Heading to Tauranga for Easter

[slydesigns]

Me and Mark247 are travelling to Tauranga on Thursday after Lunch for easter if anyone wants to join us for a ticket dodging trip on the bikes.

[slydesigns]

done deal. One 675 rider and a NC30 rider should be showing up around 5ish...

[ynot slow]

done deal. One 675 rider and a NC30 rider should be showing up around 5ish...

Bet they close early on Thursday lol.

[slydesigns]

Bet they head to the Drivers Bar behind McD's for the TGA Kiwibiker Thursday drinks night, so who gives a damn if they do close early, they wont be hard to find?

[ynot slow]

Bet they head to the Drivers Bar behind McD's for the TGA Kiwibiker Thursday drinks night, so who gives a damn if they do close early, they wont be hard to find?

And the worst part is the bars have to close midnight Thursday as well,get there early,enjoy the trip.

[slydesigns]

hmmm weathers looking average... this should be an interesting trip in hypothermic reaction assessments, traction coefficients and white line surfing.

[GSVR]

hmmm weathers looking average... this should be an interesting trip in hypothermic reaction assessments, traction coefficients and white line surfing.

Looking at the metservice it appears you will be riding into a long weekend of blue skies and warm weather. Have a good trip.

[slydesigns]

Thanks Gary, stay rubber side down and I'll see you on the track next weekend.

[slydesigns]

OK.... so that was an epic! As usual I arrived late... 12.30 a BP rangitikei.

No Mark... he's busy smashing his MP3 player. After coming up with a plan, he jetted off to DickSmiths to buy a cheap new player... can't ride without soundz ya know! Then its off to Marks place to load up the MP3 player with sounds...

So we finally leave at 1334hrs. Its cold. Vinegar hill is fun... but its cold.

We get to Taihape mosty incident free. Have breakfast/lunch/dinner while there and I buy a ton of sugar foods... I have a feeling they are needed. Mark laughs. Chat up a nice female police officer to sort out the location of any easter checkpoints and alternative routes past them Marks jaws on the ground as she tells me what I need to know. Its a talent I tell you, not entirely unwanted, but a talent all the same.

She mentioned the road I choose wasn't what she called bike suitable and asked that we not fall off in her disctrict while shes on duty. Whis we had listened...

The road behind Irirangi repeater station starts off good and soon turns into the 20km goat track from hell. We spend the time negotiating the singletrack mountain gravel road spraying each other with mud and grit and doing Nac Nacs and other dirtbike tricks. Ok... I do and Mark laughs, laughs alot.

Eventually we come out at the Tangimoana bridge and headed to Ohakune... now... you maybe thinking... holdon, thats the wrong way.. And you'd be right.

We decided to go out through National Park thinking, actually we didnt think, that it wouldn't be much longer. It was. A lot longer. And hour and half longer.

Geniuses.

Swapped bikes for a while, ran the VFR into reserve, gave it back to Mark and let him panic about not finding gas. HAHAHA what a jerk huh!
Found Taumuranui and filled up, got directions and headed to the western access.

...and after a spirited run through the hills Mark ran out of gas... again. Pulled up to the pumps at Whakamaru and found out the station was closed. Mark REALLY paniced now. Shop girl tells him a gas station is available 7kms the wrong was so he jets off to find it while I sit and eat. Turns out they were closing as he arrived. LUCKY!!!!

Next stop, after monkeying around off the raillings at the Dam, was Tokoroa, and a race with a 350kW GTS VE Commodore. WOW that thing could move! Shame the 675 moves better. He caught us at the gas station at Tok and we admired each others rides. His wife laughed they got sick of looking at my ass so they slowed down... NO ONE gets sick of looking at my ass... do they? damn:no:

They followed us to Tauranga, which was lucky as Mark broke down as we came down the Kaimais... I'll fill you in on the rest and post the pics tomorrow...

[mark247]

They followed us to Tauranga, which was lucky as Mark broke down as we came down the Kaimais... I'll fill you in on the rest and post the pics tomorrow...

Meh my bikes getting a knack of breaking down! Hadn't broken down for about 6000km, and now it's broken down twice in 2 weeks, what the!! Wasn't major tho, just full loss of all power ( lights, spark, everything, hehe ) nothing poking a few wires couldn't fix.


Oh and I'm looking forward to the photos

[sarahtvet]

Meh my bikes getting a knack of breaking down! Hadn't broken down for about 6000km, and now it's broken down twice in 2 weeks, what the!! Wasn't major tho, just full loss of all power ( lights, spark, everything, hehe ) nothing poking a few wires couldn't fix.


It's hanging around with Sly I am sure. He is the electrics gremlin :lol:
Glad that you both made it safely. HAve fun up there and make sure we get pics of Sly looking smart :whistle:

[slydesigns]

Pics will be up tonight. Weddings done so I'm off to Hamilton again for the morning.

[slydesigns]

I hate rewrites... but as the first attempt has vanished and I need a break from studying the riveting subject of Quorum Sensing or Cell - Cell Communication in Bacteria, here goes...

So... I chased Mark out of Tokoroa followed by the GTS again, we ran and hid from it pretty early on once we hit mild traffic. Mark made an attempt on my life after passing me to point out a turnoff. He showed me where to turn by promptly hauling up on the anchors and it was lucky I have a habit of riding staggered, otherwise I'd be a little too intimate with his backside!

Turns out not to have been our turn off...:bash:


I then got schooled in the art of carving the Kaimais. Man that was a fun run up! We have NOTHING to compare to this perfectl smooth, perfectly curved section of highspeed sweeping uphill heaven!

On the run down into Tga we got excited after spotting the lights of the city! Mark shot passed a line of traffic then everything went dead on the VFR... Nice one Honda, no, really, thanks!

We coasted to a quiet stop, set up the D675 to light us up alittle and preceeded to strip down the Honda in record time. All the while the night traffic was roaring passed 100mm from us as we were stuck between a cutting with no runoff. I love excitment!

Mark then discovered why I bought the sugar foods as he was freezing cold and seriously pissed off. Chewing made him alittle happier.

The GTS caught up, stopped, parked up to give us some protection, the crew got out, laughed just enough to be appropriate then the driver got us a torch.

Menatime I continued the debate with his wife over whether my butt as the sort of thing you'd really want to be looking at on a trip, or at all. She relented and agreed it belonged in a glit frame on a wall for all to see as one of mans greatest achievements. I never doubted for a minute!

I poked a random wire and the VRF regained conciousness. odd. We reassembled the bike as fast as we could, while Mark dropped to his knees to give praise to Allah, baby Jesus and the Tooth Fairy for delivering him from shame and ridicule, we remounted as we all took off.

to thank the GTS crew, we passed them, lingered infront of there high beams so they could admire the rearends, then jetted off to the bright lights of TGA and the bar.

Marks last trick of the night was showing my how to bust a Toll Gate at speed. Thats how they roll up here apparently... interesting.

We made it to the Drivers Bar at 8.30pm! We were to meet at 12 noon, actually met at 12.30pm, left at 1.30pm. Hmmmm, just a short trip!

The TGA Kiwibikers were true to their word and had offers of drinks, both hot and cold, for us on arrival. Pretty hardcore bunch too! I like them!

[mark247]

Good write up. Get them pics up boi!

My bad on the late braking when i thought it was the turn off, which wasnt. I just couldnt remember if there was a sign or not! Oh well, we are all alive, thanks to allah or the toothferry or whoever. :Oops:

My bike seems to have fixed itself, I'm riding around with a tool kit for now on anyway until i find the time to take it apart and fix the problem for good.

[slydesigns]

Some of the photos.

Photo 1. Taihape BP - Freezing

Photo 2. Still BP, Still Freezing

Photo 3. Some goat track road out behind Irirangi - Whys he so happy???

Photo 4. Me explaining/ lying that I know exactly where we are and that we go this way for ... awhile. Trust me!

Photo 5. Mark striking the pose for the local ladies at Taumaranui BP - Freezing still

Photo 6. Me reminding Mark the clocks running and to stop talking to all the ladies!

[slydesigns]

Photo1. Whakamaru... Marks out of gas, Gas stations closed...

Photo 2. Whakamaru... see above... WTF are we even doing here???... where??? huh??? This is not Rotovegas MARK!!! You promised me Bright lights, wine and women!!!!!

Photo 3. This looks like a a good spot to push Mark off the Dam...

Photo 4. Run me over! Just do it! I've had enough of this ride...

Photo 5. Trust me, you'll be fine, your wearing a helmet after all!... Let me help you up and over that railing...

Photo 6. I'm outa here...

[slydesigns]

Photo 1. The car came last. As god intended.

Photo 2. Blurry proof we made it to Tga... the gathering waiting for us at the Drivers Bar

Photo 3. Tasty piece of ass!

Photo 4. My favorite light to see midride! Turned out to be a piece of pee gravel lodged under the EXUP valve external actuator arm!

[slydesigns]

Heading home tomorrow morning Mark. Catch you back in Palmy sometime, assuming the old 'orrible 'onda makes it that far! If it doesn't, call and I'll come save your ass!

This was about as far as the Jetski Breakers Freestyle session got yesterday.... Its just too damn cold in the water!!! We can't even peel off the wetsuits easily! Must be getting soft!

[mark247]

Heading home tomorrow morning Mark. Catch you back in Palmy sometime, assuming the old 'orrible 'onda makes it that far! If it doesn't, call and I'll come save your ass!

All good. Bikes still being a bitch and cutting out when i hit big bumps, I'll try fix it on monday Im thinking, Ill get a motorcycle mechanic buddy of mine to have a gork and give me a few tips.

Have a safe trip home, and JUST GO THROUGH WAIOURU!!! lol

[slydesigns]

I've been practicing, and I've got the 12 OClock wheelie down pat now, so I know how I'll be busting the Waiouru checkpoint!

[NZsarge]

You promised me Bright lights, wine and women!!!!!

This looks like a a good spot...

Take me now! Just do it!


That sounds dodgy as hell...:laugh:

[slydesigns]

not anymore...

No, see dodgey is what I found myself doing this morning when I cut and ran from a certain govt vehicle. Thats dodgey, maybe stupid even - denfinitely reckless.

[slydesigns]

Epic adventure to the Bay, Day 4

Got up early as I was getting txt'd hard out by two different tauranga laides to pay am early morning visit before heading home today. I declined and decided to head for the hills before I got nagged anymore into making a spur of the moment decision I'd later regret. Although given present circumstances perhaps I should have... :bash:

Turns out I was to make an even bigger sur of the moment mistake very shortly...:innocent:

Finally got the EXUP cleared af debris thanks to Nikita turning the key on and off, forced the actuator arm to knock the stone loose.:rockon:

Said goodbye to mom, let her dog loose on the neighbourhood, then just to ruin her morning totally, oulled a wheelstand into a stoppie down passed the house. Thanks mom, always a pleasure and I'm sure you just can't wait for me to come back...lol oohhhh she really does love me ya know.:angry2:

Headed up the out of town, stopping at scenic points of interest in order to map out a possible trip for a tourist girl I may end up travelling with. If I don't it was still interesting and I'm sure I'll find someone who wants to see my "Off the Beaten Track" tourist guide.:scooter:

After leaving one such spot I suffered testosterone induced brain fade/throttle pinning and passed a govt official who looked interested in a chat. Reevaluated my Tourist route and realised I had missed a spot fo disappeared in that direction to investigate. Never got to have that chat...:sweatdrop

Then it was a bushwalk to investigate the current attractions and I found the Omanawa Falls. Hadn't been back here since I was a shady youngster so thought that was fitting. Got a few shots for my tourist guide then left the region via the alternative route, Pyes Pa road to Rotorua. Awesome road

Got to Rotorua, filled with gas, ate and took my Jacket liner off from over my gear.

Headed to Wai-o-tapu just out of Rotorua and shot some mudpool pics for the flyer. Talked to some lovely french girls who were fascinated with the bike then moved on to Taupo. Stopped for gas and gpt talking to all the Harley riders at the stop. Was told b y one pillion that I had a light out and I should sort it. Explained to her the principle of a single low and single hibeam light and she looking confused before telling me I should get it sorted.
:whocares:
What ever lady

In taupo I followed a couple of Ducatis, man they are roudy! Not at all civilised like the Triumph.

Played on the switch backs out of Taupo... all two of them, before catching a familiar face... thre Naked Bus driver lady! Shes not naked, the company is called the Nakedbus.com. Shes a rather nice looking late 20's athletic looking brunette and not at all what you'd expect for a bus driver!! I keep seeing her on my way home from work and she even waves out now. Passed the bus, got a flash and a toot, waved back and buggered off. Through Turangi and then the desert rd with boyracer cars in tow. The 3 sisters were fun! Perfect day for them with no ice.

Pulled off at the top and went down Tree Trunk Gorge Rd. This a a turnoff everyone should do atleast once. It lies after the first sister on your right if coming from the Waiouru side and after the second sister on your left if coming from Turangi. Follow it all the way down to the bottom of the gorge, about 3 mins in a car. 5 on a bike standing up in the saddle or on the seat surfing it the whole way down. Its virtually deserted but watch for MTBers.

At the bottom is a bridge, park up and go have a look. Its evil once you realise the 5 lives this section of white water has consumed. Alot of poeple get vertigo looking over the side or through the drain wholes in the bridge deck. I love the feeling!!!:sick:

Then it was off again but it took 10mins to get out as its an uphill climb and I spent it in first and second gear practicing wheelies. Getting better, longer and smoother... slowly. A couple of flat sections got turned into Stoppie comps with a couple of MTBers... they were winning until my best and last with 100mm to go to the Highway. About 20m and nice and high FINALLY!:woohoo:

Through the Desert rd, passed the Nakedbus girl again then fuel at Taihape. Suddenly felt tired.

Left Taihape with an Evo and a Legacy in tow and we caught the Nakedbus girl.... again. Dont think she'll wave to me for much longer... stalkers scare them away.:bye:

I turned off at Vinegar hill but unfortunately the toyracers didnt. Damn there goes the whole point of going slow for them to keep up. Ahh well theres still the hill. Got through there in record but safe time hit Chelthenham and felt REALLY tired. Saw I'd clicked over 1400km this weekend... no wonder. Replayed a few recent lectured everyone has been giving me this weekend on +its better to have loved and lost then to have never loved at all..." and before you know it, I'm home!

Did a lap round town to see if Sarah and co were at Cuba then off to Kelvin Grove and a rest!

As all my text books and study materials are in my text books with my brother dropping that off on tuesday, I'm free to do it all again tomorrow with the dannevirke ride at 9am. Why... I have know idea.

[slydesigns]

Photo 1. They can't mean me right?

Photo 2. Pffft they need a bigger fence then that, come on!

Photo 3. All this once failed and flooded the area... Ahhh the good old days!

Photo 4. Ruahine Powerhouse, restricted access, yet the sign is only visible if you jump the fence... go figure! Perhaps they forget where they work or how to spell it.

[slydesigns]

Photo 1. The sign says DANGER. Odd I read it as "Come on in, the waters fine, what are you waiting for you blouse!"

Photo 2. Before the world became PC tree huggy and just plain gay, I used to come here as an 11yr old and fish for Trout off the side of the power house at like 6am. Now its considered dangerous. Soft! There aren't any trout left now as a Sea Lion made his home up here for a bit and ate the bloody lot! I found out the hard way one morning when hopping across rocks to go fishing and one of the rocks roared at me! WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:gob:

[slydesigns]

Photo 1. Omanawa falls, The Kaimias - my home. This Zip line, which is attached to...

Photo 2. ...this block setup...

Photo 3. ...goes all the way down to here.

Photo 4. Now who WOULDN'T want to play on that!! Damn that looks like fun

[Grant`]

Sounds like it was a good trip allround for you.

[slydesigns]

Photo 1. Thats some serious decline angle on that wire!

Photo 2. The falls... way the hell down there

Photo 3. YOU SHALL NOT PASS! Lord knows I tried!

Photo 4. Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland - Its good because its free. Oh and because of the prolific mid 20's female tourists.

Photo 5. Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland - reminds me of my Spa bath after a decent wet weather MotoX

Photo 6. Guess the number of as yet undiscovered insect species I just made extinct on my visor for a prize.

[slydesigns]

Photo 1. At Tree Trunk Gorge - Desert Rd

Photo 2. Its in the Kaimanawas

Photo 3. The signs pretty clear... now

Photo 4. It wasn't so clear back in the 80's. RIP madmen

Photo 5. 4 died on one trip, another on a seperate trip

Photo 6. The plaque under the bridge

[slydesigns]

Photo 1. The Plaques location if you ever come to look, learn and pay your respects to the dead.

Photo 2. Looking for Trollz

Photo 3. There are no Trollz!

Photo 4. Thats some angry water

Photo 5. This ones for you Maria... "how you doin?"

Photo 6. I have no idea...WTF was I doing?

[slydesigns]

Photo 1-6. The Killer chute

The pics lack a sense of scale, height, power and noise.