Helpful, friendly Kiwi Bikers needed

[vifferman]

I'm in somewhat of a quandary (it's like a quarry, but has mud and spooge in the bottom, instead of rocks).
I am snowed under at work at the moment, due to being sick for a few weeks and being a slacker who spends way too much time on KB (like now, when I'm compounding my problem...)
Anyhoo, tomorrow morning, at the crack of SparrowPhart, Mac arrives from LA. I dunno much about Mac, except he's touring around some of the world, and taking his venerable VFR with him. He's just done Murka, now it's our turn.
I've volunteered to help him sort his bike (arrives Monday at Motohaus) and because I dunno what accommodation in D'Auckland is good (I'm actually a poor excuse for a D'Auck), I'm accommodating him myself.

Here's the nit of the gritty: I don't have time to be a good host to Mac, and show him some of our beautiful country. At this stage, seeing I know nowt about Mac, other than he rides a bike, I dunno what his plans are, if he knows anyone here, or what. I suspect he knows very few of the 4 millions of Kiwis or 70 millions of sheep, where to go, what to do, etc., and would greatly appreciate FriendlyFellowBikers showing him around, taking him on their favourite rides, getting him drunk, and that sort of thing.

This post is just a sort of an advanced warning so if anyone has time on their hands from Monday-ish onwards, and would be willing to ride with him, point him in the right direction, etc., they can let me know, and we'll take it from there.

When he arrives, I'll see if he wants to set himself up on here, and he can sort some stuff himself.

[Postie]

you would have more luck if you edit the post and say Mac is a chick, change the name to Max and say she is a sex goddes from Sweeden, its only a little white lie, you'll be forgiven...........

[Paul in NZ]

If I can get my bike back together and the parts arrive (long long story) you can send him to us and he can come across to the south island with us (prob 19th) and we can set him on his way...

[MSTRS]

Be happy to help if I can (should he come to the Bay)

[oldrider]

Perhaps I can help. If he comes down with Paul in NZ I will meet him and see what I can do. Cheers John. PS: Won't matter if he's not a chick, oldrider is beyond the danger zone.

[vifferman]

you would have more luck if you edit the post and say Mac is a chick, change the name to Max and say she is a sex goddes from Sweeden, its only a little white lie, you'll be forgiven...........
For all I know, he/she could be.
Or maybe a kiddie-fiddler, serial murderer, Islamic terrorist masquerading as a biker...
All I know is Mac is at least literate, rides a VFR, survived Murka, and will most likely be jet-lagged. Oh yeah - and isn't super-confident about getting his bike rideable again without some help.
I plan to throw my Motorcycle Atlas of NZ at him (and buy a new one), feed and water him (choice NZ beers if he drinks beer - another unknown), give him a bed (#3 is relegated to the basement for a few nights), and just play it by ear from there.
Now if he was mechanically savvy, I'd have him installing my new Evo Star Shifter Kit, and the Electronic Speedo Adjuster, and giving the VifFerraRi a good wash'n'wax. And the laundry, vacuuming, meals, food foraging, lawns....

[ManDownUnder]

What kind of accommodation is he/she/it expecting? Hotel, backpacker etc?

Also - how long in NZ for (or did I miss that). How long in Aucks for?

Track days, a few other events on around the place. Always good to meet someone from another part of the world... I'm sure we could find summat

MDU

[SpeedyGirl]

I always have a spare room in ChCh for any kiwibikers that need it ...... and heaps of room in the garage :)

[vifferman]

What kind of accommodation is he/she/it expecting? Hotel, backpacker etc?
I would think, unless he's Richard Branson's twin brother, it'd be "budget-ish".
Now, given that he decided it was more betterer to ship his bike than hire one, he's not Mac Branson, so his longish ride would consume many shekels and any money he can save on accommodation to spend on expensive tourist snares and NZ grog would be a GoodThing(TM).


Also - how long in NZ for (or did I miss that). How long in Aucks for?
Umm... I missed that too. I have No-Eye Deer.


Track days, a few other events on around the place. Always good to meet someone from another part of the world... I'm sure we could find summat
I'd imagine that unless he has contacts in UnZud apart from me (unlikely, seeing as I'm his de facto pimp/organiser/host, he's making it up as he goes along, and his trip will be somewhat droney and uninteresting just riding around by hisself. Unless, of course, he's the ArchetypalLoneBiker / StrangelyWarpedAutisticLonerWhoShunsHumanContactAn d WantsToBeAlone, in which case he wouldn't have sent out his plea for HELP! in the firstest place.

[vifferman]

I always have a spare room in ChCh for any kiwibikers that need it ...... and heaps of room in the garage :)
That would be good. And you still have a few days to convert your garage to a gargre before he gets DarnSarf. If indeed he's venturing over the scary and wet waters of the Cook (Dire) Straits.

[Beemer]

Has Mac been to NZ before? We met a guy called Mac when we were hosting a fellow American called Rob Avery a few years back. Anyhow, whether or not it is the same Mac, we'd be more than happy to offer him a bed for a few nights in Levin. Plenty of garage space and even if we have to work, we could point him in the right direction of some good roads to ride.

PM me for details if he's keen. The other half will be doing the 1000 Miler the weekend after next, but depending on when he is in this area, we could still offer him a free bed and some food!

[vifferman]

When Mac (The Knife / Clown otherwise known as Ronald / Attack) arrives and is de-jetlagged, I will attempt to coerce some details from him, and publish on here a proposed itinerararary of his doings, so people can keep an eye on him to make sure he's not blowing stuff up, eating too many of our wildlife, or scaring kiddies with his red'n'yeller clown costume.
Howzat?

[kerryg]

Weeelll .....I'd offer to help but I don't fit the brief, sorry. Now if you were seeking someone who is the early stages of senile decrepitude, mostly drunk, cruel to small animals, hates most humans but all foreigners and especially Merkins, and can't ride a bike for shit, I might have qualified

[HDTboy]

I can't offer him a bed, but I can offer a bit (3 weeks worth) of Rotorua Knowledge, outside of standard hours.
I'd be keen to go around East cape with him exploring

[vifferman]

Weeelll .....I'd offer to help but I don't fit the brief, sorry. Now if you were seeking someone who is the early stages of senile decrepitude, mostly drunk, cruel to small animals, hates most humans but all foreigners and especially Merkins, and can't ride a bike for shit, I might have qualified
Oh - rereading my first post, I realised I made something most unclear.
Mac (Knife/Donald/Fiddler/Attack) is - if my feeble brain remembers correctly - from the Greatness of Britain, formerly part of the British Empah! He is not a Murkn, but decided it was better to ride across Murka than convert his VFR to a jetski.

[2much]

I've got 3 weeks off from today, so if Mac's heading down this way I should be available to show him/her some of the roads/pubs around the Tauranga/bay area or even further afield possibly....

Even got a couple of spare beds available for him... or any KBers looking for a place to crash anytime, just don't expect bacon & eggs for breakfast!

[2much]

Oh, and I'm up for that ride round the east coast :niceone:

[nadroj]

Sorry but I'm away for the next 2 weeks but my 17 yo daughter will be home and would look after him (if he's gay)

[vifferman]

Sorry but I'm away for the next 2 weeks but my 17 yo daughter will be home and would look after him (if he's gay)
Cue umpty-bazillion male KBers claiming to be gay, and asking for your address ....

[limbimtimwim]

When he arrives, I'll see if he wants to set himself up on here, and he can sort some stuff himself.When he gets near Wellingtron, I'd be glad to give him a couch and show him around our fine city. And bleet at him endlessly about how awesome the West Coast of the South Island is. My place isn't far from the ferry terminals, which is good for those early starts.

[ajturbo]

I always have a spare room in ChCh for any kiwibikers that need it ...... and heaps of room in the garage :)

looks like i will have to move to CHCH..:whistle:

[b4time]

I've landed & have been semi-de-jetlagged.

Plans ?

2 weeks heading south down the North Island, 5 weeks in the South Island then 2 weeks back up the North Island to drop the bike off in Auckland around the 9th December.

Thanks for all the offers.
I do however have no idea where any of you guys are - ain't been here before & don't know the geography. I'll have a chat with Vifferman & a map.

If you want a laugh the story of the trip so far is here
http://www.b4time.net/rtw/index.html

Quick summary - left the UK mid June for Canada.
Three and a half months in North America
Now here

[HDTboy]

Welcome, there's heaps of touristy shit in Rotorua, so I'll take you for a beer and a look around if you want

[vifferman]

How come your location says "Scotland"? you must be more jetlagged than you thought....

It turns out Mac is a very pleasant chap, and doesn't strike me as an axe murderer, fiddler of small people, or like that there, but there's stilll a faint possibility he may yet turn out to be an Islamic terrorist (very cunningly disguised as a charming Scottish VFR rider). :confused:

Now to put him to work doing the household chores, installing the Evo Star Shifter Kit, mowing the lawns in our horizontal "Autumn" (huh!!) rain, and generally earning his keep.

By the way - beers that aren't too hoppy make Mac happy, so stock up.

[Sniper]

I always have a spare room in ChCh for any kiwibikers that need it ...... and heaps of room in the garage :)

Ditto here. :niceone:

[Beemer]

Welcome Mac, glad to hear you have landed safely. You're more than welcome to crash at our place for a few days - we're about 100kms north of Wellington so it's a handy place to use as a base. We have a huge spare room with a double bed and plenty of secure bike parking (we have five-car garaging!) and there is just the two of us - no kids, although we do have three cats and a small flock of sheep! Quiet country location, good roads nearby, I work from home so could either show you around or point you in the right direction. Oh, and I love cooking, so you wouldn't go hungry! My husband says you're more than welcome to stay, so let us know if we fit in with your plans.

[Sniper]

Careful Mac, if you have watched "The Locals", you will know that Beemer is leading you into a trap.

PT

[Kickaha]

I always have a spare room in ChCh for any kiwibikers that need it ...... and heaps of room in the garage :)


Excellent I'll give you a call when I get tired of commuting from here :lol:

Space here as well

[b4time]

How come your location says "Scotland"? you must be more jetlagged than you thought....


The form says "Where do you live"
The display says "Location"
Don't blame me for the forum layout ...

And folks - he's only saying nice things about me coz I gave him a bottle of single malt whisky.

I'm taking notes and will have a look at a map, plan a route then contact folks.

[HDTboy]

I'm reading through your journey diary Mac, It's very interesting. I'd love to do a trip like yours at some stage

[marty]

{GULP} $3800 to txport by air. ouch.

i'm sure mac will have a fantastic time over here.

[oldrider]

I've landed & have been semi-de-jetlagged.

Plans ?

2 weeks heading south down the North Island, 5 weeks in the South Island then 2 weeks back up the North Island to drop the bike off in Auckland around the 9th December.

Thanks for all the offers.
I do however have no idea where any of you guys are - ain't been here before & don't know the geography. I'll have a chat with Vifferman & a map.

If you want a laugh the story of the trip so far is here
http://www.b4time.net/rtw/index.html

Quick summary - left the UK mid June for Canada.
Three and a half months in North America
Now here
Hi Mac and welcome to NZ. When you are down here and if you feel inclined to meet local people you will find us at Otematata. (Between Omarama and Kurow on your map) Word should be out if you are a potential axe murderer etc by then. Cheers John.

[b4time]

I'm reading through your journey diary Mac, It's very interesting. I'd love to do a trip like yours at some stage

It's easy to do, just ask yourself two questions - "Do I want to" and "Am I going to"
Keep asking the questions till the answer to both questions is "Yes".

[SpeedyGirl]

Excellent I'll give you a call when I get tired of commuting from here :lol:


Lazy butt!!! :killingme

Space here as well

I'll remember that when travelling out of town :whistle:

[vifferman]

Mac does a very good job of mechanicking for a someone who is basically a self-proclaimed 'mechanical numpty' as far as bikes go.

The VifFerraRi is alive (IT'S ALIVE!!) again, and appears to work, thanx to Mac helping me pull it apart, install the Factory Pro Evo Star Shifter Kit™, reassemble everything, and clean up. Thanx, Mac!

So, today Mac will either be getting his VFR together again, and setting off, or getting it together again and staring disconsolately at the rain and planning setting of tomorrow, or just sitting around, drinking NZ beer, and wondering where the hell they've delivered the crate to. Or cursing petty bureaucrats who are holding up delivery because box 27.2(a) on the Carnet de Passage document wasn't ticked in the right colour ink...

So - any more offers of help? Beers? Lodgings? Temporary riding companions? Guidance? :spudwhat:
Don't be shy now, folx.

[vifferman]

C'mon guys! And gals...

Mac's going to be setting off soonish (when we find his bike and reassemble it), and wouldn't it be nice if his visit here was a great advertisement for Good Ole Kiwi Hospitality. At the very least, temporary riding partners would be a Good Thing (TM). I guarantee you'll enjoy it (as long as you stay slightly out of reach of his axe-wielding arm, of course.)

[Beemer]

[QUOTE=b4time]And folks - he's only saying nice things about me coz I gave him a bottle of single malt whisky.QUOTE]

Hey, you didn't mention whisky anywhere - if you still have whisky you can stay as long as you like! Or, if you need a reviver, I have a few bottles of rather nice whisky in the cupboard (Talisker...)!

Now they have caught the murderer of the German tourist (who happened to be a local, whoops), you will find the Horowhenua pretty safe!

[vifferman]

Hey, you didn't mention whisky anywhere - if you still have whisky you can stay as long as you like!
Yeah, an embarassingly generous and unexpected gift. Now being a whisky philistine (not good, for someone of Scottish ancestry), I may have to crack the whisky before he leaves, so he can attempt to edumicate me...

[Paul in NZ]

We will be riding to ChCh probably tue 18th or more likely wed 19th. If he wants to tag along on the boat and stay the night before hand he is welcome.

[vifferman]

We will be riding to ChCh probably tue 18th or more likely wed 19th. If he wants to tag along on the boat and stay the night before hand he is welcome.
That raises two questions Mac and I discussed, but we've both forgotten to bring up here.

Is booking a bike onto the ferry necessary, or can you just turn up and get a slot?
Tie downs: We've had threads before that seemed to conclude it was preferable to take your own, rather than risk the ferry-supplied ones of indifferent quality/preformance. I have some cheap, compact ones, but as they're lightweight andnot super strong, so I dunno how secure they'd be, as the straps are a little stretchy. I suggested Mac may be able to borrow some from someone in Wellytown, use them at each end of his Sarf Oilund sojourn, then return them wehn he passes back through. Yes? Or just use the ones on the ferry?

[muzz]

He could just show up and take a chance . The tie downs on the ferry are ropes and if you can tie a knot they work well. It's amazing how many riders dont know how to tie their bikes down. If your bike falls over on the ferry you didnt tie it properly or it was a bloody ruff sailing.

[duckman]

Mac will need to get his own tie-downs as the ferry ones are crap.
I have some he can borrow for his trip.

There also a spare room at our place if he needs it.

Paul.

[vifferman]

Mac will need to get his own tie-downs as the ferry ones are crap.
I have some he can borrow for his trip.

There also a spare room at our place if he needs it.

Paul.
Thanx (on Mac's behalf) on both counts, Paul.
If his bike isn't sorted soonish (you'd think for $US4000 they'd deliver it fueled, washed and polished to wherever he wanted!), and we run out of beer, he might abandon ship at the Vifferperson household, and start looking for new lodgings...)
Got beer?

[Paul in NZ]

Just turn up weekdays or unpopular sailings is usually fine BUT you pay more than if you book in advance and can see where the cheap sailings are. However, don't expect to get on any ferry without booking if it is close to a long weekend or holiday OR if sailings have been cancelled due to rough weather.

The Lynx provided truck sized tiedowns which were OK but far too large for most bikes with fairings. We always take our own motorcycle specific ones because I know they will fit properly up under the nose fairing without stuffing anything.

Mostly the ropes are pretty good but are usually very old and filthy. Thats OK for the tie on because you can go up and wash your hands but getting ready for the off is a PIA and I hate ruining good gloves ..... ;-)

We are on the Tue 18th 8:45 sailing going south if he wants to tag along.

Cheers

[vifferman]

Mostly the ropes are pretty good but are usually very old and filthy. Thats OK for the tie on because you can go up and wash your hands but getting ready for the off is a PIA and I hate ruining good gloves ..... ;-)
Thanx, Mr Paul in NZ. :niceone:
That's Eggs Zachary what I told Mac, because it's what happened to me when I used the ferry.
Mebbe I should drill some holes in the floor of my gargre, fit some anchor bolts, and see if my feeble "four for $20" tiedowns will work.
I somehow doubt it, but you never know...

[Paul in NZ]

The bike specific ones are pretty cheap, like $50 or summat and feature a loop that allows you to pass the hook end around some stury bit and fix back onto the tiedown itself near the tightening up thingy.

They are a worthwhile investment in my book as can do double duty as a towrope... ah hem Of course only a guy that rides a 25 year old Guzzi would think like that I suppose...

btw - US$3,800? Fark. He could have bought an old beater here for that.

[vifferman]

btw - US$3,800? Fark. He could have bought an old beater here for that.
Yeah, true dat.
He realised that afterwards, that buying a bike in each country and reselling it at the end of his trip would've been more cost-effective, but I think Mac only looked at rental options, which were toldlessly more expensive.
And I didn't help because I mentioned rental options when he was looking at coming here, and forgot that some shops here do a buy-back rental, which over 9 weeeks may well have been a hassle-free and maybe cheaper option.
Easy to be wise in hindsight, I guess...

[oldrider]

Bought a set of "ADRAN" tie downs from Dannevirke Suzuki and have found them to be the best I have used yet. They are 40mm wide and don't slip. (Just ask for young Max, salesman extraordinaire he will see you right.)
They did not cost an arm and a leg and they wind up small and compact. I always carry at least two under the seat not just for the ferries but in case of rescue. It is a lot easier to get a lift for your bike if you have got your own tie downs.
It is not hard to secure a bike if you have got the right gear. It's a bit like the adage $10:00 head $10:00 helmet. The average bike costs about $10,000-$20,000, would you tie yours on some helpful strangers truck or trailer with a bit of old rope and twine etc for the sake of a $40:00 pair of tie downs?

"ADRAN" Recommended by motorcycle consumer news made in the USA of U.S. and imported parts by Studebaker MFG. Inc.

For first time ferry users. While you are hanging around in the wind and rain waiting for a ship that is usually 40mins late get your gear ready because when they say go it's all go and they don't piss around waiting for you to get tied down. The responsibility is yours. Think about it before you get there, ask others who have been there done that. Have your own gear, the ships stuff useless and dirty. You will probably have to go and find the rubber wheel chocks to tie under your wheels if there is a hint of rough weather and they will be dirty.
You don't have to tie it down so hard that you shag all your fork seals either, just make it "secure".
Enjoy the experience. Cheers John.

[b4time]

I've just created a new thread asking about Garmin software.
It's over there ->
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=18406

[vifferman]

Hopefully, Mac's bike will turn up at Motohaus today, and he'll be free from the Vifferhaus cage. Hopefully he can still get into his leathers after all the beer he's inhaled.... :whistle:

Anyway - anyone else like to volunteer some shelter, guided touring, companionship or beer to Mac when he does finally manage to break free of the greyness of D'Auckland?

[Beemer]

Hopefully, Mac's bike will turn up at Motohaus today, and he'll be free from the Vifferhaus cage. Hopefully he can still get into his leathers after all the beer he's inhaled.... :whistle:

Anyway - anyone else like to volunteer some shelter, guided touring, companionship or beer to Mac when he does finally manage to break free of the greyness of D'Auckland?

As mentioned, our place has a spare bed and garaging so he's welcome here - oh, and I have beer AND whisky/whiskey! Any idea of when he's likely to be down this way? It's just I have a prior engagement on Tuesday that may put me out of action for a few days.

[b4time]

Any idea of when he's likely to be down this way?

It's kinda tricky to plan when I don't yet have the bike and have done no riding in NZ yet. My kinda plan is to spend the rest of the week (once I have the bike) and get some idea of the area & roads etc.
I'm planning to go to Coromandel this weekend then Wellington by the weekend after. Not the most concise plan I realise but once I've had a couple of days to get an idea of distances & roads I'll be able to plan better.

[Beemer]

If you are down this way and need a bed/food/whisky, give me a shout on 0274-862-428 - we're Faye and Andy!

[Gixxer 4 ever]

It's kinda tricky to plan when I don't yet have the bike and have done no riding in NZ yet. My kinda plan is to spend the rest of the week (once I have the bike) and get some idea of the area & roads etc.
I'm planning to go to Coromandel this weekend then Wellington by the weekend after. Not the most concise plan I realise but once I've had a couple of days to get an idea of distances & roads I'll be able to plan better.
ok lets try this. You ride around dickland for a few days and head south. Take up the offer from the KBer ( sorry can't remember who it was ) to do the East Cape. Some of the best riding and views in da world. We could meet with you in Gisborne. That would enable your fellow KBers to go to Opotiki home. Or come on down with us to Napier. I live 18 Km North of Napier on the Napier Wairoa Road. We have plenty of room for people to stay. We could show you around this place and then escort you out of the Bay as you head to Liven. Think about it and I will try and work my work around it. MSTRS and I ride together so we would work something out between us. See what happens............. We don't kill everyone that stays. Only a select few. Hmmmmm VFR for free..........hahahahahaha. Come on get the plan sorted and the Kiwis will keep you out of trouble......... PM me if you want to follow this up. Cheers and happy riding.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I realise but once I've had a couple of days to get an idea of distances & roads I'll be able to plan better.

Opotiki to Napier via the East cape. I think it took MSTRS 8 hours. This is a good place to stay if you can not find a KBer to stay with Cost us $135.00 for 4 people in Feb this year. Bloody nice people and locked the bikes up. Only thing is I wanted to leave at 7am ish but they were still in bed and I didn't want to wake them so arrange a time to get the bikes out. Look here> http://www.eastlandpacific.co.nz/

If the speed posted for a corner is 15 kmh I suggest you stick to it. All others you can add to but I found 15kmh means 15 kmh.

[DemonWolf]

Just had a chat with 'She whom must be obeyed' and if you are heading near the Taranaki area, We can put you up in our spare room. So feel free to drop on by, you will be more than welcome.. (The west coast


East Cape..Some of the best riding and views in da world.. Cheers and happy riding...

Well infact all of New Zealand has some excellent riding and beautiful views)

So PM me if you need contact info..


Cheerz :rockon:

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Well infact all of New Zealand has some excellent riding and beautiful views)



Cheerz :rockon:
That is true. :spudwave: But it is kinda special up there. :niceone:

[vifferman]

The MacAttack will no doubt post here soonly, but I thought I'd get in and steal his thunder, heh heh...

He's found his bike! Progresss!!!!



Well, no.
It's still sitting in pharkin' Los Angeles!!!

So, wasted days'n'nights, an' all that.

Meanwhile, more hospitalities needed, Good, Kindly, Friendly KiwiBikerFolx! Places to go, people to meet, favourite roads to strafe, that sort of thing. Don't be shy, now.

[HDTboy]

Fuck, what a headache. I feel sorry for ya man

[DemonWolf]

So how long before it actually gets here??

Also feel sorry for ya dude.. Hope it gets sorted right quickly.

[vifferman]

So how long before it actually gets here??

Also feel sorry for ya dude.. Hope it gets sorted right quickly.
I take it that was directed at/to MacAttack.
It could be here tomorrow, then it's up the MAF and Customs to do their thing, before it's delivered to Motohaus and can be re-fluided, have a new battery and tyres fitted, etc.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

[QUOTE=vifferman]
It's still sitting in pharkin' Los Angeles!!!

QUOTE]

I am confused here. Not an uncommon state for me, but how can it be here, maybe tomorrow, and still be in LA? If it is still in LA cancel the shipping of it and leave it there and hire a bike to do NZ. Going to be cheaper in da end.

[DemonWolf]

hmmm yeah same here.. thought it was still sitting in LA.. But if its sitting in NZ then all the well and the hurry the hell up MAF and customs.. a dude needs his wheels!

[b4time]

The documentation that was sent by the shipper said it would fly last Saturday.
I've just phoned the agent in LA and have been told 'It's still here and we don't know when it will ship'
I've just sent a snotty e-mail to the boss of the person I'm dealing with. If I don't hear from him tomorrow morning I'll phone him.
If they would just tell me when it's going to ship I could make some plans. As it is I'm camped out in Viffermans place eating his food, drinking his beer and eyeing up some of the larger & sharper implements of destruction in the garage (If only the axe had a rubber handle, blood makes wood go all slippy).

As for leaving the bike in LA & renting here - then I'd have to pay storage and shipping from LA to the UK in December.

When I do get the bike I'll plan a route & let all yous helpfull and friendly folks know whose beer I'm aiming for.

[2much]

If Mac does the Coro loop when he finally gets his wheels i'll be keen to come along. If he wants, he can crash at mine after (just south of Tauranga)(might even be able to dig out some whiskey), then continue on round the east cape from there.

Call me on 021 897 101 (mark) if you're keen to take it up.

[b4time]

Just heard from the shipper
"Because of the size of the crate it's on standby ... They promised it would ship in the next 2 days"

So say it ships tomorrow, it will arrive probably Saturday and I doubt I'll get my hands on it till Monday at the earliest - so ...
I think I'll rent a bike for the weekend.
Any recommendations for bike rental ?
I'd be after something from the sporty end of the market - mostly coz they're smaller and I'm a short fart (I can only just get toes down on both my VFR and 'blade).

[2much]

If you can get hold of one, how bout a Buell XB12S/R??? awesome bike (fun fun fun) and perfect for "short farts"!

[marty]

who's it flying with? did the airline give any promise/indication as to when it would be shipped when you paid your $$? i'd be checking for a discount as to either time on the ground here waiting for it or cost of a hire bike, or get it sent straight to the next country instead, and hire a bike here.

[b4time]

Right
I'm off to see the good folks at NZBike.com in Ponsonby to see what they have in stock.

I'll not get a VFR but try something different - maybe a Hardly Flabbytail or a BMW armchair :)

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I'll not get a VFR but try something different - maybe a Hardly Flabbytail or a BMW armchair :)

You better head straight to Wellington to catch the boat coz if you get one of them HD things you will need a ute to put it on and you will miss the boat. If you get one of them beamer things you will struggle to get them around the roads up the cape and again you will miss da boat. Just get a gixxer, sit back and enjoy da ride. :dodge:

[Sniper]

Good luck mate, bugger about being dicked around ect.

[b4time]

I pick up a BMW GS1200 tomorrow morning & return it Monday.
I'll wander south tomorrow, down past Hamilton and then somewhere else.

I'll catch up with Vifferman Friday & head to Coromandel for the weekend.

Hopefully the VFR will be here early next week & take a week or so to head down through N Island.

[HDTboy]

Don't forget northland on your trip mate, there's a lot up there

[RiderInBlack]

Don't forget northland on your trip mate, there's a lot up thereAnd there is B&B available just a Txt away (PM me for the number).
Doug

[vifferman]

Mac headed out this morning at 8; hopefully he can remember to keep to the left (his biggest worry, apart from interpreting road signs with strange Maori placenames).He's headed for Hamilton via 22, then maybe down to Taupo and back up through Rotorua and Taupo to Coromandel tomorrow.

[Beemer]

How did Mac's weekend go? Here's hoping he had a great few days riding and is keen to explore some more. Don't forget to let us know when he's heading down our way, the beer's already in the fridge and I'm sure we could fire the barbecue up one fine evening for any relatively local KBers!

[vifferman]

How did Mac's weekend go?
He spent a couple of days riding down to Rotorua then up to Coromandel on Friday night - see the bottom of this: http://www.b4time.net/rtw/diary16.html
then all weekend riding around Coro, drinking alcomahol, and talking nonsense. :whistle:
The BMW he rented was just mental, but he enjoyed it, as did I when he chucked me the keys after I commented that although my bike was the smallest and least grunty, I'd had the easiest time throwing it around in the twisties.
"Not so. Here - take this, and find some corners."
Hmmmm... corners... corners.. :confused: ....:sherlock:
(where's the friggin lightbulb-going-on smilie?)
Ah yes - we just rode some corners! So, back up to the lookout, and return, and it was just like this: :ride: (except more mental, of course).

[b4time]

Twas great to be on a bike again.

Got rained on every day - but I have waterproofs and it wasn't cold enough to be nasty.

Great roads, great people, wondeful hospitality, excelent beer, did I mention the roads :niceone:

It's looking like I might not my bike today ...
Bummer.

From various chats with people I have decided to go down the West coast this week. Head across to the South Island early next week for 5 weeks.
I'll decide my S. Island route later.
When I come back to the North Island I'll come up the East coast.

Mac

[b4time]

Finally I have a delivery date for the bike.

It will be dropped at Motohaus tomorrow, mid morning.
19 days since I dropped it off. I hope I can remember what it looks like.
I'm real glad that this is not a 2 week holiday - then I'd be really buggered.

Mac

[DemonWolf]

Excellent... hope ya bike gets here hassle-free! =)

[Beemer]

Phew, been without a phone line (and therefore without an internet connection) since 10am Wednesday! Just got online now, so if Mac is still heading down our way, both phone numbers are now operational! I did ask a fellow-KBer (thanks for nothing Busted!) to post a note on here this morning to let everyone know we were out of action, but he must have forgotten.

We had three glorious days but now it is raining, but if Mac is still coming down this way, the welcome at least will be warm!

[Beemer]

Well, Mac arrived at our place on Friday afternoon and left about an hour ago to head for Wellington to catch the ferry this afternoon.

Thankfully we had a gorgeous weekend weather-wise, so on Saturday Andy took him up to PN to buy some waterproof gloves (insurance for good weather!) and on Sunday they popped up to Manfeild to watch the Vic Club open day. Following that they joined a BMWOR ride to Wimbledon, so Mac got to try a few good roads.

Yesterday we just blobbed out and enjoyed the sunshine, so he was ready to hop on the bike and head off for some more adventures today.

Look out for him in the South Island - he's headed your way!

[b4time]

A major thanks to Beemer for putting up with me for the weekend.
Great folks, great weather & great roads.

Mac

[Beemer]

I just got a message from Vifferman, asking if you were still alive - I think he's feeling a little neglected!

You obviously found somewhere with wireless internet - have fun in Wellington and enjoy the sailing this afternoon - looks like it should be a calm one.

[Lias]

Man I found this thread late in the piece!

Hopefully I'll get a chance to consume a beverage or three with Mac if hes coming back up this way later in his travels.

Great writeup on your website dude, my boss probably hates you thou because I've spent half the day reading it instead of working :whistle:

Good luck on your travels!

[Wolf]

I've landed & have been semi-de-jetlagged.

Plans ?

2 weeks heading south down the North Island, 5 weeks in the South Island then 2 weeks back up the North Island to drop the bike off in Auckland around the 9th December.

Thanks for all the offers.
I do however have no idea where any of you guys are - ain't been here before & don't know the geography. I'll have a chat with Vifferman & a map.

If you want a laugh the story of the trip so far is here
http://www.b4time.net/rtw/index.html

Quick summary - left the UK mid June for Canada.
Three and a half months in North America
Now here
Welcome to NZ and the KB gargre, O way-faring one. All the best on your travels and if you do come back up to Hamilton area, I'll join with LiasTZ in having some beverages with you.

[b4time]

I'll raise a glass to that :)

Mac

[SpeedyGirl]

Nice to have met you Mac..... welcome anytime. :spudwave: