14-26/03/05 RIB heading South for Britten Mem Race

[RiderInBlack]

Well it’s time for me to start planning me next SI trip (it will be my 3rd on a bike). I want to time it so that I will be at Ruapuna for the John Britten Memorial Race 19-20/03/05. If anyone can help with Accommodation or route plans please let me know.

So far my plan is roughly as follows (I will edit this as my plans adjust): -

Mon 14/03/05: Leave home (Parakao, 40km Northwest of Whangarei) between 8 & 9am, and ride Wellington (over 830Km). This will be done Grand Challenge stile (I can see NI anytime I like). I should arrive in Wellington well before 9pm. If anyone can put-up with me for the night close to Well, that would be really cool.

Tue 15/03/05: Get up early enough to be at the Ferry terminal by 7am. Cross on the 8am Lynx, arriving at Picton around 10:15am. Ride from Picton to Alexandra via (791Km). Have seen most of this part of SI so I want to get as far South as I can that day. There is a great little Backpackers in Ophir I am keen to stay in again down there. I should be there by 10pm if all goes to plan.

Wed 16/03/05: Alexandra – Invercargill – Bluff – Invercargill – Te Anau. Around 414Km. Should take me around 6hrs. Depending on how I feel (and the weather), I might see how close I can get to Milford Sounds (another 119Km). I will have the tent, so it’s just a matter of finding the right spot to hide the bike and tent.

Thur 17/03/05: Now for the big trick. I will need to end this day as close as possible to Dunedin as practical (see Fri 18/03/05 for the reason), so anyone close to Dunedin willing to put-up with me would be a big help. If by some luck, I have made it to Milford Sounds (or very close) Wed, then I will have plenty of time to enjoy it and still make Dunedin (approx 409Km). If on the other hand, I stopped at Te Anau, I might not (Te Anau - Milford Sounds - Te Anau – Dunedin is approx 528Km). What I would like to know is what is the road to Milford Sounds like?

Fri 18/03/05: From here I will hook-up with the Honda Riders Club NZ (HRCNZ) for a few days. 9am They are meeting up @ Honda Otago to ride to Christchurch. There is a HRCNZ member only night at the Russley Hotel. Here I will get to meet other members and also the Castrol Red Rider Race Team.

Sat-Sun 19-20/03/05: John Britten Memorial Race @ Ruapuna (hope it see some of my fellow KB’ers there).

Mon 21/03/05: HRCNZ are doing an all-is-welcome ride (no cost, anyone can join, so if you have time and are in the area, join in) from Christchurch via Lewis to West Coast and then return via Arthurs Pass.

Tue 22/03/05: HRCNZ are doing an all-is-welcome ride from Christchurch to Mt Cook for lunch and return. This ride will take in Tekapo and McKenzie Country.

Wed 23/03/05: HRCNZ are holding a Rider Development and Training Day @ Ruapuna. Anyone can join, but it is limited to 50 riders (so if you wish to join this you will need to book).

Thur 24/03/05: High tailing it back to Picton. The HRCNZ are planning to make the 1:30pm Arahura crossing (so they will need to be there by 12:30pm). I have not decided yet as to whether I will take this crossing or the 7pm Lynx. Ether way I will be back in Well that night looking for a bed.

Fri-Sat 25-26/03/05: Plan to take my time to get back home. As long as I am back by Saturday night.

This is just a rough plan at this stage, so as I said before anyone who can help with Accommodation or route plans please let me know.

Thanks RIB.

[hondav2]

Call in and see me Roxy, There is some nice camping places up the Eglington Valley , A group of us will be riding up to Chch on Friday for races, we go via Mckenzie country.

[RiderInBlack]

Call in and see me Roxy, There is some nice camping places up the Eglington Valley , A group of us will be riding up to Chch on Friday for races, we go via Mckenzie country.Sounds good. How long does it normal take you (on the bike) to get from Te Anau to Christchurch?

[Kickaha]

this is just a rough plan at this stage, so as I said before anyone who can help with accomodation

I can give you a place to stay 30min from the track just north of Chch,pm me if you're interested

[RiderInBlack]

I can give you a place to stay 30min from the track just north of Chch,pm me if you're interestedSounds good. Is you that has the sidecar? If it is, I keen to try swinging for a round or two :niceone: :crazy:

[sels1]

What I would like to know is what is the road to Milford Sounds like

One of the most scenic/beautiful/enjoyable roads in the country (in the world?)
So long as you dodge the tourist coaches that drive up to Milford in the morning and out in droves in the afternoon.
And it can really rain there (makes for spectacular waterfalls along the road

[RiderInBlack]

One of the most scenic/beautiful/enjoyable roads in the country (in the world?)
So long as you dodge the tourist coaches that drive up to Milford in the morning and out in droves in the afternoon.
And it can really rain there (makes for spectacular waterfalls along the roadI've heard that, which is why I didn't try it last time I was down that way (Torrential Rain on the only day I had left do do it on), but aam dead keen to take it on this time.

[RiderInBlack]

A group of us will be riding up to Chch on Friday for races, we go via Mckenzie country.Where will you be starting from and which main places will you be passing through (so that I don't double up on too may roads)? About how far and how long does it take?

[Kickaha]

Sounds good. Is you that has the sidecar? If it is, I keen to try swinging for a round or two :niceone: :crazy:

I can't promise anything as the one I'm riding doesn't belong to me,but I will try and organise something so you can have a try

[RiderInBlack]

I can give you a place to stay 30min from the track just north of Chch,pm me if you're interestedI would be keen to stay on any of the following days: Sat 19/03, Sun, Mon, Tue and/or Wed as the HRCNZ are starting and finnishing these days in Chch. Fri 18/03 I'll probably stay at the Russley Hotel as I will probably sink:apint: a few will the other HRCNZ members:drinknsin (so a bed handy would be advisiable:msn-wink: ).

[RiderInBlack]

I can't promise anything as the one I'm riding doesn't belong to me,but I will try and organise something so you can have a trySweet. I have not be on a real one before. I have played driver/swinger on a mini sidecar (powered by a trimmer motor) made by a Tuaranga dude (ask Cajun). It was alot of fun:2thumbsup Like whatching the Lawence Brothers racing on the track (they really make that 600 work). Will see you down there in March, Kickaha:wavey:

[dangerous]

Anymore questions then ask away, Feel free to drop in at any stage of ya stay in Chch ya have to pass my joint its on the Main North rd just at the end of the m/w in belfast.

Was thinking about doing some of the HRCNZ rides, will see closer to the time. The Milford rd is wicked I did it in 2000 it was the drieset it had been down there so sweet on the bike, but it dosent look as great with out all the water falls.

[dangerous]

RIB heres a few pic's to let ya know what Milford is like....... just the other side of the Homer tunnel, thats Mita peak in the other 2 pic's on the left.

[RiderInBlack]

RIB heres a few pic's to let ya know what Milford is like....... just the other side of the Homer tunnel, thats Mita peak in the other 2 pic's on the left.Thanks D. I have always want to see the Sounds ever since being a diver back in the early 80's. I will get there on the bike, but it would be cool one day to dive it. My snorkeling gear is too much extra weight to take with me on a bike tour, and I have not scubaed since the late 80's (can free dive to 60 feet but:msn-wink: due to playing Underwater Hockey) . Someone would higher gear down there, wouldn't they?

[Kickaha]

Sweet. I have not be on a real one before. I have played driver/swinger on a mini sidecar (powered by a trimmer motor) made by a Tuaranga dude (ask Cajun). It was alot of fun:2thumbsup Like whatching the Lawence Brothers racing on the track (they really make that 600 work). Will see you down there in March, Kickaha:wavey:


Lawrence brothers were just down for the Nationals,spent a bit of time talking to them,they're top blokes,if I can't get you a ride the NZSRA is having a have a go day at Taupo April next year,where you can go out a whole lot of different outfits

You can stay whatever nights you want,I'll just give you a key and you can come and go as you please.

[RiderInBlack]

Bloody awesome Kickaha:2thumbsup

[cycosis]

Will there be an open/test day at the track for the public ?

That would just be the icing on the cake.

[RiderInBlack]

Will there be an open/test day at the track for the public ?

That would just be the icing on the cake.Only this as far as I know:
Wed 23/03/05: HRCNZ are holding a Rider Development and Training Day @ Ruapuna. Anyone can join, but it is limited to 50 riders (so if you wish to join this you will need to book).

[RiderInBlack]

Rung the Interislander today. Funny the crossings I wanted were availiable on the net but not on the phone (must because I had quote the MNZ discount thing as read here http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=7718), so I ended booking via the net.
Wellington to Picton: Lynx 15/03/05. Check-in 7am, Depart 8am, Arrive Picton 10:15am
and start high tailing it to Alexandra. Still looking for a bed around Welly Mon night (14/03/05).
Picton to Welly: Lynx 24/03/05. Check-in 6pm, Depart 7pm, Arrive Welly 9:15pm. A bed around Welly that night would be cool too:niceone:

[Biff]

I look forward to meeting you at the Russley. My good lady and I will be there. I'll probably join you on Sunday for the JB Memorial race and the development day on the Wed.

I live just up the road from Kickaha and not far from Dangerous so maybe we could all meet up for a beer?

[Biff]

POSSIBLE ORGANISED EVENT TO REPLACE THE JB MEMORIAL VOID


Guys n gals, I've been talking with the Honda Riders Club as they had also arranged an outing to the JB memorial races, and as such are now looking to arrange something else if the numbers work. Could those of you that may be interested in a possible track day at Ruapuna or a ride out of some sort please PM me. No commitments from either side as this is early days and we just need to gauge the potential interest.

Inferior bikes (non Honda's) welcome
Thanks y'all

[RiderInBlack]

Guess a change of plans is in order??

Damn i would be pissed if I had planned to go down to the JB Mem race.
Poor Red.. hope no one takes out on him too much :confused:
So hopefully you all get together anyway and have a great time down there regardless.. hell it was only one day out of a SI tour.. albeit a big day.Two days, Sat and Sun (see Cancellation: John Britten Memorial Race Meeting (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=8704) for those who have not read that as yet). Yep a little revising is in order.
Got this from Robyn from the HRCNZ:

Hi Doug

Yes I learnt of the cancellation of the John Britten yesterday and have just sat down to email you guys regarding this. As I have the track booked and my ferry bookings confirmed I have decided to still run the track day on the Wednesday – I have not totally finalised my plans but we could still do the rides over the passes as well. I will email the other guys and be back in contact.

What would you like to do? Your ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks for staying in touch.

Cheers Robyn

I will still want to do the Mon and Tue rides (See & ) and also the track day on Wed (see ), so will be e-mailing her as much.
Hope to be a far South as Millford Sounds around Thursday, so with Fri, Sat and Sun out I may take more time down that end of the Island. I could also hook up with some of the SI Kb'ers for a Weekend ride.
But, hey, the ferry is booked and I have already organised my customers so I can take this time off. So it will be "Fuck It All, I'm Fuck Going" and Roxanne and will be invading the South anyway:niceone:

[RiderInBlack]

Just been taking with Robyn from the HRCNZ. See's still keen to ran the HRCNZ rides, but needs to contact the other riders and see what they want to do. Robyn will e-mail me with the up-dated itinerary, which I have told her I will post here. She is also keen to combine with KB'ers down there for a combined ride on the Sat or Sun. What's SI KB'ers thoughs on that?

[dangerous]

What's SI KB'ers thoughs on that?
bloody hell....... I'm lost, now I'm also a HRCNZ member so whatver happens in that w/e I'm keen...... and combining it with KBers is ok too, well most of them were going to be doing what ever was or is happening that w/e anyway.

[RiderInBlack]

Here the New Itinaray from Robyn:
Come Ride with Us
A great opportunity to be part of the first HRCNZ tour incorporating:
A Social Evening at the Russley Hotel, Rider Training & Development Day - Ruapuna Raceway
GREAT RIDING on some of the
BEST South Island ROADS with a
GREAT bunch of PEOPLE.

18th March 2005: A Social evening at the Russley Hotel with Happy Hour from 6.p.m. - 8.p.m. Come and check out the very special bike on display and meet Honda Riders Club members from around New Zealand.

19th March 2005: Stop in at the Britten Display & Retail Outlet in the heart of Christchurch before heading to the beautiful town of Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula for Lunch. Stepped in history come and enjoy this beautiful spot.
Depart from the Russley at 9.30am. All Welcome

20th March 2005: Come Ride the Passes: A 600km road ride across the Lewis Pass to the West coast returning over the Arthurs Pass. Not for the faint hearted but a chance to enjoy some of the best riding in New Zealand.
Leaving from the Russley at 8.30am. All Welcome

21st March 2005: Let’s head south to Tekapo and Mt Cook - experience the mind blowing Central South Island roads of the McKenzie Country.
Leaving from the Russley at 8.30am. All Welcome

22nd March 2005: Free Day

23rd March 2005: Honda Riders Club Rider Training & Development Day at Ruapuna Raceway. Dean Fulton, Castrol Honda Race Team rider will be joined by a group of very experienced riders to pass on tips on riding and bike set up. Limited to 50 Riders
- open to all riders but pre register to secure your spot.
$85.00 for Riders Club Members, $100-00 for non Riders Club members. Fee includes Lunch and light refreshments.

Luggage Pick Up available from selected dealers in the North & South Islands. Accommodation available at the Russley Hotel Christchurch - bookings essential
Join us for some or all of this great week of motorcycling.
For further information contact Robyn at the
Honda Riders Club of New Zealand
Phone 09 4101498 or 0274408197 or email info@hrcnz.co.nz


No extra tack time and they have pinched Tuesdays ride and put it on Sunday. Not sure how I feel about that yet.

[RiderInBlack]

Mon 14/03/05: Leave home (Parakao, 40km Northwest of Whangarei) between 8 & 9am, and ride Wellington (over 830Km). This will be done Grand Challenge stile (I can see NI anytime I like). I should arrive in Wellington well before 9pm. If anyone can put-up with me for the night close to Well, that would be really cool.




Thur 24/03/05: High tailing it back to Picton. I will take the 7pm Lynx. I will be back in Well that night looking for a bed.OK, I have nearly got all my bed organised in SI, BUT I really need some tent space or a bed in Wellington on the above dates. Can anyone in or close to Wellington help? Please PM me ASAP.
Thanks
Doug (the Rider In Black)

[RiderInBlack]

It's been a busy day today plastic welding and prime coating some of "Roxanne's" fairrings (they're old and got damage during servicing:brick: ). So far I've spent over $1900 just to make sure she's ready. She's had new chain and sprocket done. Oil & oil filter, coolant, air filter, full set of brake pads, a second hand tank (the old one started leaking after getting serviced:angry2: ), paint for the fairrings :finger: and of course a new set of tyres. I'm trying Bridgestone BT010 front and the new BT replacement for the BT020 on the rear. Hope they go as well as the Metz MZ3 front and MZ4 rear that they will replace (new Metz cost too much). Will not be using P.Diab's again (have use 2 sets) as I had too many flats with them (and some of those were on new tyres:brick: ) and the price of them has rocketed.

[T.I.E]

all i have to say is you lucky shit. have a safe ride. and look after yourself down there. i hope to be down there next year.

[RiderInBlack]

Thanks to those who have offered places to stay:2thumbsup I will be PM/ringing you during this week to see which nights would be better suit you. Thanks again:2thumbsup

Doug (The Rider In Black)

[Slipstream]

The nights in Wellington :niceone: A O K at the Slipstream Inn.

If you still need a place to stay, gimmie a PM :D

[RiderInBlack]

Bloody Norton's update:angry2: Lost all that I had written.
Were was I?
Have had an Awesome trip.
Will post more tomorrow.
Have a lot of people to thank. Which I hope to do properly tomorrow (must get some rest).

Great to meet you all and thanks for helping me make this a trip to remember.

:2thumbsup
Doug (The Rider In Black)

[RiderInBlack]

If I miss anyone just give me a kick in a PM:msn-wink:


Thanks White Trash for the cups of tea, directions and tyre info. Looking forward to kicking Planet Honda's arse re: the BT 014 rear they recommended for "Roxanne's" rear instead of the BT 020 I had asked for.


Thanks Slipsteam for the couch and gathering. You have no idea how much better you couch is from my bed roll and tent.


Thanks to Brandon & Sarah for the B&B in Arrrowtown (much needed after riding 876Km that day). Your an awesome couple and the finest BOP CC's in all of SI. Hope I can return the favour one day.


Good timing Slim. What a surpise meeting you on the way back from Milford Sounds (and again on the return ferry).


Thanks Kickaha for hook-up with Jantar and signing witness part of the Ruapuna "Idiot Form".


Thanks Jartar for the tour of Roxbrough Hydo Dam:niceone: and the B&B. Hope to help you out with the Southern Cross Ride in May (give me a PM to jog my memory closer to the time).


Fancy meeting Linda Blare in Roxbrough as well (must post your "Dirty Duke" pics:msn-wink: ) and then again in ChCh as I was heading back North. No KB'er can hide long from LB.


Good to meet all you Track nutty KB'ers on Friday 18/03/05. Too bad about your R1 Arron. Good show you and White Trash put on while it lasted (wheelies galore).

Thanks Skyrider and family. You all did well looking after me. Special thanks to Mrs Skyrider for getting my washing finnished:oand to Skyrider for some oil ("Roxanne" seems to have become an oil & coolant user).


Thank Biff Baff, Mrs Biff Baff, little Biff's & Baff's and not to forget the Hunterway for B&B, entertainment, kiddy book reading and of course :drinknsin Awesome riding with you. Hope the BB gets fixed and you & Mrs BB come up here for a Bike Holiday (love to show you what Northland has to offer).


Good to meet you Bug Splat (that Linda again:shifty: ).


Thanks Jazz Bug. It was a real pleasure to meet a fine Scotch Lass as yourself in Welly. It was an awesome late night (early morning) piss-a-logicing with you and your flat mates over a few (?) G'n'T's. Too bad I could not stay in Welly for the "Shin-dig" on Saturday (dam). Definitely plan that better next time. The squobs on the foor were good (once I shut-up and went to bed).


Sorry if I missed anyone (I'm lousy with names). It was cool to meet you all.

Ya, all welcome up har, if'n ya comen this away:ride:


Just give us a holler:mobile:

Doug (The Rider In Black).