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View Full Version : Cool ride to Takaka today (7.9.8)



shafty
7th September 2008, 20:14
Had a neat ride today, leaving Tahuna at 1pm, out on the motorway past Filco Yammie/Kwaka where Ulysses were gathered for a ride, trundled thru Richmond, exchanged waves with another ST1300 – a blue one - which was heading out two up and looking good, then took a right at Three Brothers and headed for Mapua.

The sun was out, and so were the bikes, like me enjoying a break in a run of crappy weather. Left the radar in the top box today – time for a cruise and sight seeing – the sun was reflecting off the estuary water, and everything was lookin PRIMO.

A cop cruising the other way made me quickly check my speed, but 105 meant I was as safe as, cruised thru the little settlement of Tasman, then Motueka, which was also lookin good in the Sun. More bikes here too, but no stopping for me, - past the Riwaka pub – more bikes, and up Takaka Hill was I, enjoying the curves and lack of traffic, - although dodging the grit kept me on my toes. Quick photo at the top, then down the other side, the few cars and campers I did encounter being quick to pull over for the king of bikes.

Down on the flats, I couldn’t get over how lush and bright green the grass was, - and new lambs frolicking around the fields and feeding set the whole scene off – time for a pic – then trundled into Takaka township. Takaka is a cool little spot – very appealing with a couple of classic looking pubs at the southern entrance to town. A quick zip down the main street, a U turn and back outta town.

I noticed a fair few bikes not bothering to return ‘the wave’ – their loss, then a car gives a quick headlight flash, - cheers Mate – a k down the road Mr Plod is scanning for business – not today sorry Mate, as I head back up the hill – eve more fun this time, more bikes coming the other way, even more at the Caves Lookout too.

I turned off the main drag and made the 6km detour to Kaiteriteri to check that it was as beautiful as it was last visit. Now that would be a hard ask. It was the height of summer, touring on a Boxer BMW, I timed my stop at the beach perfectly to view a well built young lady peel her top off. Bugger!

No such fortune today, but the beach is still one out of the box, truly brill. Camera out, snap snap, and back on the road.

Followed 3 Cruisers out of town, then headed back thru ‘Mot’, then back around the coast to Mapua where I drained a cold pint of Summit Golden Lager at the Mapua Tavern, while the Honda waited patiently outside.

Fifteen minutes later the bike was parked up back at the motel.
Great ride. Great country. Now where’s that beer fridge………….

banditrider
7th September 2008, 21:03
Great place alright - gotta love the Takaka Hill! Not as many people at Kaiteriteri as there was when I stopped there (Xmas time). Might be one of the side trips I do after the Southern X next year - can't wait.

JATZ
8th September 2008, 19:42
Must have just missed you, 10 of the knobbly brigade headed over that way yesterday. Stunning day for riding.
Takaka hills one of those rides I do to blow of steam after a hard days work during the summer,Good fish and chips at the carravan thingy next to the doc office on the left as you hit takaka.

slimjim
9th September 2008, 11:51
beautifull pic's .. born in collingwood... will return .. one day..

munterk6
9th September 2008, 18:25
beautifull pic's .. born in collingwood... will return .. one day..

are people actually 'born' in Collingwood? wow! thought they all moved there to retire or sumfin'....:clap:

Highlander
12th September 2008, 03:44
Looks like a great day for it.
Nice roads through there too.

Dino
12th September 2008, 07:29
Great part of the country around there. My first time over the Takaka hill & to the Pupu Springs last year, looking forward to doing it again some time.

Sue VFR
12th September 2008, 22:51
Awesome Road!! I did it on an SV650 and Kev on a Valkyrie. AB FAB! (And Kev scared himself on the last corner) :laugh: