North Island: KB Gathering - Turangi Queens Birthday '09 [Archive]

Qkchk

1st April 2009, 18:20

Back due to popular demand! Same as we did in '07 and '08 for the KB Gathering.

KBers from North (Auckland/Northland/Waikato), South (Wellington/Wairarapa/Manawatu/South Island), East (Bay of Plenty/Hawkes Bay) and West (Taranaki) converge together in Turangi (Southern end of Lake Taupo) and have a bloody good time over the three days (or four if you head down earlier). Saturday the 31st May, Sunday the 1st June and Monday the 2nd of June. After previous year's experience I think there will be a few going down on the Friday......

Here's a quick outline of what we plan to do:

Friday
Some of us will make our lesuirely way down on the Friday. This day is optional as the main part of the 'Gathering' is from the Saturday to Monday.

Saturday
Regional groups ride to Turangi on Saturday (obviously you wouldn't ride direct, its a good chance to explore some roads on the way there), meet and greet Sat arvo over a beer or two. Settle in for the night. Hot Pools in Tokaanu and socializing etc..

Sunday
Go for a group ride or multiple group rides (depends on group numbers) Here are some suggestions, Tamuranui Saddle, Lake district - Desert Rd - Ohakune - Napier / Hastings - Forgotton Highway etc ... Please suggest ideas for rides in the thread, the actual ride will be decided on when we have all arrived at Turangi...

Saturday / Sunday night have a BBQ (or something else-suggestions? Pizza?) and drinkies etc. Last year we had access to a massive BBQ - Mongolian Style anyone? :msn-wink:

Monday
Say our goodbyes and head back, riding the long way home....

Here are the details of where we are staying and how/where to book:

We are staying at the Turangi Cabins
(as used by the Rusty Nuts Grand Challenge).

YOU will be responsible for your own bookings. I have enough stuff to do in a day let alone herd cats.... :weird:

PRICES:

Cabins (per night)

Adult $22.00 - Bring your own sleeping bag / linen.
(There is linen for hire if you cant be fagg'd bringing it but I would suggest you ask them when you book.)

Check out their website: http://www.turangicabins.co.nz/

Or ring Ph/fax 07 386 8754

Register your interest HERE (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&ea=attend&e=1980) please!

doc

1st April 2009, 18:30

Another weekend would be fine .Same weekend as Monkey and I think some of the Southern KB'r would like to meet the Northern Kb'r but the Monkey is sort of religion to them.

chanceyy

1st April 2009, 18:35

been a great event over the last two yrs .. & looking forward to this yrs one .. due to mom having op a few days aft this event I will decide closer to the time if I can get there, already have the friday booked off though :shifty: (did that last yr when I got back :laugh: )

on ya Dawn .. :clap:

Qkchk

1st April 2009, 18:42

Another weekend would be fine .Same weekend as Monkey and I think some of the Southern KB'r would like to meet the Northern Kb'r but the Monkey is sort of religion to them.

Yeah, tell me about it.... Thinking of making the 30th anniversary next year.. :shifty: But hey, at least they cant say they werent invited aye? ;)

been a great event over the last two yrs .. & looking forward to this yrs one .. due to mom having op a few days aft this event I will decide closer to the time if I can get there, already have the friday booked off though :shifty: (did that last yr when I got back :laugh: )

on ya Dawn .. :clap:

Would be good to catch up with ya missy. Lets wait 'n see how things pan out... I will be heading down on the Friday. (got too much holidays owing so got to take some...)

chanceyy

1st April 2009, 18:48

yeah our once a yr catch up .. seems to roll around quicker & quicker every yr huh :)

such a great laxing weekend and the hot pools .. ahhhhhhhhhh yup primo :)

NinjaNanna

2nd April 2009, 09:58

done and done

Bren

2nd April 2009, 11:28

I will be there...riding or otherwise it does not matter. The fact of the matter is the inlaws have a pad at turangi so either way I will be up....

Be good to catch up with guys I have not met yet (most of the norf island crew)....

chanceyy

2nd April 2009, 12:11

DUCATI*HARD

2nd April 2009, 12:38

THE DUKESTAS,,,will hope to pop down saturday or sunday to join you guys and girls for a ride,,,have recently just done the forgotten highway and ohakune,,,done the taumaranui saddle and taupo to napier/gisbourne for the first time yesterday and it was breath taking,,,am keen to do any of those roads all over again:2thumbsup

Korumba

2nd April 2009, 12:41

I might just pencil myself in for this.....

Qkchk

2nd April 2009, 17:27

done and done
Need to change your signature....

I will be there...riding or otherwise it does not matter. The fact of the matter is the inlaws have a pad at turangi so either way I will be up....

Be good to catch up with guys I have not met yet (most of the norf island crew)....Got a BBQ and a beer fridge?

THE DUKESTAS,,,will hope to pop down saturday or sunday to join you guys and girls for a ride,,,have recently just done the forgotten highway and ohakune,,,done the taumaranui saddle and taupo to napier/gisbourne for the first time yesterday and it was breath taking,,,am keen to do any of those roads all over again:2thumbsup
Each year the Forgotten Highway as eluded us (due to fog or shite weather) so maybe third time lucky this year? Was hoping for some fine weather to do a twin mountain road ride... (Whakapapa and Turoa Roads) :banana:

Mrs Busa Pete

2nd April 2009, 18:00

hold all tikets i may ride the busa down now that wendy knows were we are going [note to self dont mark turn offs this year and keep glass out of rear tyre and the front] exept this year its the hotel not the motor camp .

hospitalfood

2nd April 2009, 19:24

very tempted, will have to wait and see but there is a fair chance i will come.

Gareth51

2nd April 2009, 21:48

Will try and make it up again this year, would be good to catch up again

kinger

3rd April 2009, 05:28

Same as the last two years? That means I'll turn up, get well pissed, and leave you to all head off and leave me to go home with a hangover.
No! This year, we might actually be able to get out with yous all on the Sunday.
(Can't promise not to be pissed Saturday though.....you'll get used to us eventually!:beer:)

Anyway, the BBQ last year was spot on. Anyone bringing a cage for the beer/food run?

Bren

3rd April 2009, 11:11

geoffm

3rd April 2009, 17:46

I won't be there :-(
I am supposed to be a daddy again shortly after and being a day away and out of phone coverage Would Not Go Well.
Have fun.
Geoff

Bren

3rd April 2009, 19:06

I won't be there :-(
I am supposed to be a daddy again shortly after and being a day away and out of phone coverage Would Not Go Well.
Have fun.
Geoff

Big congratts to you....Will have a beer for ya!

chanceyy

3rd April 2009, 19:10

Congrats Geoff .. nah being miles away & out of cellie coverage is not the best thing ..hope everything goes well for you guys :yes:

Qkchk

6th April 2009, 16:14

Im in training already..........:cold:

Dare I say it, wearing shorts even on the coldest days while down in Christchurch - so hopefully this will soften the blow.

I intend on not getting bronchitis this year. :sick:

BTW, Ive already booked our cabin, has anyone else?

Bren

6th April 2009, 17:51

Need to change your signature....

Got a BBQ and a beer fridge?

Might be able to bring the barbie up, but surely there are barbies at the camp???/

_Shrek_

6th April 2009, 22:09

Im in training already..........:cold:

Dare I say it, wearing shorts even on the coldest days while down in Christchurch -

but it hasn't been :cold: enough yet, to put on long pants :laugh:

:slap: tiz a pitty this weekend is on the same as the brass

:scratch: will think about it

Gareth51

6th April 2009, 22:59

[QUOTE=_Shrek_;:slap: tiz a pitty this weekend is on the same as the brass

:scratch: will think about it[/QUOTE]

Whats there to think about,get the crew together and come north for a change,you can ride up with us :2thumbsup

Gareth51

6th April 2009, 23:12

I won't be there :-(
I am supposed to be a daddy again shortly after and being a day away and out of phone coverage Would Not Go Well.
Have fun.
Geoff

Well done Geoff,you must have taken the gumboots off for that

_Shrek_

11th April 2009, 15:24

Whats there to think about,get the crew together and come north for a change,you can ride up with us :2thumbsup

:blink: we've heard strange things about you norf Isnder's :wacko:

:confused: mind you, be good to catch up wiff you 2 & some arvers :laugh:

325rocket

11th April 2009, 17:42

booked, but wont be getting there until about midday sat so will have to track you all down if your on a ride.

Qkchk

15th April 2009, 16:04

Have got leave from work sorted so I will be coming down on the Friday..........

Any particular routes anyone wanted to take this year??

Qkkid

19th April 2009, 08:30

Congrats Geoff .. nah being miles away & out of cellie coverage is not the best thing ..hope everything goes well for you guys :yes:

:2thumbsup Thats cool matey family first.
There is always another year:headbang:

Pumba

20th April 2009, 20:06

Yea I guess I will come along, again:yawn:

Might have to find the money for those heated grips before then tho:sweatdrop

Qkkid

20th April 2009, 20:29

Yea I guess I will come along, again:yawn:

Might have to find the money for those heated grips before then tho:sweatdrop

:eek5: Stop yawning carl ;)

Pumba

20th April 2009, 20:32

:eek5: Stop yawning carl ;)

Well its going to have at least match the excitment of last year, whos hay barn are you going to hide behind this year Steve:sweatdrop

Qkkid

20th April 2009, 20:38

Well its going to have at least match the excitment of last year, whos hay barn are you going to hide behind this year Steve:sweatdrop

:Oops: Have no idea what you talking about:pinch:

Pumba

20th April 2009, 20:42

Hmmm, of course you dont:whistle:

Qkkid

20th April 2009, 20:44

Hmmm, of course you dont:whistle:

;)MAYBE IF WE ALL RIDE TOGETHER WE CAN ALL TRY AND FIT BEHIND THE HAY BARN:yes:

Pumba

20th April 2009, 20:54

We were all riding togeather, you were the only one that saw it fit to use the hay barn:laugh:

(Of couse I dont know what you are talking about cause this particular incident never happend)

NinjaNanna

21st April 2009, 15:42

So that's why he loves the ZX-10 - it blends into the bushes better than a gixxer.

mnkyboy

26th April 2009, 00:45

Very keen on this - have booked accom will be there Fri

Hopefully theres a bottle shop in turangi ;)

Now i have an excuse to get some heated handgrips

jafar

27th April 2009, 16:49

Very keen on this - have booked accom will be there Fri

Hopefully theres a bottle shop in turangi ;)

Now i have an excuse to get some heated handgrips

There is @ least one bottle shop in Turangi
You actually need an excuse to get heated grips ?:doh:

kinger

28th April 2009, 20:25

If you struggle for bottle shops, let me know. We'll turn up Saturday and can do a bottle run if needed. Might not even bump from cost!
In fact, we know a man who can do a handy home brew.....I'll have a chat.

Oooooh....I'll get a name for drinkin at this rate:yes:

KoroJ

4th May 2009, 17:57

Still deciding whether or not to come this year, but here's a nice wee pootle to consider. (Might look familiar to some!!)

Should the more Southerly options taking in the Forgotten Hiway, be damp, this is a little gem of a 465Km ride that some may require a motion sickness pill for!!??

Pumba

5th May 2009, 21:06

Looks a good route, there are some fun roads in that lot alright.

Might have to look at some potential routes as well.

shameless bump for the thread as well

Pumba

12th May 2009, 21:09

What no more shit talking in the last week, I am dissapointed :crybaby:

Mapping up a few routes for the trip down, stand by:woohoo:

jafar

12th May 2009, 21:53

is approved, now just waiting to see if i can get into the campground:gob:

Pumba

12th May 2009, 21:58

is approved, now just waiting to see if i can get into the campground:gob:

Wouldnt worry to much about that, reminds me I should book my accomadation:yes:

jafar

12th May 2009, 22:05

Wouldnt worry to much about that, reminds me I should book my accomadation:yes:

I just sent off the email. so hopefully we are IN :woohoo:

What time is the ride leaving Auckland on friday ??:wari:

Pumba

13th May 2009, 19:27

What time is the ride leaving Auckland on friday ??:wari:

Dont know about those going Friday. I will be going Saturday and havent thought that far ahead

Korumba

14th May 2009, 23:15

We were talking about this event tonight on the South Auckland ride.... I am still keen just got to line some Ducks up and I will be in.
Steve and Dawn we are neighbours now and no fucker has turned up with a cake whats the go???

Lula

15th May 2009, 21:40

THE DUKESTAS,,,will hope to pop down saturday or sunday to join you guys and girls for a ride

I'm keen to tag along with THE DUKESTAS if that's ok :cool:

Bren

15th May 2009, 21:43

i will NOT be coming....fukit,.....shit has happened

jafar

16th May 2009, 16:00

i will NOT be coming....fukit,.....shit has happened

Did it come in lumps? or was it the diaorrea kind ?:doh:

pritch

16th May 2009, 16:20

I didn't realise it was so close until nadroj mentioned it...

Perhaps, this being the third time, we will be luckier with the weather.
Wouldn't it be nice if the only time we actually got wet was at the hot pools?
Apart from getting wet on the inside...:drinkup:

Korumba

18th May 2009, 18:03

Just booked accommodation for the weekend. Will ride down Saturday, 13 more sleeps.

DUCATI*HARD

22nd May 2009, 17:07

I'm keen to tag along with THE DUKESTAS if that's ok :cool:

sweet as lu:)

Pumba

22nd May 2009, 17:25

Well spent a few hours today fitting up some heated handgrips that is that problem solved.

Got a few ideas for the auckland push on the Saturday.

Map one takes us from the autobarn down 2 for a bit then turn off few some back roads (not 100% sure the map is right but not far off) to Morrinsvile, up and through waterworks rd (small section of well compacted graded gravel) linking up with some back roads out cambridge way before connecting up with the old Taupo Rd, then the western access into Turangi.

The next from the autobarn down 22, and then onto 39 turning off just before otrohonga to hit some back road poping out near 8 mile junction, into tamuranui then over the saddle and to Tuarangi. Alternativly we can turn off the Tamuranui - 8 Mile Rd and link through to the Bennydale Rd and take the western access to Turangi.

Map Three, leaving from the autobarn off 1 at mercer out to 22, back into the Glen Murry Rd and then down the western side of the river to Ngaruwahia, jump on 39 then once again turning off just before otrohonga to hit some back road poping out near 8 mile junction, into tamuranui then over the saddle and to Tuarangi. Alternativly we can turn off the Tamuranui - 8 Mile Rd and link through to the Bennydale Rd and take the western access to Turangi.

These are only three I thought and I welcome the suggestions of others

mnkyboy

22nd May 2009, 23:59

Well spent a few hours today fitting up some heated handgrips that is that problem solved.

I did the same - took me about 1/2 hour (I have no fairings)

Until today I always considered them a pansy option; now I don't know how I got by without them

nadroj

24th May 2009, 21:33

So... has everyone coming put your name on the calender listing?

There must be a few soft cocks around a bit scared of either the weather, cold or me.

It's been a great get together the last 2 years and I hope to meet a few more this year so get your arses into gear & register - rant over!

DIN PELENDA

24th May 2009, 23:47

pritch

25th May 2009, 10:27

Well spent a few hours today fitting up some heated handgrips that is that problem solved.

I was humming and haaaing but will have heated grips before the weekend...

Lula

25th May 2009, 11:32

Not sure I'm going to make this now as I have to cover the Red Bull City Scramble which is on Sunday in Auckland ;)

Devil

25th May 2009, 11:39

Not sure I'm going to make this now as I have to cover the Red Bull City Scramble which is on Sunday in Auckland ;)

Terrible excuse! (I'm going to the city scramble too! Woohoo!).

Qkchk

25th May 2009, 17:25

Sorry I havent been around folks. Since last time I was on here, I have been back and forth to Wellington twice (a week at a time), Tauranga and now it sounds like I may be required to go down to Dunedin....in the cold and also interrupting my holiday plans <_<

Will know later on in the week, just a heads up.

I have also heard the lastest weather update... Look like we may have a bit of white stuff to great us in Turangi and I dont mean frost either... :cold:Have a look HERE (http://www.weatherwatch.co.nz/content/our-official-queens-birthday-weekend-forecast)

jafar

25th May 2009, 19:03

Not sure I'm going to make this now as I have to cover the Red Bull City Scramble which is on Sunday in Auckland ;)

You just looked @ the weather map didn't ya :spanking:

Pumba

25th May 2009, 20:39

Going down on Saturday with my Son , is there anyone else coming that we can ride with (is there organize ride) what time and where? I be keen to met up at BP Autobahn Papakura maybe from 8.30 and leave at 9AM. Who know some nice roads to Turangi ? :chase:For ride like this ST1100 is my wife:innocent:, I'm leaving my mistress :devil2:R1 behind , got to have big screen , heated grips ,and corbin seat:cold::rockon:.

Hey Din, I posted up three potential routes two post above yours. The last two years we have meet at 9.00 for a 9.30 depature (8.30 means I have to get out a bed to early) and I think that would be the way to go again.

Pumba

25th May 2009, 20:41

....in the cold and also interrupting my holiday plans <_<

Hope that means Steve still intends to come down and not chicken out (not like that would be in his nature or anything:whistle:)

Qkkid

25th May 2009, 21:51

Hope that means Steve still intends to come down and not chicken out (not like that would be in his nature or anything:whistle:)

:confused: That not very nice:blip::blip::blip::blip::blip:

DIN PELENDA

25th May 2009, 23:14

Hey Din, I posted up three potential routes two post above yours. The last two years we have meet at 9.00 for a 9.30 depature (8.30 means I have to get out a bed to early) and I think that would be the way to go again.

Yeah I'm OK with that, anything just not to ride alone , 9.30 it is, any way down you guys decide to go.:niceone:

jafar

26th May 2009, 19:11

MyFriday is slowly getting screwed over, I had it off work but now I have a bloody meeting early afternoon :doh:

Korumba

26th May 2009, 19:17

I am keen to meet up Saturday morning and ride down with you guys, should have another bike coming as well.

Pumba

26th May 2009, 19:42

Ok I will take some control of the auckland crew

Depature Details

When: This Saturday Morning (31 May)
Where: Papakura Autobarn (Also known as the Papakura BP on the Motorway)
Time: Meet up and have a chinwag @ 0900 departing @ 0930
Why: Because we are going the long way around!

DIN PELENDA

27th May 2009, 02:31

DIN PELENDA

27th May 2009, 02:40

MyFriday is slowly getting screwed over, I had it off work but now I have a bloody meeting early afternoon :doh:

Just come with as on Saturday :shifty:!

DIN PELENDA

27th May 2009, 03:40

I have also heard the lastest weather update... Look like we may have a bit of white stuff to great us in Turangi and I dont mean frost either... :cold:Have a look HERE (http://www.weatherwatch.co.nz/content/our-official-queens-birthday-weekend-forecast)

Nice, It be like going home for Christmas:cold: GO BOSNIA

insomnia01

27th May 2009, 07:45

I'm heading down to Wgtn via SH4 through to Wanganui on sat also, here's hoping the roads open from National park onwards otherwise it could be the longway around for me too ( Via Napier/Taupo rd then jump onto SH50 then onto Dannevirke )

shafty

27th May 2009, 09:06

....Drink my share, sorry, - would love to be there, but an important prior date in the Bay of Plenty precludes my appearance.

Have FUN Guys

Shafty :drinknsin

Qkchk

27th May 2009, 10:35

Im gonna have to make the call now - Looks like myself and Qkkid wont be able to make it this year....

Even though I have advertised no training for this weekend on my website, I have had 3 seperate customers approach me (pleading might be a better word) to do training on Saturday. And as the term goes; 'make hay while the sun shines'. Unfortunately the business has to come first. :doh:

Looks like I will be going down to Dunedin in a couple of weeks for work, so I'll still get my share of frostbite then.

Have fun folks, forecasts are for rain on Saturday and snow on the Desert Road Sun/Monday. Take care out there as there may be Black Ice!

Im sure some of you have experience in herding cats. ;) So will be able to take over as tour leader. Pumba I'm looking at you buddy :shifty:

See you all next year. :bye:

Pumba

27th May 2009, 19:35

take over as tour leader. Pumba I'm looking at you buddy :shifty:

Ah crap:chase:

Still not sure why Steve isint comming, promise we wont lead him to far astray:shifty:

Anyway some weather maps for the weekend, these havee changed heaps scince I cheecked them at work at lunch time so god only knows what we are in for, but I strongly recomend bringing some wets.

chanceyy

27th May 2009, 22:39

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm hot pools looking better by the minute :laugh:

wets is always mandatory :yes:

Bugger Dawn it will not be the same without you guys there but yeah business first .. see you guys next yr huh :yes:

ynot slow

28th May 2009, 09:33

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm hot pools looking better by the minute :laugh:

Stay away from the pools,pools,drinkies and loos,all in the same area hehe.
Was going to think about heading to the 'rangi Saturday,weather sounds crap,so will go to Wanganui races and get wet there,things I do for dad,sacrifice my dry clothes for washing his horse,walking it and being dogs body befor and after race,if it wins woohoo.

jafar

28th May 2009, 22:25

Due to unforseen circumstances I won't be able to attend this year:shit:, post lots of pics

NinjaNanna

29th May 2009, 15:54

So what's the latest on the weather? I'm still very much undecided. Been overseas all week so bit out of the loop.

pritch

29th May 2009, 16:25

I went down to the garage at lunchtime to get the bike for lunch. My brain sort of went into "does not compute" mode. There was my nice new Ducati lying on the floor.

The offending driver, still at the scene of the crime, thanked me for being so reasonable. She could only hear what I was saying, not what I was thinking...

At first I thought the bike had a miraculous escape there being no evident damage. When I sat on it though the aluminium bars were bent.

There is also some damage to the clutch cover, so that will need replacing too. The nearest handlebar (Ducati) is in Australia. The Tomaselli (sp?) importer is in New Plymouth but he doesn't have that model in stock.

The bike shop are going over the bike to check for other damage. but I won't be going anywhere this weekend.

Enjoy yourselves, see you next year?

Pumba

29th May 2009, 18:34

Well I think it is a given that we will get wet tomorrow:cry:

But the rest of the weekend has potential (I Hope)

NinjaNanna

29th May 2009, 19:01

Sun, Mon is looking ok you'll just need to head north of Turangi rather then south.

Unfortunately I'm now a definate no go, not that keen on a wet ride Saturday in the hope of a good ride sun/mon.

Shame really would have been 3 from 3 for me too.

Have fun guys hope the weather shines for you all.

Cheers
NN

mnkyboy

29th May 2009, 19:21

I'm down in Turangi

Make sure you bring some warm clothes:cold:

DIN PELENDA

29th May 2009, 22:14

I be at BP at 9 .

Korumba

29th May 2009, 22:33

Will be at BP about 9.00am see you all then.

DIN PELENDA

29th May 2009, 22:52

Will be at BP about 9.00am see you all then.

See you at 9.

hedgier1

30th May 2009, 07:21

Looks like an R1 convention. Oh well I won't be there. See ya next year guys.

DIN PELENDA

30th May 2009, 07:26

Good morning to you all, so who is coming?
Come on people the weather isn't that bad you soft cocks!
Uuuuuuuu I cant ride in the rain , I'm made out of sugar I'm going to melt:laugh:

nadroj

30th May 2009, 08:35

Leaving about 10am 2 up & will prob stop at Taumaranui for lunch. See ya all there!:cold:

chanceyy

30th May 2009, 09:18

sorry guys I too am out .. still suffering with a chest infection .. not nice choking in ya helmet (and I need to lose it before heading north in a week) .. have a good weekend stay safe :)

and hopefully see you guys next yr :Punk:

kinger

31st May 2009, 16:04

.....and in my defence your honour....

Unfortunately, the boss has cut my hours, sometimes only doing two days a week, and as a result, I ain't got no cash.
Sadly, this meant couldn't afford digs, beer, food, but filled the tank.
We left Taupo about 9.20 on Sunday morning, hoping to meet for the ride out, but missed you all, so went round the lake. Hope you brave and hardy souls that met up had a good weekend, and hopefully I'll be either in a better job, or the building market will pick up, and I'll make twice the effort to be there next year.
Sorry, sorry, sorry.

Oh, and I know I'm not the only one suffering the recession, but with bills to pay and less money coming in, I'm afraid there's only so much I can save up for. Don't mean to offend, but the flights for the Aussie MotoGP are already paid for, so saving for that is No1 priority.

325rocket

31st May 2009, 22:00

back home and warm...

ajturbo

1st June 2009, 07:09

back home and warm...
i have to say it...

but did anyone notice that red bike managed to get in EVERY photo...!!!!

don't ya just hate that... friggin smart arse!, just like when reports are reporting live on a street, there is always one person who just has to be in the shot....

idleidolidyll

1st June 2009, 09:37

This is as far up Ruapehu as those brave enough could get. The road was ice at this point and going down was bloody dangerous with a howling gale trying to blow us off the mountain.
I'm quite surprised nobody dropped their bike.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl-482As6PA

idleidolidyll

1st June 2009, 10:01

This is just before we left Sunday morning bound for the top of Ruapehu (didn't make it), Smash Palace (didn't make it), Taupo (whew! made that one), Huka Falls (yep, got there too).

You'll note, of course, all the empty spaces and cabins where the softer, more sensitive (limp) riders should have been.

Howling blizzards, ice and freezing cold (of course). From the access road to the Chateau to National Park and beyond was a test of human endurance (OK, that is a bit of an exaggeration but it was looking like that ahead of us).

20km short of Smash Palace we decided that we would probably get there but the blizzard would have frozen up the wet roads making it a nightmare getting out again. Discretion was decided over valour..............but only just.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PKCXep-qYM

tri boy

1st June 2009, 10:11

13 bikes aye.
Thats a shame.
I think we had close to 30 more on the first. Hope you still had a good time.

idleidolidyll

1st June 2009, 10:41

This is outside the Chateau for those who don't recognise the building.
Although it looks fine, the weather had just started packing in and snow was starting to drive down to where we were.

Some of the less brave decided that this was as far as they were keen on going (remember though, they were harder than you who booked but didn't show)

Those of us who did ride further managed to get past the gate maybe 5 or 6km to the first staging area where you are advised to fit chains. After that we had no more traction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmfzn2-EzBo

NinjaNanna

1st June 2009, 11:57

Well guys - good turn out I'd say considering the weather forcasts (buggar that they got it rigth for once too).

Just think about the memories - good stories to tell when the cold is forgotten in a months time.

Almost memorable enough to make me regret not coming ..... almost, well at least I've almost finished un-packing the garage and we haven't even been here a year yet.

one-speed

1st June 2009, 12:15

At was well worth the experience:)

325rocket

1st June 2009, 17:21

i have to say it...

but did anyone notice that red bike managed to get in EVERY photo...!!!!

don't ya just hate that... friggin smart arse!, just like when reports are reporting live on a street, there is always one person who just has to be in the shot....

haha. thats my bike and i took the photos :bleh:

_Shrek_

1st June 2009, 17:22

i have to say it...

but did anyone notice that red bike managed to get in EVERY photo...!!!!

I did & was the owner taking all the pics? well done that man :clap:

Korumba

1st June 2009, 18:37

Pumba

1st June 2009, 20:40

Well that was the most interesting Queens Bday Turangi Ride I have been to.

And really I should know as I have been to all of them:bleh: I also want to congratulate Nadroj as the only other person to attend all Queens Bday Turangi rides (now dont show anyone else our seceret handshake or it want be anywhere near as cool).

I will do a bit of write up later, here is some of the few photos I took on the trip (I make no excuses for the for the fact there is a lot of a particulary good looking triumph:whistle:).

DIN PELENDA

1st June 2009, 20:49

Thanks guys for great weekend:niceone:, good ride:chase:, good company:hug::lol:. Me and my boy had blast. I'm at work now, photos to come .

325rocket

1st June 2009, 21:34

now I've thawed out ...

thanks for a cool weekend and good days ride. Im still amazed none of us dropped our bike up the mountain. never ridden in the snow before, also never met anyone that brings a pressure cooker on a weekend ride haha.

desert road was a bit of a nightmare on sunday afternoon with lots of ice / rain / snow but apart from that the ride home was all good. lots of police out but they seemed to understand the need to get home and warm up as they left us alone.

thanks again and see you next year.

_Shrek_

1st June 2009, 22:09

Just got home via the Pohui pub.. great weekend Guys and Gurl....see you all next year... and hopefully some other of the other KB members would have had a nice hot cup of harden the fuck up by then and come have some fun.....on a Motorcycle!
But having said that, respect to any one that attended the Brass Monkey.

well the Brass was a blast & the weather was magic, doc, goblin & two other ni's camped with us, but it's good to hear you guys had great W.E as well :niceone:

DIN PELENDA

2nd June 2009, 07:50

1.& 2 Hinny and Pumba explores
3. BB2 , tongan stallion , 325rocket
4. KB breakfast at Turangi truck stop threw window:shit:
5. idleidoludyll and my son (the clown)
6. me and nadrojs

DIN PELENDA

2nd June 2009, 08:29

1. Action time
2. nadrojs at chateau
3. nice ass
4. desert road
5. that fishing was hard work
6. clown

Korumba

2nd June 2009, 12:41

That photo of Saiard and the snow warning sign has to be in the next years June page of the KB calander! Nice shot Din

DIN PELENDA

3rd June 2009, 15:51

Some more photos

Maha

4th June 2009, 14:45

That photo of Saiard and the snow warning sign has to be in the next years June page of the KB calander! Nice shot Din

Na I reckon the guy in the way green gloves gets the nod....:eek:

Korumba

4th June 2009, 15:54

Na I reckon the guy in the way green gloves gets the nod....:eek:
lol Nice warm green gloves, all I need now is another Kawasaki!

Hinny

9th June 2009, 02:42

6. clown

Which one? Both of them were good entertainment.

Last ATNR was definitely colder than riding in snow and howling gale at Rangipo.

Foolishly shot all my photos in high res so can't post anything. Camera got pissed pretty early and didn't seem to recover so no loss really.

Hinny

9th June 2009, 02:52

Had an interesting ride out on the Sunday. Rode to the Chateau. Started to snow so 3 sensible bikers headed back to Turangi ... via the road to Rangipo, while the others headed into the eye of the storm to visit Smash Palace at Horopito. A 4th sensible biker, Nadroj on another ST rode to Taupo.
It was amazing to see all the vegetation over the road from the storm. Snow going horizontal. I love my big screen. Pumba on his Speed Triple was asking himself why he would go ride with two ST's in those conditions. It had got a lot warmer once it started to snow and the screen isolated me from the wind so I was very comfortable. Like sitting in a tin shed when it is persisting down. Laugh because you are not getting wet.
When we got to the Potu canal we dropped down onto the road which runs beside it and rode to the end. Over an aqueduct and under a main road. Din thought the water was flowing uphill because when he stopped and we rode past him it appeared that we were below him yet the water was flowing towards him!
Decided not to go to the Lake Rotoaira end as we would have to retrace our track but in hindsight and looking at Google map that was probably not the best call. There is a lot of interesting stuff at the end of that track.
We then came back to SH1 which we had ridden under and exited onto that road and rode back to Turangi.
The ride home on Monday was on dry roads and sublime. We rode quite a few roads I had never been on over the eekend.
Malapropism there. There were plenty of eek moments. Particularly on the way down. Brand new,hard, rear tyre. Metzler Lasertec. Must have been sitting on the shelf for a while. Sliding all over the place. Sideways at highway speed is Scary! Especially when you are not trying.