


Now......
Hard ?

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/zega-pro-and-black-alucase-31-ltr_zps6df66c51.jpg
http://touratech.co.nz/shop/panniers/5327-zega-pro-and-black-alucase-31-ltr.html

Or soft ?

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/thumb_4bf4f89047f3apanniersvrod_270x190_zps108c5de b.gif
http://www.andystrapz.com/products-details.php?productId=35&productCategoryId=22&Level=1

:scratch:

[Box'a'bits]

Order some Mosko Moto Panniers (http://www.moskomoto.com/gear.html) . Absolutely look the dogs bollocks. I've got some on order.
I'm moving away from Zega hard bags because I'm concerned 1. I'll beat them up, & 2. I'll end up breaking my leg some time.
You'd be able to birdshit weld those racks up if you got some stainless rods...

[JATZ]

Order some Mosko Moto Panniers (http://www.moskomoto.com/gear.html) . Absolutely look the dogs bollocks. I've got some on order.
I'm moving away from Zega hard bags because I'm concerned 1. I'll beat them up, & 2. I'll end up breaking my leg some time.
You'd be able to birdshit weld those racks up if you got some stainless rods...

They look pretty good, I've bookmarked the page.
Gotta pay for some more education/training first then I'll look at getting something. Before the Cape to Cape thingy :niceone:

[NordieBoy]

Less chit-chat, more food pics...

[Padmei]

Anyone else find that kb pages take forevever to load with a pic heavy thread? Is it because the pages are so long? What determines the page length? Would be good to have a page break option.
I vote for tassled cruiser bags- all the cool kids are using them. Seen my hose belt?

[JATZ]

Anyone else find that kb pages take forevever to load with a pic heavy thread? Is it because the pages are so long? What determines the page length? Would be good to have a page break option.
I vote for tassled cruiser bags- all the cool kids are using them. Seen my hose belt?

Quit moaning, it could be worse, you could be on dial up :D And NO !! no tassles (o.k. maybe 1 or2 :lol:)


Less chit-chat, more food pics...

Not food... but it did go in the oven :D

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140712_154614_361_zps10d594d7.gif

I'm not happy with the finish, may have to re-do it :weep:

I'll do another trip thingy later in the week

[Logmaker]

Quit moaning, it could be worse, you could be on dial up :D And NO !! no tassles (o.k. maybe 1 or2 :lol:)



Not food... but it did go in the oven :D



I'm not happy with the finish, may have to re-do it :weep:

I'll do another trip thingy later in the week

Hey James , I reckon you would show good wisdom by going soft . Experience .

[JATZ]

Less chit-chat, more food pics...

O.k. But only because I cant be bothered doing the dishes just yet :D

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/sausage_2001253c_zpsae496259.jpg

And I'm a leeetle bit bored

[NiggleC]

Make your own - stylish as a Sherman tank and you won't be crying into your beer the 1st time you misjudge the width and smack into one of those protection barriers at the petrol pump. Just sayin.....

[JATZ]

Make your own - stylish as a Sherman tank and you won't be crying into your beer the 1st time you misjudge the width and smack into one of those protection barriers at the petrol pump. Just sayin.....

They do look "Robust" but I don't have a workshop/shed :( And I'll give any protection barriers a wide berth :D

[10bikekid]

:yes: It was good for the soul
:no: I didn't get to tour the Robertson Manufacturing factory, Is it worthwhile ? I'd like to visit the steampunk museum in Oamaru at some stage.
:yes: the Morries were there.



Cheers. Are things really bigger in Texas ?? And when do you get back ?



Cool vid :banana:
I'll check out that road next time I'm down there. I'd seen the one from Haldon arm to Pukaki, looks like a better option if I'm going west instead of south.
Plans are afoot to ditch the bag on the back and get the c.o.g. a bit lowerer so it's not such a handfull in rougher stuff.



Thanks...
Nice work on the site too :yes: I've had a bit of a snuffle around there and it looks good. From the bits I have done I'd say you've got the grading about right.

and because I can....
Ahhhhhh memories :cry:




+ 1, Nice work on the thread, you didn't think I was going to miss this did you, a real bike :yes:

[JATZ]

A bit of Dejavu.... but I should finish it. If I can remember what I did and where I went :facepalm:



The Independence tour 2013
Hmmmm.... where to start

Well.... after a bit of an "interesting" 2012 and with the harvest fast approaching I decided a bit of a road trip was in order. Where to go ? and what to see ?
Family in Auckland was the decision and while I'm in the North I may as well have a look at this East Cape thing I'd heard about.

Firstly, pack a bit of gear

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1608_zpsc99bf05a.gif


I did take more, but that was the esentials

After diddling about for to long working and getting sorted I headed for Picton, missing the 2:00 ferry by 15 mins No worries, I'll just chill out in Picton and wait for the 6:30. It wasn't as bad as it sounds, I ran into Pomgolian and chatted for a while over a beer and .chris showed up too. Before long the ferry arrived
Bye south island

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/ByeSouthisland_zps547aa2ec.gif


I'd tee'd up to stay with a couple of random strangers in Wellington while waiting for the ferry. I had the address and the instructions to follow my nose and I'd get there. My nose must've been broken as I had to stop and check the phone/gps a couple of times, but I got there eventually.
Cheers Bald Eagle and Ratti, your hospitality was excellent

Day 1: After getting a pretty vague clue for where the N.Z. Tag may be I set off the next morning. After another missed turn off ( a recurring theme as it turns out )and deciding the ferry terminal wasn't where I wanted to be I made my way out to Makara (?) wind farm. Very nice ride out there
Some of the road

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1613_zps4a20fd62.gif


Got the Tag

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1620_zps7d6c5531.gif


Then... time to head North, sticking with the theme started earlier in the day I thought about placing the tag up here, to keep the wind farm theme going, Some of the worst gravel I've had the displeasure to ride on to get there though. Just above Palmerston North

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1623_zps3dfad21a.gif


A local

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1626_zpsd638a7f0.gif


Then I just wobbled my way to Tiniroto for the night. The pub was full of dirty feral bikers though BUt it's o.k. They were friendly and after introductions they offered me a tent and mattress. Good on ya's, Nic, She Wolf, and a heap more who's names I can't rember just now. After a couple of and a feed, I teed up some better accommodation at a fine establishment just up the road (cheap too )
Here it is, Tiniroto Community Hall

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1642_zpsb62c5b52.gif


Woohoo..undercover parking.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1646_zps3d6e1729.gif

[JATZ]

Day 2....
Seeing as how I had no fixed agenda how could I refuse an offer to explore some back roads with some other like minded people
This is what you see when sitting at the pub enjoying some amber liquid

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1648_zps28efa0e8.gif

And here is some of the rides for the day, obviously some are more suited for adventure than others

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1647_zpsb6c5307a.gif

Some others had gone off exploring already, Keeeen as this bunch
Anyhooo we left the roadies behind and started the day with Parikanapa rd, a luverly little back road just up the road from Tiniroto

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1655_zps45e50445.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1658_zps918bb2f8.gif


And just to show that I was there

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1672_zpsa7359709.gif


Then we took in some more back roads through Pehiri and Tahunga and through a little place called RERE !!, there was a water fall there

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1689_zps43bb87e4.gif


Friendly bunch :D

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1680_zps83997d82.gif

Ending up at Matawai for refreshments and to join up with the roadies. After lunch.... (mmmmmm lunch ) those of us on appropriate steeds headed off to have a look at the Motu rd
Some stayed on the seal wonder why ?

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1696_zps3f558c0d.gif



We had a look at the Motu falls, guided by a new fullah on a DRZ400, sorry, but I'm struggling a bit with names, so from here on we'll refer to him as Hey You !
There was a bridge

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1702_zps9f296d06.gif


That's He Wolf with the camo pants, for want of a better term, OI Cant you read the sign ? You shouldn't be there !
Anyway.... back to the Motu, this is a little bit of it.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1718_zps2387a03e.gif


After a bit more riding we reached the turn off to the Otipi rd. Decision made to go and have a look at it, woohoo this was going to be the highlight of the trip and I was fair fizzing, couldn't wait to get into it (you get the picture ? )
Anyway.... I haven't lost my touch, and before getting very far Hey You's ! little Suzi decided it didn't want to go anymore A note to all.... when ever I am around some piece of machinery will break down, you have been warned
Seeing as how it was my fault I towed the broken thing back to a farm house

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/broken_zps88ca3881.jpg


pic courtesy of Shewolf

After givving my new friend a ride out to Opotiki where there was a small debrief and alternative transport was sorted for the bikeless comrade we went our seperate ways, the others to god knows where and me to a handy pub with secure parking.
I had a wee look around Opotiki

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1722_zpsd7fb1ab0.gif


http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1724_zpsc0240693.gif


Yes Nordie, the bike was there, I didn't take the bus

And White island

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1729_zps3f971e69.gif

[JATZ]

The next day was just a leisurely ride up to Auckland to see family.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1732_zps037448fb.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1731_zpse736aa44.gif

With a brief stop in Katikat to see little bro and family. I didn't stay long as the bickie tins were empty :facepalm: If you read this M. I expect you to lift your game a little :yes:

I spent the next day in Aucktown doing domestic/family stuff and keeping a low profile, although I did get out for a ride :D

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1739_zps52797ba0.gif

The old stomping ground from when I was a nipper, before it became fashionable

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1818_zps742a84ba.gif

Not very "adveturous" but....

[JATZ]

Time to get out of dodge I thought

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1740_zpsae22271a.gif

Motorways... not nice but the quickest way to leave Auckland :yes:

I'd heard about a pub at a place called Puhoi that was s'posed to be pretty good, so I made my way to Puhoi :ride: Yes !! there is a pub there and some other stuff but I didn't stop, just carried on riding round some little gravel roads and wondering why I hadn't filled up before leaving Aucktown :facepalm:
I went to Warkworth, nothing there worth stopping for, except gas :woohoo: then Wangarei, nope nothing remarkable there either (except lunch :innocent: )

I stopped at a waterfall

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1744_zps1cec4438.gif

there was a hand there too

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1745_zps2ec07a64.gif

Carrying on, I had planned on sticking to the coast while heading for Russel but missed my turnoff, nevermind, this little road turned out to be a wee gem. Waikare rd

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1747_zps1e1d6839.gif

After an iceblock in the "Hellhole of the pacific"

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1756_zpsc05a8116.gif

I caught another ferry

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1758_zps663a102e.gif

Then carried on :ride: Who knew Tau Henare had a drive named after him ?? Then cruised around towards Matauri bay.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1766_zps146cbfc7.gif

I ended up here

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1772_zps4b2bf706.gif

and decided to call it quits for the day. After waiting for the dining room to empty I wheeled my bike through it to the secure storage :sunny:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1771_zps9fc84b1e.gif

More hops juice was drunk :drinknsin: Becoming a bit of a habit :blink:

[JATZ]

After a slow start the next day :shutup: I made my way north.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1775_zps884cdf26.gif

to this place

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1784_zps79c50a68.gif

Gratuitous selfie :innocent:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/fozzie-bear_zps5334c0ad.gif

Then cruised down to Kohukohu for yet another ferry. I thought these were pretty cool

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1792_zpsf1d10d00.gif

Reakon a bit of paint and some fibreglass they'd be runners :yes:
I chilled with some locals while waiting for the ferry

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1796_zps9d6c9df8.gif

It wasn't a long wait before it showed up

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1797_zps28133542.gif

then it was off round the coast, I do like this part of the country :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1804_zps04e2ecd3.gif

Then down to check out this big tree I'd heard about

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1808_zpsa9cbb3b3.gif

then up to a lookout thing

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1815_zps15bfe054.gif

Then I made my way towards Dargaville, the only memorable thing was a bug of some description exploding through the vent on my helmet at highish speeds, I can still taste it :puke:
I got to Dargaville and figured Auckland wasn't far away so I'd head back to mums for the night :love: It was a rather "spirited" ride back to Whangarei then just a drag down the motorway, stopping only to figure out how to use the toll thingys at the tunnel.

More tomorrow :sunny:

[unstuck]

Awesome.:2thumbsup That ferry at "Rangiora" looks very similar to the one that does the Kohukohu to Rawene run across the Hokianga harbor.:shifty:

[Padmei]

cool.
ftcr

[NordieBoy]

Soooo, on Sat, because you were technically on the ride, meeting us at Pelorus, it was your fault Schmidty and the WRF died.

I think the only reason you got the FI Bimmer was so it didn't have main jets or needless to break.

[JATZ]

Awesome.:2thumbsup That ferry at "Rangiora" looks very similar to the one that does the Kohukohu to Rawene run across the Hokianga harbor.:shifty:

Well spotted, chocky fish for you :niceone:. My map book is out on loan just now and mapsource was being silly


Soooo, on Sat, because you were technically on the ride, meeting us at Pelorus, it was your fault Schmidty and the WRF died.

I think the only reason you got the FI Bimmer was so it didn't have main jets or needless to break.

Guilty as charged your honor :whistle:

[JATZ]

Mooving right along.....
I left Auckland, again :clap: and made my way southish, taking some side roads and some main roads

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1819_zps6da2f2cc.gif

Stopped in Katikat again, just to check on the status of the bickie tin, still nowt but crumbs :( so I carried on. If you see a guy in Katikat who looks nothing like me, it could be little bro. Give him a punch in the arm, for being slack on the baking front :lol:
Anyhoo, I cruised down through Papamoa and some more back roads making my way towards East cape

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1820_zps096e769f.gif

It's been done/written about before so I wont bore you with a commentary, just some pics.

A nice wee church.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1824_zps2a9d9473.gif

A river, the Motu

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1821_zps6426eccc.gif

I grabbed some gas in Te Araroa and wobbled out to the light house

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1830_zps37ee7bbd.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1832_zps289ef51a.gif

Awwwwww cute :love:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1834_zps9abc2898.gif

After a brief chat to the cocky I made my back to the seal and continued south. I thought these hills were kind of rugged, the pic doesn't do it justice

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1837_zps6fdc1ad6.gif

I contemplated hanging a left and staying in Ruatoria, but..... wasn't ready to stop just yet

At Tokomaru bay I was. The pub was non negotiable on the accom cost so I went up to Brian's place, a back packers on the hill, then went back to the pub where a ladies fishing comp was just winding up. Friendly locals and a live band, was a good night :drinknsin

[unstuck]

Right adventurous bugger aint ya.:2thumbsup

[JATZ]

Right adventurous bugger aint ya.:2thumbsup

Not really, just nosey, I like to look around the place :bleh:

I woke to a nice sunrise over the ocean and didn't even have to get out of bed, woulda been perfect if someone had brought me breakfast :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1839_zpsfbb37ffa.gif

After a 2 course breakky (coffee/ciggy) I saddled up and continued on, stopping to have a look at this little jetty in Tolaga bay

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1845_zps559bc127.gif

It'd be a good spot for a wee fire on the beach.... I like fire :D

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1844_zps8369b7cc.gif

Made my way through the traffic

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1847_zps8bb22c96.gif

And ended up in Gisborne for a ice cream

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/North%20Isl%202013/DSCN1853_zps46ba65cb.gif

About this time I figured I'd had enough and there was a ferry mid/late afternoon which I could be on. I stopped taking pics and made my way to Welly without mucking around IYKWIM :whistle:
Got home after dark and fell into bed :zzzz:

The End :D

[JATZ]

Intermission :corn:


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uCEeAn6_QJo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[JATZ]

I've been meaning to check fuel usage in the brick for a while so last Sunday I mounted the gps to the bike (odo doesn't work :scratch: ) and headed of over to Golden Bay for a ride.
A quick top up of the tank and I made my way over "the hill" gently. Less pea metal than expected but I still took it easy, still getting my head around the shaft drive :wacko:
I shot through Balck (?) rd, between One Speck rd and Pupu springs rd. A nice way to avoid the hustle and bustle and traffic congestion of Takaka town

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2473_zps856b32a8.gif

At the Pupu springs end

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2476_zps109f63ad.gif

Where I had to re attach the instrument cluster......again :facepalm: But the new number plate brackets made it through :woohoo:
Then headed towards Collingwood and shot down Plain rd

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2477_zps8e4f62d8.gif

I was mildly tempted to go over the goldfields track, but, didn't want the dash completely falling off :shutup:
Here was a good place to stop.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2478_zpsad893ab3.gif

Nice river :sunny:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2480_zpsb98bd864.gif

Then I headed further up the Aorere valley, poking my nose up some side roads on the way

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2483_zpsa107b5f2.gif

Another river,

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2484_zps37c0c636.gif

there used to be a swing bridge here according to the sign, I could see where it had been :blink: before it got washed away in a flood. You can just see where it was. Musta been quite a flood :shit:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2486_zpscc52a94c.gif

A brief stop at the Naked Possum for some wedges

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2493_zps6cae97c1.gif

MMMMMMM Wedges :D

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/giphy_zps5296ebef.gif

[Padmei]

That made me laugh out loud.

Do you think we ride solo here in Nelson cos we're socially dysfunctional?

Nice river shots. Do you want me to fix up your headlite bracket properly?

[JATZ]

A couple more pics :sunny:

Bainham store

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/Bainham_zps1213db98.gif

Opening hours seem a bit hit and miss

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2492_zpsf1ec0063.gif

And I thought I'd share this

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2490_zps8c3fd6f0.gif

I made my way back toward Collingwood, snuffling round some more dead end roads

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2495_zpsbe780837.gif

Old skool crane :Punk: not sure if it's O.S.H. approved though

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2496_zps33d49509.gif

And if I decide to become a house trucker..... I think this'd fit the bill, and it's RED so must be reeeealy fast :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2499_zps7b7efff0.gif

If only it still had the lights on
It was a magic day for a ride, back over the hill. I topped up the tank when I got back..... 13.06l for 223.8k's. I'm happy with that :sunny: next time I'll try 91 to see if it makes a difference...

[Ally67]

Thats Murry McLains truck , I think he had a m/bike shop in Nelson at some stage :scratch:
Is it still for sale ?

[unstuck]

Must spread.:headbang::headbang::headbang::headbang:

[NordieBoy]

That bus is bigger than his old shop was.

[JATZ]

That bus is bigger than his old shop was.

It says..... Sleeps six :gob: some of them must be dwarves as it aint that big


Thats Murry McLains truck , I think he had a m/bike shop in Nelson at some stage :scratch:
Is it still for sale ?

:yes: Not sure it's worth 50k though :scratch: maybe that's why it's still for sale


That made me laugh out loud.

Do you think we ride solo here in Nelson cos we're socially dysfunctional?

Nice river shots. Do you want me to fix up your headlite bracket properly?

:yes: we must be socially dysfuntional.... that and I lost my ceremonial merkin so don't feel right hanging with the NADS :cry: Also I have no ties, easy just to look out the window in the a.m. (sometimes p.m.) and make a call to go ride :ride:
I've gotta do the forks this weekend, the rear is hard as f**k and the front's springy as a really really springy thing :wacko: so I'll drill and tap the old hole while I've got it in bits, that'll fix it :doobey: And it is the INSTRUMENT CLUSTER bracket that's the problem, headlights just fine :D but thanks for the offer

[NordieBoy]

And it is the INSTRUMENT CLUSTER bracket that's the problem

Bluetac is the answer.
That or Loctite.

Or a Trailtech Vapor.
Weighs 7.5kg less than the OEM cluster.

[JATZ]

Bluetac is the answer.
That or Loctite.

Or a Trailtech Vapor.
Weighs 7.5kg less than the OEM cluster.

TBH... I don't think the vapour would fit with the theme of the bike :lol: I have something else on the way :D

Anyway... I went for a ride to test out some new Bling :sunny: on the 800.
Stay tuned.....

and for your listening pleasure, while you wait....

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SveqAY9tZ24" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[NordieBoy]

Acewell do a nice range of old skool looking ones too...

[JATZ]

Acewell do a nice range of old skool looking ones too...

I thought about Acewell, they do have some nice stuff, but....... I went with something else :blip:

[NordieBoy]

I thought about Acewell, they do have some nice stuff, but....... I went with something else :blip:

A brick with a speedo drawn on in crayon?

Or is that only suitable for KLR's?

[JATZ]

Right
After an "interesting" couple of weeks the big black dog (thanks BigDog for the description, I hadn't heard that before) had gone back to his kennel and I figured some helmet time was needed. I had some new bling to try out on the 800 so a trip to have a look at some of the remotemoto routes was in order.
A quick flick through the site and I settled on some easy stuff north of Chch would suit, and the weather was looking mint for the weekend.
GPS loaded, a change of undies, and some random tunes for the trip and I set off, heading for Picton. I thought the Q.C. drive would have a bit of pea metal on it so carried on to Kaituna/Tuamarina road and into Picton. I didn't stop but carried on around Port Underwood

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2506_zps0c3842fc.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2509_zpsef79ea06.gif

A brief stop at Ocean beach for smoko :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2513_zps98a41e5a.gif

and carry on

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2517_zps257d968e.gif

Through the abundance of pea metal past Whites bay I kept loosing traction, weird :scratch: must be something wrong with the bike :D
And on toward Redwood pass

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2521_zps2bbe3e74.gif

After that it was just a grind down SH1 stopping only for gas in Kaikoura...... and to make a donation to the local :Police: donut fund :facepalm: The most annoying bit of that was watching the line of cars/trailers/trucks and a stinking, smoke belching, house bus I'd just passed, go sailing past. Never mind, I'll just have to do it all again :brick:
I shot down Waiau East rd and onto Macmillan rd for a change of pace

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2523_zps4af36be1.gif

Then through Cheviot and onto Hurunui mouth rd then onto Blyth rd, nice little back road that one :niceone:
I shot down to the beach at nappy nappy (Napenape)
Narrowly avoiding this fatso
Hey !! I could have run ewe over, silly
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2526_zps249e4e8c.gif

Anyway, here's the beach

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2527_zps7a26510a.gif

And this is how you get there

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2530_zps9060ea2e.gif

Back onto Blyth rd then Happy valley rd

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2535_zps49a9ba53.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2534_zpse2993184.gif

[JATZ]

A bit more cruising round listening to some cool tunes and I made my way Mutt Now (Motunau), there's another beach there

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2540_zpsf7df3748.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2537_zpsc56992c3.gif

Then I made my way back towards Cheviot to find some digs for the night. That sorted, it was time for something to wash the dust out of my throat and a feed :apint:
Hungry enough to eat a horse by this stage, but it wasn't on the menu so I ended up with this...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140816_193310_585_zps4ea19fa8.gif

Sorry for the crappy cell phone pic, but you get the idea :shifty:
A good day :D

[JATZ]

A brick with a speedo drawn on in crayon?

Or is that only suitable for KLR's?

Pfft... Its a BMW !! I'll use a vivid, much more classy :lol:

[JATZ]

Cracker day on the Sunday :sunny: So after a leisurely brekky (of course :D )

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140817_103431_705_zpsf782aa5d.gif

You'll have to use your imagination, but this'll give you an idea
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/smilies/200_zps8e5215e6.gif

and a short trip to St Annes lagoon I got away from Cheviot at 12, heading south for a look at Ethelton rd then onto Kaiwara road

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2541_zpsd87f7437.gif

another nice wee diversion off the main highway through rural N.Z. Then onto Eggleston and Leamington roads :ride:
Now... Hands up those who knew there was Chilean needle grass there :sherlock:, I didn't, but I do now

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2545_zpsfd385827.gif

Thanks to the power of google I bring you this... as a public service :mega:

Chilean Needle Grass \/\/\/
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/chileanneedlegrass_zpsda39fb7f.jpg

You've been warned.
It was quite busy through Leamington rd, there was 3 other bikes going the other way, musta been rush hour :lol:
I got onto Waiau west rd and found this fellah (James) on an R1200 (?)

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2546_zpsdfc239d0.gif

We had a brief chat back on the main rd and then I just had to make my way home :weep: As always it was a nice ride up the coast.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2554_zps09313007.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2552_zpsfed890ae.gif

Then over Taylors pass...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2558_zpsf2c17d6d.gif

and the last bit from Nelson was in the dark, just as well I'd stoped in Blenhiem to get another headlight bulb to replace the one that blew in Kaikoura.

Now..... Do I go for another ride to finish off the rear tyre before the Cape to Cape ? or not ?

[JATZ]

I thought about Acewell, they do have some nice stuff, but....... I went with something else :blip:

Oooooooo.... just checked the tracking number. It's in customs in Auckland :banana:

Oh yeah, the new bling I was trying out on the 800...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2520_zpsb0e6e681.gif

I think it's improved both the power aaand handling. I daren't stick the other one on, not sure I could handle it then :D


Cheers Rmoto :niceone:

[dino3310]

:laugh: got my one on the screen, will be interesting to see how much faster my pig will go when its back on the road:wings:


you got some pretty grouse photos there bro....

how come ECAN dont just nuke that needle grass

[Grashopper]

Was great fun reading through your 'chit chat' and looking at all these beautiful pics (yes, even the food pics lol). It really does result in itchy feet though (and I'm feeling a wee bit hungry now...). I'm looking forward to Christmas when me and my bike are heading south.

So, thanks for all the laughs. I looking forward to read more :)

[RMOTO]

I think it's improved both the power aaand handling. I daren't stick the other one on, not sure I could handle it then :D

Cheers Rmoto :niceone:

Nice! That is officially the first photo posted of a RemoteMoto sticker. That's surely got to be eligible for something... stay tuned...


:laugh: got my one on the screen, will be interesting to see how much faster my pig will go when its back on the road:wings:

To be honest I did not complete my diploma in advanced physics however with a quick calculation I believe I can safely hypothesize a RemoteMoto sticker attached to your pig will increase the top speed to 273.8 kmph. I will have to run further calculations to determine top speeds for your emu and your donkey :p

[dino3310]

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: :lol:

[Gremlin]

You make good reading :2thumbsup


Anyone else find that kb pages take forevever to load with a pic heavy thread? Is it because the pages are so long? What determines the page length? Would be good to have a page break option.
Speed of the page loading will obviously depend on the speed of your internet connection and how many pics there are on the page, plus how big those pics are. As the page loads, the server trots off to get your pics from photobucket (or anywhere someone has put them).

In your profile you can adjust the number of posts you want to see per page, default is 15, I have it on 20.

[unstuck]

Bloody good stuff Jatz. :2thumbsup

[NordieBoy]

You make good reading :2thumbsup


Speed of the page loading will obviously depend on the speed of your internet connection and how many pics there are on the page, plus how big those pics are. As the page loads, the server trots off to get your pics from photobucket (or anywhere someone has put them).

In your profile you can adjust the number of posts you want to see per page, default is 15, I have it on 20.

You lost him at "obviously" :facepalm:

[JATZ]

Was great fun reading through your 'chit chat' and looking at all these beautiful pics (yes, even the food pics lol). It really does result in itchy feet though (and I'm feeling a wee bit hungry now...). I'm looking forward to Christmas when me and my bike are heading south.

So, thanks for all the laughs. I looking forward to read more :)

I'll try to oblige :D Happy to have you along for the ride


Nice! That is officially the first photo posted of a RemoteMoto sticker. That's surely got to be eligible for something... stay tuned...

Ooooooo..... A bonus :niceone: I like bonuses :sunny:



To be honest I did not complete my diploma in advanced physics however with a quick calculation I believe I can safely hypothesize a RemoteMoto sticker attached to your pig will increase the top speed to 273.8 kmph. I will have to run further calculations to determine top speeds for your emu and your donkey :p

That'd be down hill with a tail wind :Pokey:

[JATZ]

You make good reading :2thumbsup

Thanks, I'm glad someones reading


Bloody good stuff Jatz. :2thumbsup

As above :D
On another note... I sent my C.V. to fuckknuckle ltd in Winton, it came back :gob:..... with "which one" written on it :D



You lost him at "obviously" :facepalm:

:rofl: Padders lost ? ...never

[unstuck]

As above :D
On another note... I sent my C.V. to fuckknuckle ltd in Winton, it came back :gob:..... with "which one" written on it :D

Starts with southern, ends with excavating and has a trenching in the middle.:whistle:
They be busy with lawyers at the moment me thinks.:innocent:

[JATZ]

Well... that was interesting :D
I've been procrastinating (crickey, thats a big word :D) over the wiring up of the new speedo on the brick, so figured I'd do some riding around down the coast way, just to put it off for a bit longer :blink:
Once again I'd been cruising round the RemoteMoto site and figured out a route, sort of, I'd made it all one big route on mapsource :facepalm: and felt ready to go.
Saturday dawned nice and sunnyish, so after checking tyres (yip, 2 of :yes: ) oil (check) and making sure all systems were go I set off :ride:
As always it was a nice ride down to Murch and through the Buller gorge :sunny: excuse the dodgy pic, but I didn't know the lens was grubby

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2580_zpsbf79410f.gif

Then down to Reefton, where I was feeling a little parched, time for a brew :niceone:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2581_zps636d59e1.gif

Then down to Greymouth. I could've sat on the beach for ages, just soaking it up :yes: It was one of those days.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2582_zpsdd67d498.gif

But No!!, I had places to be....
I cruised down to Kumara and went up the Kumara/Inchbonnie rd and ended up at Mitchells, on the shores of Lake Brunner

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2584_zps54d5a2f9.gif

Then.... and this is where my plan started to unravell :brick:
I backtracked to what mapsource had said was No Name rd, which is where I wanted to be :D I found the turnoff, but it looked a bit dodgy :wacko: Never mind, I'll trust the gps
It said to go through here, I waded through first, just to check it out. Not to many big rocks, a little slippery though.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2585_zps7e75c022.gif

The track was supposed to be a grade 2 :gob:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2586_zps5e77e4f3.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2589_zpsff764da9.gif

I'd forgotten what a heavy bike it is :whistle:
After another slimy river crossing, my sense of adventure said he'd meet me back in Greymouth.
Time to take stock of the situation, a cuppa always helps :D

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2588_zps06a4db9a.gif

I wandered up the riverbed/track a wee way and thought about it some more, considering no one knew where I was and it was getting lateish I figured it was best to go back :cry:
It turns out I was on Blackwater creek track (grade 4) Apparently mapsource thought it was still No Name rd :Oops: That'll teach me to try and be a smart bastard. I didn't mean those things I said Rmoto :o
Any way... I backtracked back to Greymouth and picked up my mutinous sense of adventure and headed for Ahaura and the Ahaura/Kopara rd.
Apparently there's a hut up there, by a river, you get to it on a grade 2 track :D I had a sense of dread :shit:
This is the Ahaura/Kopara rd

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2591_zpsf6b75529.gif

I located the turn off to the hut, running on instinct here, I'd had cross words with the gps :angry:
It turns out it was all good though :niceone: it was a nice wee track

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2604_zps4a2a343d.gif

Had a brief chat to a couple of hunters there and settled in with a reasonable merlot and something hearty for tea :niceone:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2595_zps32b6477d.gif

[Gremlin]

Haha, I think most of us have had some interesting discussions with our GPS. Sometimes I've ignored it and had a big win... sometimes it's been at my peril <_<

Are you using a Garmin? Open Source Maps? Do you even know what I'm talking about? :confused: You can feed tracks back to the mappers to help improve accuracy if so...

[JATZ]

After a restless night, wondering what had gone wrong the previous day :confused: listening to the livestock in the ceiling, Feeling cold, but not wanting to put my riding gear on cause I'd lose my pillow, and agonising over this...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2612_zps7d3f4c85.gif

Who was De Filippi ? Where did he/she come from ? where did he/she go ? and how come they get a creek named after them ? I think I may have some OCD :blink:

Anyway.... It was another stunning morning. This is the view from the hut

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2596_zpsc611be33.gif

And here's the hut...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2600_zps6ec1fc36.gif

It was a slow start to the day, I was busy soaking up the atmosphere :banana:
I eventually saddled up and headed back towards Greymouth, turning off at Stillwater and then making my way up the coast, mindfull of riding economically.
Always a good ride up that bit of coast. Here's a sample of the playlist I was listening to while swooping round the bends :sunny:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8NqbhygoDSA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The weather looked a bit dodgy, further up towards Westport

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2606_zps312961f1.gif

But the sun was shining in my heart.
I thought this was pretty cool

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2611_zps33b7919a.gif

I got to W/port and naturally had to have some breakfast :D Something light, I was still processing all that steak from the night before

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140907_114954_810_zps4daae06d.gif

Then it was just a drag to get home, through the gorge :Punk: and a wee detour round Hinehaka rd just south of Murch (thats another name thats always intrigued me), then over the Braeburn track

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2614_zpsc279c033.gif

Where this caught my eye, I've added a couple of little details just to make it more interesting :D

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2613_zpsbb99bc4d.gif

Was a cool ride through Sherry river, Sunday creek rd etc to finish the trip.
Now it's back to pondering the wiring of the Brick :eek5: .... think I'll have a cuppa :D

Cheers.

[JATZ]

Haha, I think most of us have had some interesting discussions with our GPS. Sometimes I've ignored it and had a big win... sometimes it's been at my peril <_<

Are you using a Garmin? Open Source Maps? Do you even know what I'm talking about? :confused: You can feed tracks back to the mappers to help improve accuracy if so...

Yip. Using a garmin 76 with Open Source maps installed, also using Open Source maps in mapsource.
I think Open Source maps treats the Blackwater creek as part of No Name rd. Least that's what I've deduced :sherlock:

I think I need to go to Chch to get the bike serviced in less than 700k's, I might need to take the long way home and just check it out :o

[Gremlin]

The GPS will sometimes have a tendancy to show you on a nearby road, but your track should be accurate, and you can submit via the forum, telling them it's single track, low priority, and then it's there for the rest of us to come blundering through :laugh:

[JATZ]

The GPS will sometimes have a tendancy to show you on a nearby road, but your track should be accurate, and you can submit via the forum, telling them it's single track, low priority, and then it's there for the rest of us to come blundering through :laugh:

I think I'll leave submitting updates to someone who has a clue.:blip:
I'll download the routes from RemoteMoto and have another crack at it. I trust Josh's research and track logging, although I think one of the tracks on his site has big rocks across the entrance.
Be a good excuse for a ride anyway....

[Maha]

What a fantastic and visually satisfying thread, the Lake Hauroko photo in post #4 is brilliant.

[JATZ]

What a fantastic and visually satisfying thread, the Lake Hauroko photo in post #4 is brilliant.

Glad you like it *takes a bow*

Also...
from Wiki..
Filippo de Filippi (April 20, 1814 – February 9, 1867) was an Italian doctor, traveler and zoologist.
I don't think so :no:
Or...
Maria De Filippi (born 5 December 1961) is an Italian television host.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/Maria-De-Filippi-3_zpsacf6d6ce.jpg

I'd like to think so :D, but probably not

[JATZ]

Bit more digging....
I think I got it :D
http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-NHSJ05_02-t1-body1-d12-d1.html

From the web page...
Stefano, son of Domincio de Filippi and Maria Qudria, was born in Vervio, Lombardy in 1839. Very little is known of his early life, but it seems he followed his father into farming, and also served an apprenticeship as a stonemason. It may have been the lure of gold which drew him to the Southern Hemisphere for, in 1861, he was in Melbourne and later Sydney, finally arriving in Nelson in 1862.

Told ya's I was suffering from some form of OCD :D
I'll sleep well tonight

[Aslan]

Just popped in here - having just got back from Aus - love your write up of this weekends adventure - Cheers S:niceone:

[Padmei]

"But the sun was shining in my heart"
Someone must be cutting onions round here cos I'm tearing up... sniff...

wonderful report Jatz. Cut & paste to Advrider RRs.

[XF650]

Neat ride James.
GPS or not, it's not uncommon to wander off route or go in circles in that No Name area. Great riding though, so it just adds to the flavour.

[NordieBoy]

You two have such a way with wurds.

[unstuck]

Brilliant, got some good memories of that area, and hope to have a few more the week before the greymouth races.:niceone:

[JATZ]

Just popped in here - having just got back from Aus - love your write up of this weekends adventure - Cheers S:niceone:
Thanks Aslan/Oaters/S :niceone:


"But the sun was shining in my heart"
Someone must be cutting onions round here cos I'm tearing up... sniff...

wonderful report Jatz. Cut & paste to Advrider RRs.
I may stick a link in the Kiwi RR thread :scratch:
I'm glad you liked that line.


Neat ride James.
GPS or not, it's not uncommon to wander off route or go in circles in that No Name area. Great riding though, so it just adds to the flavour.
Yeah, there's a few tracks that need investigating, I have the correct route I should've taken on the p.c. now. I reakon you should take the little car over there :yes:
I almost stopped the other week when I saw your ute/trailer parked in Renwick, but figured you were busy

You two have such a way with wurds.
Thank ewe kynd sir

Brilliant, got some good memories of that area, and hope to have a few more the week before the greymouth races.:niceone:
Damn... street races. It's been a couple of years since I went there last. I nearly got there year before last, but took a wrong turn and ended up in Kurow :facepalm:

[JATZ]

Dual porpoise.... :facepalm:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140831_141624_882_zps33219db1.gif

[NordieBoy]

:facepalm: Indeed...

[unstuck]

Dual porpoise.... :facepalm:



I will have an O of whatever it is that you are smoking.:drool:

[JATZ]

Seeing as how there's not a lot happening in here, besides Nordie playing with his pushy, I figured it was time for something bike related :D...


Today I figured, seeing as how it was too windy to go floundering I thought I better see if the bike went any better after the service. It does :yes:
A quick fang up Takaka hill to have a look at this

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140924_181028_793_zps10ddede3.gif

Soundtrack provided by

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/22rzW5eZFUM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

cause I was a bit late and needed to shuffle along :whistle:

And have one of these

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20140924_180816_801_zps9c519785.gif

[Moi]

And have one of these



That is a nifty wee burner - proper coffee from now on, yes?

Saw a copper Thermette for sale on TradeMe recently - something over $200! - but was a really nice bit of kit - too big for a bike but would be so nice to own - Mum always said tea made from water boiled in a Thermette was "a nice cup!"

[JATZ]

It's a nice little cooker, had it for a while now, it fits nicely into my billy. Had the percolator for a while now too, should make more use of it.
That pic was a wee nod to you Moi after your comment elsewhere :D

[cds CBR]

Thanks for the Read, has made a day that is normally filled with dumb ass meetings a lot more bearable. :woohoo:

[JATZ]

:woohoo: :Punk:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2617_zps915ddfbb.gif

Maybe a little bit of this too http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/smilies/rilla.gif

[JATZ]

Well that was a long wait...
I'd been umming and ahhhing over panniers for a while and finally bit the bullet on what MoskoMoto had to offer.This is them >> http://www.moskomoto.com/gear.html
That was Aug 12 :rolleyes: I knew there would be a bit of a wait as they hadn't even started making them by that stage. Never mind, They'll get here.:wait:
Scroll forward... Sept 15, I'd been following their blog >> http://moskoblog.wordpress.com/ and knew the bags were under construction and being assembled, I fired off an email to let them know I was planning a trip in Oct and would really like to use their product :yes:
Sept 16 I received an email with a pic of a packing slip and tracking number :headbang: Outstanding service from a brand new company. Most impressed
Anyway... Customs had to clip the ticket when they came through last week :( but that's o.k. then this morning at smoko I looked like this guy >:mobile:
Ted was on the phone, I have no idea who Ted is but he'd found a box on Neudorf rd with my name, phone number on it :gob: I duly went and picked it up from his place ( I waited till just before lunch :blink: )
Inside the box was one of these

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2618_zpsc9375252.gif

Awsome, I wont have to use my teeth to get into tins now :shifty:
And some of these

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2619_zps4670f6e2.gif

The plastic bits :D which took a couple of minuts to install, and then.... These bits attach to them

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2622_zps6163b897.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2623_zps4151b286.gif

I didn't have enough washing lying around to load up both, but you get the idea :blip:
Seems like a really well made product, designed by Adv bikers with input from other bikers. Finish is excellent and some of the features make a nice touch. I'm a happy punter tonight :sunny:

Now, where to test them ? and when ?
And do I send NZ post a nasty email, give them a bollocking over the phone ? or tell them I haven't received the package and let them sort it out :bash: I'm leaning toward the last option :yeah:

[Box'a'bits]

Bugger. I'm still waiting...

[Waipukbiker]

Who makes the rear carrier and frame mate?

[Waihou Thumper]

or tell them I haven't received the package and let them sort it out :bash: I'm leaning toward the last option :yeah:

But.....but.....ain't that dishonest? :whistle:
Nice panniers and bags, I still prefer less girth as the last girlfriend told me...:)
More reason now to carry more and more.....Now instead of a little coffee mill/plunger you can take the whole cafe with you...:)

[Moi]

Now instead of a little coffee mill/plunger you can take the whole cafe with you...:)


You mean something like this?

[NordieBoy]

Pinged for customs or duty? Motorbike parts are generally duty free...

[JATZ]

Bugger. I'm still waiting...

:bleh: But it's worth the wait, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
You can look (no touching though :msn-wink:) at mine if yours haven't turned up by Labour w/end. Thanks for putting me onto them.


Who makes the rear carrier and frame mate?

That'd be the other go-to guys I use.... Touratech :niceone:


But.....but.....ain't that dishonest? :whistle:
Nice panniers and bags, I still prefer less girth as the last girlfriend told me...:)
More reason now to carry more and more.....Now instead of a little coffee mill/plunger you can take the whole cafe with you...:)


Yeah... I've been struggling with it a bit, but I figure if I utter a few hail marys and bow to the sun at the crack of dawn I should be sweet :D
It's just as well there's plenty of compression straps, means I don't have to fill em up too much. But the option is there if I need to carry excess crap I don't need and will never use.:lol:
I trust things are going well for you mate :sunny:


You mean something like this?

:headbang: I reckon I could tow that :blink:


Pinged for customs or duty? Motorbike parts are generally duty free...

GST + Import transaction fee (+gst) + Biosecurity levy (+gst) :facepalm: But that's o.k.... I probably should have bought them off the local supplier and done the economy a favour.... oh... hang on :scratch: ....

[Box'a'bits]

Got the bags today. Never had any tracking nos or other confirmation. They just turned up. Got thru customs unscathed too...:clap:. Very pleased with them. The material is much more heavy duty than I thought they'd be.

[JATZ]

Got the bags today. Never had any tracking nos or other confirmation. They just turned up. Got thru customs unscathed too...:clap:. Very pleased with them. The material is much more heavy duty than I thought they'd be.

That was my initial impression. It should soften with time I guess ?
Weather looks a bit dodgy this w/end... I think I'll go see if they're waterproof :ride:

[JATZ]

Stunning views today....... :rolleyes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2641_zps2c82225a.gif

[mossy1200]

Stunning views today....... :rolleyes:



Arnt you ment to be at home building a bike?

Leave it at mine and ill build it a bit.

[Moi]

Stunning views today....... :rolleyes:

Bit damp round the edges...

So our afternoon drinking a shiraz and eating interesting cheeses to celebrate the young-fella-from-next-door's PhD was a good choice...

[JATZ]

Arnt you ment to be at home building a bike?

Leave it at mine and ill build it a bit.
Yeah..... Naah....
I'm going to stop calling it "the brick" and call it "the cheese" from now on, cause it's going to take a while :D

[unstuck]

Looks like a good spot to pick some herbs.:innocent:

[snodpete]

I've been looking at those Backcountry bags too JATZ - looks like they sit pretty high in your pic?

BTW, in an email to Moskomoto they mentioned their flat-rate $100 freight charge to NZ 'may' be the same for more than one set of bags; so anyone else in top-of-the-south island interested PM and we could bulk order ;)

[Box'a'bits]

It's just the way that Jatz has set up the 'wedge' & how much he compressed the rolltop. Here's mine

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QdXaUmCUhZw/VC-rHwaXIxI/AAAAAAAAScE/yq5S1vQ094E/s640/P1020274.JPG

[Waipukbiker]

The wee bag on the tank, is that from the same supplier? And how is it held on to the tank? Love the look of the panniers.

Cheers.

[Box'a'bits]

The wee bag on the tank, is that from the same supplier? And how is it held on to the tank? Love the look of the panniers.

Cheers.
Its a Kriega US-5. Great for use as a store for wallet, hat, camera etc. It's bolted onto the tank via the straps that go around the bag, using fittings HPN originally put in for a rally documentation folder. Its small enough that it doesn't get in the way when I'm moving round on the pegs. The US-10 on the back has tubes, pump, first aid kit, jacket inners etc. Both very nice bits of kit. Here's the aus distributors website (http://www.kriega.com.au/)

There'll be 3 sets of Mosko Moto 35l Expedition panniers at the 'Cape to Cape' labour weekend. Phreaky Phil has had his tax grab notice, so I expect he'll get them in the next few days

Here's the webiste for Mosko Moto (http://www.moskomoto.com/). At this stage they aren't selling via retailers. Interesting site to trawl thru

[JATZ]

Some more pics....
After packing up the bags unsuccessfully and poking my nose out the door to see a bit of low snow lying around I hit the road on Sat. morning :ride:
A nice ride up the Mot valley, with a reasonable dump of white stuff as a backdrop :cold:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2624_zpsb0384d9d.gif

Then on to the Dry Weather rd from Tapawera to avoid the Glenhope saddle. No pics here, but it was sleeting on the top of the road when I stopped. One of these days I'll get round to getting another heated grip for the left hand side :eek5:
Then down to Murch to wrap my frozen fingers round a pie and a cuppa. It was raining pretty hard by this stage, and I was wondering why I wasn't home in bed :scratch:
Followed by a run through the Gorge and down to Reefton, again... Temps hadn't risen above 6deg :gob: but at least it wasn't icey :2thumbsup
I headed into Jims hut again, simply because I knew where it was and the temps had hit double figures by this stage.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2629_zps553d123c.gif

It was a bit moar weterer this time :eek5:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2633_zps13379390.gif

The following day I figured it was time to find the roads I couldn't find last time.... I did :banana:
This is Cape terrace rd :weep:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2636_zps513b1f48.gif

Yes I probably could've got around the gate, but there wasn't much room for error and the ditch looked pretty deep :blink: I must be getting soft in my old age.
I figure the economic downturn on the coast must be starting to bite when you see signs like this on the road side

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2638_zps388eab4a.gif

Rockstar economy my arse.... Hope theyre house trained and he gets a good price for them :yes:
Mooving right along...
I went passed Shantytown and made my way up Maori Gully rd. Following the little purple line on the GPS.
By this stage it was really chucking it down so I didn't take many pics, and those I did take are a little "washed out", a bit like how I felt.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2639_zpsdb2cfe32.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2644_zpsaee88fba.gif

A nice little track that seemed to go up and up and up, the view from the top is posted on the other page. It was a little bumpy/loose/soft in places, but cool none the less :ride:
Then it went down down down, and through these trees

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2648_zps5231e134.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2649_zps2ed3420f.gif

Then I popped out back on the main rd at Stillwater. A quick squirt back towards Reefton and I decided to pop into Waiuta for a brew, haven't been there in years. No pics here as they're all a bit more washed out...
Except this one..... I thought it was a cool sign, certainly eye catching :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2660_zpsf7012974.gif

Then back through the gorge in more rain.... with a bit of wind thrown in just to keep thing interesting :blink:
The bags performed great, didn't get ripped off by the shrubbery and kept things dry, now I just need to learn to pack them properly with even weight distribution :facepalm:

[JATZ]

Looks like a good spot to pick some herbs.:innocent:

....:doobey:


I've been looking at those Backcountry bags too JATZ - looks like they sit pretty high in your pic?

BTW, in an email to Moskomoto they mentioned their flat-rate $100 freight charge to NZ 'may' be the same for more than one set of bags; so anyone else in top-of-the-south island interested PM and we could bulk order ;)

I think the price for postage was pretty reasonable, It's quite a big box and there wasn't any room to spare. I'm pretty certain the actual cost of freight is more than the quoted price.
I can't get the wedges to sit any lower with the racks installed, but I'm happy with the height, they're lower than the tail rack when fully strapped down and compressed.
I haven't looked to see what they cost, but IMHO it's money well spent. And they look the shiz on the GS :yes: :woohoo:

[mossy1200]

Ok you have had your fun now.

Time to return home and build your k100 already.

Now I want to do a road trip.

[Moi]

That Maori Gully Rd - now that's a proper forest road...

[Woodman]

Did you think you were riding in a maze while on maori gulley road? it just seems to meander all over the show. Been in their a coupla times and still wonder how the hell I found me way out. Good way to bypass greymouth.

Cheers for the writeup.

[HandyAndy]

NIIIIICE, thanx for the posts Jatz......if ever I was doubting to get another bike here in NZ(which I never was).......this would have taken the doubt away quick and easy.:laugh:

Can't wait to get my butt on a bike and start exploring :msn-wink:

[JATZ]

Just testing.... Don't panic I'm still at home :D
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/10/07/mu3yse3a.jpg
I think I can now upload things while tiki touring....ain't technology great ??

Sent from my ZTE R83 using Tapatalk

[unstuck]

Will be through there myself in a couple of weeks, looks damp. Keep up the good work dude.:Punk::Punk:

[JATZ]

Here we go again..... :Dhttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/10/23/zuhe9eje.jpg

Sent from my ZTE R83 using Tapatalk

[That looks like fun]

Oi wonder where he's offta :scratch:

[unstuck]

The dudes a Gypsy.:2thumbsup

[JATZ]

Somewhere near Rotorua.... http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/10/26/juzubesa.jpg

Sent from my ZTE R83 using Tapatalk

[NordieBoy]

The dudes a Gypsy.:2thumbsup

Dude has a pig along for the ride...


Typical, been waiting years to take Bacon for a hoon and I'm away when he's here. .

[Waihou Thumper]

Somewhere near Rotorua....


That looks like Leslie Road - Cecil Road?

[JATZ]

Not sure exactly W.T. I'll have a look at a map later.
Now...? What's the best way to leave Auckland ? Besides taking one of these
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/27/ca3ef6af3e197b6723c50e9aca8b7e72.jpg
Me and bacon would like to head down the west coast sort of. Any suggestions welcome :D
Bear in mind I could get lost on the nullabor,

[Aslan]

James - conscious it's several hours since you posted your Q

My advice would be get out toward the West Coast - Raglan, Kawhia aiming for Awakino then take in Kiwi Road and out at Urenui

Check a map - I think you're old school

Hope this helps - ride safe Cheers Oaters aka Aslan

PS as you get further South - assuming you're heading toward Wanganui - turn in at Kaiiwi and take the road that comes out at Aramoho (spelling)

[Moi]

Was going to suggest much the same - you can't go too wrong cause if you do you get wet - either Tasman wet or Waikato wet...

some of the roads in from the Forgotten World highway that head up towards the coast are worth exploring...

Cheers

[JATZ]

Thanks Oaters / Moi. I did a route similar to your suggestion Oaters on the 350 a few years ago.
Looks like another crap day in Auckland so I'll have a look at a MAP and work something out.
Ooooooo.... Thunder aaaand lightning. I'm off to hide under the bed http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/28/5cb1a3ec5286b4ac5969097dbf7e7df1.jpg

[Moi]

Ooooooo.... Thunder aaaand lightning. I'm off to hide under the bed http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/28/5cb1a3ec5286b4ac5969097dbf7e7df1.jpg

What are you made of??

[Padmei]

Sunny & about 30 degrees down here at the mo, the smell of a bbq & gentle Hawaiian music wafting on the breeze...

[NordieBoy]

Is that a swimming pool, or readylawn?

[NordieBoy]

Sunny & about 30 degrees down here at the mo, the smell of a bbq & gentle Hawaiian music wafting on the breeze...

Sunny and raining and sunny and raining here...

[JATZ]

What are you made of??
Icing sugar :innocent:


Is that a swimming pool, or readylawn?
If the pool was that colour, questions would have to be asked about the maintenance schedule...

Should be a good exit tomorrow, need to leave early to beat the bridge traffic though :D

[Woodman]

Icing sugar :innocent:


If the pool was that colour, questions would have to be asked about the maintenance schedule...

Should be a good exit tomorrow, need to leave early to beat the bridge traffic though :D

Will you fit on the bridge?:shutup:

[Logmaker]

Icing sugar :innocent:


If the pool was that colour, questions would have to be asked about the maintenance schedule...

Should be a good exit tomorrow, need to leave early to beat the bridge traffic though :D

Hey James have you still got those Givi side racks for DR650 ? Cheers M .

[MXNUT]

Will you fit on the bridge?:shutup:

With a pilot vehicle in front he should be fine.:bash:

[JATZ]

With a pilot vehicle in front he should be fine.:bash:


Will you fit on the bridge?:shutup:

Bastards :bleh:

Kawhia's lovely this time of year :D
Sorry M. They went with the DR

[JATZ]

I figured it was about time I started this ...
I'd heard rumors of a Cape to Cape ride being put together by a couple of the lads from the Naki and despite rumors of there being a distinct lack of coffee stops I figured I'd best go check it out :wings: and maybe catch up with family while I was in the same island, also checking on the bickie tin status in Katikat was near the top of the agenda :yes:
I'd been saving for a wee while

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2662_zpsce7a105c.gif

so after loading up I headed for Picton. While gassing up in Havelock I started chatting to a guy on a 1150, he seemed alright and was heading for Picton too, so we rode through Queen Charlotte dr. together.
Nice day for a ride :sunny:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2664_zpsb861f685.gif

We stopped at the lookout overlooking Picton to discuss tyres, bikes, oils and power bands, and it turns out he knows about Kiwibiker :wavey: Hospitalfood. He should've used the secret wave.
He had a white ferry to catch and I had some stuff to drop off to a decidedly dodgy character in Picton, I got a free beer though, so it was all good :apint:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2666_zps050705b8.gif

Then it was my turn to hop on a Blue ferry...
Pffffttt Amateurs

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2667_zps452b2102.gif

I was just waking up from my first nap by the time they'd finished :yawn:
It was a beaut day for a trip across the strait

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2669_zpsc72855df.gif

After heading for the Hutt I made my way over the Old Haywards rd, I think :o I poked my nose up Cecil rd, but it looked ummmm not really inviting at this stage of the day. I made a quick call to Aslan and he confirmed it wasn't somewhere I should be going just now :sweatdrop
So I figured I just keep heading North until it was time to stop :ride: .....Levin :blink:
Nothing remarkable there except for the complimentary muffin at the place I stayed. Also... dont park under the tree outside Subway for any length of time. Birds roost in it, birds who must've been eating good curry or strong laxatives :facepalm:
Aaaanyway...
I had to get to New Plymouth the next day, so after a hearty brekky I headed off through Shannon. The day wasn't looking to flash at this point

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2672_zps161e6e78.gif

And made my way up towards North Range road. Hmmmm, rain, wind and a 4wd track along a ridge :no: I really am getting soft.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2674_zpsc7f3a7b9.gif

Nevermind, head for wHanganui :ride: a brief stop, and I made my way through Aramoho and up Kauarapaoa rd, a nice little diversion off the main rd.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2675_zpsee7e6ac3.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2678_zpsec94ca0e.gif

I really do like this road, plenty of wildlife, with parakeets in the trees and goats scuttling into the undergrowth, and a couple of fallow deer

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2682_zpsbdf7ab33.gif

I was a mite to slow to get a pic of the deer :shifty: But I thought these were worthy of a pic, impressive set of horns :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2687_zps27ea27d9.gif

Anyway... the day wasn't getting any better weather wise

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2684_zpsea4fbe0b.gif

So I flicked on the heated grip and trundled off to New Plymouth and something to drink :woohoo:

[JATZ]

Caution !! Lots of pics to follow :D

Saturday morning duly arrived and I set of earlyish to make the rendezvous at Cape Egmont for the ride. I wasn't first, but wasn't last as well :woohoo:
Pretty soon everyone was there...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2696_zpsd963b3f7.gif

and I picked up a companion/navigator... Meet BACON !! :2thumbsup

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2697_zps31232da4.gif

He left Melbourne around 7 yrs ago and he's been travelling the globe ever since. Full story here >> http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=287919 I hope we get on :scratch:
Looks like UmoPom is having concerns about his bike, should be more worried about the GPS.
The day started with a really nice ride around some twisty seal part way up the mountain. Then it was into Egmont village for gas.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2698_zps933cc2df.gif

Followed by some some more seal and a bit of gravel through to Whangamomona and the forgotten highway. We managed to get past a couple of other riders here, they were having breakfast/smoko in the pub. Bacon and I cruised on following a random selection of roads. Here's part of Opotiki rd, which happens to be no where near Opotiki :scratch:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2705_zpsa5ff3ae3.gif

We had a little trouble here with the end of one track/route and selecting which one was next. Pretty soon we were joined by another rider, the one we went past going the other way earlier :wacko: Pretty soon Rosie showed up who actually knows how to use one of these devil box's, and we set off again up Ongarue Waimiha rd. and some more back roads.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2715_zps9849e63f.gif

We went through Pureora forest somehow, going to the geographic centre of the North Isl.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2717_zps0531e8d2.gif

Then made or way to Whakamaru village and a Veeeery late lunch stop...It's a long way between coffee stops :brick: Very unsociable

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2721_zps73fb82ef.gif

The others were just finishing theirs so it was a rather quick stop before we followed along. Once again I'm not sure exactly where we went but figured we were on the right track, so long as we kept Boxabits in sight sort of :blink: This was somewhere between Whakamaru village and Rotorua :scratch:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20141025_160527_084_zpsc03ccd0b.gif

We saw Boxabits parked up next to a lake so figured I stop too and take a pic

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2729_zps86447965.gif

We soon saddled up and headed along the purple line (refered to as the p.l. from here:D ) on the screen, pretty soon I hung a right, following the line :crazy: and lost B.B.
We waited here, ready to get a shot of him with a knee down on the super tanker, definitely pic of the week material, sadly, his purple line differed to mine and he never showed

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2730_zps8c1ce0cf.gif

Nevermind, we were getting along o.k. and developing a certain sense of trust, so we carried on. Through more cool, flowing forestry roads. All was good with the world :sunny:
Then..... as we made to go left at a fork in the road, following the p.l. we were waved down by a couple of o.a.p's in a willys jeep who said "Dont go that way, the other bikes went that way" pointing to the right :eek5: I explained about the p.l., Bacon just shrugged so we went right.
We ended up at lake Rotoehu, a bit confused about where to go next, Bacon did his best to figure it out

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2731_zps997e0e20.gif

But I made an executive decision to hit the seal and head for Kawerau and our digs for the night, although I didn't really know where they were :scratch:
It's all good though, I ran into another couple of riders as we were heading in the wrong direction and got where we needed to be :D

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20141025_183946_683_zps23d61d70.gif

A fine Indian meal followed and some interesting taxi service :2thumbsup

[Moi]

A reason to ride is to go from one coffee to the next, especially if a sticky bun is involved...

This trip, so far, looks a lot of fun - do you think a road bike could do it, provided taken quietly where necessary?

[awa355]

Am enjoying the report. The back roads are giving me some ideas for future rides.

[JATZ]

Sunday...
After packing up and fueling up we all sortof headed for Opotiki and breakfast, taking in some more back roads, gravel, Stanly rd, Gabriels gully and Crooked roads. I do have a map of it and I'll upload it once I figure out how to :brick:
I'm pretty sure this is Stanley rd... :scratch: Horrible rolly gravel :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2734_zpsafd82ff2.gif

Breakfast in Opotiki

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Then it was into the Motu

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http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2739_zps3a13e8a5.gif

I took Bacon for the short walk up to the trig to show him White island, but we couldn't see it

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2743_zpse5313f60.gif

Nevermind... We saddled up and carried on through the Motu and onto Whakarau rd, which seemed to go on and on and on and on. Nice day for it though :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2745_zps30dff6b3.gif

Windy spur was windy...

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I still saw BB occasionally

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2746_zps3beb37fc.gif

Bacon poked his snout out of his hiding place when we came to a stop.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2750_zpse725bab1.gif

I don't know what he was doing in there but everything had been moved when I got into it.:blink:
On to Te Karara for some gas and to pick up a couple of others who's devil box's had stopped working. and we Carried on up Waimata vly rd (?) I was leading 'cause my p.l. seemed to be behaving it's self and BB was bringing up the rear incase thing went pear shaped.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2752_zps46cdd711.gif

Some more cool forestry roads

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2757_zpsb8904284.gif

with a brief stop for lunch

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And we carried on some more. We lost BB somewhere and ended up going further than expected on Mata rd, it was no great hardship :D Stopped briefly to discuss things where someone couldn't help themselves

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A discussion followed where p.l.'s were consulted and the lack of BB was mentioned. I was in the lead and had a functioning GPS so I won :facepalm:
More cool roads and views

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2768_zps703fcd32.gif

then I realized the GPS was telling me to make a U turn.:angry2: Time to look at a MAP (old skool rules :D ) we sorted out an alternative route which turned out to be an awsome ride along Ihunga rd with some unique shrubbery which I had to point out to Woodman :whistle:
The Naki boys ride had turned into a NADS ride (with less gorse) We got back onto the main rd and headed for the Cape. Woodman decided to go into Ruatoria so UmoPom and me left him to it and carried on
Running into some of the others as they were coming back.

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Made it :woohoo:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2772_zps273a559f.gif

It was decided a walk up to the lighthouse was in order, some weren't keen, but made the effort anyway

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2774_zps31932f57.gif

The views were worth it

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2777_zps2e79a664.gif

And Bacon had to get in on the act

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2775_zpseaa0ff4b.gif

The other 2 took off when we got back down and left me to get organised, another pic, just cause I can

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2780_zpsb2627004.gif

I felt something tugging at my leg on the way back and wondered what it was.... It was this :shit:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2781_zpsecd3e543.gif

I gently made my way to Hicks bay, intending to pitch the tent and dine on cheese and crackers, but I was ambushed by the motel there with a soft bed, steak meal and cold drink, and the company of most of the other riders.

So that was the cape to cape ride. Excellent route, Good company, Mint riding. Thanks to the organizers :sunny:

Next day was just a ride to Auckland.... Airhawk on, headphones in, and ride, nothing special. I did manage to check on the status of the bickie tin in Katikat (still empty :facepalm: ) but the bacon sammies were damn good and I picked up a couple of avocados to give to lil sis for her birthday :D
Also...Holiday traffic sux

[JATZ]

A reason to ride is to go from one coffee to the next, especially if a sticky bun is involved...

This trip, so far, looks a lot of fun - do you think a road bike could do it, provided taken quietly where necessary?

Yip :yes: They're just gravel roads, if your comfortable with that you'll be fine. If your not comfortable with it, do it anyway and you soon will be


Am enjoying the report. The back roads are giving me some ideas for future rides.
GPS route over here >> http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1013975

[Woodman]

Great work, and yes that tree you "rode over to":innocent: was very nice wasn't it.

[JATZ]

Auckland.... I honestly don't know how you guys up there do it. I was half contemplating moving back there, but I went out on the Tues morning and hated it :brick: I couldn't cope with living there.
I took Bacon for a walk in the avo, between showers. We strolled along the beach and up North Head.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2792_zps4a4d0ae1.gif

I showed him the guns...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2796_zps657a4ed0.gif

We hid from a brief shower in here...

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Then carried on into Devonport...

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http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2803_zps2ec02992.gif

A quick call to someone I know, and we were on the ferry

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2805_zps3d0ab774.gif

The city sure has changed since I was last there. We shuffled on and came to this big tower

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2807_zps1c088407.gif

Bacon scored a special pass so we went up

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2816_zpsa715b226.gif

The views were pretty crap so we didn't hang around long

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2812_zps6c8ffdcf.gif

The next day was equally uninspiring, infact it was even worse... :weep:
Thursday couldn't come soon enough. Time to exit the big smoke :banana:

[JATZ]

:woohoo: Time to go :woohoo:
I'd planned on getting away early to beat the bridge traffic. I guess 6:30 is not early enough

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It wasn't to bad and the rain seemed to have stopped. We made good time down the autobahn and hung a right at Pokeno. I'd planned to have breakfast there, but nothing was open, except a dairy and servo :weep: ...ahhwell... maybe I'd have better luck at Port Waikato ?:no:
Nevermind I thought. Perhaps Raglan will be open :blink: We made tracks along the Port Waikato/Waikaretu road

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http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2822_zps30f4b132.gif

Things were great down in the valleys, but some of the wind gusts on the ridge tops were a little...ummmm....Intense :D
Along Pukerewa rd and the TeAkau coast rd. I spotted a sign on the side of the road which piqued my curiosity :wings:
Just what I was looking for:niceone:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2827_zps57f02ca8.gif

Nikau caves cafe...They weren't expecting business so early, but managed to knock up some breakfast. While Bacon and I studied the map

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2825_zps62a1b272.gif

Nice place, but don't tell anyone, otherwise it'll get over run :psst:

Suitably nourished we carried on down towards Raglan

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2843_zpsa8d6315c.gif

Or was that pic on the way to Kawhia ? We gave Raglan a miss and went to have a look at a waterfall, Bridal veil falls.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2839_zpsc19715df.gif

If your up that way Woodman you should go have a look, I'm sure you'd like it :bleh:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2840_zps01177d3a.gif

After that we carried on down towards Kawhia for some gas, taking in some more little roads. Then onto Hauturu. What a gem that turned out to be :woohoo:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2850_zpsdedf3128.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2855_zps1cd22cc6.gif

I was tempted to have a go at catching this little kid. He seemed lost without his mother, and the sheep didn't seem interested

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2857_zpsdfce2420.gif

This tree was pretty cool too, IMHO

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2858_zps0c0f2b1f.gif

Pretty soon I popped out on TeAnga rd and hooked a right, another real nice road. If anyone's going through there keep an eye out for my chicken strips, pretty sure I left them on that bit of road :headbang:
Also this is worth taking 15 mins out of your life for

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2871_zps9873a043.gif

Mangapohue natural bridge, very nice spot :niceone: We carried on to Marokopa and had a cruise round the township and a look at the inlet

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2873_zps1bcd8f2c.gif

Pretty soon we came to a sign I'd seen a few years ago when I'd picked up a DR350 from New Plymouth (I took the long way home on that trip too :D ) Pomarangi rd, it had stuck in my head and I needed to have a look

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2878_zps0b866213.gif (http://s412.photobucket.com/user/ztaj/media/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2878_zps0b866213.gif.html)

More to come....

[Waihou Thumper]

Liking this...You have stirred some emotions mate...Nice work...:)

[Box'a'bits]

Excellent read Jatz.

[JATZ]

Liking this...You have stirred some emotions mate...Nice work...:)

Nice to have you along for the ride mate :niceone:

Photobuckets playing silly buggers just now, so I'll have to finish tomorrow...

[Waihou Thumper]

Nice to have you along for the ride mate :niceone:



Next time...it will be in person bud! :)
Tag along.....

[JATZ]

Right... back into it

Pomarangi rd didn't disappoint, it was windy and bush lined, and kindof remote feeling, just what I like :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2879_zpsb2c0c09c.gif

It went up and up and up... near the top Bacon started making noises about needing a coffee and some scroggin, I didn't argue as I felt ready to stop too. Out came the percolator and pretty soon we were enjoying a fresh cuppa :2thumbsup
We discussed farming, native flora and fauna and the weather.

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All to soon we were moving on again, eventually popping out in Piopio. The nice lady in the garage asked where I was going and in all honesty, I replied I had no idea :scratch:
She suggested staying in Ohura, at the old prison. How could I refuse a night in the cells :wacko:
Pretty soon we were heading through Aria and onto Waitewhena rd (another cool road). Looks like they'd had a bit of wind down here :shit:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2884_zps9522824f.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2885_zps1fdcc0d6.gif

Not a road cone or hazard sign to be seen :mellow: just as well we were in cruise mode, infact... we're always in cruise mode :D
We eventually got to Ohura and pulled up at the prison

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http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2895_zpsde7efcce.gif

to be greeted by the post lady. I enquired about a room and after a bit of ummming and aaahhing she said o.k. and agreed to cook me some tea, otherwise it would've been off to the cossie club.
Aparently they don't usually open for walk ins, but prefer groups, not surprised really as there wouldn't be many passers through in Ohura ;)
After settling in and having tea I went for a wander round town, it's surprising what's there when you have a good look. I gave the cossie club a miss preferring to thumb through a North & South magazine from 2001. No T.V. and no cell coverage suited me just fine. The post lady had finished her duties just after I got back from the walk, so I had the whole complex to myself.... How cool is that ?:wings:
The next day dawned perfect....overcast and drizzling, a rooster crowing just across the road, and a gunshot just up the valley. It just seemed to fit.
Ready to roll...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2897_zpsc86d4d68.gif

We went right in the middle of town and headed along the Waitaanga road, where the heavens really opened up

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2898_zpsfd7482f0.gif

Not to many pics from here, it was a little damp :crazy: We'd been looking at the map last night and decided Kiwi rd would be worth a look... It was

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2902_zps3c9e5569.gif

There's a tunnel there... I like tunnels :Punk:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2904_zps57c84435.gif

But stick to riding in the wheel tracks of this one :facepalm: No I didn't fall off, but it's not what I expected

We made our way along Moki, Uriti and Kaka rds, complete with more tunnels

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2909_zpsd29f007c.gif

and rock outcrops

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2908_zps7b0b82d8.gif

Eventually popping out at Waitoetoe. Then I made my way back to New Plymouth :sunny:

[JATZ]

Saturday was another stunning Naki day, and after a sluggish start to the day I made my way down the coast towards Opunake. Stopping to take a pic or 2 out at the coast and soak it up
Y'know.... I think I've been here before <_<

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2911_zpsa58ba5a6.gif

We carried on down the coast and round the south side of the mountain, I've not been there before so it was good to have a look around.
Who knew Manaia was the bread capital ? I certainly didn't , but I do now

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2915_zps6695a48a.gif

After that I just put my head down and headed for Wellington, I think Manaia was going to be the highlight of the day. We shot over the Akatarawa rd, just for something different

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2916_zps91bad6b3.gif

It's kindof narrow in places :shit:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2918_zps64e97d2f.gif

I thought I was going to lose a pannier to oncoming traffic on more than one occasion :shit::shit:
And caught up with my son in Wellington for an ale or two....or three :drinknsin. He had other stuff to do so me and Bacon found some digs for the night and planned to try and get an early ferry the next morning.
I had to take Bacon up to the BeeHive for a look....as you do with international guests :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2923_zps9213642a.gif

Wasn't much happening there at 7:00 on a sunday morning :yawn: We caught an early ferry, Bacon grabbed my headphones and listened to music to pass the time

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20141102_093157_817_zps4c4bea23.gif

I just sat there losing the will to live, not keen on ferry crossings
After about 3 weeks we were almost there... Bacon's happy. It was kindof windy too

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20141102_102201_665_zpsc9eb8bbd.gif

A nice ride round Queen Charlotte dr and over the Whangamoas and we were nearly home....then heading along Whakatu dr....:gob:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2928_zps50adf499.gif

Thankfully a nice lady turned up and offered moral support and a quiet place out of the wind to listen for air leaks. She's watched me fix punctures roadside before so knows the drill. Thankfully someone had left a couple of bricks beside the road to help support the bike

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN2927_zpsa3910950.gif

Wasn't that considerate :yes:

Thats about it for this little trip.... All this writing has given me itchy feet, :blink: I think I need a holiday :D And Bacon has more of the South Isl to see

Stay tuned....

[Gremlin]

Some funny pics of Bacon :D

Does he always have a stupid grin on his face?

[NordieBoy]

Some funny pics of Bacon :D

Does he always have a stupid grin on his face?

I'd do a joke about "only when someone's hand is up his bum", but I'm not that crass.

[XF650]

That tyre looks familiar.....
Great RR & reminds me of Pooey's travels.

[Moi]

Yip :yes: They're just gravel roads, if your comfortable with that you'll be fine. If your not comfortable with it, do it anyway and you soon will be

Happy to ride good quality gravel roads - good sound base with clear wheel tracks. Struck major road reconstruction on the Whanganui River Road in January this year - heavy base coarse and quite deep. Even a few cars were having issues with it, so took to the other side of the road and enjoyed clear wheel tracks.

Explored those roads north of the Whangamomona Road by car back in the mid 70s - a couple of them had vegetation growing between the wheel tracks!

Have shared yours and Bacon's adventure with some of the girls in my senior English class - they are now convinced that all riders [myself included] are totally crazy but likeable!

[Tazz]

Cheers for the panniers and the RR man. Some cool kodak moments in there.

I was wondering how you got on in that wind. You could have looped some string around one of those bricks and called it a kite at one stage here.

[mossy1200]

Are you still out gallivanting around rather than building a k100 café racer?

[JATZ]

That tyre looks familiar.....
Great RR & reminds me of Pooey's travels.

Thats a new one :D I wore the last one out, It did a few k's though


Happy to ride good quality gravel roads - good sound base with clear wheel tracks. Struck major road reconstruction on the Whanganui River Road in January this year - heavy base coarse and quite deep. Even a few cars were having issues with it, so took to the other side of the road and enjoyed clear wheel tracks.

Explored those roads north of the Whangamomona Road by car back in the mid 70s - a couple of them had vegetation growing between the wheel tracks!

Have shared yours and Bacon's adventure with some of the girls in my senior English class - they are now convinced that all riders [myself included] are totally crazy but likeable!

Yeah they were all decent gravel roads, clear wheel tracks and in good nick, except for maybe the start of the Port Waikato rd, which had some "interesting" fill put in the holes
"crazy" not so much..."likeable" , depends, :innocent: I'm not sure it's a good thing being read by impressionable young minds :scratch:


Cheers for the panniers and the RR man. Some cool kodak moments in there.

I was wondering how you got on in that wind. You could have looped some string around one of those bricks and called it a kite at one stage here.
Hope they fit, if not I've got a FBH to make minor adjustments :blink:


Are you still out gallivanting around rather than building a k100 café racer?

I might put it on the market... My workshop consists of a concrete floor in a disused coolstore, with no power, and I don't see that changing in the near future

[_Shrek_]

I thought they were tubeless... time for a new bike :corn:

[JATZ]

Well.....

I'm baaack :eek:
Things got a leeetle bit busy for a while there :sweatdrop ... Lets just rewind a little

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Early December, or was it late November ? :scratch: I went for a ride up the Leatham vly with some guys from over Blenheim way. It was a good day out. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and all was right with the world

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It's not often I get a pic of me wobbling my way around on a bike, so this one is a rarity :D

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We ended up at a nice little spot for a campout :drinkup:

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Anyhooo... During the course of the day my usually reliable steed decided to play silly buggers. Starting was becoming a hit and miss affair, the final straw was getting a push start when we got back to the main road and said hooroo :wavey: to the Blenheim lads.
I think the GS might have got the message I wasn't happy with it :bash: and it did everything right on the way home.
During the week I had a look under the hood and tightened a mildly loose terminal, put the voltmeter on it and made myself feel better by sticking another battery in it, and it started and stopped as it should :niceone:
So I trundled off to Hanmer the following weekend. for a bit of R&R :msn-wink: Taking in the all the usual alternate options to the main road.
All was good during the trip there and back.....well almost :shit: I stopped to grab some milk from the local indian, and when I hit the starter.... nothing ! Try again...nothing !! I got a couple of RSE workers who were lurking in the vicinity to give me a loooong push....still nothing !! but I'm sure they enjoyed the workout :D
Nevermind, I was only a couple of k's from home so went and grabbed the ute.
Another mildly interesting thing from the weekend... I'd left the bike parked at the digs while going for breakfast and making a dick of myself on the pitch 'n' putt course :o And when I returned there was a bag hanging from the handle bars :scratch: I don't remember leaving that there...
Inside was this little critter

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His names George. He seems to like riding shotgun and we seem to get on alright so I may just take him on a few rides, see how he works out :sunny:

[JATZ]

A call to my man in Chch to discuss what the issue may be, Stuffed stator apparently :( a known weak point on these bikes, which I knew about. Options to get it sorted were discussed, a rewind :yes: or a new genuine one :buggerd:
Off to Chch the following weekend...

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I left it with my man there http://www.motorcycleworkshop.co.nz/index.html Intending to shoot down after a couple of weeks and have it back in time for Xmas :wings:


Shit :shit: look at the time.... more tomorrow :D

[_Shrek_]

Shit :shit: look at the time.... more tomorrow :D

which Christmas was that? :rolleyes: Jim has to the best I've come across for the beamers, been using him since 06

when are you heading down this way... may need to have a catch up & make a plan for the Earnslaw & over the hill etc...

[JATZ]

which Christmas was that? :rolleyes: Jim has to the best I've come across for the beamers, been using him since 06

when are you heading down this way... may need to have a catch up & make a plan for the Earnslaw & over the hill etc...

Yeah Big fellah, he knows his stuff and seems to be a decent soul. I don't mind making the trek to see him every so often.

I may come lurking down your way in the next few weeks or so, hopefully before the harvest kicks off. A trip on the Earnslaw is a must do, seeing as how I missed it last time. Aswell as ticking some other boxes while Im down there :D
I let you know...

[JATZ]

Continuing on.....

I ended up back in Auckland for Xmas :brick: Despite my insistence I wouldn't be going back for a while.
But when you get a call from big brother saying "Mum's in hospital, get your arse here pronto" it's hard to argue :yes:
I hung around long enough to make sure she was going to live, and see some new rellies (crickey theyre prolific :gob: ) I didn't know existed, then made my way to the Shaky city. A quick trip down to Ashvegas for some Thai food (good) and a play on the playground. Do you realise how hard it is to do a full 360 on one of those mouse wheels ?? I don't think the belly full of Thai made it any easier :eek5: Then back to Chch (via Methven and Rakia gorge) to pick up the bike from a friend of my Big bros who'd been baby sitting it.
I gave it a good test on the way home over the Lewis :whistle: and it seemed to be going just fine.
I got home in time to spend a day at the races too

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The "off road" section for the 'tards was pretty cool, just needed better viewing areas

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Here's Josh Coppins, this is all the other riders saw of him too :yes:

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:mega: And remember folks.... Motor sport is dangerous, Be safe, Be seen :D

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:facepalm:

[unstuck]

Are those your panties at the base of that wall in the last pic.:bleh::bleh:

[JATZ]

Are those your panties at the base of that wall in the last pic.:bleh::bleh:

To small for me fellah.... and they're not bright enough to belong to the chick in the pic :D

Good spotting though :sunny:

[unstuck]

To small for me fellah....

Ewww, ya didn't try em on did ya.:crazy::sick:

[JATZ]

Right... Time to go for a ride :ride:

I'd been looking at a map and seen a loop over in the Sounds that looked like it needed investigating. It'd been mentioned somewhere else but I couldn't remember where, so decided to go have a look myself, and George was getting restless
I was at a loose end on Sunday so loaded up the bike and we headed off for the day.
Over the Whangamoas, always a good ride :yes: I was in cruise mode untill We got stuck behind a huge line of cars who were all stuck behind a stinking house bus type thing. Bastard wouldn't pull over and let traffic past so I made my way through the traffic to give the bus driver a polite wave as I went past :finger:
Quick question.... If I'm stuck doing 80 for say...10k's, does that mean I'm in credit and I can do 120 for 10k's when I get past the moving road hazard ?? Or maybe 140 for 5k's :innocent: I also found the rev limiter on the Beemer, who knew it had one :scratch:
Anyhoo... Onto Queen Charlotte dr.

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Chatted to a nice Belgian couple there who were gob smacked by the scenery,
Then hang a left at Linkwater and prepare for the twisties of Kenepuru sound :woohoo: This pic doesn't do it justice, but if you like corners this is full of em, just be careful of the cars towing boats :shit:

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We popped down to TeMahia, just for a look see, and George hadn't been there before

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Then carried on 'round the head and towards Waitata

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The day was certainly warming up :sweatdrop We saddled up and went over the saddle towards Crail bay, ignoring the NO EXIT sign, I knew better :facepalm:
Looking back down into Kenepuru sound

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Crail bay was a nice spot for a late lunch.
Teddy bears picnic ?

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I'd gone hurtling out of the house in such a hurry in the a.m. I'd left the percolator behind :doh: so had to "improvise" .

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Tasted alright, just a little gritty :D and those handles get faaaarkin hot DAMHIK
Suitably nourished we carried on towards Ellie bay

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Just past Ellie bay there was a sign saying something about logging operations, and private property.... Hmmmmm :scratch: We carried on up what I assume was a driveway, it's the roughest driveway I've seen :blink: I guess it keeps the Joho's and trick or treaters away though :D and I guess it's quicker to take the boat to town than drive.
I stopped at the house, just to see what the story was, and it's polite to ask :innocent: The friendly cockie admired my bike then said...."Yuuurp, the track goes right through (to Manaroa) I own this bit, but not the forestry. You'll get through just fine :wings: BUT you won't get round the locked gate at the other end :(
Ah well..... That sorts that out then. Back the way we'd come :ride:
We got back to Waitata and I spotted this nice little camp site just off the road.

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I must go back and take a fishing rod, some good snapper come out of Kenepuru, and I've had better luck in the past fishing off the shore than in a boat.
With the temp nudging 30 deg. a swim was in order. George pussied out, but kept an eye on my gear

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After that it was just a quiet ride back the way we'd come earlier. I didn't go into Manaroa to eyeball the locked gate as it was a 30+ k round trip and I was wondering why I hadn't filled up in Havelock on the way in :facepalm:
Anyway... we made our way back to Havelock and fuel for the bike and an iceblock for me in the shade :D

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After that it was home time, with a loooong wait for greasys in town, I couldn't be arsed cooking and George is pretty hopeless with the potsnpans.
Bike still going good :D Rainbow/Molesworth/Sedgmere next :woohoo:

[Gremlin]

I stopped at the private property sign when I went exploring the sounds for a weekend...

[XF650]

...and so the rumors about some foul smelling biker hanging around the kids playground are true...

[awa355]

I have one of those stainless steel drinking mugs but find it too bloody hot to hold and drink from. Have looked at getting a small meyths cooker as I like the idea of brewing up a cuppa. I do have a single burner gas stove but the stupid mug wont quite fit across the four supports. I have a wide whistling kettle but that is more bulk to carry. So I have stuck with a thermos that is good for one hot cup before the water cools.

Lovely rides down your way.

[JATZ]

I stopped at the private property sign when I went exploring the sounds for a weekend...

There is a track....Goggle earth/Mapsource and my Wises paper map all say it's there. However getting permission to go through could be problematic especially at this time of year.
I'll go check out the gate and maybe get onto the Marlborough guys, one of them has contacts who may be able to help, worth a try :niceone:


...and so the rumors about some foul smelling biker hanging around the kids playground are true...

Guilty as charged your honor :whistle:
It's a nice park with some out standing trees in it. I had no idea there was aviaries there too, including a talking cockatoo. The playground's not to shabby either :D I dare ya to go for a burn on the mouse wheel :Pokey:


I have one of those stainless steel drinking mugs but find it too bloody hot to hold and drink from. Have looked at getting a small meyths cooker as I like the idea of brewing up a cuppa. I do have a single burner gas stove but the stupid mug wont quite fit across the four supports. I have a wide whistling kettle but that is more bulk to carry. So I have stuck with a thermos that is good for one hot cup before the water cools.

Lovely rides down your way.

The mug is just a cheapy from the red shed, double skinned so it doesn't heat up....unless you balance it precariously on a cooker. If I'd sneezed or made any sudden movements it would've toppled off :crazy: Maybe I should've taken a bigger one :scratch:
I had a couple of metal ones that heated up something fierce, buy the time you could get your lips around them the contents was just about stone cold :rolleyes: I donated them to the council to use as hard fill somewhere :yes:
It's good to just stop and take a moment, have a brew, chill out. One of the reasons I like to ride by myself, no pressure, stop when and where I choose. George is usually agreeable too :sunny:

[JATZ]

And just because......

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:sunny:

[unstuck]

DUUUUDE. How about a warning for us stoners before putting up vids like that.:wacko:

[JATZ]

I'm baaack..... :D

I been thinking about this Sedgemere track in the Molesworth/Rainbow for a wee while now, so decided I'd best go and check it out last weekend :scooter: I had a rough plan of popping into either Malings or Edwards for the night too, before heading home through the Rainbow.
I got talked into picking up a passenger in Hanmer :psst: But that's o.k. so had to re-jig my plans somewhat...
I got away sat morning after giving the bike a once over. Tyre gauges eh. WTF is with that ?

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Same tyre... same time :scratch: Nevermind, it's not the end of the world.
George hopped into his spot in the tankbag and we set off. Through Nelson and heading for the Wangamoas, my spidy senses told me to zip up the vents on jacket and pants, glad I listened to it as it started hosing down in Hira :yeah:

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By Havelock it was all but over :yes:

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We grabbed some gas in Blenheim and intended to get some breakfast too http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/smilies/DukeGirl_zpsprifav1l.gif but didn't see anything that screamed ...Come inside, take a load off and chow down... so carried on over Taylors pass and stopped for some scroggin :yes:

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The mountain biker I'd passed on top of the pass, showed up after about half a ciggy, he must've been fair flying :gob: He did admit it got pretty loose at times.
Pretty soon we got under way again, the day was turning out pretty good. George was enjoying the scenery too :yes:

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It was a nice leisurely ride, we didn't have to be in Hanmer till mid afternoon

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Just enjoying the scenery and chilling out, it was getting hot though so we had to find some shade

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It was getting a little breezy too by this stage. We got to Hanmer at just the right time, got some gas and chatted to someone I hadn't seen for aaaaages. We picked up the gate wench (who'd obeyed instructions to pack light :yes: (and I'm not some weirdo who hangs out with a bear aaall the time )) and pootled off towards the Rainbow. I'd got the combinations for both Edwards and Malings passes and figured I'd make up my mind on the day where we went.
Edwards pass it was

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A nice ride that one. I'd been a weee way in a couple of years ago so it was nice to go a little bit furtherer this time. We got to a hut.

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Scottys hut it's called, it's pretty basic, but has everything you need

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I had to wonder how the 4wd got on with the trip in towing a llama float, it would've been a rough ride. I'm sure there was llama vomit on the floor too :sick:
The wind was getting kind of mental by this stage, the hut was shuddering in some of the strong gusts, so we decide not to pitch the tent.
Chicken wraps for tea washed down with a nice merlot and I kicked the G.W.'s ass at cards :wings:

[JATZ]

Sunday...
After being disturbed reasonably early by some mountain bikers who don't knock :mad:, just wrench the door open despite the fact it was held shut with bungies, it blew open in the middle of the night.
We packed up, saddled up, and headed back out towards Rainbow

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And on towards the Sedgemere track. After a quick much on more scroggin the G.W. got to earn her keep :D

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It's always nice to go somewhere new, and extra nice when theres someone else to take care of the numerous....

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My passenger was pretty good, except for wriggling around to wave at the livestock, it got a little bit wobbly on a couple of occasions.
It really is a nice diversion and I know I'll go through again.

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The river crossing turned out to be pretty benign

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I liked this little rock thingy.

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All to soon we got back onto the Molesworth and it was time for a late lunch in the shade.

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George was getting a handle on his pot use :facepalm:

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Then it was just a smooth ride back to Hanmer for a milkshake and to off load the G.W.
After goodbyes it was just me 'n' George, and he's crap at opening gates. It was good to off load a bit of weight from the 2 up all roads tourer and transform it back into the lightweight trail bike :D I made good time back through Rainbow, not quite a "riding god" but certainly a lesser deity :devil2:
All was going well until coming down Island pass

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I thought the chain was being a little clattery. Turns out the axle nut had come loose, better that than the nut holding the bars getting loose :D I guess from all the corrugations :eek5:
A quick re-adjust/tighten and we carried on. The wind was also back with a vengeance. I almost struggled getting the bike back up off the side stand at the boundary gate. Re-check the nut and chain at Coldwater creek, really missing the G.W. :(

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Then I got to the toll gate and saw this :gob:

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I thought I was going to have to open the wallet reeeeal wide, but it was all good, I was only 20 mins past lockup time :clap: No dramas for the rest of the ride out to the main rd.

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Stick the headphones in for the trip back through Golden downs and down the Mot valley

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Thats about it...
I'd best pull my head in for a bit, and work towards another trip up Norf, so it's just day trips for the next wee while.
Wonder how far i could get in a day ?? :scratch:

[Gremlin]

I don't bother with those pencil type tyre gauges, never once had an accurate reading. If I just need to monitor it, the bike can do it for me. Otherwise, I have a proper gauge.

[Padmei]

Nice RR Jatz. I don't recall any rain?
Apart from the 30 sec shower we had yesterday I've forgotten what rain feels like.

[Night Falcon]

Awesome work - a cool ride report with photos, on KB? that is a bit of a treat :niceone:

[pomgolian]

Nice pic of Scotties hut we got stuck there for 2 days on the way to the DB a couple of years ago, it pissed with rain and the rivers became impassable, the hut must have been done up as the mice kept us awake all night and it was pretty run down. The bridge wasnt there either which could have come in handy, couple of mountain bikers came over the ridge soaked and couldnt cross the river so we turned them back in the pouring rain.

We had a beer in picton Jatz on my way home, nice to see your pics must get down there again sometime.

[JATZ]

I don't bother with those pencil type tyre gauges, never once had an accurate reading. If I just need to monitor it, the bike can do it for me. Otherwise, I have a proper gauge.

They're a handy size to stick in a pocket or something :D I guess I could look for a decent one, but so long as the one I'm using reads consistently then thats all I need. So long as I know how far out it is.


Nice RR Jatz. I don't recall any rain?
Apart from the 30 sec shower we had yesterday I've forgotten what rain feels like.

Thanks Padders :niceone: The rain was only from Hira, heavier from the top of the Whangamoas through to top of Rai, then light. I actually really enjoyed getting wet, it's been a while and it was quite warm :yes:
Yip.... we need rain !!! irrigating 4 days a week now and the dams are getting low :eek5:


Nice pic of Scotties hut we got stuck there for 2 days on the way to the DB a couple of years ago, it pissed with rain and the rivers became impassable, the hut must have been done up as the mice kept us awake all night and it was pretty run down. The bridge wasnt there either which could have come in handy, couple of mountain bikers came over the ridge soaked and couldnt cross the river so we turned them back in the pouring rain.

We had a beer in picton Jatz on my way home, nice to see your pics must get down there again sometime.

I remember having a beer in Picton :drinkup: You were coming back from the Dusty, I think .chris showed up too :scratch: You sold me on the idea of heated vests, I just haven't got round to organizing one yet :facepalm:
There's still a few mice there apparently, I didn't hear them though, to busy sleeping :zzzz:
The bridge is a pretty serious jobbie, DOC must've spent tens of thousands on it. All very new and shiney too.

[Waihou Thumper]

Good stuff James. Always good to see and read about your antics!

[JATZ]

Awesome work - a cool ride report with photos, on KB? that is a bit of a treat :niceone:

Cheers... I do try :innocent:
Some don't like the pic rules here, but I work within them, it doesn't take tooooo long to organize.
I'm watching your build over on the devils site too. I noticed a glaring omission from the list of mods...

One of these bad boys :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/cowcatcher_zpsc765e462.jpg

[Waihou Thumper]

Cheers... I do try :innocent:
Some don't like the pic rules here, but I work within them, it doesn't take tooooo long to organize.
I'm watching your build over on the devils site too. I noticed a glaring omission from the list of mods...

One of these bad boys :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/cowcatcher_zpsc765e462.jpg


Casey Jones....:)
Cannonball Express!

[Night Falcon]

I noticed a glaring omission from the list of mods...

One of these bad boys :yes:



would be nice for some of those southern river crossings but I'm told they don't come in orange <_<

[JATZ]

Here we go again.....

:headbang:

Sent from my ZTE R83

[JATZ]

Home for the night.... Pukehinau rd :D

Sent from my ZTE R83

[Woodman]

Home for the night.... Pukehinau rd :D

Sent from my ZTE R83



Wherethefuckisthat?

[JATZ]

Just north of the 42nd.
Sitting here enjoying the solitude with a panatella and a glayva :D
Life is good.

Sent from my ZTE R83

[NordieBoy]

Just north of the 42nd.
Sitting here enjoying the solitude with a panatella and a glayva :D
Life is good.

Sent from my ZTE R83
Isn't panatella a heavy metal band?

[JATZ]

Isn't panatella a heavy metal band?

Almost right

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_7EQlfprV9E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


RR to follow in a bit.... I've run out of gigglebites for this month :(

[Muzz67]

RIP Dimebag........

[unstuck]

RIP Dimebag........

:headbang::headbang:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fm2Q7e7O8yw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>:headbang::headbang:

[10bikekid]

Just north of the 42nd.
Sitting here enjoying the solitude with a panatella and a glayva :D
Life is good.

Sent from my ZTE R83

You certainly get around, was great to catch up and if you think your not in the best light I can delete pic and put one up of my KLR instead :eek:
<a href="http://s603.photobucket.com/user/800rider/media/161_zpsrmukaz81.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt119/800rider/161_zpsrmukaz81.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 161_zpsrmukaz81.jpg"/></a>

[JATZ]

You certainly get around, was great to catch up and if you think your not in the best light I can delete pic and put one up of my KLR instead :eek:
Pic removed to keep the pic police happy....:D

Nah... thats alright Mark. Anything to stop you posting another pic of your KLR :msn-wink: although its a fine looking bike. It was good to meet you to, and put a face to the name.

[JATZ]

Right... My mobile and laptop are talking to each other now so I thought I'd make a start on the RR while I still have mobile data to use this month :niceone:

Just one more trip away before the apples start rolling in and I'm stuck here for a bit :weep:.... and I thought I'd go and see mum to make sure everything was in order.
George assumed the position, ready for the trip....

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3189_zps411e4cf5.gif

I'd planned on getting away at 4 to get the 6:30 ferry but it was closer to 5 by the time we'd got organized and got out the door, so it was a rather "spirited" ride over to Picton in the dawn light. We made it to the ferry and got on board. George doesn't do mornings so he found a quiet, comfy spot to catch up on some beauty sleep

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3190_zpsa90c0077.gif

It was a nice morning for a trip on the briny :sunny: We got to Wellington, got our passports stamped, changed some currency and headed north. A brief stop at forest lakes, I'd never been there before so figured it was worth taking a look, for a quick brew up

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3193_zps07a8b7cd.gif

This "PipeHenge" intrigued me a little. I must've looked like a weirdo looking all over it from different angles to try figure it out

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3195_zpsc1d3820c.gif

Pretty soon we were back on the road and making our way northwards again, grabbing some gas in Bulls before heading towards New Plymouth. We got to Turakina and the GPS (:angry2: ) said "go right" so I did :D onto the wrong road. It was supposed to be Turakina rd.... but that's not where we ended up. Never mind, a quick scan of the map (I like old skool) and we were back on the right track, up Turakina vly road. I'd seen this on my last trip north and heard about it on the interwebs so figured it'd be worth a look. It was :headbang:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3198_zpsc17e0975.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3202_zps95fb06bd.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3200_zpsb187fbc8.gif

Windy seal and gravel road through heartland N.Z. I just went on and on and on and on :ride: Good stuff, although at one point I did stop and put the liner in my jacket as it was looking pretty dodgy further inland. It's just as well it's easy to follow as the GPS was turning off at random intervals and generally pissing me off. I was tempted to turn it off permanently with a big rock, but gave it another chance (only because I couldn't find a big rock :innocent:
Before long we were back on a main rd up at Tangiwai. Of course we had to stop at the memorial.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3209_zps2c27c611.gif

Nice river there, although it's recommended you don't swim in it as it's not very nice, something about it being corrosive :scratch:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3208_zps1a779d49.gif

After photos and stuff we climbed back on the steed and made for Ohakune. There's a giant carrot there :gob: But nothing else really held much interest so we carried on.
On up to National Park then onto h/way 47. Past this nice wee chasm at Whakapapanui stream

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3211_zpse1772c57.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3213_zps99b78d80.gif

Past the tunoff to the 42nd traverse, which, weather dependent, I'd give a nudge the following day and on to John McDonald rd,

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3216_zps0d12d87d.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3223_zps9870a3c8.gif

I'd seen a campsite on EddieB's website (http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/ ) which looked like it might be alright. It was :D
Before to long camp set up

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3218_zps88573100.gif

Tea was sorted with the help of some stuff from home, including some bacon I'd wrestled out of the back of the freezer. I like bacon :drool:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3219_zpsdc936dd2.gif

And a wee dram of something :blip: the liquid equivalent of bacon :D
It's a bit of a hike to do the dishes, you can see the creek down in the bottom of the gully

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3220_zps7a5db0b5.gif

Also... It pays to wear MX boots or gumboots down near the bottom. It's a leeedle bit swampy in places. After domestic duties another wee snort and a panatella were in order :mellow: George got a little bit to happy and we had words.... there was a bit of a scuffle (I won:D ) and he had to sleep out side.
Although I woke in the middle of the night with a migraine sized headache and freaking out because the tent was to small. It was also raining :( After a cup of tea and exploring my options, I chucked the gear in the tent and settled down under the tarp, waking periodically to poke the roof so the water didn't pool above my head and drip.

More to come....
I'm of to the road cone capital of N.Z. in the a.m. for the weekend, so I'll finish when I get back....

[Padmei]

What is it with fricking furry animals & bikes? Is it not sufficient to have dunlop stickers on your bikes anymore? Ok a lil girls bike with a basket & spokey dokes is allowed one but aren't we all getting a bit old for comfort toys?


Put your big boy undies on FFS!!!

[Gremlin]

What is it with fricking furry animals & bikes? Is it not sufficient to have dunlop stickers on your bikes anymore? Ok a lil girls bike with a basket & spokey dokes is allowed one but aren't we all getting a bit old for comfort toys?
It's so he can blame the other personalities on someone else ;)

[_Shrek_]

I'm starting to wonder if you actually have a job, :shifty: want to move the tag

ps nice pic's :corn:

[GSers]

Home for the night.... Pukehinau rd :D

Sent from my ZTE R83

Nice Spot in there even have some facilities plus the river.

GSers

[JATZ]

Put your big boy undies on FFS!!!

I would but George has them on :shutup:


It's so he can blame the other personalities on someone else ;)

:niceone:


I'm starting to wonder if you actually have a job, :shifty: want to move the tag

ps nice pic's :corn:

I have a very understanding employer :yes: and no dependants/commitments except George
Yip I'd be keen, but probably can't get away for a while, But we'll see :msn-wink: I was sortof knocking around down that wayish last weekend too. On 4 wheels though


Nice Spot in there even have some facilities plus the river.

GSers

Yip :yes: "facilities" are a bonus

[JATZ]

Right... where was I ??

After a hell night we packed up and headed back to the main rd, I was tempted to have a crack at the 42nd but after the rain the night before figured it was probably best to give it a miss :baby:
Never mind, I'm sure we could find something else to occupy the time. We got to Raurimu and for some reason I decided to stop and see what I could see, and just as I pulled my helmet off a train came trundling along, what a stroke of luck :banana:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3226_zpsdb70c31b.gif

I must say I was somewhat disappointed with the whole deal, no flashing neon signs or fanfare, in fact there was very little there. My mind was a sponge, just waiting to soak up any information on this railway masterpiece, but sadly I came away empty :(
Nevermind though..... I saw.....

RAURIMU REX !! instead :first:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3232_zps25d70b0f.gif

Bonus.
Anyway, George wanted to have a crack at navigating, so I let him have at it

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3234_zpscaa7b01f.gif

... we headed north a bit more and swung a left at Owhango and went up Hikumutu rd

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3235_zpsb4aaa400.gif

That was nice :sunny: which deposited us in the back of Taumaranui. which is as good a place as any to stop for breakfast
After a not to shabby pie sitting while sheltering from the showers we headed off down H/way 43. I'd been past a couple of interesting things up a side road, on the Coast to Coast ride, but hadn't stopped to take a pic. I intended to set this right with myself. We hung a left up Otunui sth rd, which lead to Otunui nth rd. Then onto Ararimu east rd

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3238_zps1dec1341.gif

Then Opotiki rd where I found what I was looking for

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3244_zps42f7824e.gif

I thought it was a pretty cool entrance way and it's nice to see recycling in action. But wait .... it gets better :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3247_zps83db9168.gif

It was really starting to come down now so we didn't hang about. There's some nice views of the mountains from up there when it's fine.
We jumped back on the main rd for a bit and continued north, turning off onto Tikitiki rd, just for a change of pace :scooter: That was another nice diversion. So nice I didn't stop for pics :rolleyes:
Then we just cruised up through TeKuiti and Otorohanga, just chilling out and looking around. After Otorohanga we hung another left and cruised up Honokiwi rd

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3251_zps763f7156.gif

Cool :2thumbsup .....and wet

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3252_zps487961ad.gif

And down Kaimango rd.... another left, then a right and we were on TeRauamoa rd. I chatted to a guy at the intersection of Pirongia West rd and decided to I had enough gas to carry on, so carry on we did :clap:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3255_zpsb3c71577.gif

? I need more descriptive words ?

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3263_zpsb12182e0.gif

These little buggers didn't want to get off the road for me.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3261_zpsff0bd635.gif

By this stage I was starting to look for somewhere to set up camp. I couldn't have done another night in the little tent so I was looking for somewhere to string up the tarp. Nothing really jumped out at me and I ended up at the Oparau road house.
I asked if they had a couple of trees on a flat piece of ground I could use, "Hang on" said the owner, " I may have something beterer" :woohoo:
I got the DeLux suite, just out the back of the shop.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3268_zpsd83c314d.gif

I thought the compressors would've kept me awake, or the cats, or the chookens, but it was all good :sleep:
The day was done... with a feed I didn't have to cook myself and a couple of bourbons :drinknsin Cool place, owned by a couple of really nice people.

[JATZ]

Did I mention the room rate ?? It was pretty cheap, so cheap, I felt obliged to have a big brekky. Its good to start the day with something decent anyway....sometimes :innocent: George had to have a play on some of the stuff out the back of the shop

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3269_zpse6ccfa9c.gif

Me and George had had a discussion about where to go next and we decided to head out to the coast and have a look at Ruapuke. I'd never been there so that helped with the decision making.
The rain had turned to the occasional shower as we headed up the Raglan rd and found the turnoff to Ruapuke.
We eventually found the beach

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3273_zpsdfa732fb.gif

And then wobbled north some more, stopping to check out Te Toto gorge

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3277_zps425bd034.gif

It was kind of spooky standing on the viewing platform, with thoughts of "what if" swirling round in your head. Nice spot though :D
We carried on through Raglan, not stopping as it didn't hold any interest for me. Then we hung another left up Ohautira rd, another left shortly onto Ruakiwi rd. We got to the intersection of TeRakau rd and went left again. Getting onto the TeAkau coast rd we turned right. I'd done this on the last trip north and wanted to see something new and exciting :wings: so hooked a right at the next intersection, onto Waimai vly rd and followed that through to Dixon rd.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3287_zps0bc5a9d4.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3285_zps4caf5f47.gif

According to my atlas there's a waterfall there somewhere. I was mildly excited about this, as everybody likes waterfalls, just look how popular Niagra and Iguacu falls are :blink: Sadly all I found was some mad cows who's road skills were lacking :eek5:
Nevermind... I found this online

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/waterfall_zps6d623a65.gif

I'm sure thats exactly what it looked like :innocent:
We headed back onto the seal for a bit at Naike before heading back west onto Matakitaki rd

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3290_zpsdb9562f3.gif

Along Brian and Ponganui rd's and headed towards Onewhero. I poked the front wheel down Klondyke rd, as thats another name I'd seen on the advridingnz website, but figured I'd best make tracks to the big smoke instead :cry:
A quick stop just south of Tuakau to boil the billy and mentally prepare myself for the motorway

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3294_zpsc834cdcb.gif

Then it was just follow the purple line, which seemed to take us all over the place, finally depositing us somewhere close to the motorway. I took over navigation again at this point and got us where we needed to be, missing most of the rush hour traffic, which was a bonus :sunny:

[unstuck]

More good stuff.:2thumbsup
Shame you missed out Klondyke rd though, That is a brilliant bit of road. And you would have still made it back to Tuakau.:niceone:

[Eddieb]

Info on most of those roads can be found here: http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/north-island-tracks/

[Aslan]

Loving your thread. - Looks to me like you've 'got life by the throat!' - onya!

[JATZ]

Loving your thread. - Looks to me like you've 'got life by the throat!' - onya!

:niceone: Cheers Aslan. I thought about giving you a call to see if you wanted to go for a ride when I was in your neck of the woods.

[_Shrek_]

Loving your thread. - Looks to me like you've 'got life by the throat!' - onya!

you still down this way?

[JATZ]

Well after getting settled in Auckland, drying gear/doing washing/seeing mum I had to do some maintenance. I knew it was getting worn and I'd ordered a new one at the local bike shop, but hadn't got there before leaving:brick: Just as well cycletreads had one on the shelf

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3296_zps56301a49.gif

The one on the left is the old one...:shutup: I'm not sure why, but I go through 2 fronts to 1 rear :scratch:
Other than that it was all good, everything as it should be :D
After noodling about for a couple of days in Aucktown, which included caching up with 10bikekid :wavey: sadly it was pissing down or we would've gone to Muriwai for a blat on the dunes. While I was in a "meet random strangers" frame of mind I called in on Mom and Maha on the way back to my digs. Hi Guys :wavey:. Besides being nice people they also have impeccable taste in crackers :clap:
Time to hit the road again :ride: We'd had enough of Auckland.
We decided to stick to the main road for the trip back south, I've never ridden down H/way 1, just bits here and there. We bypassed Hamilton down 1B as I didn't want to catch anything :bleh: as it'd involve a lot of explaining when I got home. Stopped briefly in Tokoroa and caught a bit of 6/60 who were playing in a park there :wari:
The plan to ride h/way 1 came unstuck here..... We shot of down 35 to Whakamaru. Naturally a wee bite was in order

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3297_zps192621e0.gif

Then down the western side of lake Taupo, stopping at Waihi village for a look see

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3300_zps9d22b77c.gif

An older gentleman came out of a campervan and asked if I'd like a cuppa, seeing as how I was traveling by myself. He obviously didn't see George sunning himself on my jacket. He gave me a brief rundown on the history of the village and showed me a cool app on his phone for finding campsites, this one >> http://www.campermate.co.nz/ , which I downloaded on the spot. I had to chuckle when he asked if I was one of Gareth Morgans mates :rofl: Different income bracket was my reply.
Anyway, onwards down the Dessert rd. Only saw 1 :Police: which is a bit unusual

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3301_zps16976fdb.gif

A quick stop at Waiouru for a pic and sammie

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3305_zpsb2f932a1.gif

And down to Taihape for some go juice. We went left here to have a look at the Taihape/Napier rd as thats another I haven't been on. It's alright .... :sunny:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3306_zps8c9d05a1.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3309_zps634f0d89.gif

By this stage both Me and George were getting a bit fidgety and sick of seal so we turned right part way along and headed off down Matawhi rd :Punk:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3316_zps2db286e3.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3319_zps596cdf45.gif

There was a nice river

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3317_zpsdfa258ab.gif

We wobbled around on some more little gravel roads for the rest of the afternoon

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3321_zpsc103a6a1.gif

I think that last one may have been Matawhero or Pukeokahu rd.
The Old fullah at Waihi village had recommended I have a look at Mokai gorge. He was a civil engineer in these parts and designed a lot of the bridges, so knew the area pretty well.
We made our way to the Gorge... It was well worth it

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3326_zps6876a06a.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3329_zpsc4540b74.gif

Quite impressive :yeah: , the pics don't do it justice. There's a bungy jumping thingy going on there too, if your into that sort of thing. We carried on to the end of the road, just to see what was there. There was a paddock with some Fallow dear with pretty impressive antlers, although they bolted for the other end of the earth when I stopped to get a pic. Also there is the Colenso memorial there too. I didn't find it :weep:
Back to the Bungy centre to set up camp across the road in the Makino campsite.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3335_zps32c96848.gif

Notice the moar biggerer tent.... I posted the other one home.... If someone wants a Kathmandu Mono tent, only used once, lemme know , I'll cut you a sharp deal :stoogie:

Tea was Butter chicken, thanks to the Kaweka food co :2thumbsup and half a tin of peaches :D .... just incase you were wondering.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3337_zps9e2829d9.gif

[Waihou Thumper]

​Nice work James :) Tent? PM me....:)

[JATZ]

After a supremely comfortable nights sleep, where I wriggled round, stood up, did handstands and generally enjoyed the space :D I finished the peaches, packed up and got ready to hit the road again.
George wanted to ride today, but I pointed out he didn't have a licence so wasn't insured :rolleyes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3338_zpsf68ad270.gif

We headed out to Mangaweka so I could check in and let someone know I wasn't dead...:psst: Then made our way up Ruahine rd, that was cool, although you wouldn't want to cut too many corners.... never know what'll be on the road

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3340_zps03fed78a.gif

We turned off at TeParapara and made our way to Pohangina east rd. On the way I stopped to check out the map and saw a little loop up Tunipo rd...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3345_zps1ddb0aac.gif

and back down Umutoi rd then, we carried on through the Pohangina gorge when I spotted the sign for Takapari rd. I'd heard about this one before too, so figured it'd be rude not to have a look :yes:
I offloaded the panniers at the boundary and stashed them in a bush, It was quite a cool ride up there :niceone:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3347_zpsdda15340.gif

and along the top...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3355_zps1d8103f0.gif

I only saw 2 other people, walking (but I suspect they were canoodling before I came along :msn-wink: ), on the way to the hut

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3350_zps34da4660.gif

I turned around here and made my way back down, the place was getting to busy anyway, passing a few others heading up as I was on my way down.
Picked up the gear at the boundary

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3357_zps2d25dfc0.gif

and headed back to the road. I saw this leedle fellah at one of the gates, dunno why but I kindof thought he was cool, just cruising around on his own, doing his own thing...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3358_zps4b14c750.gif

After that I just ambled around

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3344_zpsee0824fe.gif

Up, down and around..... and ended up in Ashhurst for a late lunch

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3359_zps8f0eaf59.gif

With a full belly and a nice afternoon ahead, we decided to have a look up North range rd. I'd been to the southern end a couple of times, but thought I'd better have a look at all of it.
We headed off towards Woodville, through the gorge, and even the nanna doing 70km/h didn't upset me :sunny: Located Hall Block rd :facepalm: and made our way up to the windfarm

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3362_zps3e242106.gif

and kept going

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3364_zpsc9c217bd.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3366_zpsfcb441bb.gif

#cool track :D

We got to the other end and I txted the boy to find out where he lived, I knew it was Wellington somewhere :scratch: entered the address in the GPS which said I was 2:45 away. I reckon I can do better than that :devil2:
The GPS said go right at the bottom of the Paihiatua track :gob: I swear it's got dementia.
I went left :D and got to the boys place in Karori well before the 2:45 :D :blip:
Nice Pizzas at the local pub.... The Pickle Jar :drinkup:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/IMG_20150207_203534_888_zps295dcb3b.gif

I like pizza :drool: :yes:

[Moi]

The Pohangina Valley is a nice place to explore - friends used to have a diary farm half way up the valley and partner's cousin lives up there now... easily fill in a couple of days wandering up and down the side roads and bits...

I am enjoying reading about your and George's travels.

Cheers.

[JATZ]

Ahhhh..... ferry rides :ar15: It was a long cue at checkin, but I thought this was pretty cool.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3368_zps2041a1b1.gif
A great big fcuk off remote control train :2thumbsup
It was full ferry this trip, with the sevens finishing the night before and the end of a long weekend. At least there was preferential parking for BMW's :clap:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3369_zpsa8fcfa0f.gif

I found a seat in a corner, on the floor and amused myself for what seemed like 3 weeks....
That trial over with, a ride round Queen Charlotte was in order :scooter:
I saw Padmei as I was stopped at Havelock and after catching up and making him pull over so I could ask about the Maungatapu access , and getting an invite for a coffee when I got to Nelson.... I turned off at Pelorus and headed on up the road/track. It's been a while since I've been up it.
Almost home.... you can nearly see our house George...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3377_zpsd07b0062.gif

and down the other side

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3378_zpsd1ebc267.gif

I was wishing I'd put a smaller sprocket on at this stage :eek5: It's a big thing to stop on steep downhills ...
Had a catchup with Padmei over a coffee and cigar :D
and made my way back home, ending another cool trip.

I think I'm done with the North Island for a bit..... I still have unfinished business down south too
Also the plan is to click over 100,000 k's on the bike this year, just because :D
So hitch up your skirts and hold onto your hats, I'm not done yet :D

[_Shrek_]

I think I'm done with the North Island for a bit..... I still have unfinished business down south too
Also the plan is to click over 100,000 k's on the bike this year, just because :D
So hitch up your skirts and hold onto your hats, I'm not done yet :D

that's what we thought about the north... now we have to go to our sons wedding at castle point... so might as well drag our arses around the naki etc... for a few days before having to head down the west coast to home

don't come south until we get back, that way we can head over to Qt then the earnslaw etc.... :whistle:

[JATZ]

that's what we thought about the north... now we have to go to our sons wedding at castle point... so might as well drag our arses around the naki etc... for a few days before having to head down the west coast to home

don't come south until we get back, that way we can head over to Qt then the earnslaw etc.... :whistle:

It'll be winter before I get down your way I suspect :( But.... you never know :blip:
Is that Boaz getting hitched ?? Congrats from me :D


​Nice work James :) Tent? PM me....:)

P.M. on it's way


The Pohangina Valley is a nice place to explore - friends used to have a diary farm half way up the valley and partner's cousin lives up there now... easily fill in a couple of days wandering up and down the side roads and bits...

I am enjoying reading about your and George's travels.

Cheers.

Yip :yes: there's plenty of exploring to do up that way. and usually something new to see.
Glad to have you along for the ride too. BTW.....:niceone: on the coffee bags too, they're now a standard part of my travelling kit.

@ Unstuck..... yip... I am a bastard :D

[_Shrek_]

It'll be winter before I get down your way I suspect :( But.... you never know :blip:
Is that Boaz getting hitched ?? Congrats from me :D


not Boaz but his older brother

[Moi]

...BTW.....:niceone: on the coffee bags too, they're now a standard part of my travelling kit.

I've used Russell Harris bags, however have been introduced to Jed's Coffee Bags and they are a local product and just as good a coffee as the RH coffee... so now alternate between the two...

Jeez we're spoilt for choice sometimes :laugh:

[Muzz67]

those Radio-controlled shunting engines are pretty cool to watch.
Was waiting for ferry a few years ago, me and our 6year old boy trying to figure out who was the driver!
The guy wandered over and was showing my lad how it worked,, then hung the pack on him, and let him operate it for a minute when there was a spare bit of track. (was before OSH and recent H&S bullshit!)
For a kid who was mad on trains it was huge and he absolutely loved it.
Many thanks to that guy for giving the kid a huge grin....

[JATZ]

https://www.windyty.com/?925h,wind,2015-03-07-03,-41.525,173.540,5

Cool.......:niceone: I could watch it for hours

[Tazz]

https://www.windyty.com/?925h,wind,2015-03-07-03,-41.525,173.540,5

Cool.......:niceone: I could watch it for hours

It's broken! Won't let me click and drag the wind off over to Aus :mad:

[Padmei]

Man I just put on some Floyd & sat there for 3 hrs

[unstuck]

https://www.windyty.com/?925h,wind,2015-03-07-03,-41.525,173.540,5

Cool.......:niceone: I could watch it for hours

Pretty cool, but inaccurate. The wind here is going easterly, not north easterly.:niceone:

[JATZ]

Pretty cool, but inaccurate. The wind here is going easterly, not north easterly.:niceone:

WHAT !!! It's a wind thingy :scratch: Who knew ??

I just thought it was pretty cool :doobey:

[JATZ]

Also...

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dnp-VyGNtcI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>




+ some moar characters

[JATZ]

Right, time for some pics :banana: From last Sunday

No story, I'll let the pics do the talking

Half way up Takaka hill, a not so flash start to the day, but help was only a phone call away.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3381_zpseo1bwcqf.gif

Along East Takaka rd

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3384_zpsl0fypsmx.gif

Through Pohara

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3392_zpsq8ic7mpl.gif

And Ligar Bay/Tata beach

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3395_zpsz32pvw7j.gif

Nice day in Wainui bay

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3399_zpsjxvmqof9.gif

And continuing on.... Out to Totaranui

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3410_zpsxjnjokva.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3417_zpsrdz9yjct.gif

Time for a brew :D

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3427_zps08yha2i8.gif

No swimming!! there's CROCodiles there :facepalm:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3426_zpsqhcn1kev.gif

Saddle up and head over to Awaroa (wasp central :mad: )

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3440_zpsruuenaqm.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3437_zpsmete1j9r.gif

Then back from whence I came..... :ride:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3450_zpslvt7nql4.gif

[JATZ]

Took a brief detour up to Birds Clearing

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3454_zpspczflgm8.gif

Some days it's good to be alive, and chilled out

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3458_zpsmxjas0i3.gif

Back down the hill and a walk around "The Grotto" in Clifton

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3474_zps6qbznsdm.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3479_zpsaxewz8rd.gif

Followed by a decent feed from The Curry Leaf in Takaka town, Yum!!

and head back home....

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3480_zpsjoz2ctqh.gif

Stopping briefly at Harwoods lookout to soak up the sunset

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3484_zpsip5d2s4o.gif

Mint afternoons riding :2thumbsup

[10bikekid]

This seemed to be a theme for the weekend,
<a href="http://s603.photobucket.com/user/800rider/media/012_zpshqdx1rrh.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt119/800rider/012_zpshqdx1rrh.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 012_zpshqdx1rrh.jpg"/></a>

[Night Falcon]

This seemed to be a theme for the weekend,


any idea of what caused it?

I have this theory: most punctures I've seen (pure luck -never had one myself on the trail) where pinched tubes from low tire pressures, usually cos they've been let them down for better grip - so my theory is keep them inflated and ride slower.....famous last words most likely. :facepalm:

[10bikekid]

any idea of what caused it?

I have this theory: most punctures I've seen (pure luck -never had one myself on the trail) where pinched tubes from low tire pressures, usually cos they've been let them down for better grip - so my theory is keep them inflated and ride slower.....famous last words most likely. :facepalm:

Cant say for sure as mine is the Black one but that sounds reasonable, tube was not a heavy duty and was split (no sign of external puncture)
<a href="http://s603.photobucket.com/user/800rider/media/007_zpsj2bn0zkq.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt119/800rider/007_zpsj2bn0zkq.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 007_zpsj2bn0zkq.jpg"/></a>

[Night Falcon]

Cant say for sure as mine is the Black one but that sounds reasonable, tube was not a heavy duty and was split (no sign of external puncture)


What'd ya have to re-inflate the tire? .....sorry for thread hi jack but I love to find out from folks that actually carry and use what works for them - that's good intel for a tire noob like me. Do you carry spare tubes (font & rear or just /font?) or patches.

Do tell all please .:sherlock:

[JATZ]

any idea of what caused it?

I have this theory: most punctures I've seen (pure luck -never had one myself on the trail) where pinched tubes from low tire pressures, usually cos they've been let them down for better grip - so my theory is keep them inflated and ride slower.....famous last words most likely. :facepalm:

I'm pretty sure mine was an old patch that gave way. I couldn't feel or see anything in the tyre (but I didn't have my specs :crazy: )
Re tyre pressure... I've found a happy medium, and thats where it stays. I can't be bothered faffing around during riding time, mostly, just ride appropriately :yes: (slow)


What'd ya have to re-inflate the tire? .....sorry for thread hi jack but I love to find out from folks that actually carry and use what works for them - that's good intel for a tire noob like me. Do you carry spare tubes (font & rear or just /font?) or patches.

Do tell all please .:sherlock:

Carry a bike pump, and usually a puncture repair kit + tools to do the job. On long trips I carry a couple of spare tubes (1 front, 1 rear) simply because I have the space and I can :D

[Moi]

Last year you introduced us to Bacon and then his replacement, George. I introduced Bacon to some of the less impressionable girls in my senior English class.

On the last day of the year and my teaching career - retirement kicked in! - I was presented with KitDaCat who has been charged with the responsibility of keeping me in order when travelling. His first time was accompanying a mate and myself as we rode the Northern Odyssey on two sccoters - a Vespa PX200 and a Piaggio MP3-400. Later this year he gets to go to Europe...

Please meet Kit...

Cheers.

[JATZ]

Pleased to make his acquaintance.... ;)
It just adds something to a ride when you've got a passenger. Also means there's someone to blame when things go titsup :2thumbsup

[JATZ]

I had a couple of things to do back over in Golden Bay yesterday, so threw some tools and George in the tank bag, leaving no room for the cooker and misc items :weep:
After a brief wait at the servo to see if anyone else was coming, they weren't :( I geared up and plugged in,
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nv0efmUKP9s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

2 words.... Senn Heiser :headbang:
And we made our way over the hill. Waaaaay less cloud on the other side and it looked like it was going to be a magic day :sunny: A brief stop at the bottom to faff about with the GPS

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3490_zps0owpv90w.gif

Across the Takaka river...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3493_zpsezfso21m.gif

and we headed up/over/out towards the Cobb power house and dam. The road in is kinda narrow in places

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3495_zpsolbrwaar.gif

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3555_zpscldv2lji.gif

Forcing you to keep your mind on the job, other wise it could go horribly wrong :eek5: Still... it would've been a nice day for a dip in the river

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3496_zpsqgppzsuu.gif

We stopped briefly at the power house, just to take a pic :rolleyes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3503_zpsgyrokx0x.gif

And continued on, winding sinuously upwards

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3549_zps8xuy8fpf.gif

Stopping only to soak up the view of the back of Mt Arthur

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3507_zpskg2kk7kh.gif

Emerging onto the ridge top, time for another photo stop :D
Here's what the Cobb lake looked like today...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3511_zpse6qqbuk4.gif

And a quick hoon backwards in a time machine.... it looked like this...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3516_zpswrrwb5cd.gif

We carried on down the other side

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3518_zpsw0up1yos.gif

And followed the road along the lake edge. Crickey the levels are low :gob:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3526_zpskjidg1a7.gif

Leaving the lake behind

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3529_zpsaa9rwqkd.gif

we continued on to the road end and Trilobite hut. not a bad spot for a hut :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3537_zpspbmxdnav.gif


We didn't stop long there, just long enough to do some more fiddling with the gps and have a drink of water, the day was warming up :sweatdrop
Time to retrace our steps.... although I couldn't resist shooting up here

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3542_zpstudfnca7.gif

And going for a hoon down the airstrip :whistle:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3543_zpszpjmfjo2.gif

I thought this tree trunk was pretty cool, in a gnarled sort of way

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3550_zpspepc2zxk.gif

After a pleasant ride back out to the main rd, looking briefly at the Barons flat track and deciding it wasn't on the itinerary. Besides which, caffeine levels were perilously close to bottoming out, we made our way into Takaka town for a spinach/feta and cashew pinwheel and the required caffeine at the Wholemeal cafe. Yum.

[JATZ]

With a full belly, and a light heart we continued on, leaving Takaka town behind. Geared up for phase II of the itinerary :woohoo:
We headed out towards Collingwood and turned off down Plain rd. Stopping at the turnoff to our next mission for the day, to play with the gps.....again :bash: but I think i got it sorted :sunny:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3558_zps4yffissk.gif

Past the milking shed, the angry dog seems to have disappeared :blink: I was all geared up and ready for him to come leaping out from behind a tractor and snap at my wheels/feet but I guess he's gone to another place :weep: It just seemed strange to not see him.
We rode quietly through the farm, glad there was no gates to open and close, and reached the next turnoff

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3559_zpshngjnuux.gif

Up the hill on the left and along the track

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3562_zps82xgiouy.gif

It was in pretty good nick too :yes:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3566_zpsbl5av5fr.gif

We carried on, taking notes and looking around, and I took us up a wee side track to a high point. Through a little puddle that had a very soft bottom and was waaaay deeper than it looked :eek:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3573_zpszuzynt7a.gif

You cant see it in the pic, but there's a small rock step at the top of the rise that required some commitment to get up :yes:
Nice view though

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3567_zpsbhxoabtt.gif

There's a lake up there too

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3574_zps3iayw8ia.gif

We continued on, taking pics and making the occasional note. Looking down the odd side track

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3578_zpspt9hgyfi.gif

The condition of the track was still pretty good :ride: in a mildly gnarly sort of way...

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3576_zpsknyeknfw.gif

The last little downhill before coming back out onto farmland

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3585_zpsqrjxvcuc.gif

You know...... I think I've been here before :scratch:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3591_zpsawqdgbxq.gif

George was complaining about being thirsty, so I had to take care of that. I wish he'd learn to take care of himself sometimes. Somebody pointed out that he seems to have put on a bit of weight too :shit: He'll have to start exercising more :laugh:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3592_zpsyafblivp.gif

Anyway, we went for a ride around Collingwood, just to see if anything was new

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3594_zpsaebjnfne.gif

The tide was in.... thats about it.
And carried on, stopping at the Mussel Inn for a Captain Cooker.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3595_zpstfpm1muo.gif

and a chat to a couple on a Harley who were off to Queenstown for some rally thingy. I should've asked them how they feel about waving to other motorcyclists, guess I missed my chance :cool:
Then it was time to plug back in for a gentle ride back over the hill and home.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZPOskB4mn3E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[_Shrek_]

We carried on, taking notes and looking around, and I took us up a wee side track to a high point. Through a little puddle that had a very soft bottom and was waaaay deeper than it looked :eek:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/Jatzs%20Travels/DSCN3573_zpszuzynt7a.gif

at least there's no dear fence's to park on :shutup:

nice country there Jatz

[Woodman]

Good, wish I had joined you now:weep: