View Full Version : Half Umatoi population lead Ashhurst boys astray.
cowboyz
25th May 2008, 09:57
Umatoi locals (all 2 of them) decided to see if we can make a return trip to Gisborne in a day. In order to complete the task at hand the numbers had to be limited so it was decided that it be Dogsnbikes, Pheobe, Meanie, Yods, 86 and myself.
Weather on the east coast just wasnt going to play ball so last minute change decided we would head north up western access and find some roads on the west of the island. And that we did.
Kicked off at 6am. Quite dark at 6am. Dogs, Pheobe, Meanie and Yod were rearing to go. 86 text and said he would meet us in Cheltenham so off we went. The plan being as fewer stops as possible. Gave 86 a wave in Cheltenham and he was on the bike for a catchup. Vinegar hill at 6.15 in the morning was alot different to vinegar hill at 4 in the afternoon. Very sedate pace with lots of double guessing of the road surface. Then come the deep gravel road works which I wasnt really ready for. All in all, a pretty interesting trip across a well known road. Got the feel for it and headed up SH1. It was fucking cold and I found myself wondering if the gods would strike me down if I put heated hand grips on a sports bike. 86 peeled off in Taihape due to lack of latte or something. Real shame because once we got through the tough morning the day turned out fantastic.
First stop was Turangi for fuel where Yod discovered a colour matching scheme between his bike and shell coffee. (pic 41). It felt great to be cruising and just being at peace with the bike early in the morning. As the sun came up it became very apparent that it was going to hang around for some time.
Headed up western access at a reasonable pace and the bikes in a line fell into the corners as my mind wandered onto other things. Dogs lead at a pace that didnt require alot of concentration and the roads unfolded in front of us in a predictable manner. Didnt take long before we hit SH30 and across bennydale to Te Kuiti. It has been a long time since I have been down this road and I had almost forgotten how good it is. Some fast flowing corners as My stomach was grumbling before hitting the gas and gobble for lunch. Well it was only 10am so more like brunch really. The Honda required special parking (pic 10-12). Bike refueled at $2.14.9 per litre!!!!
Run rings round Meanie and Dogs (pic 44) (albeit in the carpark) and we headed off down 8 mile where Dogs and I had a bit of a play. Great road and REALLY happy no :Police: showed up.
Turned off toward Ohura to follow possibly the most dodgey road in the north island. Littered with sheep and even a billy goat gruff guarding a bridge on the way. Couldnt really get the flow going due to animals around almost every corner but made reasonable pace through this section.
Stopped in Ohura so Yod could have some intimate moments with his camera and his bike. (pic 20-21). Took some nice shots of bike lined up in the middle of the road. (pic 13-19) I think it was rush hour because in the 30 minutes we stopped there 1 car came up the 2 lane avenue (with median island) that is ohuras main road.
Found out Dogs had never done the forgotten highway so keen as mustard we headed for the twisties and were welcomed with open arms. First section of forgotten highway was well recieved. The gravel was more like hard paced dirt so great to ride on. Stopped at the tunnel for some more photo oppourtunities. Being well ahead of schedule we spent some time chatting and taking photos. (pic 25-36)
Stopped again at the pub for a refresher where a few other bikes had pulled up. Good to see the Hondas sticking together so they dont get picked on too much. (pic 37-39).
Next stop was Stratford for fuel. Dogs set a cracking pace and I latched on behind. Absoutely amazing trip down to Stratford. This section was not a sunday afternoon pootle. The 9 fell into its own as high concentration was put into hitting the mark and not letting the Daytona out of my sights. Mission accomplished. Good fun.
Refuel and back on the main road and back through Halcombe Hill set us home at just after 5pm.
No tickets. No bins. 800+km. Cant wait for the next one.
tri boy
25th May 2008, 10:07
:niceone:...........:niceone:
banditrider
25th May 2008, 10:12
Did you like Ohura Road then?
:2thumbsupSounds like a great day out! Love the pics of the bikes in the tunnel!!
NZsarge
25th May 2008, 10:20
:2thumbsupSounds like a great day out! Love the pics of the bikes in the tunnel!!
Hmm, dunno that one with the guys standing with their back to the camera looks slightly dodgy......:eek5:..........:laugh:
nadroj
25th May 2008, 10:30
Hmm, dunno that one with the guys standing with their back to the camera looks slightly dodgy......:eek5:..........:laugh:
That front guy is bent over.....:buggerd:
cowboyz
25th May 2008, 10:32
Did you like Ohura Road then?
Mate!. I dont know how you got through there in the middle of the night in the rain. Shes tight alright. Good road. Just wish the sheep would get into the paddocks though!
:2thumbsupSounds like a great day out! Love the pics of the bikes in the tunnel!!
Its (sapphire) mint. Great shot. Cheers
Hmm, dunno that one with the guys standing with their back to the camera looks slightly dodgy......:eek5:..........:laugh:
You have to realise that although the tunnel LOOKS narrow it can fit a Concours AND and Blackbird next to each other! That is no mean feat.
banditrider
25th May 2008, 10:35
Mate!. I dont know how you got through there in the middle of the night in the rain. Shes tight alright. Good road. Just wish the sheep would get into the paddocks though!
It wasn't dark, but we'd done about 1,400km by then and it was damn wet! The last checkpoint was at Ohura so we just had to splash our way into Turangi from there. Great fun...
86GSXR
25th May 2008, 10:40
Ah what a great set of pics. Real sorry for bailing guys, I felt like a nana, elf, fairy, softcock and blouse all rolled into one :stupid: lol. If it's any consolation it took me nearly two hours and three stops to get home where I promptly went back to bed again. Combination of a long week, flu coming on and freezing bits I think. Next time though for sure :blank:
NZsarge
25th May 2008, 10:40
You have to realise that although the tunnel LOOKS narrow it can fit a Concours AND and Blackbird next to each other! That is no mean feat.
That's not what I meant and you know it...:whistle:
great ride, some awesome stretches of road, really enjoyed SH30, halcombe, ohura, 43 and of course, 8 mile was sweet
good to get more of a feel for the new beast (and with mrs yod 2-up) and a bit of confidence back
a suitable graduation from the RF I think
Nice pics Lance! I especially liked yods frame sliders although a little bulky. I wonder if they do a smaller set for the triple?
Bonez
25th May 2008, 11:25
Well done guy and guyess's. Must be a record. No tickets, no bins
You forgot the sheep, cattle and dear in the Utumio population countup.
cowboyz
25th May 2008, 11:29
great ride, some awesome stretches of road, really enjoyed SH30, halcombe, ohura, 43 and of course, 8 mile was sweet
good to get more of a feel for the new beast (and with mrs yod 2-up) and a bit of confidence back
a suitable graduation from the RF I think
It pays to take a while getting used to a new bike. Well that is the cheaper way anyhow. You did alright. Only patch where the group seperated was really the forgotten highway and have to admit to some pretty irresponible riding from the Dog one and myself. I had to think how many trees we killed with the high revs on the run into stratford. Next thing we will be paying carbon credits for anything over 8000rpm.
Nice pics Lance! I especially liked yods frame sliders although a little bulky. I wonder if they do a smaller set for the triple?
Suits although they should be painted sapphire green.
cowboyz
25th May 2008, 11:30
Well done guy and guyess's. Must be a record. No tickets, no bins
You forgot the sheep, cattle and dear in the Utumio population countup.
you dont count the sheep, as most of the time they are attached to the residents............
ynot slow
25th May 2008, 16:46
Bet the 50km from Whanga to Stratford was concentration plus at warp factor speeds.
Another way from SH3 is turn off at Ahititi just past Mokau and onto Ohura that way,great views of the coast.
cowboyz
25th May 2008, 19:43
you better believe it. There was no snoozing going on on that section. Such a great piece of road.
sinfull
25th May 2008, 19:59
Good right up Lance ! Sounds like a blaardy good day !
ynot slow
25th May 2008, 20:23
you better believe it. There was no snoozing going on on that section. Such a great piece of road.
Your not bloody wrong there,I think it's easier riding Whanga to Stratford than other way for some reason,except for the 25km corners but they are just out of Whanga,the couple of saddles make for great riding,can see for a while if any cars ahead.
And the lack of cops about ,means you can give it heaps,just gotta look out for animals and usual rural things, 60 odd km can be quite a challenging ride due to concentration skills,but rewarding all the same.
Big Dave
25th May 2008, 20:30
No tickets. No bins. 800+km.
You wouldn't think so reading Kiwi Biker sometimes - but this is quite normal.
Nice report.
KoroJ
25th May 2008, 22:29
Good One Cowboyz.
I'm hoping the weather is kind next weekend for the Gathering to sample some of these delights.
DingoZ
25th May 2008, 22:56
Most entertaining read for a while...
Have to agree, it is a really nice piece of road the 8 mile...:)
Some sensational photo's as well.... Nicely done..:)
cowboyz
25th May 2008, 23:31
Good One Cowboyz.
I'm hoping the weather is kind next weekend for the Gathering to sample some of these delights.
unfortunately I am going to be in Hamilton for the long weekend so wont be able to make the gathering at turangi. Best of luck for the weather. We got real lucky.
Most entertaining read for a while...
Have to agree, it is a really nice piece of road the 8 mile...:)
Some sensational photo's as well.... Nicely done..:)
I am back and forth to hamilton all the time and yes, 8 mile is one of my favourites.
Meanie
27th May 2008, 19:08
Awesome ride and it was bloody good to do some ks without stopping at every gas station and cafe
I started out with new tyres, Pirelli Strada,s so had to scrub them in on vinager hill in the dark and a little damp so i was a little cautious to begin with, however didnt take long to build confidence in the new rubber
My photos here http://picasaweb.google.com/James.and.Monie/FrogottenHighway8MileTrip2452008
Bring on the four points :woohoo:
banditrider
27th May 2008, 19:15
Awesome ride and it was bloody good to do some ks without stopping at every gas station and cafe
I started out with new tyres, Pirelli Strada,s so had to scrub them in on vinager hill in the dark and a little damp so i was a little cautious to begin with, however didnt take long to build confidence in the new rubber
My photos here http://picasaweb.google.com/James.and.Monie/FrogottenHighway8MileTrip2452008
Bring on the four points :woohoo:
Don't you mean bring on the GC? BTW, I had another look at my tyres the other night and they've probably got even more life in them than I thought - probably another 4K for the rear taking it to about 12k all up. Best wear I've had out of a tyre yet...
Meanie
27th May 2008, 19:27
Don't you mean bring on the GC? BTW, I had another look at my tyres the other night and they've probably got even more life in them than I thought - probably another 4K for the rear taking it to about 12k all up. Best wear I've had out of a tyre yet...
Got 9.5k out of the storms, not bad but decided to try the Pirelli Stradas
So far i have not been dissapointed, still early yet though
banditrider
27th May 2008, 19:32
Got 9.5k out of the storms, not bad but decided to try the Pirelli Stradas
So far i have not been dissapointed, still early yet though
Piccys.........
Awesome ride and it was bloody good to do some ks without stopping at every gas station and cafe
I started out with new tyres, Pirelli Strada,s so had to scrub them in on vinager hill in the dark and a little damp so i was a little cautious to begin with, however didnt take long to build confidence in the new rubber
My photos here http://picasaweb.google.com/James.and.Monie/FrogottenHighway8MileTrip2452008
Bring on the four points :woohoo:
cool pics mate:niceone:
cowboyz
27th May 2008, 19:55
good stuff. You rode really well on those new tyres. There was more than once where I wasnt expecting to see you in my mirrors and you were still there.
good stuff. You rode really well on those new tyres. There was more than once where I wasnt expecting to see you in my mirrors and you were still there.
jeebus you're not wrong, he was off like a shot in the twisties, someone needs to remind him he's riding a tank, not a bloody sportsbike!
KoroJ
27th May 2008, 20:04
Don't you mean bring on the GC? BTW, I had another look at my tyres the other night and they've probably got even more life in them than I thought - probably another 4K for the rear taking it to about 12k all up. Best wear I've had out of a tyre yet...
You obviously need to slow down!
banditrider
27th May 2008, 20:44
You obviously need to slow down!
Dunno what you're talking about...
ynot slow
27th May 2008, 21:00
You obviously need to slow down!
Nah just don't get caught.
dogsnbikes
28th May 2008, 14:02
Well done Lance
yeah it was a great ride and great company......with a good pace kept...great pics too and the roads where no less a problem than the Umutoi Auto Barn......
I have even been looking at some back roads from Hawera too Whanga:woohoo: and will have to make it part of the next ride to Gissy for something different.....
was good to see you out yod, but your over protection with your bike leaves me thinking each to there own......:shutup: Meanie, glad to did the tyres justice and got into the groove well done on the new tread pattern...cowboyz, I hardly think was irresponsible never went over 7000rpm all day and only passed you so I could get out of 2nd gear :woohoo:
All in all a great day and cant wait till the next ride
JUST REMEMBER FOLKS 1 LATTE=40KPH.......so was great it wasn't a latte ride:Punk:
dogsnbikes
28th May 2008, 14:09
Monnie just said normally you see Yod on line,I replied he must be having a sick day,monnie reakons he must be working.....yeah right!!!......must be the makings of the new Tui ad.....................
cowboyz
28th May 2008, 16:31
Well done Lance
yeah it was a great ride and great company......with a good pace kept...great pics too and the roads where no less a problem than the Umutoi Auto Barn......
I have even been looking at some back roads from Hawera too Whanga:woohoo: and will have to make it part of the next ride to Gissy for something different.....
was good to see you out yod, but your over protection with your bike leaves me thinking each to there own......:shutup: Meanie, glad to did the tyres justice and got into the groove well done on the new tread pattern...cowboyz, I hardly think was irresponsible never went over 7000rpm all day and only passed you so I could get out of 2nd gear :woohoo:
All in all a great day and cant wait till the next ride
JUST REMEMBER FOLKS 1 LATTE=40KPH.......so was great it wasn't a latte ride:Punk:
hmmmm somehow I think your taco is broken.
Monnie just said normally you see Yod on line,I replied he must be having a sick day,monnie reakons he must be working.....yeah right!!!......must be the makings of the new Tui ad.....................
im here
im always here....always watching.......
hmmmm somehow I think your taco is broken.
what a bugger, refried beans, sour cream and taco sauce everywhere.....
cowboyz
28th May 2008, 17:04
beans? did you have beans? no wonder dogs was trying to get away.
ynot slow
28th May 2008, 18:24
I have even been looking at some back roads from Hawera too Whanga:woohoo: and will have to make it part of the next ride to Gissy for something different.....
Not a hell of a lot of back roads though,mostly all will end up coming onto SH3,can do Whakamara Rd onto Ohangai Rd from Mokoia,this comes out at Normanby,then head onto Mountain Rd onto Austin Rd,Fraser Rd,Rotokare Rd onto SH3 south of Eltham.Then take Cheal Rd(Ngaere) to Skinner Rd,onto East Rd (SH43)just out of Startford heading to Toko/Whanga.A lot of maps have roads which are not existant.All these are sealed,and coated with the odd cowshit no and then.
Meanie
28th May 2008, 20:08
jeebus you're not wrong, he was off like a shot in the twisties, someone needs to remind him he's riding a tank, not a bloody sportsbike!
Its a Sports tourer
good stuff. You rode really well on those new tyres. There was more than once where I wasnt expecting to see you in my mirrors and you were still there.
Why thank you Lance, I believe you just gave me a compliment :yeah:I feel humbled
im here
im always here....always watching.......
Yep........ just like the local peeping tom
Its a Sports tourer
it's a bloody 'big-boned' 'sports tourer' :laugh:
Yep........ just like the local peeping tom
nah the local guy didn't want me moving in on his turf....
Meanie
28th May 2008, 20:22
it's a bloody 'big-boned' 'sports tourer' :laugh:
Not unlike the blue Brute
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