Crikey, this blog entry took an age! Glad to hear that you didn't push the car over the edge and managed to keep the backpacker place intact this time! Sounds like some interesting routes you took, hopefully will be able to do them myself one day!
Completely forgot to add the videos... Done it now.
It's a good thing that Gremlin had some earlier practice writing up his rides! He's becoming pretty loquacious with his words now! Sounds like a great effort by TOTO on his Hornet, getting stuck into adventure riding with it. Will have to accompany you guys next time!
FD, I'm trying my first set of Michelin Anakee 2. They're certainly a road biased dual purpose tyre, but then I spend most of my time on the road, but wanted at least some traction on gravel etc. They've got big grooves in them so the tyre bites a bit better, while not moving and flexing like knobblies would when you push them hard on the road, especially the wet. Mileage is also much better than knobblies would probably be. Most have told me not to bother with pressures as it's not really getting that rough yet. I do carry an air compressor and have the ability to inflate and deflate my tyres when/if required. Mostly it's been for checking pressures and inflating after a puncture etc. The BMW is equipped with ESA, so I can also adjust my suspension settings at the touch of a button. I'm not a fan of camping yet, but hopefully I'll see the attraction at some point as you can go even further bush per se... just means more shit to carry tho...
Gremlin, thanks for a great ride report. From the photos it looks like your tyres look just like road tyres. Can you raise or lower the air pressure whilst riding to give better traction? Would you plan to go back one day and camp overnight? Are you a camper? Cheers, FD
On the South Island Passes ride http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...tes-and-photos one rider went through the Okuku river on a Suzuki Bandit. He didn't drop it either.
Originally Posted by Jantar From memory there was a dark coloured car parked at the side of the road midway between the checkpoint and where the loading ramp was. I figured it was a young couple making out, but now wonder if it wasn't something more sinister. mmm, not nice at all... Pity I didn't know that at the time... you automatically assume an innocent sort of reason... If I'd only known...
I went through Earthquake a bit earlier than you guys, and there was a loading ramp in the middle of the road. I stopped and moved it off the road. If it was back again then it was being put there deliberately. From memory there was a dark coloured car parked at the side of the road midway between the checkpoint and where the loading ramp was. I figured it was a young couple making out, but now wonder if it wasn't something more sinister.
How wonderful to read of exploits I love to have the 'whatever it takes' to perform You have found some realy awaesome places down yonder
It's amazing how you have the ability to scare off fellow bikers! And damaging the local environment and ignoring common sense, the list goes on and on ... and yes, I wished I could have ridden along as well Living vicariously through your exploits ... what have I come down to! But, good job guys, I had my fingers crossed that Gremlin wouldn't repeat his last performance and it looks like he has done an exceedingly blinder this ride. I doff my helmet to your sirrah! (and no, not that type of helmet you perverted reader!)
Hey Congratulations Mate on a grat ride AND a great read! Felt as though I was right there with ya - and the GSA would be THE bike to do it on - well done all round Shafty Matiere
Originally Posted by Forklift Driver Gremlin, what were your thoughts if you still had to finish at 6pm or face DSQ? Would you of backed off and gone for the Gold level? BTW, Patarau river was a tough 90 minute detour for me, fuck I was so glad to see the tar seal again!! Realistically, compass restricted my ability to alter my route without drastic consequences. However, the extra 4 hours were not required if I didn't slack off. I got into Greymouth at 7.30pm, only went to bed at midnight, then spent almost an hour going back to find my seat pad in the morning. The extra 4 hours just gave me some luxury. I should have had more sleep on the Saturday night, but it's that typical thing that you're not stressed, so there is no rush. Finishing 10min before deadline was certainly tight, but not really unexpected. Hindsight is 20/20, and perhaps I should have done Marfells instead of Cannibal, but my reasoning at the time was not leaving everything until the last day...
Gremlin, what were your thoughts if you still had to finish at 6pm or face DSQ? Would you of backed off and gone for the Gold level? BTW, Patarau river was a tough 90 minute detour for me, fuck I was so glad to see the tar seal again!! FD.
Originally Posted by KoroJ Whew!!.....We made it! ........Next time we'll leave earlier!.....and pack the seat thingy in the pannier from Auckland!........and leave earlier!........and ride betterer over the Takaka Hill!....and leave earlier! I'd probably be jealous now if I wasn't so worn out.....*sigh*!!! we should have shared the riding then... might have made it a bit easier.
Originally Posted by Sharry I did note though that you depersonalised Jessica, calling her "the bike", when talking of planting her on the ground. Yeah, coz I don't throw ladies on the ground
I realy enjoyed that read Grems. Thank goodness for buffer times I did note though that you depersonalised Jessica, calling her "the bike", when talking of planting her on the ground.
Whew!!.....We made it! ........Next time we'll leave earlier!.....and pack the seat thingy in the pannier from Auckland!........and leave earlier!........and ride betterer over the Takaka Hill!....and leave earlier! I'd probably be jealous now if I wasn't so worn out.....*sigh*!!!
Ahh the joys of the open road, its that time constraint that makes it a bit of a mission! Glad to see all the research and effort into getting your equipment is paying off! When you mention some of those roads and locations, it fair makes me nostalgic for them ... bloody magic riding those roads! (though, you have found the adventure section well!)
Sorry I didn't follow you guys through Hakataramea after all - all of the rain and the idea of several fords on my big wobbly touring bike after all that water was just too intimindating in the end. I really had to push for the rest of the ride to make up the points I missed there! DRL
Originally Posted by Forklift Driver Previously I had taken a time out to visit the Omaka WW1 Air Museum. For a war histroy nut like me this museum was just fantastic. To only spend 1 1/2 hours there was rushing it for me. Next time your passing through Blenheim take some time out to visit this hidden gem. F.D, Yes I can understand that, as I spent several hours visiting the air ship museum at Tillamook in the USA last year... amazing how many hours can pass, and I'm not even that passionate about war history.
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