scumdog
6th November 2004, 21:20
Morning started warm & dry, Chrissy-Bimbo (Mrs S.D. to you lot) suggested a ride to 'somewhere' was a good idea. Where to? paper/scissors/stone, it was down to the Catlins and on to Invercargill to see her son.
Headed out on the Hogley 'S' and intended to see mate Ross at Owaka to check road conditions, Murphys law, spotted Ross heading other way at Tunnel Hill, never mind, we'll head on, I mean the road only has one bit of gravel near Papatowai eh? - wrong! just a bit past the Cathedral caves it turned to **** and my heart was in my mouth! - and THAT was dry! never been so sure I was about to bin it for a long time, deep crushed gravel, evenly spread, corrugations and miles of it!! still once through it (10 years later or so it seemed!) the road was magic, 55kph 'S' bends, (nearly scraped the 'S' undercarriage) up and down hill sections, occassional straight bits all surrounded by beautiful scenery! it was all there - and I met a few bikes (one group of 5 or so) going the other way - some even waved!
Temp was about 25 degrees and life was GOOD! on we went and a bit past Tokanui the road was a bit bland, only saw whitebaiters then next thing we were in Invervegas at the Waikiwi checking on stepson and family. Lunch was needed and somebody said 'Riverton' so off C.B and I went, another good cruise only spoilt by 4X4 ANF507 passing us on a blind rise and on the wrong side of the yellow line! (I'll give 'em a call) but when we got to Riverton we soon forgot that, the weather was tops and scenery the best.
We carried on through the town and on to Riverton Rocks and had lunch at the wee cafe/bar, I RECOMMEND it to anyone going there, the lunch (actually it was 2pm) alone was worth the ride. An hour or so later we left and headed back home by western Southland with an ale at Gore (God bless the little bogans that cruised past and gave us entertainment) then off to home via SH1. 350+ km, never missed a beat and only casuality was CB's deriere which found my suspension setting a bit 'stiff"! :whistle:
P.s., once this bit of road is finished it will be one of THE best for a ride in the South-East, I recommend it.
Headed out on the Hogley 'S' and intended to see mate Ross at Owaka to check road conditions, Murphys law, spotted Ross heading other way at Tunnel Hill, never mind, we'll head on, I mean the road only has one bit of gravel near Papatowai eh? - wrong! just a bit past the Cathedral caves it turned to **** and my heart was in my mouth! - and THAT was dry! never been so sure I was about to bin it for a long time, deep crushed gravel, evenly spread, corrugations and miles of it!! still once through it (10 years later or so it seemed!) the road was magic, 55kph 'S' bends, (nearly scraped the 'S' undercarriage) up and down hill sections, occassional straight bits all surrounded by beautiful scenery! it was all there - and I met a few bikes (one group of 5 or so) going the other way - some even waved!
Temp was about 25 degrees and life was GOOD! on we went and a bit past Tokanui the road was a bit bland, only saw whitebaiters then next thing we were in Invervegas at the Waikiwi checking on stepson and family. Lunch was needed and somebody said 'Riverton' so off C.B and I went, another good cruise only spoilt by 4X4 ANF507 passing us on a blind rise and on the wrong side of the yellow line! (I'll give 'em a call) but when we got to Riverton we soon forgot that, the weather was tops and scenery the best.
We carried on through the town and on to Riverton Rocks and had lunch at the wee cafe/bar, I RECOMMEND it to anyone going there, the lunch (actually it was 2pm) alone was worth the ride. An hour or so later we left and headed back home by western Southland with an ale at Gore (God bless the little bogans that cruised past and gave us entertainment) then off to home via SH1. 350+ km, never missed a beat and only casuality was CB's deriere which found my suspension setting a bit 'stiff"! :whistle:
P.s., once this bit of road is finished it will be one of THE best for a ride in the South-East, I recommend it.