Hard core commuter turns Bike friendly Holiday Park lease owner (Kai Iwi Beach)

[IronPawz]

250,000kms of commuting down Otaki to Wellington. Mostly on CBR1000RR's.

Sold up moved to Kai Iwi Beach and took over the lease for the holiday park there. Figured we can get the cafe and chipper running and get the placing humming. There are really great roads all round Kai Iwi and Whanganui region. I love riding here and still have plenty of riding mates. I've some vague ideas and thought I'd throw it out there for comments. What would make a campground a good destination specifically for riders? All my riding has given me some ideas.

- Ability to turn up with as little as possible (for example a back pack on a sports bike).
- Place has various cabins but I like the idea of cheaper tent options where we put up a tent (rent a tent?)
- Gear for cleaning helmets / visors
- Place to keep the bike dry (option)
- Maps and GPS for great day ride routes
- Food
- Thinking things like a fire pit sort of cook you own bbq option, lots of possibilities here
- Drinks
- Likelihood of being able to chat to other riders (we all love gobbing on about bikes right)
- Free photos including drone footage and time lapse (examples of my amateur efforts on facebook)
- Bike cleaning service?

Is this shameless self promotion? I had some long threads on here over the years, still own 5 bikes, still keen to do some more track days (done maybe 40 so far). Rode summer / winter all year round for 6+ years into Wellington (so think wind, rain, hail, cold, dark, heavy various speed filtering. 10 hours a week (not including track days and other riding). Soooo up it totally is (shameless self promotion).

It is always better to book groups for a camp ground but they don't have to be big. This way I can crap on about bikes and hang out with fellow bikers. Perhaps organised some rides, hire out bikes (you never now baby steps). It is a family camp ground so nothing to rowdy there are kids here at least in the good weather. Winter this year is mostly adults using campsaver (off season rates).

So ideas? Anyone know the place and have any stories?

From corporate stress, multiple clients, staff, commute to scrubbing toilets. Total upgrade, no regrets.

[jellywrestler]

250,000kms of commuting down Otaki to Wellington. Mostly on CBR1000RR's.

Sold up moved to Kai Iwi Beach and took over the lease for the holiday park there. Figured we can get the cafe and chipper running and get the placing humming. There are really great roads all round Kai Iwi and Whanganui region. I love riding here and still have plenty of riding mates. I've some vague ideas and thought I'd throw it out there for comments. What would make a campground a good destination specifically for riders? All my riding has given me some ideas.

- Ability to turn up with as little as possible (for example a back pack on a sports bike).
- Place has various cabins but I like the idea of cheaper tent options where we put up a tent (rent a tent?)
- Gear for cleaning helmets / visors
- Place to keep the bike dry (option)
- Maps and GPS for great day ride routes
- Food
- Thinking things like a fire pit sort of cook you own bbq option, lots of possibilities here
- Drinks
- Likelihood of being able to chat to other riders (we all love gobbing on about bikes right)
- Free photos including drone footage and time lapse (examples of my amateur efforts on facebook)
- Bike cleaning service?

Is this shameless self promotion? I had some long threads on here over the years, still own 5 bikes, still keen to do some more track days (done maybe 40 so far). Rode summer / winter all year round for 6+ years into Wellington (so think wind, rain, hail, cold, dark, heavy various speed filtering. 10 hours a week (not including track days and other riding). Soooo up it totally is (shameless self promotion).

It is always better to book groups for a camp ground but they don't have to be big. This way I can crap on about bikes and hang out with fellow bikers. Perhaps organised some rides, hire out bikes (you never now baby steps). It is a family camp ground so nothing to rowdy there are kids here at least in the good weather. Winter this year is mostly adults using campsaver (off season rates).

So ideas? Anyone know the place and have any stories?

From corporate stress, multiple clients, staff, commute to scrubbing toilets. Total upgrade, no regrets. drying wet gear makes things betterer, facilities for this

[HenryDorsetCase]

my 2c is focus on the basics that make any campground good. SHOWERS - plentiful and lots of hot water. I dont give a shit if I have to pay if the shower is good.

Maybe think about a spa pool too - some of us are old and decrepid and a spa helps especially if riding the next day.

Your glamping idea is a good one (yes, its a thing).

Try and get people who are personality suited for hospo. Lots of hospo operators seem to hate their customers. Just saying. ( like Basil and Sybil Fawlty levels of dysfunction).

I wish you well with it. Two other businessy tips: pay the taxman. Particularly employees PAYE and kiwisaver. Never EVER be tempted to "borrow" it if you have cashflow issues. You can and people do get put in jail for that.

Cashflow. The boom in domestic tourism hopefully will siphon itself your way... because there wont be any international tourists this year and likely next I reckon. so target your advertising.

Good luck with it.

[pete376403]

Big Concrete blocks with loops of rebar that a serious security chain could be hooked through

[F5 Dave]

Sounds great good luck. Kids too young but maybe in future.

[pritch]

my 2c is focus on the basics that make any campground good. SHOWERS - plentiful and lots of hot water.

Absolutely.

Kai Iwi has touristy things nearby, certainly enough to make for some interesting ride options.

I wish the OP well in his new venture and will mention this to other riders.

[Navy Boy]

As others have said the showering facilities need to be top notch.

I also like your idea of ready erected tents, Eurocamp style. These work a treat in mainland Europe (I've used them myself a few times over the years) and they provide a cheaper option to your hardstanding cabins too. :yes:

Good luck with it. ;)

[IronPawz]

drying wet gear makes things betterer, facilities for this

Good idea. Wet and cold is hard work on a bike for any stretch of time. So on a cold day a warm destination to dry out would be good. There is a fire behind the wee shop with seating that will eventually become part of the cafe. If I light that fire ahead of any group it would be warn and then leave gear hung up in the same room it would dry. Otherwise a purpose setup tent with a heater and hanging things.

Someone mentioned a hanging room for hunters also, bit tangent but I like the idea (for a small meat donation).

Drying facilities I will add that to the list (beyond the existing dryer and washer standard setup).

[IronPawz]

my 2c is focus on the basics that make any campground good. SHOWERS - plentiful and lots of hot water. I dont give a shit if I have to pay if the shower is good.

Maybe think about a spa pool too - some of us are old and decrepid and a spa helps especially if riding the next day.

Your glamping idea is a good one (yes, its a thing).

Try and get people who are personality suited for hospo. Lots of hospo operators seem to hate their customers. Just saying. ( like Basil and Sybil Fawlty levels of dysfunction).

I wish you well with it. Two other businessy tips: pay the taxman. Particularly employees PAYE and kiwisaver. Never EVER be tempted to "borrow" it if you have cashflow issues. You can and people do get put in jail for that.

Cashflow. The boom in domestic tourism hopefully will siphon itself your way... because there wont be any international tourists this year and likely next I reckon. so target your advertising.

Good luck with it.


Very helpful lets look through

- Showers are good here $1 coin 6 minutes gas headed so good pressure, water filtered so no hard
Recently added a load of hooks and places to put thing (by recommendations) rubbish bin in lades etc so happy these work well
Some complain they keep going once person is finished but not much I can do there in the short run (only a few mention this)

- Glamping is great I did a Royal Enfield group tour in India and they did amazing Glamping in one spot, love to do this here.

- We run the place ourselves for the most part but will get help. I totally hear this comment our reviews are good we are people people (my wife, kids and I)
Prior owners where not so people focused and the numbers reduced quite quickly, helped make the lease manageable for us, we are building back up already
We got here 2 days before lockdown (so interesting times)

- Pay the tax man, sure we've done this all along with all our businesses its good advice
- We are all in here but we had enough in reserve to run blow the line and survive for a good while so all good there for now

- Covid - this place was traditionally 75% domestic a lot of which is local people (so advertise there first)
NZMCA is currently by far our best advertising, good reviews, campsaver (so $20 powered site a night for two adults)
We are in all the standard camping apps
No point advertising for typical out of country tourists right now totally agree so domestic and by far our best tool is good reviews (so being good, clean, friendly, its a great location so that part is easy)
People are getting out more right now its been busier than the app we inherited shows last winter being, somewhere a lot of Kiwi's have not been so fingers crossed

- Domestic - This is also why I like bikes. It lines up with my personal interests and its NZ focused. Plus there are riding roads to die for all around here.

Sounds like you know the business so thanks those are good comments and by all means add more.

[IronPawz]

Big Concrete blocks with loops of rebar that a serious security chain could be hooked through


Ability to secure those $40,000 hogs huh. Yeah that makes sense. Once you are in the camp there is a security gate and cameras coming in and leaving the area but there is nothing like a bad ass chain and a big lock. I've some big posts that could be concreted into the ground.

OK monster security makes sense.

[IronPawz]

Sounds great good luck. Kids too young but maybe in future.

I think we will be here for many years. I imagine a smaller version of the Wines or Tui Brewery type destination one day so it will only get better. One of those epic bike spots you can grab a beer / wine / feed and hey even stay the night. Its a family orientated camp but the cafe part is right down one side so far enough back from campers. Big parking area (its grass so it needs at least something for bike stands).

Still anyone can rock up to a self contained cabin when the kids are big enough to handle bunks.

[IronPawz]

Absolutely.

Kai Iwi has touristy things nearby, certainly enough to make for some interesting ride options.

I wish the OP well in his new venture and will mention this to other riders.


Cheers fella I really appreciate that. Each time I get a pic of some epic bike rolling in here I'm just loving it. Few examples (not sure they will work but give it a go / did not work I'll just add direct facebook links).

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=162886198693325&set=pcb.162886402026638&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=165369831778295&set=p.165369831778295&type=3&theater

one of my bikes (my lovely Kai Iwi Katana)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=164984318483513&set=a.108606424121303&type=3&theater

I don't remember ever seeing a specifically bike friendly camp ground with things just for riders. If there are others I'd be keen to hook up with them also. See if we can make an NZ riders trail across the country.

[IronPawz]

As others have said the showering facilities need to be top notch.

I also like your idea of ready erected tents, Eurocamp style. These work a treat in mainland Europe (I've used them myself a few times over the years) and they provide a cheaper option to your hardstanding cabins too. :yes:

Good luck with it. ;)

Cheers, yup I am warming up to those tents. Truth is we (my family) where (and I guess still are) tenters. We do epic tenting missions over holidays with the kids and I always long for my bike during them. Specially when you drive the boring cage through endless great riding country. I've a KR150R here I might well lend to longing riders stuck in the bus but surrounded in great roads here. Its a hoot to ride a 150cc two stroke around the windy bits.

Fancy tents could be good. Also a big tent could be good for things. There is a hall and a bowls club right next to the grounds that can be hired (but not slept in).

Yeah glamping is good fun.

[IronPawz]

OK so some pretty up beat ideas etc. Nice and thanks.

For friend face users I'm always posting stuff about the camp and any bikes that stray in here

https://www.facebook.com/bruce.taylor.39501789

Kai Iwi camp itself is here

https://www.facebook.com/kaiiwibeach/

I often think about squeezing my Katana into the branding along with that sweet Zeph Zodiac even if the period is a bit mismatched. Not much bike stuff here I generally think things out in my FB and put more organised things on that main page.

Now life has some time (at this time of year) I can get back into a bit of Kiwibiker, maybe do the Cold Kiwi and such things coming up (winter being the quite time).

The main way to get more bikes in the park is to get bikes in the park. They attract themselves. It is fun to go somewhere other riders are. So best we get on and open a cafe so there is something to do for people just doing day trips.

Anyone in the area is welcome to just roll in and have a look around. We do have ice cream and fizzy etc but its worth a look and I'm always keen to discuss bike options here.

Anyone riding in on a Katana (either pop-up or original not that horrible recent one) in the off season is welcome to a free night in one of our cabins (or a MK3 Zephyr) as long as they don't mind my taking some photos of it!

[TheDemonLord]

What would make a campground a good destination specifically for riders?

A positive ratio of tall, shapely ladies in skin-tight leathers....



But in seriousness, the only thing I can add would be to maybe have some form of guided ride/tour thing available - where you take a bunch of people out on a ride - maybe discuss with local businesses about some referral option(s) - namely 'I'll put your Pub as a recommended stop if you would give our patrons a 5% discount' or something similar.

You mentioned Track Days - again same thing, take a group out for a scenic ride to the nearest race course, have a track day, come back. Possibly even bring along a Van big enough to take a bike back should one ride a little too spirited.

[IronPawz]

A positive ratio of tall, shapely ladies in skin-tight leathers....



But in seriousness, the only thing I can add would be to maybe have some form of guided ride/tour thing available - where you take a bunch of people out on a ride - maybe discuss with local businesses about some referral option(s) - namely 'I'll put your Pub as a recommended stop if you would give our patrons a 5% discount' or something similar.

You mentioned Track Days - again same thing, take a group out for a scenic ride to the nearest race course, have a track day, come back. Possibly even bring along a Van big enough to take a bike back should one ride a little too spirited.


Yes babes and free beer I am sure would pack them in ;).

Guided tours are a nice idea no least because then I'd get to show off the place and ride with riders! Referrals is a good idea also, lots of good local businesses around here. There is a decent local cafe that also has meals and beer/wine 10 mins away for example.

Interestingly Suzuki legend Brian Bernard lives not far from here, does regular excellent training days (at Manfield which is @50 minutes ride) takes a big van to track (is also a mechanic etc so potentially lots of wins there). 50 minute ride to track is one thing riding back is always a bit tougher. Good ideas. Perhaps I need a big van I currently have a two bike trailer only (which is borrowed).

Mmmmm good ideas, organised bike tours... I recently meet a keen biker here who has a riding group I just joined, they know all the roads and are always keen for members from anywhere.

All this bike talk is making me itchy, best I see if the wife will let me out for a ride! I need to conduct research.

[RDJ]

Excellent news that we're getting more rider-friendly options around here. I'm sure there are a lot of riders who in the past have saved up to attend one or other of the famous, infamous, and niche rallies overseas and now - like me - are jonesing for Kiwi replacement destinations. All the best with your endeavours, OP!

[RDJ]

Thinking about what I have liked, looked for and enjoyed at various rallies and rides over many years; and not especially in any order of priority


Reasonable size campsites and hard-surface bike parking for maintenance, repairs
Washing and cleaning gear available, free brushes and chamois, small charge for cleaning disposables
If no shop within walking distance, a small convenience-store shelf setup for after hours and last minute toiletries, drinks, eats and so on
Communal lounges outside and inside
Custom maps of one-, two- and 5-day rides
A bike trailer (I have a 3 bike trailer here in WangaVegas that sees little use, happy to lend it for emergencies)
Local supplier list for oil and other consumables, tires, repairs, tows, rentals
For the unfortunates who have to FIFO, when flights resume - an airport shuttle service and your own rental bikes!
Internet access
Movies outdoors at night :-)
A couple of really upscale bike-deco cabins with all the mod cons for the Parnell set and the born-again or recently-converted older types who are nonetheless looking for comfort; average cabins for the average Joe; and nice / larger / family-groups size tents as mentioned above

I'm sure more will spring to mind :-)

[RDJ]

Late addition suggestion: an installed fast-charge EV charging station for the LiveWire and other electric bikes... we know they're coming whether we like it or not!

[jellywrestler]

Late addition suggestion: an installed fast-charge EV charging station for the LiveWire and other electric bikes... we know they're coming whether we like it or not!
wonder what's the rate of return versus customers gained on that. I've got a charging lead for my van, pull up plug it in in wellington and free parking. my vans not electric but i used second hand cable, and a buggered plug to make a mock up one and am saving a bit on parking now.

[jellywrestler]

no doubt it won't take long for you to be booked out christmas night and boxing night if you're offering secure bike and gear storage and a ride into the bikes for the day.

[tri boy]

My 2cents FWIW.
Have a point of difference that will encourage travelers. ie staying in a Yurt, bird watching etc
I was a surf life saver in that neck of the woods. Get friendly with the Mowhanau clubbies.
The local bowling club hold regular tournaments in summer, so maybe chat to the committee re accom for traveling bowlers.

[RDJ]

wonder what's the rate of return versus customers gained on that.

This guy works for a fairly well known m/c manufacturer. His comments are interesting...

IB: How much of a focus is the further development of electric motorcycles (or urban transport solutions) for BMW Motorrad right now as we’ve not seen anything enter production since the introduction of the C Evolution in 2012.

RR: Electromobility is absolutely in our focus and I am sure, that electric motorcycles and scooters will be very important for the future of motorcycling. With the C evolution, BMW Motorrad has indeed been a pioneer in the area of electric mobility and I see us continuing to lead the way here. The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster clearly shows how we see what an emotional e-Power Roadster should look like in the future. And in the field of urban mobility I see our upcoming products with a strong focus on electric propulsion. We have a lot planned and will soon present an urban concept. So stay tuned.

https://www.carolenash.com/insidebikes/news/interview-ralf-rodepeter-bmw-motorrad/

https://bikereview.com.au/review-bmw-e-power-roadster-electric/

My apologies for the partial thread hijack, but I do claim relevance as my excuse.

[Dak S83]

Was just stalking your FB page Bruce lol, good to see what you are doing out at Kai-Iwi, certainly looks very good, might just have to come out for a blat on the bike and have a look, I'm in Wanganui

[Laava]

How much for a cabin for 1 person, 1 night?
Also, what is the food like? Is it meals or snacks?

[Big Dog]

In a similar vein to the road riders routes connections to any adventure riding guides, routes etc?

Sent from the road.

[RDJ]

In a similar vein to the road riders routes connections to any adventure riding guides, routes etc?

Sent from the road.

What I can say based on literally decades of get-out-there-for-an-early-Sunday-ride, is there are few medium-distance North Island roads with minimal traffic and good surfaces for cornering as well as having the combo of a great destination and a fun origin that compare to the Parapara...

[Big Dog]

What I can say based on literally decades of get-out-there-for-an-early-Sunday-ride, is there are few medium-distance North Island roads with minimal traffic and good surfaces for cornering as well as having the combo of a great destination and a fun origin that compare to the Parapara...I sure miss riding in Taranaki and down to Wanganui.
In the 90s I used to really like just turning down a road I hadn't been down before to see what was down there. Very few didn't play off.
Frankly it'll be a while before I could make it down that way for a road riding trip due to excessive fortune on the progeny side.

A week away with family and a day or two adventure ride on a rental that would be an entirely different and much easier sell.

Especially if there was daycare within a suitable distance and some other activity to send the wife on.

However having lived at a Motorcamp my dad ran when I was a kid, the second biggest mistake operators make is over investing in niche stuff. The biggest mistake being a disinterest or over interest in customers.

Dad got the Motorcamp relatively cheap because prior owner was over invested in the international tourist market. Fancied up the "chalets" only to find no one wanted to pay more to rent them than the basic cabins.
Market has changed now close to 40 years later and that might be a viable market, only market research would say.

The smart operators involved other businesses in developing opportunities for them.

Another nearby camp nearly sank under the weight of a rental watercraft and guided tours addition that didn't play out.
They sold that part of the business to an operator with other watercraft businesses. Boom, it was profitable and paying rent to the campground.
Even at 8 or 9 I could see that 10% of something is better than 100% of nothing with a debt burden.

Establish a relationship with complementary businesses such as caterers, marquee rentals etc. rather than carry the cost and the risk.

What exactly to develop will vary a lot.
You can't be everything to every one but from what I understand there are some excellent adventure rides, some excellent roads and more than a few historical places to be enough of a magnet.

Sent from the road.

[george formby]

I sure miss riding in Taranaki and down to Wanganui.
In the 90s I used to really like just turning down a road I hadn't been down before to see what was down there. Very few didn't play off.
Frankly it'll be a while before I could make it down that way for a road riding trip due to excessive fortune on the progeny side.

A week away with family and a day or two adventure ride on a rental that would be an entirely different and much easier sell.

Especially if there was daycare within a suitable distance and some other activity to send the wife on.

However having lived at a Motorcamp my dad ran when I was a kid, the second biggest mistake operators make is over investing in niche stuff. The biggest mistake being a disinterest or over interest in customers.

Dad got the Motorcamp relatively cheap because prior owner was over invested in the international tourist market. Fancied up the "chalets" only to find no one wanted to pay more to rent them than the basic cabins.
Market has changed now close to 40 years later and that might be a viable market, only market research would say.

The smart operators involved other businesses in developing opportunities for them.

Another nearby camp nearly sank under the weight of a rental watercraft and guided tours addition that didn't play out.
They sold that part of the business to an operator with other watercraft businesses. Boom, it was profitable and paying rent to the campground.
Even at 8 or 9 I could see that 10% of something is better than 100% of nothing with a debt burden.

Establish a relationship with complementary businesses such as caterers, marquee rentals etc. rather than carry the cost and the risk.

What exactly to develop will vary a lot.
You can't be everything to every one but from what I understand there are some excellent adventure rides, some excellent roads and more than a few historical places to be enough of a magnet.

Sent from the road.

An awful lot of hard earned hospitality business sense in this post Big Dog.

Quite a fascinating journey you are on IronPawz, your business is bums in beds and your target market is pretty niche.

I'm an eternal optimist and reckon that if you can be the destination in your area for Kiwi tourist riders then, eventually, you will be top of the list for overseas riders.

Big picture thinking.. Always look at your facility's, accommodation, grounds, food, beverage and atmosphere from a customers perspective. How enjoyable would your stay be? Do you get value for money? Was your stay memorable in a positive way? Why? Take your personal opinion of whats good enough out of the game.

As much as it galls me, stuff like wifi, the ability to re-charge a myriad of devices, being able to supply a charging cable for a device etc is a big deal today. Look at trip advisor, one of the first gripes you will read about accommodation is slow internet and lack of power points. Easy, cheap fixes. You can't be promoted if the guests can't connect, they won't post tomorrow. Cables get lost and broken, you will end up with a box full of them left behind by guests. Keep them on hand, a courtesy service.

Tie in's with other companies are great, but.. You have to ensure that anywhere or anything you promote enhances your reputation. If you recommend a "good" pub to stop at for lunch and the experience is bad it reflects directly onto you, it erodes the trust you are trying to build. This is a toughy, keep an eye on and frequent your recommendations, staff and managers change.

Go green. Re-cycling, efficient power / heat / water, will be noticed and acknowledged by your guests. Something as simple as a compost bin for food scraps will get you kudos.

Being biker focused consider having tools, a compressor, tyre gauge etc available. Maybe even stands for chain adjustment and puncture repair. If a tourist rider is in dire straits in your neighborhood, you should be first choice for the night, regardless of their original plans.

Through this thread organise a "famil" of Kiwibikers to come and stay. Set a date and some fun riding. Sit the buggers down at the end of it and have some hard questions to ask, Kiwis will immediately say "grouse mate" if you ask "how is the place?".... Bloody useless feedback. Get the nitty gritty.


Crikey, I am off on a ramble! It's not often that KB throws something into my field.

Hospo and food are my game IronPawz, feel free to PM me if you want a third eye.

[Big Dog]

snip...., Kiwis will immediately say "grouse mate" if you ask "how is the place?".... Bloody useless feedback. Get the nitty gritty.
... Snip

Second that.

Don't ever take the first answer from anyone about their opinion of your service unless they hunted you down to give it to you.

It was grouse you say? What was good about it?
What could we be doing better?
Will you be back?
Why?

Some people won't tell you the truth till the third or fourth layer so keep digging.

[ellipsis]

...after being on two wheels for close on fifty years and generally being fixated by the things for a lot longer, the last thing I would want is to be stuck with a bunch of other similarly fixated people while I was out for a 'get away' from it all tour...I like to meet different people, go fishing and walking, relax...

...the good old kiwi motor camp of the past, lots with their own style and situations seem to have changed a bit over the years...

...I remember an extended South Island loop my wife and I did some years back on the GL1000...we decided that as we had no plan for stops, we should make one...it ended up being that we would only stay in very small settlements in pubs that had a Speights sign painted on the roof or fence...we managed to find just that over a two week ride...only one had another person on a bike staying there, we may have exchanged pleasantries but that was as far as it got...

...then again the thought of going to a bike rally or going on a ride with more than one or two mates is equally abhorrent to me...pandering to a niche market in the game you are embarking on may set it's own limitations...

[IronPawz]

Late addition suggestion: an installed fast-charge EV charging station for the LiveWire and other electric bikes... we know they're coming whether we like it or not!


All great and totally worth while comments.

Out door movies is something we are keen to do (has been done in past prior owners) already. Few good family movies.

Thanks!

[IronPawz]

wonder what's the rate of return versus customers gained on that. I've got a charging lead for my van, pull up plug it in in wellington and free parking. my vans not electric but i used second hand cable, and a buggered plug to make a mock up one and am saving a bit on parking now.

Hehe that is hilarious, any images? Classic.

Parks have 20amp caravan sockets all over the place and adapter leads to a standard house type connection. 20amp is reasonably fast. We do have a three phase outlet my sparky friend tells me we could plumb in. it is in a place now where a bike could get in and change but not a car. So might be ok where it is.

Otherwise if you use an old vacuum cleaner cable under the seat you can at least park in a prime spot while having a coke.

[IronPawz]

no doubt it won't take long for you to be booked out christmas night and boxing night if you're offering secure bike and gear storage and a ride into the bikes for the day.


Actually you don't normally want people only staying a night or two over that time. They take up spots a family might otherwise use for two weeks straight. We have a minimum three night booking at that time.

Still... could we reserve something for riders specifically for those events? Probably not this year. We'd need something more like a hostel and there would be limits and regulations. Having said all that there are two spots we could potentially use with a port a lou or two and tents. Ring the tents around the bikes with hard spots to park on and some chains, surveillance, dogs (the shark of the land) with lasers attached to their heads.

Yes that could work quite nicely. While I may miss the show I can at least look at bikes here. That is my favourite part anyway (the parking lot).

[IronPawz]

Great comment. I'm totally joining the bowls club and have meet most of the members. I quite like having a bowl. Keen to support the surf club also, I'm am sure there are things we can do for them. They are a treasured resource to the camp and community. All those safer kids, I'll be looking for ways to help. Keen to kind local clubs. I'm pretty keen to start some local clubs too. Brewing club, rocket club, astronomy but more likely some hazy combination of those things (science club).

Point of difference absolutely. My main issue is I have idea overload and have to take a deep breath and commit to one or two ideas and see them through. I've started small for example plant a load of fruit trees/vines and start small veggie projects. Clean up all the sheds and organise the vast heap of useful materials.

There is less touched area between the park and the sea that forms an acoustic bowl. I like the idea of music in there but also it would be wild to tent down there (no power or toilets yet). The birds down there (and all over but especially there) are epic, kingfishers, swallows, cranes, tui, fantail, all the common house birds. Be a good spot for something different. Stream with ells. No way to get road bikes in this area.

For the first summer we are running the existing playbook with a little playing on the sides and a likely cafe opening, bike loving.





My 2cents FWIW.
Have a point of difference that will encourage travelers. ie staying in a Yurt, bird watching etc
I was a surf life saver in that neck of the woods. Get friendly with the Mowhanau clubbies.
The local bowling club hold regular tournaments in summer, so maybe chat to the committee re accom for traveling bowlers.

[IronPawz]

I love electric bikes. BMW still blowing smoke with a one off prototype and no dates still irks me. Where is Japan? Kawasaki is still playing with the same bike for 10 years and no production dates? Mean time Zero just smash out good bikes and Mission stagger along seemingly with orders but not delivering much. Then there are all the others mostly cheap and to limited or dizzy expensive at present. Finally Harley! Astounding that they just did it and I really do give it up to Harely for delivering a bike that works and is main stream supported. Bloody well done! Price is high but you only get that down by starting somewhere and reducing costs etc.

Tesla and Toyota or Nissan would probably make the best electric bikes (if their style department didn't make it look crap).

As for BMW they may get there (like non Tesla US car makers may get their) eventually. I'd be very happy to see them produce that bike and same with Kawasaki (probably more so theirs looks more widely affordable). Electric motorcycle for the masses, bring it on! I was so obsessed with building my own at one point I dreamed I was doing it every night for a week. However the cost and spec I concluded was just not compelling for my at the time 75km each way mostly highway commute.





This guy works for a fairly well known m/c manufacturer. His comments are interesting...

IB: How much of a focus is the further development of electric motorcycles (or urban transport solutions) for BMW Motorrad right now as we’ve not seen anything enter production since the introduction of the C Evolution in 2012.

RR: Electromobility is absolutely in our focus and I am sure, that electric motorcycles and scooters will be very important for the future of motorcycling. With the C evolution, BMW Motorrad has indeed been a pioneer in the area of electric mobility and I see us continuing to lead the way here. The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster clearly shows how we see what an emotional e-Power Roadster should look like in the future. And in the field of urban mobility I see our upcoming products with a strong focus on electric propulsion. We have a lot planned and will soon present an urban concept. So stay tuned.

https://www.carolenash.com/insidebikes/news/interview-ralf-rodepeter-bmw-motorrad/

https://bikereview.com.au/review-bmw-e-power-roadster-electric/

My apologies for the partial thread hijack, but I do claim relevance as my excuse.

[IronPawz]

Do it anytime. I'll make you a cuppa (instant is my current specialty). Feel free to join on facebook anyone is welcome. It is mostly about the park with a good side helping of bikes and some just life. That shed project has been taking time but there will be a well provisioned bike shed working soon. Stands etc at the ready.

Kai Iwi rocks I'm all in here, to hell with the corporate rat race of my last 20 years. I'd sooner clean the ... toilet! Oh shit that went sideways fast...



Was just stalking your FB page Bruce lol, good to see what you are doing out at Kai-Iwi, certainly looks very good, might just have to come out for a blat on the bike and have a look, I'm in Wanganui

[IronPawz]

How much for a cabin for 1 person, 1 night?
Also, what is the food like? Is it meals or snacks?

There are small cabins that have a double bed, fridge and jug, heater. They are $80 a night for 1 or 2 people.

The food right now is only what we sell in the shop, bread, milk, eggs, tins of spaghetti or baked beans. So REALLY basic. The kitchen does however have everything you need to do eggs and beans on toast.

There is a full on chipper behind the shop but we are yet to open that up. Coffee / Cafe is coming but currently does not have a date. There are also self contained units (toilet / shower, separate bedroom/lounge) these come with double and bunks or fold out couch. They are $120 night for up to two people. Finally there is an in between option that has a double and bunks in one room close to the toilets which are $90.

You can check it out here and it will show you all the prices and bookings etc if you are interested (or call us anytime on 06 342 9658).

www.kaiiwibeach.co.nz

Is this ok in these threads? Feels like spam but I guess that is part of the nature of my reality. My interests and self interest are shamelessly aligned.

[IronPawz]

What I keep hearing is I have to get out and create some routes (or work with local friends and I know just the guy). This clearly means riding those routes a good few times myself. Perhaps I will keep the later Fireblade after all... Its just a bit more like a 600 in the curly stuff of which there is lashings of around here.

I'm thinking video camera, uploads to youtube and some facebook marketing. Really this thread may just have saved my newer Blade if it could be considered part of the marketing etc...





In a similar vein to the road riders routes connections to any adventure riding guides, routes etc?

Sent from the road.

[IronPawz]

What I can say based on literally decades of get-out-there-for-an-early-Sunday-ride, is there are few medium-distance North Island roads with minimal traffic and good surfaces for cornering as well as having the combo of a great destination and a fun origin that compare to the Parapara...

Good pub out there too. I'd love to long term have a license here. I remember someone mentioning you can hire like a licensed bus that can come sell beer.

[Laava]

Cheers mate, was looking for a room tues night just gone but ended up leaving Wellies a bit earlier than expected so just bit the bullet and rode the 10 hrs to Kamo instead...

[IronPawz]

There is some gold in that comment...

"A week away with family and a day or two adventure ride on a rental that would be an entirely different and much easier sell."
Yes I've wondered about hiring out bikes. I do have two blades and the KR150R but could get others.
Being able to facilitate this should be a good goal to aim at.

"Especially if there was daycare within a suitable distance and some other activity to send the wife on."
Top comment and possible side line business right there. Holiday school in the park type option
Tons of wife options here but thinking about it in those terms is a good comment. Lots of gardens, shops, art and museums here (also sunny spots for wine and a good book)
Beach a short walk with life guards, swimming, sand castles etc

"However having lived at a Motorcamp my dad ran when I was a kid, the second biggest mistake operators make is over investing in niche stuff. The biggest mistake being a disinterest or over interest in customers.?"
Golden comment. Point of difference should still be broadly of interest. Don't encourage 20% to be noisy, smelly bikers, spend all you effort on them and put off the 80% of others.
I'll go with treat all your customers well (if you have favourites don't second class others over it).

"Dad got the Motorcamp relatively cheap because prior owner was over invested in the international tourist market. Fancied up the "chalets" only to find no one wanted to pay more to rent them than the basic cabins.
Market has changed now close to 40 years later and that might be a viable market, only market research would say."
We are not super fancy here and most of our market is actually quite local (bit of a hidden Gem) cabins are clean and work well
All the rating and park finding websites have put us on the map now due to good comments
The market does seem to favour self contained (shame we only have 2 self contained as we have 8 others)

"The smart operators involved other businesses in developing opportunities for them."
Good comment I think more next year will be our year of partnership as we take on the basics for years one.
To do good food options here we could look to partner
Keen to create good partners

"Another nearby camp nearly sank under the weight of a rental watercraft and guided tours addition that didn't play out."
Yup no risk no glory but you don't want to bet the farm. Have a budget, test the market etc.

"They sold that part of the business to an operator with other watercraft businesses. Boom, it was profitable and paying rent to the campground.
Even at 8 or 9 I could see that 10% of something is better than 100% of nothing with a debt burden."
Love it. Reminds me of Brian Tracy I grew up listening to that guy talk business success.

"Establish a relationship with complementary businesses such as caterers, marquee rentals etc. rather than carry the cost and the risk."
Good. Whanganui is full of really great personable business people. Almost all so far are great. We outsource laundry etc already. Food in for Cafe is on the cards etc.

"What exactly to develop will vary a lot.
You can't be everything to every one but from what I understand there are some excellent adventure rides, some excellent roads and more than a few historical places to be enough of a magnet."
Totally just something else it bring to the mix. Partner with someone to provide it. Advertise ourselves and possibly with partners.

One of my still keen ideas is to make a great area for small concerts / bands. Country in the off season likely a winner for a holiday park with lots of powered sites. Decent bike and music gig?

First year is all about following most of the rules as provided and getting all the basics in place (clean, presentable, friendly camp ground). Improving food and drinks options. Gather and discuss ideas as widely as possible with as many people as possible. Listen, work out what might be fun and worthwhile. Provide a basic budget (could just be facebook ads) and work out a few basic cheap tests.

Possible partners
Care givers for kids (ideally something fun, physical and educational or at least personally challenging)
People to do bike tours, hire bikes etc
Food / cafe / license?
Fishing guide, hunting guide

Actually it is a long list.

Really great comment got a lot out of this one thanks. I took some videos of the park you can see them here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC19P6Dzr3qtNgTB-ONlKSEA

I've two kids here who will grow up in a park as you did and see these things in action, trial, error, success.

[IronPawz]

Another great comment on what was also a great comment. So glad I posted.

Bums on bed (stick to the knitting, In search of Excellence / 1984). Yes that really is a timely reminder before I do get to side tracked.
I think it really could be a great rider destination, I will get up some video there are some really, really great roads around here (proper uphill twisties and all).
Always look at things from a customers perspective. What made it remediable. What is value? Take out the personal. Yes.

"As much as it galls me, stuff like wifi, the ability to re-charge a myriad of devices, being able to supply a charging cable for a device etc is a big deal today."

I'm ex-IT so I've thought about this. Also as tenters we know the truth of this also. I've a good collection of chargers and will make up several charge points (like BP where you cannot take the cable) and have spares on hand.
Internet access here likely will be a bit rubbish when the place is full so I will look into that, cell reception here it patchy so have plan to spend some cash here fixing these issues. Sadly I've seen in shock due to being unexpectedly unplugged from the internet (its pathetic at times). Point taken it is fast now for all (off season no so much concurrent use) but will be slow later. Hmmmm might screw in a few multi boards too.

"Tie in's with other companies are great, but.. You have to ensure that anywhere or anything you promote enhances your reputation. If you recommend a "good" pub to stop at for lunch and the experience is bad it reflects directly onto you, it erodes the trust you are trying to build. This is a toughy, keep an eye on and frequent your recommendations, staff and managers change."

OK

Go green. Re-cycling, efficient power / heat / water, will be noticed and acknowledged by your guests. Something as simple as a compost bin for food scraps will get you kudos.

Great point and right in line with my personal interests, I am looking at giving up at least 1 tent side and planting a communal garden, there is fruit all over (more all the time).
Keen for solar
I love lithium ion and keen to charge and use it where I can (might get a cheap low range leaf just for park and town runs)
I may have a cheap source of batteries given some of my IT friends

"Being biker focused consider having tools, a compressor, tyre gauge etc available. Maybe even stands for chain adjustment and puncture repair. If a tourist rider is in dire straits in your neighborhood, you should be first choice for the night, regardless of their original plans. "

I now have a full on workshop for basics. Also Brian Bernard lives just down the road (racer, mechanic, puts on Manfield training days which I've been to many).
Right now it has all the basics and finally space, it is really a shed / man cave hybrid with compressor, bike stands, tools, battery gear.

"Through this thread organise a "famil" of Kiwibikers to come and stay. Set a date and some fun riding. Sit the buggers down at the end of it and have some hard questions to ask, Kiwis will immediately say "grouse mate" if you ask "how is the place?".... Bloody useless feedback. Get the nitty gritty."

Oh dam that really is a good idea. Hell I'd be happy to really discount that and put on a bbq dinner / breakfast. I can do a cage run with some people if they need supplies (supermarket is 10 mins away)
Yeah feedback is best if it helps make some positive change (we've changed plenty on feedback already)

Crikey, I am off on a ramble! It's not often that KB throws something into my field.

Hospo and food are my game IronPawz, feel free to PM me if you want a third eye.[/QUOTE]

Love it I'm totally going to PM you.

[IronPawz]

Hardcore 10 hour ride! Dam I'd be walking like a cowboy.



Cheers mate, was looking for a room tues night just gone but ended up leaving Wellies a bit earlier than expected so just bit the bullet and rode the 10 hrs to Kamo instead...

[ellipsis]

...that's a lovely spot...can you walk directly down to that blue salty stuff from the camp or is it private property...you are now on my list of cool looking spots to go...I've kept the GL1000 thank goodness, just in case I ever had the time, inclination to cross the ditch and play up Nth...places like yours are a magic draw...a picture tells a thousand words, they say...

[IronPawz]

Interesting points. This place is Kiwiana themed down to the Zeph in its main image. I'd don't see it ever being all about the bikes, its a family camp ground. I just like the idea of being bike friendly and perhaps some events. Definitely with an eye to the more social biker, the type that likes a bikers bar (I've been to plenty and not spoken to anyone, beer, tire kick, ride on).

Can't say I've been a big fan of riding with others much of my riding. 99%+ would be on my own. More recently mind I've quite liked a few social rides (now that I don't ride so much myself).

I hear don't ruin it for others. Easy done its big enough to have a few groups about and some individuals.




...after being on two wheels for close on fifty years and generally being fixated by the things for a lot longer, the last thing I would want is to be stuck with a bunch of other similarly fixated people while I was out for a 'get away' from it all tour...I like to meet different people, go fishing and walking, relax...

...the good old kiwi motor camp of the past, lots with their own style and situations seem to have changed a bit over the years...

...I remember an extended South Island loop my wife and I did some years back on the GL1000...we decided that as we had no plan for stops, we should make one...it ended up being that we would only stay in very small settlements in pubs that had a Speights sign painted on the roof or fence...we managed to find just that over a two week ride...only one had another person on a bike staying there, we may have exchanged pleasantries but that was as far as it got...

...then again the thought of going to a bike rally or going on a ride with more than one or two mates is equally abhorrent to me...pandering to a niche market in the game you are embarking on may set it's own limitations...

[Big Dog]

I forgot to add the other day, stays longer than 2 nights is normally family's.
Often being the only 2 weeks of holiday they all have together.
In my experience a camper returning has more to do with how the kids cope than how much fun they have themselves.
Both theirs and others. Especially true if they have no kids with them themselves.

If the campers are there without kids and there are noisy bored children every where odds are even if they have a good time they will try somewhere else next time.
If the kids have lots to entertain them other campers will barely register they are there.
But those kids will nag their parents all year about going back next year if they enjoy themselves.
And brag to their friends about the cool place they go to every Easter, Christmas or whenever the family carve out the time.
If some of those options don't require the parents to supervise directly even better.

If the kids hate it they will spend every spare minute trying to ruin the holidays of campers.
Perhaps not intentionally but that will be the result of the hijinks that will follow.

I can't vouch for now but things that worked well for us were a Friday cookout.
The adults all congregated for a grill what you bring on one side of a hedge and all the kids congregate on the other. Normally a few moms volunteered to look after the kids. But the parents weren't far away if required.

We had 2 or basic cabins with double beds in one room and 1/2 dozen built in bunks in an adjoining room that could be let separately if needed.

Lastly what could make a big difference would be barista coffee.
If you don't have the budget get a proper machine get a coffee cart to come by at a fixed time over your peak period.
It won't be a unique selling point but people who love their coffee remember how hard it is to get one when thinking about their stay.
You'd be surprised how many lemmings will line up at 10 am sharp if that is when your cart is due and there is no other offering without going for a drive.

[RDJ]

I forgot to add the other day, stays longer than 2 nights is normally family's.
Often being the only 2 weeks of holiday they all have together. In my experience a camper returning has more to do with how the kids cope than how much fun they have themselves.

Excellent insightful analysis if I may say so. When we have kids, it's almost all about the kids. Any place that is kid friendly sticks in our minds. In a very positive way. And almost always overlooking the actual cost, because anything that makes the kids happy, is more than worth whatever we paid for it. It's a memory from their childhood. And all of us who are grown up know that good childhood memories are literally priceless.

[rastuscat]

Booked for next weekend today.

No pressure.

[Big Dog]

Booked for next weekend today.

No pressure.Well expect you to go incognito, full report on yelp...

[Big Dog]

Booked for next weekend today.

No pressure.Alternative answer:
You might want to fix that.

[rastuscat]

Alternative answer:
You might want to fix that.

I almost feel responsible for the Covid alert going back up. I book a weekend away, alert level goes up.

I need to get better at reading clues.

[Viking01]

I almost feel responsible for the Covid alert going back up. I book a weekend away, alert level goes up.

I need to get better at reading clues.

Rastuscat,
I wouldn't admit that on a public forum. Over on the KB Covid-19 thread, they're just about ready to start the hangings ... 8-)

[rastuscat]

Rastuscat,
I wouldn't admit that on a public forum. Over on the KB Covid-19 thread, they're just about ready to start the hangings ... 8-)

It's kind of like when I clean my bike. It causes rain.

[IronPawz]

I agree. I want to hug the people that say "I hope you don't mind some feedback" and then give me a good list. I've turned those lists into reality lots of time they are top stuff. Hell I spent most of today doing this from the wife of a person who came for a visit after reading about us in this thread. She was massively useful and I will be implementing some of those changes in all our cabins (not all have a bathroom etc).

What could we do be better - top marks definitely going to use that verbatim.

Cheers




Second that.

Don't ever take the first answer from anyone about their opinion of your service unless they hunted you down to give it to you.

It was grouse you say? What was good about it?
What could we be doing better?
Will you be back?
Why?

Some people won't tell you the truth till the third or fourth layer so keep digging.

[IronPawz]

...that's a lovely spot...can you walk directly down to that blue salty stuff from the camp or is it private property...you are now on my list of cool looking spots to go...I've kept the GL1000 thank goodness, just in case I ever had the time, inclination to cross the ditch and play up Nth...places like yours are a magic draw...a picture tells a thousand words, they say...

Yeah it is a beautiful spot for sure. You can walk to the beach no problem. There is an internal track (but it is a bit step in spots or go down the main road). It takes 3-5 minutes to get to the beach depending which way you go. Great fishing.
Here is a vid I took that shows the beach in the background from the park.

https://youtu.be/7uMjiVV1ntc?t=172

GL1000! Great bike you should totally come north on that lovely beast sometime. Had a chap ride in on his almost new Harley today which was nice. Just stopped off for an icecream on a nice ride. Naturally I dragged him and his wife into the shed to show off my modded 1981 Katana!

[IronPawz]

My wife and I would so be in that coffee line. We are keen to re-open the cafe here. We do need a coffee machine (and skill but we've someone here offered to train us at their cafe).

The kids are a very good point and I know it well from being a camper with kids myself. Places that did activities with the kids where great. We will be looking to do that.
I like the idea of a regular cookout. Beside I LOVE to BBQ so can quite happily do that.

There is an epic kids park down at the beach (council park) with flying fox, witches hat etc but it is to far to send small kids to unattended. There is a play area and pillow in the camp but there could be more planned here for kids.

I'm gagging to get the coffee sorted as I like good coffee too.

Tempted to also do a more self service style setup with more basic cheaper options also, fancy self managed tea's and even perk or (cover the eyes of the kids) instant options.

Our two kids (10 and 12) are highly social monsters and keen volunteers (we bribe them with icecream) which might help. Be good to even do simple ideas like sack races, three legged race, lollie scramble etc. We will likely have some friends around to help in parts of summer (some are great with kids).

Great comments appreciated so thanks!






I forgot to add the other day, stays longer than 2 nights is normally family's.
Often being the only 2 weeks of holiday they all have together.
In my experience a camper returning has more to do with how the kids cope than how much fun they have themselves.
Both theirs and others. Especially true if they have no kids with them themselves.

If the campers are there without kids and there are noisy bored children every where odds are even if they have a good time they will try somewhere else next time.
If the kids have lots to entertain them other campers will barely register they are there.
But those kids will nag their parents all year about going back next year if they enjoy themselves.
And brag to their friends about the cool place they go to every Easter, Christmas or whenever the family carve out the time.
If some of those options don't require the parents to supervise directly even better.

If the kids hate it they will spend every spare minute trying to ruin the holidays of campers.
Perhaps not intentionally but that will be the result of the hijinks that will follow.

I can't vouch for now but things that worked well for us were a Friday cookout.
The adults all congregated for a grill what you bring on one side of a hedge and all the kids congregate on the other. Normally a few moms volunteered to look after the kids. But the parents weren't far away if required.

We had 2 or basic cabins with double beds in one room and 1/2 dozen built in bunks in an adjoining room that could be let separately if needed.

Lastly what could make a big difference would be barista coffee.
If you don't have the budget get a proper machine get a coffee cart to come by at a fixed time over your peak period.
It won't be a unique selling point but people who love their coffee remember how hard it is to get one when thinking about their stay.
You'd be surprised how many lemmings will line up at 10 am sharp if that is when your cart is due and there is no other offering without going for a drive.

[IronPawz]

Dam right. Camps are a right of passage. You get those first bits of independence where the right age can get some time away with other kids. I remember those camp romances a bit later (even my first decent kiss was camping).

The busy season is family and the major holidays. Getting the bikers out I see more outside those times (but not entirely just not a focus point during the holidays.

We love kids, I'm looking forward to getting in there with a load of them and having some laughs. Camping is such a great memory from my childhood and some families here have been coming for three generations now.

I'm not sure the wives will love me as much as I get their hubbies considering getting a bike again ;). As long as the kids are happy and all is clean and nice I might be ok.




Excellent insightful analysis if I may say so. When we have kids, it's almost all about the kids. Any place that is kid friendly sticks in our minds. In a very positive way. And almost always overlooking the actual cost, because anything that makes the kids happy, is more than worth whatever we paid for it. It's a memory from their childhood. And all of us who are grown up know that good childhood memories are literally priceless.

[IronPawz]

Thanks again and pity we didn't get a chance to do a bike session. Your partner was SUPER helpful please do say thanks I've been all over those recommendations all day.
If you make it back and fancy a ride on a fireblade I have two for the moment and I know all the good roads.

Cheers for being the first person from Kiwibiker to come stay. By all means give some feedback here and be totally honest we only stand to learn something useful.





You can see it in action here (I really do listen and make changes)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=171497854498826&set=a.108606424121303&type=3&theater

I've put new hooks in the bathroom (I'd done this in all common areas and now this cabin and the other self contained also)
Added Scissors to the kitchen utensils
Replaced the jug (it was just a dribbly design so nice one that does not dribble)
Replaced the toaster (it was not mentioned but newer, nicer 4 slicer)
Replaced the light in the night stand lamp (that one was pretty average of us so sorry about that)
Replaced sponges with new dish towels
Added dish tidy
Other bits are coming

Honestly that was the most useful feedback I've had in a while and not only am I genuinely grateful for it but got a lot of it done same day.






Booked for next weekend today.

No pressure.

[IronPawz]

I had to look up yelp, seems we have never been reviewed there.

We do great on NZMCA and other proper sites. Not so much on Google Maps (no idea why perhaps just because its open with no checks or balances).





Well expect you to go incognito, full report on yelp...

[IronPawz]

When I was commuting 2 hours a day I never cleaned my bike. My 2015 fireblade had a full 10mm of grime on the back wheel. Then I sold it and a friend cleaned and upgraded things (breaks / exhaust / seat). I brought it back so this is the best way to clean a bike entirely guilt free.
Still now I do not commute I may actually clean my bikes! Could that be considered a child entertaining camp activity? Common kids lets all participate in a bike clean, five teams, first to finish well gets a free ice cream.




It's kind of like when I clean my bike. It causes rain.

[ellipsis]

...cool shit...I have no reason to go North at all, but you are making a target of yourself, for me...

...I'm not planning anything, cos that's not how it works...plans are rarely successful...but I bet you will see my 'wing at some point in the next few months...fishing another spot and catching a feed is of tantamount importance to me when I go North...

...and miles on the GL are not far off...hasn't been out of my shed for seven or maybe more years...new tyres just happening now, a new battery and points and fluids and hey presto, back on the road, less the wife on the back...she's been riding her own ride for a long while, and wants nothing to do with my ride...nirvana in a nutshell...

...all things going well, that is...

...:niceone:...

[Big Dog]

Another low cost idea, have a library of books.
They don't have to be good books or even in great condition as long as all the pages are there.
Trashy romance novels and teen books seemed to go down well.
We had a small book shelf in an outdoor area but out of the reason.
People help themselves, leave there own books etc.

A few boxes of used books is pretty cheap these days but all good reasons to not have to go somewhere else when they finish the book they brought with them.

[Bonez]

...that's a lovely spot...can you walk directly down to that blue salty stuff from the camp or is it private property...you are now on my list of cool looking spots to go...I've kept the GL1000 thank goodness, just in case I ever had the time, inclination to cross the ditch and play up Nth...places like yours are a magic draw...a picture tells a thousand words, they say...You'll enjoy the cheap rego on the Lead Sled. $54ish a year.

As a teenager I was always intrigued by the layout of those. False clam shell tank, fuel tank located low in the frame, water cooled flat four, shaft drive and rubber belt driven cam shafts.

If you are looking for some bits for it try this site https://4into1.com/search.php?search_query=GL1000&Search=

When I researched about motorcycles before I got my CJ250 I bought a book by Clymer called "Motorcycle Repair Encyclopedia". It covered a lot of different models available/in use at the time. The book had a section about tuning up GL1000s.

[pritch]

It's kind of like when I clean my bike. It causes rain.

Or buying a new bike guarantees a week of rain.

[Bonez]

Or buying a new bike guarantees a week of rain.You can ride in the rain I believe.:scooter: But then again I'm not terribly knowledgeable on the topic apparently according to a few snowflakes on KB.

But then again I don't always ride around at 170kph all the time like some.

Here's a wee true story for you all.

Back in '78 a young, skinny, 6' ginga rode off the Cook Straight ferry on his recently purchased yellow '77 Honda CJ250 twin in Wellywood. It was pissing down hard from the heavens. He'd had the bike 2 weeks and covered about 60kms on it with a mate who owned an early GT250. He also had done a ton of book reading about motorcycling. That gave him the foresight to wear track pants under his jeans, a few layers of clothing, a scarf and wearing a one piece yellow vinyl rain suite with red and white stripe down the sides and arms. Had a set of quite well insulated vinyl gloves on as well and a yellow open face helmet with visor. Footware was a pair of combat boot with a couple of pair of socks in plastic bread bags.Having not ridden in such conditions with so much traffic, knock off time, on unfamiliar roads he managed to make it to Masterton, pissing down all the way, without much drama at all,.....

Now one day, if you are all good kiddies, I may tell you about the South Island loop I did one weekend in the early '90s on the '76 CB550F leaving from Ohakea.

[IronPawz]

Totally have a books library which is free to anyone. People bring in more books than they take (but they don't have to). I seeded it quite heavily with my books too (always interesting to see if I have fellow people slightly obsessed with the worlds religions).

I've a few mag stands too full of motorbikes, science, few really old autotraders and some general stuff I've collected (humanist mags etc).

The wife provided a lot of trashy novels, I added plenty of Wilber Smith and Sci-Fi.

I love books and will just keep expanding that area. One of my fav camping things to do was just sit there and read while the kids did their own thing. I'd get through all the bike mags first!



Another low cost idea, have a library of books.
They don't have to be good books or even in great condition as long as all the pages are there.
Trashy romance novels and teen books seemed to go down well.
We had a small book shelf in an outdoor area but out of the reason.
People help themselves, leave there own books etc.

A few boxes of used books is pretty cheap these days but all good reasons to not have to go somewhere else when they finish the book they brought with them.

[IronPawz]

Yup rode into Wellington for 6+ years. It rained all the bloody time. I actually loved it when it really let go (none of this just rain BS but a good hardly see piss down). Ohh and the wind the VERY best days where blowing like crazy and I'd see no other bikes at all (I'd be giggling like a fiend and passing everything out there). Ahh good times. A bit of bad weather is more reason for me not to ride than a lot of bad weather, at that point its fun (if you ride day in day out the exceptional rides are like this).

Still it is harder to scrub in new tires in the rain.



You can ride in the rain I believe.:scooter: But then again I'm not terribly knowledgeable on the topic apparently according to a few snowflakes on KB.

But then again I don't always ride around at 170kph all the time like some.

Here's a wee true story for you all.

Back in '78 a young, skinny, 6' ginga rode off the Cook Straight ferry on his recently purchased yellow '77 Honda CJ250 twin in Wellywood. It was pissing down hard from the heavens. He'd had the bike 2 weeks and covered about 60kms on it with a mate who owned an early GT250. He also had done a ton of book reading about motorcycling. That gave him the foresight to wear track pants under his jeans, a few layers of clothing, a scarf and wearing a one piece yellow vinyl rain suite with red and white stripe down the sides and arms. Had a set of quite well insulated vinyl gloves on as well and a yellow open face helmet with visor. Footware was a pair of combat boot with a couple of pair of socks in plastic bread bags.Having not ridden in such conditions with so much traffic, knock off time, on unfamiliar roads he managed to make it to Masterton, pissing down all the way, without much drama at all,.....

Now one day, if you are all good kiddies, I may tell you about the South Island loop I did one weekend in the early '90s on the '76 CB550F leaving from Ohakea.

[Bonez]

Yup rode into Wellington for 6+ years. It rained all the bloody time. I actually loved it when it really let go (none of this just rain BS but a good hardly see piss down). Ohh and the wind the VERY best days where blowing like crazy and I'd see no other bikes at all (I'd be giggling like a fiend and passing everything out there). Ahh good times. A bit of bad weather is more reason for me not to ride than a lot of bad weather, at that point its fun (if you ride day in day out the exceptional rides are like this).

Still it is harder to scrub in new tires in the rain.Lived at Shelly Bay for three years. When the weather got really bad waves use you get blown over the road and on to our barrack windows. You could smell the salt water. Rode most weekends up to Palmy to see Connie and return Sunday evening..Took various routes PieCock hill via Haywards, the Rimatukas/Wirewrapper or straight up SH1 depending on my time schedule when I nocked off work on Friday. Packed the bike the previous day, road to work(Air Staff logistics. Ordering munnitions and shit) in the Freyburge building), then leave after work. Most times I could go at about 15:00hrs skipping the traffic leaving Wellywood. Made the time up the next week.

Some times I'd take the train north as the station was only a 10 minute walk away.

The bikes I had in the Shelly Bay bike shed where the CB750 Integra, CB550F and a twin shock small framed BMW R65. So I had choice of blkes to take for a scoot.

[jellywrestler]

You could offer to show small children Uranus. There's very little light polution near the beach so star gazing a worthwhile option.

[Laava]

You could offer to show small children Uranus.
Are you talking to Boner? Not sure that is good advice at all!











:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[jellywrestler]

Are you talking to Boner? Not sure that is good advice at all!











:laugh::laugh::laugh: nah he's into cows, was telling me the main hassle is climbing off the beer crate and walking around to the front every time he wants to give them a kiss though.

[Laava]

nah he's into cows, was telling me the main hassle is climbing off the beer crate and walking around to the front every time he wants to give them a kiss though.
You know you can buy tongue at the supermarket? With a bit of forethought, it would be like having a three-way!

[IronPawz]

I've been keeping an eye out for a GL rolling in with two r rolling southies but so far no luck.

Noted some quite steady improvements in weather and fishing conditions too. White bait season is running and I can borrow nets and have areas in the park that are successfully fished (on private land).

Got plenty of rods I don't mind lending to riders. Sea fishing is probably better in a month than right now to be fair.

You now you want to.

What what was that noise you just heard in the wind

shhhhh kkkkaaaaiiii iiiiiiwwwwwwiiiiiii woooshhhhhh bbbbeeeaaachhhhhh shhhhh wwwwhite bbbbbait wwwwoooooo epic GL1000 road trip sssshhhhwwwwwwwrrrrrrrrnnnnnnnn










...cool shit...I have no reason to go North at all, but you are making a target of yourself, for me...

...I'm not planning anything, cos that's not how it works...plans are rarely successful...but I bet you will see my 'wing at some point in the next few months...fishing another spot and catching a feed is of tantamount importance to me when I go North...

...and miles on the GL are not far off...hasn't been out of my shed for seven or maybe more years...new tyres just happening now, a new battery and points and fluids and hey presto, back on the road, less the wife on the back...she's been riding her own ride for a long while, and wants nothing to do with my ride...nirvana in a nutshell...

...all things going well, that is...

...:niceone:...

[IronPawz]

I've been REALLY good so about that

South Island loop I did one weekend in the early '90s on the '76 CB550F leaving from Ohakea.




You can ride in the rain I believe.:scooter: But then again I'm not terribly knowledgeable on the topic apparently according to a few snowflakes on KB.

But then again I don't always ride around at 170kph all the time like some.

Here's a wee true story for you all.

Back in '78 a young, skinny, 6' ginga rode off the Cook Straight ferry on his recently purchased yellow '77 Honda CJ250 twin in Wellywood. It was pissing down hard from the heavens. He'd had the bike 2 weeks and covered about 60kms on it with a mate who owned an early GT250. He also had done a ton of book reading about motorcycling. That gave him the foresight to wear track pants under his jeans, a few layers of clothing, a scarf and wearing a one piece yellow vinyl rain suite with red and white stripe down the sides and arms. Had a set of quite well insulated vinyl gloves on as well and a yellow open face helmet with visor. Footware was a pair of combat boot with a couple of pair of socks in plastic bread bags.Having not ridden in such conditions with so much traffic, knock off time, on unfamiliar roads he managed to make it to Masterton, pissing down all the way, without much drama at all,.....

Now one day, if you are all good kiddies, I may tell you about the South Island loop I did one weekend in the early '90s on the '76 CB550F leaving from Ohakea.

[IronPawz]

I use to get a little salted riding out of welly along the costal bit at times. Mmmmm salty.

Sounds epic and nice selection of bikes. At one point I had two fireblades and a KR150R (actually I still have those) to choose from on my commute. Don't pass up the KR to quickly either that thing was just silly good run to ride at times (over PieCock especially).

140 officer are you sure? It's only a 150cc! Actually I was never pulled over on it. How I'm still alive is really anyones guess. Dam now I'm going to have to dust off the KR and take it on some of the epic roads all around me...





Lived at Shelly Bay for three years. When the weather got really bad waves use you get blown over the road and on to our barrack windows. You could smell the salt water. Rode most weekends up to Palmy to see Connie and return Sunday evening..Took various routes PieCock hill via Haywards, the Rimatukas/Wirewrapper or straight up SH1 depending on my time schedule when I nocked off work on Friday. Packed the bike the previous day, road to work(Air Staff logistics. Ordering munnitions and shit) in the Freyburge building), then leave after work. Most times I could go at about 15:00hrs skipping the traffic leaving Wellywood. Made the time up the next week.

Some times I'd take the train north as the station was only a 10 minute walk away.

The bikes I had in the Shelly Bay bike shed where the CB750 Integra, CB550F and a twin shock small framed BMW R65. So I had choice of blkes to take for a scoot.

[IronPawz]

I'm completely into getting a scope for the kiddies.

ME: Little Johnny would you like to see Uranus close up?
Johnny: Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad

Reminds me of an old fav nerd joke

What does the Enterprise and Toilet paper have in common?



You could offer to show small children Uranus. There's very little light polution near the beach so star gazing a worthwhile option.

[IronPawz]

Freshest mountain oysters in town. :eek5:


You know you can buy tongue at the supermarket? With a bit of forethought, it would be like having a three-way!

[mikebmeehan]

My idea is to host the ride during mild seasons, as winter off-seasons are tough to ride due to tough roads and thick ice. In the future, you could plan to make a riding club for younger kids and teenagers.