Northern Exposure Tour 2009

[Qkchk]

It's that time of the year again, no sooner we get through Christmas then it's 2009!! Qkchk and Qkkid have decided to announce the Northern Exposure Tour '09 for the Auckland Anniversary Weekend. (24th - 26th Jan 09) This year we will be based in Russell, in the Bay of Islands.



What do we plan to do???
Ride from Auckland up the West Coast via Waipoua Forest and Opononi. Ride through Kaikohe to Paihia and then catch the Vehicle ferry to Russell where we will be based over the 3 days. A trip up to Kaitaia via the famous Maungamuka’s with a couple of alternate roads, with a option of riding to the Cape Reinga Lighthouse then back down the East coast with a fish ‘n chip stop then back to Russell. Then back home via the Old Russell Road and Paparoa Road to dodge the holiday traffic home.


The Tour Itineray:

Saturday 24th Jan

- Meet @ Westgate Shell 0800 departing at 0830, head up SH16 to Wellsford
- Join SH1 to Brynderwyn take Maungaturoto turn off along SH12
- Pass through Dargaville, WAIPOUA FOREST (Can stop to see giant Kauri tree if need be) and Opononi.
- Lunch can be at either Dargaville or Opononi depends on time.
- Head back towards Kaikohe then connect back onto SH1 down to Puketona Juction
- Take SH13 to Paihia then on to Opua
- Catch the Vehicular Ferry to Russell
- Finish the day staying at the Russell Top Ten over a couple of cold ones.

* There is a bottle shop and plenty of takeaways available while in Russell including 2x Four Square supermarkets.




Sunday 25th Jan

- Catch the ferry back over to Opua, head North through Paihia along SH13 connecting to SH1 then riding the Maungamuka’s (voted as one of the best stretches of road in NZ for bikes) up to Kaitaia.

We have quite a few options here:

- Can either ride out to Ahipara (at the bottom of the Ninety Mile Beach) and carry though to Broadwood and re-ride the Maungamukas again ;)
- and Ride North to Houhora for an icecream and then drop in to the Ancient Kauri Kingdom (awesome walkthrough staircase inside a Kauri tree) www.ancientkauri.co.nz
- Or carry on further North to ride up to the Lighthouse

* For those who want to ride to the lighthouse (it is worth it) continue the ride up to the North Cape Lighthouse however the last 18kms or so IS IN GRAVEL! They are doing extensive road works up there to put it all into tarseal (due to be finished in a couple of years). If you do not wish to ride in gravel you can go as far as @ Waitiki Landing for a cuppa or lunch. For those who have not been up to the cape, take the oppotunity to ride to the end of New Zealand, you cant go any further than the lighthouse! You can see where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day you can also see the Three Kings Islands.

- Then we head back down the East Coast, stopping in at the Mangonui Fish Shop for some Fish ‘n Chips (nice spot for a stop) then carry on back to Russell.



Monday 26th Jan

- Depart Russell and head south. We can either catch the ferry over to Opua OR take the ‘interesting’ Old Russell Road back out to SH1. (Decide on the day – Weather and Rider Capability as this can be a Dangerous road due to idiots in cages!)

- Option of riding through Oakleigh/ Paparoa Road through to Brynderwyn and Wellsford (hopefully missing most of the traffic etc..)

- Can go either way (SH1 or SH16 via Woodcocks Rd) but would recommend SH16 due to Long weekend traffic and WOODCOCKS Road .....

- Fin.





PLEASE READ!


If you are unsure of where or what we are doing, don’t panic as I will be briefing the riders at the start of each day with the options available!

In general the long weekend up north is fine weather, so lets hope nothing changes... The ride will be going ahead rain or shine.....:sunny:

Please show that you are attending by registering HERE. (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&ea=attend&e=1843)




IMPORTANT NOTICE:

You will be responsible for your own cabin or tent site bookings, if you are on a budget why not get a bigger cabin and share the costs with others? When you book, can you please let them know that you are part of Kiwibiker or refer Qkchk and hopefully they will keep us in the same area.

You can book your accomodation for the 24th and 26th Jan with http://www.russelltop10.co.nz or ring them on 0800-148-671.

I have a price list from them but will scan it when I get home (Im still in Russell at the campsite!)


Example of prices:

3 Single bunks in a basic cabin = $80per night (So between 3 of you its only $26.50 per night each)

1 Double + 3 single bunks in a Basic cabin = $95per night

1 Double + 2 Single bunks in a Kitchen Cabin = $110 per night.

This is only a guide to prices.


About the Accommodation Site:

The facilities are great here, we stay every Xmas/New Year holidays so can vouch for a great site! There are hot showers for 50cents for 6mins. A full kitchen area with Microwave ovens and a kiddies playground and its only a short walk into the mian heart of Russell and the wharf.

Pic 1. Opua - Russell Vehicular Ferry
Pic 2. View from the Campsite Toilet and Showers
Pic 3. Example of a Kitchen Cabin
Pic 4. Qkkid checking up on Kiwibiker during our camping stay


*Disclaimer: I will not be held responsible for any other person actions to the ride, during the ride and after the ride. Anyone found to be endangering other riders will be told to leave. You are responsible for your own actions! All people attending the NET'09 do so at their own risk.

[Nagash]

Sounds interesting, will let you know.

[Pumba]

Yea I will pencil myself in for this:msn-wink:

[screamer]

If i can afford it i might try and get my partner to come along to this.:niceone:

[SixPackBack]

Missus sixpack gave me a bus pass:clap:.

[TOTO]

will tag along with yous for the saturday and shoot back to sin sity after opononi.

I still remember last year - so much fun :D

[Mrs Busa Pete]

Missus sixpack gave me a bus pass:clap:.

Why dont you get jackie to come up in the car and join the fun

[Devil]

Have fun guys, i'll be at the Nats at Ruapuna!

[Qkchk]

Why dont you get jackie to come up in the car and join the fun

Maybe have a chat with Ninja Nanna to see if she can grab a seat in their car? (I assume Shane will be coming)

[NinjaNanna]

Maybe have a chat with Ninja Nanna to see if she can grab a seat in their car? (I assume Shane will be coming)

The outlaws will be in town that weekend, so if Jacinda comes away the car will be full this year.

I had to decide on travelling away to Tirau to play Polocrosse for the weekend, or join my good friends from KB :shifty:

You guys won :love:

I'll be on the ride but unfortuantely there's no spare seats in the car this year.

[NinjaNanna]

Pete, will there be space in the ute beside the Busa for our tents?

[Pumba]

Pete, will there be space in the ute beside the Busa for our tents?

Bahahahahahahahha:laugh:

[Mrs Busa Pete]

Pete, will there be space in the ute beside the Busa for our tents?

no but theres room in the boat see steve for space avalabilaty

[Mrs Busa Pete]

Yea I will pencil myself in for this:msn-wink:

Just make sure you don't scare the neighbours of like last year.

[Pumba]

Hey there is no proof that had anything to do with me..................................I mean it could have also been Rob:whistle:

[Qkchk]

Pete, will there be space in the ute beside the Busa for our tents?

What is with this TENT stuff you talk of? Cabins - CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP from $26 per night, read first post.

[NinjaNanna]

What is with this TENT stuff you talk of? Cabins - CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP from $26 per night, read first post.

not looking at the website - could you still scan that price list they gave you - I wondering if the website isn't showing the full range of accomodation???

[NinjaNanna]

not looking at the website - could you still scan that price list they gave you - I wondering if the website isn't showing the full range of accomodation???


ignore that I just phoned them - they don't put the cabins on the website.

I've just secured a basic cabin with 1 double + 3 bunks for the princely sum of $95/night.

I'll post up later once I know if the family will be coming if not there will be spare beds in my cabin provided you don't snore. :whistle:

[Pumba]

if not there will be spare beds in my cabin provided you don't snore. :whistle:

Hmm better book my own cabin then:rolleyes:

[Mrs Busa Pete]

there will be spare beds in my cabin provided you don't snore. :whistle:


What don't you like the competion.....

[Morcs]

Tents are $38 per night I believe - tented up there the other week.

[NinjaNanna]

Hmm better book my own cabin then:rolleyes:


If it was you I suppose I could wear earplugs but never the less the whanau have confirmed they'll be joining us in the car so rooms fully occupied.

[Qkchk]

Tents are $38 per night I believe - tented up there the other week.

Never saw you up there, we got back on Monday.

[Hinny]

Tents are $38 per night I believe - tented up there the other week.

Tents 38 and cabins 26.... what the?

[NinjaNanna]

Tents 38 and cabins 26.... what the?

cabins $26/person if you share with someone

[Mrs Busa Pete]

Hmm better book my own cabin then:rolleyes:

Have you done this as i think we just booked the last cabin

[forkoil]

Have you done this as i think we just booked the last cabin
Not again! :blink:

[Mrs Busa Pete]

Not again! :blink:

Well we are not sure if we are able to go at this point so may have to cancel.

I think we are off line at the moment till i take our computor to get fixed i'm at my daughters at the moment but will try to let you know.

[trump-lady]

Im a possible..... well a I want to, just gotta sort some stuff out. Ill prob tent it if coming :)

[Cary]

I'm a possible too although depends on the missis. Will know closer to the day. I'm sure there will be a spare camp site somewhere so will pack the tent.

A day trip at the least if thats ok?

[geoffm]

Anyone got a spare bed in their cabin?
I was hoping the Missus could bring the camper up, but she has decided to go to a wedding in Oz instead that weekend :-(
Geoff

[trump-lady]

if the busas dont need the cabin...wanna share? as its the last otherwise I guess camp it is

[Qkchk]

I'm a possible too although depends on the missis. Will know closer to the day. I'm sure there will be a spare camp site somewhere so will pack the tent.

A day trip at the least if thats ok?

Day trippers welcome :)

Plenty of tent space down in the camping area, so even if you did bring a tent and stayed, space wouldnt be a problem.

[Qkchk]

Well we are not sure if we are able to go at this point so may have to cancel.

I think we are off line at the moment till i take our computor to get fixed i'm at my daughters at the moment but will try to let you know.

HTFU. This isn't Turangi! :dodge:

[forkoil]

After 2 weeks touring down Sth Isl, probably will have to forego due to $ :weep:

[Qkchk]

Looks like we may have a few tag along just for a day ride............

If you dont fancy staying overnight, daytrippers are welcome to come along.

[forkoil]

If anyone wants to buy my SV, I'll have enuf dosh - takers? :wari:

[geoffm]

if the busas dont need the cabin...wanna share? as its the last otherwise I guess camp it is

I'll share with you. According to the email I got from them today, they still have a cabin available.

[Pumba]

I'll share with you. According to the email I got from them today, they still have a cabin available.

Hey Geoff if there is a spare bed in that cabin I will happily share, was going to call myself today but it slipped my mind

[trump-lady]

Hey Geoff if there is a spare bed in that cabin I will happily share, was going to call myself today but it slipped my mind

Im in to share but I no like snorers either unless Im drunk!

Either way is cool cause I have 3 tents (if anyone needs) and dont mind tenting it but for the end cost cabins cheaper easier and saves me room for clothes :)

[Pumba]

Im in to share but I no like snorers either unless Im drunk!

Hmmmmmm, I may not be the ideal person to share with then.................

[Qkchk]

Hmmmmmm, I may not be the ideal person to share with then.................

If you can still hear him, it means you didnt drink enough.

[trump-lady]

If you can still hear him, it means you didnt drink enough.

I can def fix that but man........ riding the next day will blow.... might be another case of dirtying the tank like ride last week

[TOTO]

you could always use earplugs - work wonders with my 130db exhaust - surely will fix afew snores.

[Qkchk]

I can def fix that but man........ riding the next day will blow.... might be another case of dirtying the tank like ride last week

Yeah, that is a downside. With were we will be riding on the Sunday, you will definately not want to be feeling :sick:, you'd be kicking yourself for not being 100% for the nice roads!

[Hinny]

I'm going to camp at Doc site in Puketi forest. Close to camp at Russell.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/lodges-cabins-and-cottages-by-region/northland/puketi-cabins-and-trampers-hut/
Bird life there is quite extroidinary. Nice to wake up to the dawn chorus. eh Steve?
Since all that went on last trip were total soft cocks and in bed by 9.30 I figure I can socialise and still go to camp to hunt Kiwis, lesser short tail bats, satelites, shooting stars, the inside of my eyelids ... Better views and only $7 a night to camp or $9 in the hut sounds just the ticket to me. Looks about equidistant from the Kerlkeri turnoff as Russell camp so hooking up with the rest of the gang shouldn't be a problem.
And as an added bonus for the fisher folk the Waipapa River flows through Puketi's native bush and is the closest Northland has to a wild backcountry fishery. The water is generally very clear and the upper and middle reaches which flow through the state forest is very attractive, offering the angler the chance to fish for a good population of trout in a near-wilderness setting. There is a good walkway along the river that offers anglers many kilometres of easy access to a large section of the river.

The river is mostly long shingle runs and pools and is easily waded. There is good vegetation along the banks that provides both cover for the fish as well as a good food source from the insects that blow onto the water.

Fish can be easily seen in the gin-clear water and so care must be taken to avoid spooking the fish. There can be an excellent evening rise during the warmer months. This fishery is highly recommended as it receives limited angling pressure.
I might have to make it a long, long weekend.

[forkoil]

I'm going to camp at Doc site in Puketi forest. Close to camp at Russell.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/lodges-cabins-and-cottages-by-region/northland/puketi-cabins-and-trampers-hut/
Bird life there is quite extroidinary. Nice to wake up to the dawn chorus. eh Steve?
Since all that went on last trip were total soft cocks and in bed by 9.30 I figure I can socialise and still go to camp to hunt Kiwis, lesser short tail bats, satelites, shooting stars, the inside of my eyelids ... Better views and only $7 a night to camp or $9 in the hut sounds just the ticket to me. Looks about equidistant from the Kerlkeri turnoff as Russell camp so hooking up with the rest of the gang shouldn't be a problem.
And as an added bonus for the fisher folk the Waipapa River flows through Puketi's native bush and is the closest Northland has to a wild backcountry fishery. The water is generally very clear and the upper and middle reaches which flow through the state forest is very attractive, offering the angler the chance to fish for a good population of trout in a near-wilderness setting. There is a good walkway along the river that offers anglers many kilometres of easy access to a large section of the river.

The river is mostly long shingle runs and pools and is easily waded. There is good vegetation along the banks that provides both cover for the fish as well as a good food source from the insects that blow onto the water.

Fish can be easily seen in the gin-clear water and so care must be taken to avoid spooking the fish. There can be an excellent evening rise during the warmer months. This fishery is highly recommended as it receives limited angling pressure.
I might have to make it a long, long weekend.
Sounds good Keith, copy/paste job? Is the road to the hut sealed? (didnt use to be). Bit of a walk to the river from the hut (on the ridge above) but bush is great.

[Mort]

I was planning a trip like this so I'd like to come along too. Can't say I know anyone (met Busa Pete once) but it would be good to meet others.

I'll bring a small tent but I'm open to cabin shares etc.

[Hinny]

Sounds good Keith, copy/paste job? Is the road to the hut sealed? (didnt use to be). Bit of a walk to the river from the hut (on the ridge above) but bush is great.

Yes; Hope not; Will ride; Sounds better than four walls.

[Qkchk]

I was planning a trip like this so I'd like to come along too. Can't say I know anyone (met Busa Pete once) but it would be good to meet others.

I'll bring a small tent but I'm open to cabin shares etc.

Just dont poke your fingers through the fence - the animals bite.

[OutForADuck]

Damn, I had not realised that that was anniverary weekend.. I'm on a damn course all weekend !!!!! :bash:

[Hinny]

Damn, I had not realised that that was anniverary weekend..

3-day tour of the Far North
Anniversary Weekend 24th - 26th Jan

. . . . . . . . . . . . . :no: . . . . . . . . . . .

getting old's a bitch!



.

[hospitalfood]

im still thinking about this ride, would love to come and catch up with everybody..............
but it is regatta weekend up my way......
and i should not really be spending.........
and im not drinking at present...............

um!

[Gizzit]

I'm intending to meet with the "bunch" at the Highway 1 / Maungaturoto turn off, and ride north as far as Opua on Saturday, then carry on back home to Whangarei that day. I can't stay as "her-in-doors" and I are off on Sunday ... on another pursuit !!

I'm looking forward to putting faces to names, as I've not been on any KB rides so far. It should be fun. :2thumbsup

[Qkchk]

im still thinking about this ride, would love to come and catch up with everybody..............
but it is regatta weekend up my way......
and i should not really be spending.........
and im not drinking at present...............

um!

Maybe you could meet up with Gizzit @ Brynderwyn Cafe and hang with us just for the day?

[hospitalfood]

Maybe you could meet up with Gizzit @ Brynderwyn Cafe and hang with us just for the day?

if the Mrs is working i think i might do the complete ride, otherwise Sat looking good.

[geoffm]

Looks like The Other Half might be going up after all if anyone needs to take any gear up tha they don't have space for on the bike. Means I won't need a cabin either.
Geoff

[SixPackBack]

Feck,arse....not sure if I will be able to make it.

The bike was not handling that well last weekend so enigma took it out for a ride and confirmed my suspicions...'that's scary'!

After closer inspection both forks are leaking and the front pads are down to metal....rang around trying to get a mechanic to sort it all without any luck [not before next weekend]..................I'm pissed was looking forward to giving you all the learn:whistle:

[Mrs Busa Pete]

Feck,arse....not sure if I will be able to make it.

The bike was not handling that well last weekend so enigma took it out for a ride and confirmed my suspicions...'that's scary'!

After closer inspection both forks are leaking and the front pads are down to metal....rang around trying to get a mechanic to sort it all without any luck [not before next weekend]..................I'm pissed was looking forward to giving you all the learn:whistle:

Have you tryed the mobile doctor he is going to pete's work to service the busa a this week. there has been some big recommendation for him.

[Pumba]

Weateher maps below form the metvuw site

And the long range Met Service forcast



Fri 23 Fine with light winds.

Sat 24 Dry with little wind.

Sun 25 Dry. Not much wind.

Mon 26 Dry. Not much wind


Dont know about you but it is looking like an awsome weekend :sunny::sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[SixPackBack]

Have you tryed the mobile doctor he is going to pete's work to service the busa a this week. there has been some big recommendation for him.

Looking more positive...gaurdian angel certainly helped:niceone: [thanks guys!]

[Qkchk]

Dont know about you but it is looking like an awsome weekend :sunny::sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

Thats the stuff I wanna hear.........:clap:

[Crazy Steve]

Feck,arse....not sure if I will be able to make it.

The bike was not handling that well last weekend so enigma took it out for a ride and confirmed my suspicions...'that's scary'!

After closer inspection both forks are leaking and the front pads are down to metal....rang around trying to get a mechanic to sort it all without any luck [not before next weekend]..................I'm pissed was looking forward to giving you all the learn:whistle:

Just trade it....

It wont take that long...:yawn:

Crazy Steve..

[NUTBAR]

hey, sounds like a good weekend, was going to go to plato to mountain run on sunday, but this sounds better, any idea how much it is for the ferry?

[NinjaNanna]

hey, sounds like a good weekend, was going to go to plato to mountain run on sunday, but this sounds better, any idea how much it is for the ferry?


Fares vary depending on the vehicle, Passenger Car and driver $8 (one way) $15 (return) (http://www.paihia.co.nz/Feature.cfm?WPID=3371)

So cheap enough, but bikes I'll probably be less than that

[SixPackBack]

Holy shit the gixxer gods are fighting hard to keep me home-winning but only just, bike back to the mechanic tomorrow.:shutup:

[Qkchk]

hey, sounds like a good weekend, was going to go to plato to mountain run on sunday, but this sounds better, any idea how much it is for the ferry?

And I took a photo when I was over there, now where did I put it?

$5 per bike, one way. (Bike and rider)
Pillion add $1

Depending on numbers and the experience level of the riders, we may ride the Old Russell Road on the way back home. We can discuss this on tour.

[Qkkid]

Holy shit the gixxer gods are fighting hard to keep me home-winning but only just, bike back to the mechanic tomorrow.:shutup:

:banana::banana: Keep winning my friend :cool: :lol:

[Crazy Steve]

Will there be Cake ? ?

:baby:

Crazy Steve.

[NinjaNanna]

Will there be Cake ? ?

No - Lattes, Scones Jam and cream.


Oh yeah and a nice big :first: for most bestest rider

[Hinny]

I think he meant crack not cake.

Here's some;
spotted Xmas Day at Homer Tunnel. :rolleyes:

[The Stranger]

$5 per bike, one way. (Bike and rider)
Pillion add $1

Depending on numbers and the experience level of the riders, we may ride the Old Russell Road on the way back home. We can discuss this on tour.

If I happen to inadvertantly take a wrong turn and get lost just outside of Whangarei be sure and enjoy the ferry trip wont you guys.

[SixPackBack]

:banana::banana: Keep winning my friend :cool: :lol:

Woohoo the shrine to the Gixxer gods worked:woohoo:.............front suspension is more compliant than a room fulla hookers with one hundered dollar bills tucked in their collective vagina's....the brakes stronger than my c%$k thinking about the festivities to follow.
Plain english?.....cheers Spectrum Motorcycles the bike is fookin great:sunny:

[Gizzit]

What time do you think you will be at the SH 1 / Maungaturoto turnoff ?
I'll meet you all there.

[hospitalfood]

well, i think im tipping off the fence im sitting on and landing on the ride side of it.

[forkoil]

Clue,
Not staying in the top 10

[Qkchk]

What time do you think you will be at the SH 1 / Maungaturoto turnoff ?
I'll meet you all there.

We are leaving Westgate around 8.30, so should see you around 9.30ish +/- 15mins...........

[NinjaNanna]

Clue,
Not staying in the top 10

That'd be Hinny

[forkoil]

And another .....

[Pumba]

Quick Waether Update

:woohoo:Looking pretty shit hot I recon:woohoo:

[hospitalfood]

ok, in like a robbers dog.
will get my shit sorted today ready to roll and see you folks in Paparoa tomorrow outside my house.
Gizzit you are welcome to come and wait at mine. 2047 Paparoa valley rd, blue house after pub. cant miss it.
i will be keen on a cabin share with someone if possible ???, otherwise i will bring a tent ??

[ManDownUnder]

And another .....

Gremlin?........

[Hinny]

Gremlin?........

Nope.

A rider of a green coloured gnome.is the CORRECT answer.

[ManDownUnder]

Nope.

A rider of a green coloured gnome.is the CORRECT answer.

Yeah I know - but he looks like a Gremlin!

[Hinny]

Well I wasn't up to saying that.
Do Gremlins smile as much?
Maybe they would if they demolished as much Pav. as this Quickie did.

[Qkchk]

Clue,
Not staying in the top 10

Kind of makes me feel safe, knownly that said Bagman is staying elsewhere...


Well I wasn't up to saying that.
Do Gremlins smile as much?
Maybe they would if they demolished as much Pav. as this Quickie did.

I would describe him more like a Pixie.....

[Gizzit]

ok, in like a robbers dog.
will get my shit sorted today ready to roll and see you folks in Paparoa tomorrow outside my house.
Gizzit you are welcome to come and wait at mine. 2047 Paparoa valley rd, blue house after pub. cant miss it.
i will be keen on a cabin share with someone if possible ???, otherwise i will bring a tent ??

Thanks for the offer mate. However, as I'm coming down SH1, I'll just wait at the turn off for the bunch, and we'll pick you up as we come past. (means I can sleep in a bit longer !! lol. :niceone:

[Gizzit]

We are leaving Westgate around 8.30, so should see you around 9.30ish +/- 15mins...........

Cool. Thanks for that. I'll be there by 9.30 ..... See you there.

[Mrs Busa Pete]

For those that are in the cabins did you book your linen it is a xtra $10.00 or you have to take your own.

[Qkchk]

Off to bed shortly, all packed and ready to go......


C u turkeys at Westgate 8am, ready to roll out at 8.30. Have a good night. :soon:

[Qkkid]

Off to bed shortly, all packed and ready to go......


C u turkeys at Westgate 8am, ready to roll out at 8.30. Have a good night. :soon:
:weep:Spose i better go such a terrible day weather is shite ;)
See you turkeys at Westgate :2thumbsup

[Gizzit]

Not sure exactly what happened ..... I got concussion, and am not that sure how things happened. Did anyone see ?? The first thing I remember is a Policeman standing over me and some ambulance guy(s) .... other than that, I have no idea what anyone did ..... or much about it all really. I was in Dargaville Hospital for a while, and then my wife came over and took me home.

I've been in E.D. in Whangarei today, and had Xrays. I have broken ribs and severe bruising to my left side and hip, and a general feeling of being a bit broken arse !!! lol.

I hope that my wee incident didn't put a dampener on the trip and spoil it for people. I do hope everyone had a real good time. I know I was enjoying the ride up until that point! However ..... the trainer wheels will definitely have to go back on !! lol.

I haven't seen my bike yet, so have no idea how bad things are this time ? I will get my insurance Co. to pick up my bike tomorrow and deliver it to Planet Honda in Whangarei.

Thanks to anyone who helped me, and to who rode my bike to Kaihu Garage. I have no recollection of events and how things happened at all. I'm grateful for the help I received. Thank you all!!!
Cheers,
Grant.

[Mort]

Hi Grant

good to hear you're ok (if a little battered). Your bike was'n't seriously damaged. Just left side cosmetics. It was rideable according to Adam who took it to the garage. Easily fixable.

I don't think anyone actually saw the crash from what people were saying. It would appear that you ran wide on a right hander and in to a drain on the left. You may have hit a pot hole which cause the bike to flip and pinned you to the rock face. There was a lot of molton tar seal on the road... but we couldn't see a slide ...but it may have distracted you as you entered the turn.

When I arrived a few seconds later I saw that you were well and truly pinned to the ground and rock face by the bike and you were spark out cold and , fortunately, making a heavy snoring sound as you breathed. We got the bike up, lossened your chin strap and you came round about 5-10 minutes later. There was a nurse there immediately (a tourist) who look after things too..

I took a few pics...if it helps.... I can email some bigger ones.

http://web.mac.com/plbyrne/crash/NF1.jpg

http://web.mac.com/plbyrne/crash/NF2.jpg

http://web.mac.com/plbyrne/crash/NF3.jpg

http://web.mac.com/plbyrne/crash/NF4.jpg

http://web.mac.com/plbyrne/crash/NF5.jpg

http://web.mac.com/plbyrne/crash/NF6.jpg

Take it easy... hope to see you out there soon. The rest of the trip was great... but there's always next time.

Paul.... (Mort)

[Gizzit]

Thanks for that Paul. Unfortunately .... I have no recollection of the pictures/area/corner .... or what happened. Have you got any of me and/or my bike ?
If you could email any pics you have, that would be great.

grantrow@orcon.net.nz

Thanks for your help. Apparently the Police phoned today to ask to speak to me, but I was asleep at the time. He told my wife he will phone me tomorrow, to see if I can recall what happened .... and I can't really .... ??? weird. I don't think there will be any dramas from it. He said something to my wife about no skid mark, and there being some pot holes and molten tar ...... I don't know.

I remember seeing the drain on the left side of the road, and a white road marker peg, then it went all blank ..... I don't think I went into the corner too hot ?? I was riding behind two guys. Hinny was leading, and then someone else, then me. We weren't really pushing it at all from memory .... ???

Cheers,
Grant.

[Pumba]

Hey Grant, good to hear that you arnt to banged up.

Cant help much on the details cause the advanced gropu of Qk Kid, Six Pack, Ninga Nanna, the Busa Petes, and myself were siting in Opinoni (sp?) with a cold beer in our hands before we were any the wiser that anything had gone wrong.

And dont worry we still had a fookin fantastic trip:2thumbsup

Heal up well.

[Gizzit]

Good on ya mate. I'm pleased to hear that the trip went well. I was certainly enjoying it up to that point ! lol. Shit happens eh. I hope the weather stayed fine for those staying up there, and returning today, and that everyone really enjoyed their ride!!
Cheers,
Grant. :niceone:

[geoffm]

Judging from the marks between where you left the road and whenre you stopped (maybe 25m or so) and the realtively minimal damage to the bike, I woudl say that the speed when you left the road was pretty low - a guess of say 60kph-ish.
The bike didn't even seem to have bent bars or leavers - normally the first things to go. I think you saved it from damage by throwing yoruself between it and the cliff...

[Gizzit]

Oh yeah mate .... I remember thinking ..... bike damage or me, ..... damage the bike .... or me ...... and then just thought yeah fuckit .... i can handle a bit of jandal ... bikes are expensive ..... and just sacrificially placed myself neatly between that rock wall .... and the bike!!!

I mean .... something anyone of us would do in a heartbeat .... a real no-brainer ....

Sitting here awkwardly, trying to ignore the pain in my broken ribs .... I'm thinking ...... "Is it too late to reverse that rash decision ?" ,,,, I mean ... it's only a feckin Hornet for Gods sake ..... WTFWITO ?????? :laugh: :shit: :blink:

[TOTO]

Grant, that was the scariest bike crash I have come up to. What I saw: bike and you tilted 90 degrees to the left with you firmly stuck on it. from behind you looked plummeted in the cluff and because your helmet was covered by the grass I taught you been beheaded.

After seeing yoy are still breatheing (and have your head) tried to call ambo but no reception so went back 1km to the pub we just passed and called ambo. Ambo from dargaville was there in like 15-20 minutes tops and then the three fire engines and the two police cars.

People usually say thats after such a crash you need to buy a lotto ticket - I think there is no point for buying a lotto ticket from now on, coz you have used up all your luck for the rest of your life.

the tar was like 3-4cm deep that we saw when the ambo left and we saw its tracks....


Glad you are fairly ok Grant, really glad. take it easy and speedy recovery.



p.s. Cheers guys for having me and Klyong tag along with yaz - next tour on Kb gathering i'm already getting ready for and will be with yaz all the way :niceone:

[Hinny]

Just got home from up North.
Sat down with a hot drink to unwind and brought this thread up.
Sad to hear you have broken ribs. I could have left earlier in the day so that I could have called by to see you and tell you some jokes. A great opportunity wasted!
The pace may have been a bit slow for you and you just nodded off.
I'm sure you will be very happy to know my weekend was very enjoyable apart from having the crap scared out of me seeing you taking a siesta on the roadside.
I took a few photos as well.
The one I took of you lying down I had to delete as you weren't smiling.. . . even tho' I did ask you to.
I must congratulate you on protecting the bike from damage so well. Quick cut and polish and she'll be good as gold. Bit of UHU on the screen to stick that back together and take the rest of the venturer rack off and you'll be good to go.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Remember broken ribs are highly overated. Chicks dig scars more.

[Gizzit]

Sorry to scare you with my antics mate ! lol .... I just figured it was the best position to land in to protect my bike !!! LOL.

Thanks for making the call for the Ambo and Police etc! It's a wonder we didn't get on TV1 news !! lol (thank god we didn't eh !!!)

Mmmmm Lotto ticket .... maybe a good idea !! I'm hoping my luck hasn't run out.......

Interesting about the tar ..... was it roughed up or what ? I have no idea what actually took me out. I didn't think I went in to the corner too hot .... ?? I was tagging along with Hinny and someone else. I was at the back .... didn't seem like it was overly quick to me. I'm really not sure what happened. Was there loose stuff on the road ??? With this bloody concussion, I'm still not quite right. I must have rattled my sweede a bit !! The Shoei looks a bit worse for wear !!!
And thanks ... I'm sure I'll be back to 'normal' soon (whatever that is !! lol).
Cheers,
Grant.


Grant, that was the scariest bike crash I have come up to. What I saw: bike and you tilted 90 degrees to the left with you firmly stuck on it. from behind you looked plummeted in the cluff and because your helmet was covered by the grass I taught you been beheaded.

After seeing yoy are still breatheing (and have your head) tried to call ambo but no reception so went back 1km to the pub we just passed and called ambo. Ambo from dargaville was there in like 15-20 minutes tops and then the three fire engines and the two police cars.

People usually say thats after such a crash you need to buy a lotto ticket - I think there is no point for buying a lotto ticket from now on, coz you have used up all your luck for the rest of your life.

the tar was like 3-4cm deep that we saw when the ambo left and we saw its tracks....


Glad you are fairly ok Grant, really glad. take it easy and speedy recovery.



p.s. Cheers guys for having me and Klyong tag along with yaz - next tour on Kb gathering i'm already getting ready for and will be with yaz all the way :niceone:

[Gizzit]

LOL :laugh: Yeah .... it was your fault Hinny ..... You were dawdling along .... and I got bored and decided to have a little snooze along the way! If only we had been going quicker ...... none of this may have happened !!! LOL :laugh:

And yes it's a pitty you didn't stop in and have a bit of a laugh with me. My ribs and lungs needed a bit of a work out .... they were starting to get a bit set! Next time, eh !!!?? lol.

Post me the pics if you like mate. grantrow@orcon.net.nz I'll add them to the rogues gallery. I have a few I took at Paparoa, so I'll chuck them up along with the other ones of you guys on the side of the road at the crash site. Will put them up on my profile today.

And yeah .... I reckon I did a pretty good job of protecting the Hornet. I haven't seen it yet, but from all accounts it isn't too bad this time! Maybe if I had sacrificed an arm or a leg .... I may have avoided the screen being damaged! Must remember that for next time!! lol :laugh:

I'm looking forward to the next KB ride now. I have a goal of actually completing one!! :shit:
Cheers,
Grant

PS .... thanks for the heads up on the scar v broken ribs pulling the chicks ! My wife has said that no ..... I'm still to go ahead with the broken ribs etc ..... in interests of maintaining my good health .... !!! ???? Yeah .... I mean I didn't get that either !!??? WTF ??? :blink: :laugh:

Just got home from up North.
Sat down with a hot drink to unwind and brought this thread up.
Sad to hear you have broken ribs. I could have left earlier in the day so that I could have called by to see you and tell you some jokes. A great opportunity wasted!
The pace may have been a bit slow for you and you just nodded off.
I'm sure you will be very happy to know my weekend was very enjoyable apart from having the crap scared out of me seeing you taking a siesta on the roadside.
I took a few photos as well.
The one I took of you lying down I had to delete as you weren't smiling.. . . even tho' I did ask you to.
I must congratulate you on protecting the bike from damage so well. Quick cut and polish and she'll be good as gold. Bit of UHU on the screen to stick that back together and take the rest of the venturer rack off and you'll be good to go.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Remember broken ribs are highly overated. Chicks dig scars more.

[hospitalfood]

hi Gizzit, i was the one in front of you, noticed that you dropped off my tail so hinny and i came back to the crash scene.
it was a left leading into a right. i don't know what happened.

was a good weekend anyway, great roads and riding, qkkid did a bit of offroading, sixpackback snored heaps.

[Gizzit]

hi Gizzit, i was the one in front of you, noticed that you dropped off my tail so hinny and i came back to the crash scene.
it was a left leading into a right. i don't know what happened.

was a good weekend anyway, great roads and riding, qkkid did a bit of offroading, sixpackback snored heaps.

I'll think you'll find it was ME that did a bit of off roading !!!! lol :lol:
Glad it was a good weekend. Hopefully I'll "complete" the next one !! LOL.
Cheers.

[Pumba]

Well just been going through the video I shot after Dargaville.

Got about 20 minutes of video but it looks like it cut out just before the forest (I can remeber that bump to).

Got some good shots of mw following Shane and I got a video of me and Shane going through the corner you came off on Gizzit.

When I figure out a bit of editing and how to put video up on youtube I will and post a link here.

[Hinny]

My weekend turned out a lot better than Gizzit's.
I tried to combine the KB ride, visiting Friends and Rellies, Trout Fishing and Camping / Tramping / Nature watching. More bang for my buck kind of deal.
It meant missing a great part of the social aspect of the ride, which I had to unfortunately trade off, but I did get some social and family obligations out of the way. And got a free haircut, so it wasn't all-bad.
Grant's crash was a downer. Onward and upward, it wasn't me and it wasn't too bad. Let's go have some fun.
The ride was sublime, weather was fantastic and once again all was well with the world.
I left the rest of the group to go to the DoC camp in the Puketi forest. It would make life a lot easier if they put GPS coordinates in their directions 'How to get there'. An extra 10kms of gravel was covered before I found the camp. Met Tony the Ranger and a German couple. Set up camp and then buggared off for a wee pootle. Strong side lighting of the late afternoon sun made for a very picturesque and pleasant ride. Roads were fantastic. Very good condition and no traffic. Went to visit Rellies. Rode through the deepest metal ever, on the way back to camp. It was as if they had dropped it out of the truck and then buggared off for their long weekend. After a harrowing traverse of these works in progress I finally made camp and was able to crawl into bed at around 1.00am.
The 'Dawn Chorus' I was so looking forward to hearing was not quite what I expected. Some Nincompoop had released a Cockerel at the camp and at 5am he vented a lungful seemingly outside my front door. I got out of bed gathered a handful of rocks and went hunting. He proved to be very elusive in the darkness. Finally found him high in a tree. So high I couldn't throw hard enough to get anywhere near him. Oh! for a shotgun!
Well the sun came up as I finished my breakfast so I strapped my rod to the bike and headed off for a morning pootle and fish. It was a truly beautiful morning. The Waipapa river Forest Pools looked fantastic. Very pretty.
I found some fish but wasn't able to seduce them with my fur and feather offerings. I was aware that I had a date and so I cut the fishing short and ride out to join the rest of the tour at the Opua ferry.
Pic 1 rural view near Puketi
Pic 2 View over Puketi forest
Pic 3 Soaking up some rays
Pic 4 Sunset near Matauri Bay.

[Hinny]

Had a great ride over the Mangamukas. The group split up at this point with some riding to the cape and some doing a loop around through Herekino, Broadwood etc. and then back over the Mangamukas.
I went with the former group and we had a very pleasant pootle up to the top. It was interesting to see how much it had changed since I was there last year. Lots of new facilities and roading.
Met up with Qkkid and SixPackBack at Houhora on the way back and had a smooth ride with them to Cable Bay. Left the bunch here and went to visit Rellies and friends. Rode back to camp via a different route. Some scary road works on this road as well. Deep metal randomly dumped along the road. I found these road works rather disconcerting when encountering them at the legal limit.
There were some very pleasant, Young, German tourists in residence as my new neighbours. It had been a very long day and after soaking up the afternoon rays and devouring the mountain of food I had cooked I headed for the land of Nod. Seven and a half hour later my Nemesis heralded his presence. I need a Kea gun! After breakfast I crawled back into my bed to formulate plans to rid this bird sanctuary of the insidious, raucous, feather cloaked invader.
A quick perusal of the relevant maps and I was off hunting piscatorial behemoths. Didn't find any but did find some interesting tracks. My transformer cruiser became a trail bike and I got to see some pretty sights.
I didn't ask to photograph some of the prettier sights. I thought using the ‘without photos it didn't happen’ line would have been too crass to try and so I resolved to file the images in my head for pleasant future daydreams. Those European women certainly seem less inhibited than Kiwi women.
Pic 1 View of Cavalli islands.
Pic 2,3,4 Forest Pools - Waipapa River.

[Hinny]

Another hot pootle over the Mangamukas and I went to visit an old best friend at Herekino. His wife recognised me instantly but Pete took some time. Alzheimer’s? Or am I just not as handsome as I used to be? I had hoped to ride the loop through Broadwood etc with a setting sun lighting my way but there was a deal of catching up to do and it was long dark by the time I left Herekino.. After a short while I wished Qkkid had told me I needed a Trail bike to ride that route. That road was severely beaten up by the 'two month' rain we had over winter.
It was a long slow (legal) ride home for this weary traveller. I was puzzled by the actions of the Highway Patrol car that entered the motorway at Oteha Valley Roadin front of me. He slowed in the left lane when he saw me coming. I slowed and he slowed so I slowed some more. Finally I rode past him. I thought later that he probably wanted to get my number. Send me a ticket in the post for some imaginary crime. It may seem I'm getting paranoid but having been on the receiving end of similar bizarre actions I am, I believe justified in thinking this way. It was an unpleasant way to finish the trip.
Still, C'est la vie. I had a fantastic weekend with great people in a beautiful country. Life is Good.

Pic 1 Strike a Pose - Parengarenga Harbour and the gleaming white sands of Kokota Spit in the background.
Pic 2 It is here that after death, all Maori spirits travel to the Pohutukawa tree on the headland of Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) and descend into the underworld (reinga) by sliding down a root to fall into the sea below. They climb out again on to Ohaua, the highest point of the Three Kings Islands to bid their last farewell before returning to the land of their ancestors, Hawaiiki-A-Nui.
Pic 3 Cape Reinga lighthouse
Pic 4 Intrepid Kiwi Bikers.

[Gizzit]

Great pics and write up Hinny. However, I'm still gutted about the lack of pics of those "less inhibited" European women ...... Maybe next time .... I'll be in better shape to actually be along to see for myself !!! :laugh:

[Mort]

Good write up Hinny...

Here's a few pics too...

1. Lined up at Paparua
2. This is one of those spots where you slam on the brakes and shout WOW !!!
3. The Ferry at Opua
4. Last stop for fuel at Houhora
5&6 . at Parengarenga Harbour

[Mort]

A few more pics here...

1. Kelly (Supermotochick)
2. Hinny
3. The lighthouse (duh !)
4. The best fish and chips in the known universe
5. Back on the ferry again.

I must say that the trip was one of the best things I've done on a bike ever. I'm sure most of the group have been riding these roads for years but for me it was the first time and as such , it was pretty special.

Cheers
:2thumbsup

[Gizzit]

Good pics Mort! And ... you're right about "that" Fish & Chip shop. Very nice, great setting, freshest of products .... bloody brilliant!! (And that's not taking anything away from the excellent establishment at/near Miranda or Kaiaua ? ....). :2thumbsup

[Mrs Busa Pete]

Just want to say a big thanks to the quicks for yet another great weekend and that includes the wined down. Every year gets bigger and better looking forward to next years.

Great to see and meet new faces hope you all had fun.


I hope the weekend didn't make the commuting boaring for you mort.

:niceone:to pumba for not getting the learn from sixpack on 16

[Gizzit]

I second that sentiment! Thanks very much Quicks! I did enjoy myself, and look forward to spending more time with all of you in other future events..... if indeed I am allowed to attend future events!
Cheers,
Grant.

[geoffm]

Another fantastic Quik trip North, and a great BBQ at the end. I was very reluctant to leave but I knew I had an early start the next day.

The Cunning Plan of having the other half bring up the campervan worked well - no snoring rattling the windows this year :-)
The trip back through the tunnel was interestign to say I had done it, but the traffic - and the cars....

hey Hinny, you forgot to mention the ST stands for Submersible Transport :-)

[NinjaNanna]

hey Hinny, you forgot to mention the ST stands for Submersible Transport :-)

hey... submersible and invertable... that's some bike you got there mate

[Hinny]

Here's a strange thing. After having a Police escort for the first 140?kms of our trip the bike returned the worst fuel consumption of the trip. !0% more than the next highest gas guzzling.
Not on the power band, in top gear, I guess.
I presumed the highest fuel consumption would have been throgh the Waipoua forest or over the Mangamukas with lots of second and third gear travelling.

[TOTO]

lol aint that funny :d