https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blog.php/11319-mbazza-s-Blog Kiwi Biker - New Zealand motorcycle community en Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:47:58 GMT vBulletin 20 https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/images/BP-Brown/misc/rss.jpg https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blog.php/11319-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/460-mbazza-s-Blog Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:22:29 GMT 21 riders on a first ride.

Great weather, bikes, company and riding. The first of many? :sunny:

201.4km for a fuel cost of $20.11, not too bad (98).

See the write up here. . . .
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...03#post1608503

Also on ride: normajean, Daffyd & XKNUTS turned up.

Cheers . . . . . :stupid: ]]> mbazza https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/460-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/459-mbazza-s-Blog Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:13:52 GMT After work today I had to make a quick trip to Dunedin 165km return in the golden hour before dark. Because of the need to carry much we took my wife's vehicle. Temperature 12 degrees C, no wind. So still that eflections on lake Waihola (no time to stop to collect a photo) were eye catching.
That's not what I hate! It's the 23 lucky riders of all sorts enjoying an excellent evening ride!
All sorts of bikes, in the dusk light and the dark. Solos, groups of two and three and bowling up Saddle Hill from the south were a group of seven sports bikes riding so close you could have covered them with two bike covers. Great to see! I just wish I could have joined them. Well, not them specifically. I don't think my riding skill is up to that. But I wish I could have joined any of them!
Don't you hate it when life gets in the way of a warm, calm winter ride after work on Friday? :shit: Cheers. ]]> mbazza https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/459-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/455-mbazza-s-Blog Sun, 08 Jun 2008 07:47:41 GMT The Big River Bikers were to have their first road run today. I didn't even make the start!
I was away at dawn to capture some of the snow scenes which had accumulated in the southerly over night.
I wasn't keen on the lunch ride from Balclutha to Port Chalmers from the time Metservice sent me an e-mail on the subject of weather warnings yesterday afternoon which warned me about gales here on the east coast to the tune of 120 kph. We got that, well a few gusts of that speed.
Tairoha Heads Otago Harbour got one gust of 144 kph. So Port Chalmers would have been similar!
I went photographing and got cold and smiley instead. Cheers.
:msn-wink: ]]> mbazza https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/455-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/450-mbazza-s-Blog Sun, 01 Jun 2008 05:30:42 GMT I missed the blokes from Balclutha and set off along, no mates . . . story of my life. The first bikes I saw were an hour later at Fruitlands and I just passed on by as I was carrying some speed. It wasn't till later I realised that I'd passed Alan & Deter! The blokes I'd missed in Clutha.


http://picasaweb.google.com/munro.barry

My favourite approach from Alexandra is to Chatto Creek Pub where I had a quick bite of lunch and was the only bike there for 15 minutes when a couple of FJ 1300's came in. Then over Tiger Hill, hang a right towards Ophir (the coldest place in NZ) cross the suspension bridge and into Ohir for 250m. This small section of road has been sealed and is a great way of approaching the steep climb over to Poolburn where a few bikes, some dirty were parked up.
On the straights beyound Poolburn I came up behind four filthy 4X4's running in very close convoy. Initially I thought the one at the rear was doing the right thing when it pulled to the left and sprayed me with gravel. They were obviously in radio contact as I got the hint the third time he did it and took off. As I approached the lead vehicle, it crossed over the centre line to make life difficult. They all got a vivid message! Unfortunate when other road users who are so covered in mud as to be unrecogniseable act dangerously.
The rally was full of the usual bikes, bikes and more bikes. Please check out my photo album above.
The night had the usual rally fare: stories, old friends, a big fire and this year steady drizzle / rain all night. Made it tricky and sticky getting out in the morning. :Punk:Cheers ]]> mbazza https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/450-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/449-mbazza-s-Blog Fri, 30 May 2008 09:16:25 GMT Like hundreds of others in homes, pubs, motels and tents here in the bottom of N.Z. I am ready for the 'Brass Monkey'. :niceone:
I got held up at work this evening and didn't get home in time to think about heading off. Instead I checked tyres, slung the dry bag over the back seat, popped a couple of things in the top box, charged the camera and Ipod batteries, lamented the fact that I wouldn't have the GPS plumbed in until Monday and 'hey presto'. The wee-strom and I are ready for a quick squirt up to Oturehua tomorrow. See you there. :apint: ]]> mbazza https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/449-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/448-mbazza-s-Blog Thu, 29 May 2008 09:23:31 GMT Visited one of the local auto electricians after work to pick up the bits and pieces to plumb the GPS onto the bike. :sweatdrop Had a chat about how I was going to do it and Malcolm the A.E. suggested he solder the battery connections onto the low impedence wire. He did this in about 4 minutes... Visited one of the local auto electricians after work to pick up the bits and pieces to plumb the GPS onto the bike. :sweatdrop
Had a chat about how I was going to do it and Malcolm the A.E. suggested he solder the battery connections onto the low impedence wire. He did this in about 4 minutes with good humour and a chat about whether I needed an in line fuse. He picked out some suitable snap on connectors and made sure I was aware of how to mount the female accessory plug which has a rubber plug/cover to ensure the rain wouldn't get in.:yes:
I was out of the shop in 10 minutes having paid very little for the bits and pieces, Malclolms labour and a friendly time. After a busy day I felt educated and involved by a bloke who is clearly a professional. In the end I will need to build a bracket upon which to mount the GPS so I won't have it on this weekend.
I use a dry bag to carry a tent, bike cover and 'poofta mat' (sleeping mat) on the rear seat of the bike. Spent about 45 minutes trying varies ways of strapping this on as the vinyl material of the slips about on the seat. Finally got it sorted!
Now I'm almost psychologic ready to head off to the Brass Monkey tomorrow night or Saturday morning. :scooter::scooter: Cheers ]]> mbazza https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/448-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/447-mbazza-s-Blog Wed, 28 May 2008 09:40:52 GMT Daily grind made more pleasant this morning as I took the long way round ( all 8.6km ) to get to work in almost spring like conditions. Light was breaking in the eastern sky and my hands were warm in winter weight gloves. Switching off at work with a smile on my face sure helps the day run around... Daily grind made more pleasant this morning as I took the long way round ( all 8.6km ) to get to work in almost spring like conditions. Light was breaking in the eastern sky and my hands were warm in winter weight gloves. Switching off at work with a smile on my face sure helps the day run around until knock off time. Ride to widen the smile. Cheers.
:msn-wink: ]]> mbazza https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/447-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/445-mbazza-s-Blog Tue, 27 May 2008 08:58:57 GMT Still, clear and frost like at dusk. An hour or two in we can here the Lion Foundation BK 117 rescue chopper about. I know they are very useful to a downed biker, but I just don't like the sound of blades chopping the very clear air. Kind of creepy, yet strangely re-assuring should I ever need their services. Ride carefully and enjoy the cold! Cheers.
:eek: ]]> mbazza https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/445-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/444-mbazza-s-Blog Mon, 26 May 2008 08:48:35 GMT Off to work in the dark on the strom, it takes 5 k's to warm up so I go the long way round and get in a bit later than planned. Great to be on the bike in the greying of the early morning.
Usual work day with far too much activity and too little real success.
Come 1720 hrs it's time to go home. A shorter 'long way home' means I meet the 1732 hrs crowd, all of whom are impatient to get home to the detriment of the bloke on the motorbike. The brakes still work! By the time I get home the brain is decidedly clearer and the grin re-appears.:woohoo:
One of the very good things about riding is the way the brain has to concentrate on a multitude of 'keep me safe' activities but is relaxed in a calm, detached, 'got to do it right kind of way'. A dull day made lively be two short rides to stay alive.
In the garage I can't find the bundle of rubberised tie down straps. I'll need them to attach the tent and gear. Andy Straps are great, long green elastic straps without hooks. If only I could remeber where I put them. Cheers :done: ]]> mbazza https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/444-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/443-mbazza-s-Blog Sun, 25 May 2008 04:23:51 GMT :apint:Finished last blog write up and just went out and warmed the V-strom up and went for a ride!
A grey day here but the roads are mainly dry after three days of 'Scotch Mist' which have made our dogs damp and grumpy.
A quick burst north on SH1 - hang a right and run down to Kaitangata past Lake Tuakatoto where camoflaged harvesters await the flight of their quarry. Through Kai where teens don't reply to a wave.
Back into Clutha to fuel up for the week (98 0ct 202.9 cents/litrse and a chat with new Mitsubishi Balclutha owners. Ted lamented the flat state of his rear tyre and the fact that he probably wouldn't be going to the Brass Monkey next weekend.
The score, wave returns from other riders 2 / 2. 100% wave return, unheard of! Put a smile on my dial this afternoon. Cheers.
:msn-wink: ]]> mbazza https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/443-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/442-mbazza-s-Blog Sun, 25 May 2008 01:01:16 GMT Yep, I've been very slack with this blog! Infact, procrastination is not even in it! Haven't even thought about this blog for 6 months!
Last Thursday a meeting of bikers / riders / motorcyclists in Balclutha called by a small group of riders to organise a contact system for local riders has galvanised me into blogging again.
See KB events - Big River Bikers - post. (I need a lesson on how to include a link, anyone help me! ):(
Only the esteemed Mr scumdog (esteemed 'cause he's posted so much!) and I have posted following the meeting and I have brought Daffyd from Papatowai into the fold, so the post has been worth while.
:cool:
Will see you more often over the winter. Cheers - Bazza. ]]> mbazza https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/442-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/269-mbazza-s-Blog Thu, 13 Sep 2007 09:05:06 GMT My Beloved stove in the air conditioning unit in her cage by forcing it up against the rear of another cage!:oi-grr:
Cage to cage combat! Cage menders reckon I'll be the transport captain for a couple of weeks.
Night work meeting. All the gear on and we're off to her work. I drop her and cruise on to Milton for tea with the AA (aged aunt).
This is fun, like fun should be. Open, dry road, night time traffic sparse. Yeehaaa!:rolleyes:
After coverstation and tea in the tiny town I reverse the ride.
Less traffic a 'target' ahead who worked hard to stay on the correct side of the road. Great riding and, no, I didn't get passed them on the run into Clutha.
Great ride. :eek:
Pick up My Beloved and on returning through Clutha at standard speed a blue & white is parked up. Near the home of 'Scundog', might even be him!
Helmets off at home and the 'strom' parked up, duty done. My beloved says' "that was great, cleared my head, should go for a half an hour ride more often!"
And there, my fiends, is the reason why we ride in a simple statement. Cheers.:cool: ]]> mbazza https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/269-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/247-mbazza-s-Blog Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:28:26 GMT :scooter:The exact thing which makes my morning scoot commute fun also hightens the danger of the ride and introduces a note of caution on two particular corners as I ride to work. The scoot is short, the handlebars are shorter and the wheels are tiny which makes for a cool, quick steering response... :scooter:The exact thing which makes my morning scoot commute fun also hightens the danger of the ride and introduces a note of caution on two particular corners as I ride to work. The scoot is short, the handlebars are shorter and the wheels are tiny which makes for a cool, quick steering response and that scoot feeling which plants the smile every time I twist the throttle.
Combine this with a couple of corners with gravel remaining after the gravel spreading to minimise the effect of the ice last month and the morning journey becomes a real interesting activity.
At a decent lean the front skips over these gravel lines but the rear chips over a bit giving the impression that the rear is going to let go. The gravel ridges are now tiny and don't effect the line the scoot takes. It just feels like it's going to slide. In a metre we are back up right and off down the road at 40kph! Smiling off to work. Cheers. ]]> Trudes https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/247-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/246-mbazza-s-Blog Sun, 19 Aug 2007 08:00:08 GMT Sunday ride today with Daffyd. The first ride we have had together having met here on KB. When we both turned up at a local visible intersection our bikes were almost as different to each other as is possible. Daffyd had planned an interesting 180km ride with a coffee in the middle. Our route was... Sunday ride today with Daffyd. The first ride we have had together having met here on KB. When we both turned up at a local visible intersection our bikes were almost as different to each other as is possible. Daffyd had planned an interesting 180km ride with a coffee in the middle.
Our route was Balclutha, Greenfield, Tuapeke West, Lawrence, Manuka Gorge, Clarksville Junction and returning to Balclutha.
A few K's up the Clutha we met two cruisers coming towards us, we we not sure who they were, but will flick out a couple of PM's to check.
The adventure bit was the road from Tuapeka to Tuapeka West. Normally a good winding climb with a bit of gravel in winter.
With winter feed out wagons on the road they are leaving great gobs of mud on the road which made us slow down and pick our lines through the curves carefully! I felt guilty having waved D
Not actually dangerous, but annoying and constant for about 20k.
At Lawrence we caught up with the usual Central Otago traffic returning to the coast. Great coffees, both flat whites one blue, one green!
Very interesting ride through the short Manuka Gorge. Last Sunday it was damp, today a great ride in dry conditions with very little gravel on the corners. An opportunity to pass cages safely with a certain amount of 'elan'.
A great ride with another good rider on two very different bikes. Interesting sign seen at a local service station. Cheers :Punk: ]]> mbazza https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/246-mbazza-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/243-mbazza-s-Blog Fri, 17 Aug 2007 07:48:25 GMT I only commute 3 k's each way to work. I find it interesting to look at just how I carry things on this tiny scooter.
This week I had to cary home 22 basketball uniforms and a ball. The uniforms fitted under the seat ok, but the basket ball had to sit on the foot plate. Commical to get underway with a basketball rolling around on the foot plate. It's ok when you twist and go as one foot either side of the ball holds it in place.
Still funnier when at a stop sign, one foot down to wait for the traffic to clear and the ball rolls off toward the gutter. Scoot up onto the stand and walk off to retrieve the ball. Laughter from the traffic around, followed by respect as I twist and manage to trap the ball as I slowly pull away from the yellow line. Wobble my way down the drive waiting for the electric door to go up as I know that on such a slope I'll loose the ball again if I have to stop. Talk about 'slow riding'! I make it into te garage before the round object slopes off to hide under the V-strom. It is fun carying stuff on a tiny scooter. Cheers.:Punk: ]]> Number One https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/243-mbazza-s-Blog