https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blog.php/13918-STJim Kiwi Biker - New Zealand motorcycle community en Sat, 02 May 2026 12:02:39 GMT vBulletin 20 https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/images/BP-Brown/misc/rss.jpg https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blog.php/13918-STJim https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/5760-2015-tt2000 Wed, 22 Apr 2015 02:20:36 GMT TT2000 2015 The website with details of this years TT2000 was up and running in July 2014 with the injunction that you should make a coffee and then spend a couple of hours working through. This years version had a twist, as always, There was both a Northern and a Southern start and never the... TT2000 2015
The website with details of this years TT2000 was up and running in July 2014 with the injunction that you should make a coffee and then spend a couple of hours working through.
This years version had a twist, as always, There was both a Northern and a Southern start and never the twain shall meet until the end in Christchurch.. also the starting time was 12 noon on the Friday not 6 pm, with the finish at 12 noon on Sunday in Christchurch. Lake the last year you worked out your own route to cover 2000kms and pre set photo check points worth a total of 50,000 points.
The Northern start was in Whanganui the southern start in Dunedin
My route, which changed a couple of time was to start in Whanganui then visit 3 check points within 100 kms of Whanganui then head up SH4 to Taumaranui then across to finish for Friday night at Turangi having done about 550 kms.
For the Saturday an early start was anticipated and then was down for a tour around Southern Hawkes Bay and out over the Napier Taihape Road then down to Wellington to visit a few check points in that vicinity then catching the Blue bridge ferry which has cabins available on its early morning sailings.
If you arrive for the Blue bridge before 11 pm you can board at just after 11 pm and sleep your way across the strait.
On arriving at Picton it would be off the boat and down to Christchurch to finish before 12 noon on Sunday.

Thursday 19 February 2015
I prepared the bike and semi packed on Wednesday night. I was into work early on Thursday morning to get as much done as possible.
I managed to finish at about 2 pm and home to get packed and away. I travelled straight down State Highways 3 and 4 to Whanganui arriving about 7.30 pm at the Anndion Lodge.
South of Taumaranui I released that I had forgotten my tie downs for on the ferry. My first task was to phone around to see what I could borrow. I was able to get hold of Steve McLardy the Ulysses Coordinator in Turangi and made an arrangement to pick up his tie downs on Friday evening in Turangi.

Friday 20 February 2015
After a cooked breakfast a the Lodge I headed out to file the bike with petrol chatted with Brian Hickson a fellow TT rider and Ulyssian who also turned up to fill up his machine.
I then headed out to see a client and after that headed for the start of the Northern route for TT2000 at Suzuki New Zealand headquarters in Heads Road in Whanganui
At the start along with the others I was surprised to learn of mike Hyde's incident. After a briefing we grabbed our tea shirts and headed out to start collecting points.

Checkpoint 1 Waitotara Valley. Makakaho Junction which was bridge over the Waitotara River about 40 kms up the Valley from Waitotara for 5000 points. This road up the valley is a narrow one lane sealed road. At one stage there were 3 lite beekeepers trucks on the road, one after the other, taking up most of the width of the road

Checkpoint 2 Mangamahu. This is a little township on the Whangaehu River which flows down from Mt Ruapehu. The photo point is the bridge the crosses the river into the village for 3000 points.
From there it was back to Whanganui to fill with fuel.

Checkpoint 3 Fields Track: From Whanganui it was back up SH 4 to Kakatahi and a right turn into Fields Track. I have been through Fields Track twice before, the last time in 2005 on a Rusty Nuts organised Grand Challenge. I had forgotten what a "goat track" this road is. The check point was at the intersection of Fields Track and Whangaehu Road for 3000 points. From there I followed Whangaehu out to SH 49. I had one little incident on this road when my back wheel stepped out on some lose metal.

Checkpoint 4 Ohakune: The checkpoint here was the Big Carrot worth only 500 points. From here I had orginally intended to head up the Mountain to Turoa Ski-field but decided on the basis of time to give that a miss.
Checkpoint 5 Top of the Bruce.From here it was back through to SH 4 and north to National Park, then right onto SH 47 then right again onto SH 48 and up past Whakappa Village to Iwikau Village otherwise known as "Top of the Bruce"

Checkpoint 6 Piriaka Lookout. It was back to SH 4 and heading north towards Taumarunui stopping for the checkpont at the Piriaka lookout for 1000 points.

Checkpoint 7 Ngakonui School. I had previously checked this out. It a small locality 15 kms out from Taumarunui on a backroad consisting of a school and a hall. 3000 points

Checkpoint 8 Tokaanu Hot pools. I followed my GPS from Ngakonui which took me through another small place called Ngapuke and out on to SH 41one of my favourite roads in the North Island across the saddle to Kuratau Junction and then to Tokaanu hot pools for another 1000 points. From there I headed to my Motel at Turangi arriving at just after 8 pm. 560 kms completed and 19500 points collected out of the required 50,000. After checking in i phoned Steve McLardy and arraged to meet him at the Z station where I filled the bike and collected his tie downs. Then on Steves recommendation I headed to the Turangi Tavern to find something to eat. i was just in time to catch the last few minutes of the Super 15 game and to see Aaron Cruden kink the winning Penalty for the Chiefs.

Saturday 21 February.
Saturdays programme was to Travel down to the Hawkes Bay by the Napier Taupo Road, circle around the Hawkes Bay and then exit over the Napier Taihape Road and then travel down to Wellington on State Highway 1,visit two to 3 checkpoints around the Wellington area and then line up to catch the Bluebridge Ferry.

I was out of bed at 5 am and on the road out of Turangi at 5.40 am heading for Taupo.
The sky began to lighten as I began head out of Taupo. It was an uneventful trip down to the bay.

Checkpoint 1 Omarunui reached at 7.52 am. This was a memorial in a vineyard paddock about 2 kms out of Taradale.
for 1000 points. From there it was into Hastings to fill at the Z station in Herataunga street. I took the opportunity for a bacon an egg pie and a coffee.

Checkpoint 2 Te Mata Peak This peak sits up behind Havelock North and offer commanding vies of the Bay. It's a twisting steep and narrow road up for my photo and 3000 points at 8.54 am. at that stage I was right on my schedule.

Checkpoint 3 Elsthorpe. Coming down from Te Mata Peak I expected to turn left and to head down Middle Road and come into Elsthorpe from the west. Instead my GPS took me right and down some lovely flowing roads to approach from the East to photograph St Stephens Church for 1000 points. while there I was joined by 2 BMW riders from Christchurch whome I would cross paths with though out the rest of the morning and in the very early evening.

Checkpoint 4 Omakere. This was an isolated school down a road in the bay that I never expect to travel on ever again for 5000 points photographed at 10.07 am.

Checkpoint 5 Flemington. From Omakere I headed towards Waipawa and then to Waipukurau and then down the Porangahau Road towards the coast. About 10 kms I turned down Nichols Roda to the tiny settlement of Flemington to photograph the school for a further 1000 points.

Checkpoint 6 Taumataw...(New Zealand's Longest Place Name) From Flemington it was bAck out to Porangahau Road which is part of the decommissioned SH 52. and becomes Wimbledon Road to the place which rejoices in New Zealand and probably the world's longest place name. I understand that there is somewhere in Wales that comes close. This was reached at 11.26 am and another 1000 points collected. From here I continued back out to Dannevirke and on to:

Checkpoint 7 Ormondville. This is a little town completely off the main road. Somewhere where I had never passed through before. A photo was taken at the old railway station for another 1000 points at 12.49 pm.

Checkpoint 8 Ongaonga From Ormondville I headed for Takapau another small town just off SH 2. If you pass by on the main highway you completely bypass Takapau. I tuned left onto SH 2 travelled about a km south and then turned right onto SH 50 the alternative route back to Napier.
The next checkpoint was at Ongaonga which proclaims itself to an historic village. The pho stop was certainly an interesting building for 500 points at 1.23 pm. For me to pick up a 500 pointer It has to be almost right on my path requiring little no detour.

Checkpoint 9 Tikokino. i carried on up SH 50 of a photo outside the Pub at Tikokino for another 500 points at 1.35 pm.

Checkpoint 10 Maraekakaho. This was War memorial right on my pathon SH 50 for 1000 points at at 1.57 pm.

Checkpoint 11 Sherenden This and the next 3 checkpoints are on the Napier Taihape Road. First however I needed to return to Hasting for Petrol at the Z Station. I carry a Z card these days and find I get the best performance from Z 95 for the ST.
At 2.53 pm I took my photo at Sherenden for 1000 points and I was on my way throught the rest of the "Gentle Annie" road.

Checkpoint 12 Kuripapango
This was the doc sign just before the bridge across the Ngarurora river. This was the only time the GPS coordinates I had entered into the Tom Tom weren't extremely accurate. I ended up having to turn around and come back and stop in what I as an ST rider regard as thick gravel. This picture was taken at 3.27 pm for 500 points.

Checkpoint 13 Ngamatea Station
This was a few kms down the road 500 points at 3.53 pm.

Checkpoint 14 the Mystery The Old Bridge over the Rangitikei River.
This check point was described as a mystery one of two on the Northern route. This was fairly easy to locate. My photo was taken at 4.07 pm for 4000 points.

Checkpoint 15 Mangaweka International Airport.
After the mystery it was out to Taihape then down SH I towards Wellington. It would have been rude not to stop for this checkpoint at Mangaweka at 5.pm exactly. for another 1000 points.

Checkpoint 16 Battle Hill
SH I is never what I regard as an exciting ride. especially from Sanson through to Levin.
I stopped for fuel at Z in Levin and then at Paekakariki headed over the Paekakariki Hill Road.to stop at the entrance to Battle hill farm park at 7.19 pm for another 1000 points.

Checkpoint 17 Turakirae Head
From Battle hill I crossed over Haywoods hill to the Hutt Valley and then across and over the Wainuiomata Hill Road. From 1979 through to January 1990 we lived in Wainuomata. I had to go past our old home which was only a very short divergence from my intended path down to the end of the Wainuomata Coast Road to the Turakirae scientific reserve DOC sign. It was over 25 years since I had been down the Coast Road. I had forgotten the distance and how tight the road was.
My photo was taken at 8.13 pm for 5000 points.
Checkpoint 18 Eastbourne.
This was another checkpoint that I had been looking forward to. I headed back over the Wainuomata hill road and down the coast around the Eastside of the Wellington Harbour through Days bay and then Eastbourne right almost to the end of the road to the Wahine Mast. My poor excuse for a photo was taken at 8.57 pm in the dark. I should have thought to have used my flash. Another 3000 points.was collected. From there I headed for the Bluebridge Ferry. I was booked on the 2.20 am sailing on Sunday morning. I had booked a cabin. The arrangement is that if you have a cabin and checkin before 11 pm you can board after 11.30 and head straight to your cabin.
I finished my day with with about 1060 kms completed( a total of 1620 ) and 31,000 points a total of 50,500 points
For an extra $30 the cabin on the ferry was very good value. Note to self take your own towel next time. they are not supplied. I woke once when the ship sailed then with the wake up call at about 5.30 am.

Sunday 22 February.
I rolled off the ferry at 6.30 am and headed into Picton and then south. I topped the tank at Blenheim and rolled towards the Kaikoura Coast. I only planned to stop for 3 checkpoints on the Sunday

Checkpoint I Conway River
As we headed towards Kaikoura it began to rain. I stopped at the BP service station and changed my gloves which were soaked and put my rain off over-gloves on.
A short distance south of Kaikoura it was right turn and onto the Inland Road with my first checkpoint at the Conway River bridge on the Inland Road. I would have enjoyed this road in dry conditions. Unfortunate it was wet and parts looked very slippery. I treated the road with respect and caution. my photo was taken at 9.00am for 5000 points.

Checkpoint 2 Mystery The sheep statue at Waikari.
I found this the more difficult of the two mystery checkpoints to locate. i narrowed it down by a process of elimination and then looked on street view and there it was. I was also down in Canterbury in August last year and was able to take a look and check it out. My photo was taken at 10.14 am.

Checkpoint 3 Scargill
From the sheep it was a left turn along the Scargill valley road to find a bridge. Unfortunately I photographed the wrong bridge. It was meant to be the second bridge at the end of the seal anout 500 meters down the road, My photo was taken at 10.36 pm. I wasn't sure if I would be awarded any points for this. From looking at my official result I think I was awarded 2000 instead of 3000. My official result was 61500 points. From Scargill I was on my way into the finish at Christchurch. arriving at 11.48 according to my photo of my finishing odometer.

From the finish I headed for my sister in laws home in Belfast. where my wife who had come down to Christchurch was also waiting, correction she and rae had been lunching with and Aunt and uncle and I arrived before them.

Monday 23 February
I left Christchurch at about 7.30 am heading for Picton. I filled the bike at Amberley and from there trundled all the way through to Ward were I stopped for a late morning tea. From there it was onto the ferry and then all the way home back to Hamilton arriving just on midnight. ]]> STJim https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/5760-2015-tt2000 https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/3412-Motorcycling-on-Vancouver-Island Mon, 10 Mar 2014 20:13:55 GMT A DAYS MOTORCYCLING ON VANCOUVER ISLAND 1. Just before Christmas 2013 we had been planning a trip to Canada and up to Alaska. Taking into account the distance and time to make it worth-while we had booked out three weeks. That left us with eight days at the end to tour Vancouver Island and... A DAYS MOTORCYCLING ON VANCOUVER ISLAND


1. Just before Christmas 2013 we had been planning a trip to Canada and up to Alaska. Taking into account the distance and time to make it worth-while we had booked out three weeks. That left us with eight days at the end to tour Vancouver Island and then to travel through the Rocky Mountains to Jasper and Banff,

2. I had checked out motorcycle rentals in both Vancouver and Victoria, and then flagged the matter as being too difficult, and organized the rental of a car for the whole period.

3. About two months ago I realised that we were going to have a spare day on Vancouver Island. The website of the Motorcycle Rental Company I had been looking at referred to a route from Victoria City to Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan and back to Victoria.

4. I was aware that I would be able to hire a Suzuki V Strom 650 for what seemed to be a reasonable price.

5. The booking was made for Sunday 25 August. Pickup was at 5.pm on the Saturday evening before to allow for a nice early start.

6. Originally we thought our rental car would be the equivalent of Nissan Tidia we were up graded to a Dodge Avenger. A very up specked model with climate air and satellite radio. On the whole a very nice car, what we would regard here as a medium sized car. It had 2.4 liter petrol motor and a 4 speed automatic gearbox. The most interesting thing was the satellite radio which allowed you to tune into one radio in, which we liked, and leave it on that radio station all the time without having to seek another station every half an hour or so.

7. Driving on the right hand side of the road was interesting, once we got used to the idea it wasn’t too bad.

8. In Canada there are three different traffic signals than what we have. The first is flashing green lights which means proceed with caution; the second is the ability turn right on a red light (the same as turning left for us). We found this out in Fairbanks Alaska when we were tooted from behind at a red light. The third is an intersection where all four roads leading into the intersection have stop signs. This has a similar effect on traffic as a roundabout. Also all vehicles in Canada must run with lights on during the daytime.

9. Returning to our motorcycle story, we went down into Victoria City on the Saturday for a good look around. I’ve heard of Wellington being described as the nicest little capital city. Frankly it doesn’t compare with Victoria which is the capital of British Columbia. It has a very nice compact waterfront area with Heritage hotels, Parliament buildings and close by the British Columbia Museum which frankly is one of the best museum’s I have ever been too.

 

10. We walked into the motorcycle shop which was close to downtown to make sure of our booking and then returned at 4.30pm. My wife Heather agreed to drive the car back to where we were staying. Fortunately the car had a GPS, the bike did not. She was very nervous, particularly in getting it out of the underground car park but once she got onto the road following the GPS she was absolutely fine.

11. Riding a motorcycle on the wrong side was easier than driving the car; it was a matter of keeping your wits about you and following the other traffic. Without any difficulty at all we made it the 7 kms. To where we were staying (a hosting arrangement through Rotary of which I have been a member of many years).

12. The next morning we left about 8.30, we had memorized the route we would follow out of town and back from the map. It was an early autumn day on Vancouver Island. We found our way out of town onto the main highway and then found the right exit. Most of the route we followed was through forest. When we were in the sunlight it was fine but as soon as we were in the shade of the trees the temperature dropped noticeably. We also had to contend with cyclists, it wasn’t race but appeared to be an organized training ride. There were dozens of them on the road.

13. Speed limits were also interesting; speed signs were on the side of the road and changed periodically. On the road to Port Renfrew the maximum speed was 90kms. Port Renfrew was originally a fishing village about a 100kms out of Victoria.

14. Arriving in Port Renfrew we stopped for an early lunch where we saw other motorcycles. There was a wide line up of all sorts of varieties, and others came and left while we were there. I was quite impressed with the older gentleman with one leg, who was riding a Suzuki Burgman Scooter. There was also the usual line up of cruisers including Yamaha’s, Honda’s and a Cam am spider.

15. We enjoyed fish ‘n’ chips; it was our first and only try of Halibut. A Halibut is a big fish that lives on the ocean floor, similar too, but five to six times the size of a flounder. Over lunch I talked to some of the other motorcyclists, particularly about speed limits. I was informed that there was at least a 10km tolerance however speed limits were not enforced like New Zealand. In general terms you wouldn’t have any difficulty unless you were absolutely stupid.

16. We then went down to the Pub which would have been a very pleasant place for lunch with a nice outlook over the inlet.

17. We returned back up the road and turn off to Lake Cowichan, It was 60kms of picturesque, windy hilly road. I was very impressed with the 650 V Strom which ran well with plenty of pull, entirely happy running two up.

18. The Lake Cowichan area was picturesque. There was some sort of market in a Village green area. We pulled up behind a Harley Davidson with unusual wording on the number plate surround “You touch my bike I’ll F___ your dog”, I’ve never seen that one before, a totally unattractive prospect. Must be a different breed in North America. The rider and his partner whom we ended up talking to however were pleasant and didn’t appear to have any problem with the “rice burner” parked behind the HD He wasn’t the only Harley rider that we talked to on our trip. There seemed to be less of the prejudice we expect from Harley riders in NZ. Stacks of HD's around though. Most HD riders were also wearing "skull cap" type helmets.

19. From Lake Cowichan it was down the Cowichan Valley road, then on to the main highway back to Victoria City to collect our car, and return the motorcycle before 5pm.

20. On the whole it was a satisfying day's motorcycling. ]]> STJim https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/3412-Motorcycling-on-Vancouver-Island https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/3382-TT-2000-Continued Sat, 08 Mar 2014 00:57:19 GMT Day 3 Sunday 23 February As planned I was up at 4 am and on the Road at 4.20 am heading out of Blenheim onto SH 63 towards St Arnaud on the shore of Lake Rotoiti at Nelson Lakes. When I left Blenheim it was a barmy 18 degrees. I dressed accordingly The ST has a temperature gauge and I watched the... Day 3 Sunday 23 February
As planned I was up at 4 am and on the Road at 4.20 am heading out of Blenheim onto SH 63 towards St Arnaud on the shore of Lake Rotoiti at Nelson Lakes. When I left Blenheim it was a barmy 18 degrees. I dressed accordingly The ST has a temperature gauge and I watched the gauge plummet to down to 10 degrees and I began to notice the cold. I pulled in at the photo check point at the jetty at Lake Rotoiti. It was pitch black. Try as I might I couldn't get a photo of the bike and the jetty.
From there it was down to the intersection SH 6 and a left turn heading for Westport. At Murchison I stopped at the Mobil Station to put on an extra Jersey and for a hot coffee by then it was day light and I headed out of Murchison and into the Upper Buller George on a wet road however I was an uneventful ride through to Westport, where I took right turn towards Karamea. Before leaving Westport I stopped on the side of the street for a breakfast of a one square meal bar. I also took the opportunity to pour in the 5 litres of petrol I was carrying. My last fill had been at Blenheim and I wanted to be certain that I had enough fuel to get back to Westport.
I headed up the Karamea highway heading for a points bonanza 3,000 at Kohaihai at the start of the Heaphy track, the 2,000 point mystery bonus on the way to Stockton mine plus 1,000 up the hill at Denniston.
I left Westport at about 8.30 am heading north into indifferent looking weather. It wasn't very far out at Westport that I struck a prolonged and vicious shower.
The road up to Karamea is interesting. The first 50 or so kms. are very straight forward. Then there is 26 kms. of winding road over the Karamea bluff. This just needs to be taken carefully, especially with a wet road. It had been 4 years since I had been on that road on the second TT2000 in 2010. Then you are out the other side for a clear straightforward run through to Karamea and beyond. The last 3 or 4 kms. were gravel but hard packed and easy to handle.
On the way back I stopped at photo points at Little Wanganui, Seddonvile, the mystery check point, Grand Crayon, otherwise known as the Millerton Cut on the way to Stockton mine and then up to Denniston. Approaching the Denniston turn off the weather was bad and I was considering forgoing my 1,000 points but as I approached the turn off it cleared and up I went. I had been up before back in 2008 on my Moto Guzzi two up.
Then it was back down into Westport for the most expensive petrol at 2.35 a litre I have put in the bike for some time. It was now about 1 pm I headed for Reefton on the way stopping for photo points at Hawkes Craig Italian Creek, at a bridge down a sealed goat track. After Reefton I collected photo points at Blacks point, Marble hill, Glynn Wye Station and Hamner Springs.
As I came out into Canterbury I noticed the tail wind and as I turned towards Hamner it became a very annoying side wind. From there it was into Waiau for a photo of the old jail then back out to SH 7 and then through back road to a photo point at an intersection in the forestry are near a locality called Barmoral for another 1,000 points. By then time was marching it was already 6 pm and I hadn't done enough kms. Nor did I think I had enough points.
I then followed my GPS through some lovely back roads to Greta Valley on SH1 to Scargill Leaving Scargill I noticed that the wind seemed to have changed direction It also seemed to be much stronger. A gust caught me and I slowed to a stop to catch my breath it was then I notice the tree debris on the road. Then the hail storm came. I simply remained stopped and sat that out. Those were seriously big hail stones.
When the hail stopped the wind dropped and I was on my way again stopping for a final photo point at the old County Council building at Balcairn a little place not far off the main Road just out of Amberley I was then on my way to the finish at Hampton Honda at Hornby. Thinking I was short a kilometre or two I headed out Yardhust road and back in and then went to check in at the finish at 7.30 pm. having used 1.5 hours of the time buffer available to finish. I wasn’t the only one. Riders will still coming in after me.
After a having my photos down loaded and two barbecue sausages I headed back to my sister in laws at Belfast.

The Trip Home Monday 23 February.
I was booked on the ferry at 2 pm from Picton on Monday. I needed to check in at 1 pm. To allow myself plenty of time I left Christchurch at 8 am for an uneventful trip up to the ferry terminal at Picton. This was followed by an uneventful sailing. I was off the ferry as early as possible and on my way north. It was a smooth run up the motorway in heaven traffic. My smooth run went pear shaped at Pukerau Bay where the traffic ground to a crawl all the way through to Paekakairiki. I stopped at Levin for fuel then carried on through all the way home arriving in at just before 1 am on Tuesday morning.

Reflections.
This TT was interesting. I derived a huge amount of pleasure out of planning my route and then planning it again. It was also harder than any of the previous ones I had undertaken with a number of very gnarly roads and a huge number of photo/check points. All my careful time planning went quickly out the window. The added twist was the ferry crossing on Saturday afternoon which meant that I didn't cover enough distance on the Saturday, leaving me too much ground to cover on the Sunday.
Adding a little to my pressure was a small problem with the Bike. The week before I left I had a major service done at my local Honda Dealer. On the Thursday evening before I left I noticed a smell and I assumed that something had been spilt on the engine and it was simply burning off. During the ride the smell persisted. I came to the conclusion that the radiator had been over filled and I was losing coolant from the overflow. I was watching my Gage's and there was nothing untoward however I was clearly losing a small amount of fluid from the left had side.
On my return to Hamilton I took the bike in on Saturday morning. It was given immediate attention. I watched the right hand side fairing removed to get at the radiator which was full. The other fairing wad removed and the problem became oblivious the fluid was oil. When the machine had been put back together during the service a nylon pipe of some sort had been caught and pinched causing a very small oil leek with a consequent smell and in some instances steam when fluid hit the exhaust. ]]> STJim https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/3382-TT-2000-Continued https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/3339-TT-2000-First-2-Days Sun, 02 Mar 2014 21:49:57 GMT TT 2000 As soon as I learned that the TT2000 web site was up and running last year I was in for a good look around. I was intrigued to see that there was a North Island start. I began to work out a route. After reviewing routes I sent in my entry and booked my ferry fares. At various times I... TT 2000
As soon as I learned that the TT2000 web site was up and running last year I was in for a good look around.
I was intrigued to see that there was a North Island start. I began to work out a route. After reviewing routes I sent in my entry and booked my ferry fares.
At various times I went back in for a further look and a review my route especially when Ferry disruption loomed. There was no set route to follow this time. The rules were cover 2000 kms. and collect photo points worth 35,000. Photo points had had a value ranging from 400 points at the bottom to 1,000, 3,000 and 3 big ones at 5,000.

Day One Friday 21 February
Finally the day dawned. At 11.25 am I set of from Hamilton for Palmerston North. It was a hot but otherwise uneventful ride down to Palmerston North. I checked into my motel then went to find a Shell pump before heading for the start at Bunnythorpe about 7 kms. Out of town.
From Bunnythorpe my route took me over Saddle Road for a photo point at the Te Apiti wind farm observation point.
It was then down to Woodville then to the next of my planned photo points just self of Pahiatua at Polish children's Camp Memorial this was the site of a War Time camp for children from Poland who came out to New Zealand It was then over the Pahiatua track to the South side of Palmerston North then to the little town of Tokomaru. From there it was down to Marine parade at Paraparaumu, for a photo of Kapiti Island. By then the light was failing.
From there it was to Foxton via Shell Levin for fuel both for the bike and me, for a photo of windmill and back to Palmerston North. I arrived back at the motel in Palmerston North at about 10 pm having covered 270 kms. Before going to bed I sat and planned my route for the next day entering in all the coordinates for each photo point I intended to visit into my GPS.

Day 2 Saturday 22 February
My plan was to leave at 4 am to head for Dannevirke then down the Weber road onto route 52 then onto River Road and out to the coastal settlement of Akitio. I arrived in at the photo point at 5.50 am. This was the biggie worth 5000 points. When I arrived I found 2 bikes parked there and next thing I knew to lost souls from Southland came wandering out. They had been there having a short sleep. They didn't seem to know they had come from and claimed to have ridden through the night. I took my photo and turned around to head back up River road to route 52. At route 52 I turned left towards the Wairarapa. The next stop was the very small town of Pongaroa. From there it was through to Alfredton and then Mauriceville West. From there it was a short stretch down to Masterton to fuel up.
It was now 9 am and the next 3 stops were 1000 points at T valley and Castlepoint and 3000 points at Riversdale Beach. I had never been out that way before the road out was a motorcyclist’s joy. Nice sweeping bends a lovely piece of road. On the way I was overtaken by a couple on at a Kawasaki ZX 14. The T valley photo point was 7 kms. Down a narrow road at the end of the seal. Then it was back out to Castle point for a photo of the lighthouse.
Then it was on my way to Riversdale. In my preparation I had noted that there was a connecting road called Langdale Road On the way in to Castlepoint I had seen this road and it looked like a "goat track" however the GPS was telling me to go that way and it made no reference to any unpaved road. Accordingly I turned left into Langdale Road. It was a good choice cutting of at least 10 minutes Riversdale beach is another attractive place unfortunately there was no time to admire the scenery.
I was soon on my way back almost to Masterton, turning left into the Masterton Stronvar Road to a small place called Wainuioru consisting of a hall and a fire station then out to a locality called Ngaumu, then south on Westmere road then right again out to a locality called Te Wharau.
It was then south again through Gladstone and on to the Martinbrough Hinakura Road. At that stage I was debating do I go out to Hinakura or instead head for Ngawi. It was starting to look unlikely that I would be able to do both. I headed for Hinakura about 14 kms. away according to the GPS I had been warned that there was metal road at the end. I followed a sealed goat track over a major hill into a valley then 1.5 kms. of gravel to a lonely country hall to collect 3000 points.
It was then back over the hill to Martinbrough by then it was clear that I was out of time to head to Ngawi if I was to line up to catch the ferry at 4 pm.
As I rolled out of Martinbrough the wind struck. It was into a North Wester. The Rimataka hill was particularly exciting with both rain and a head wind.
At Upper Hutt I turned left and took the very tight Blue Mountain Road over the hill into Whiteman valley for a 1000 point photo point at the Gold fish farm sign. Then it was into Wellington to pick up 400 points at Parliament Building then heading for the ferry where I found myself lined up with about 20 other bikes nearly all tt2000 participants.
Then we were on to the Stena Alegra the stand in temporary replacement ferry.
The sailing was without incident. I enjoyed playing 500 with three other bikers from the Wellington.
From Picton it was through to Blenheim to fuel up and then to my Motel for a shower and to enter the coordinates for the next day into the GPS and a face time conversation with my wife, who was back in Hamilton, before heading to bed ]]> STJim https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/3339-TT-2000-First-2-Days https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2310-500-Miles-in-Under-12-Hours Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:04:10 GMT Hamilton Ulysses 500 Miler, 9 October 2011 Hamilton branch runs an annual 500 mile ride early in October each year. The ride is organized by David Coy, originally as a training ride for the Rusty Nuts Grand Challenge. The route is kept secret until the morning of the ride. In this instance... Hamilton Ulysses 500 Miler, 9 October 2011

Hamilton branch runs an annual 500 mile ride early in October each year.

The ride is organized by David Coy, originally as a training ride for the Rusty Nuts Grand Challenge.

The route is kept secret until the morning of the ride. In this instance I got to know the day before as David handed me a set of information sheets on the Saturday and asked me to take them out to Cambridge to meet the riders who would be assembling at Cambridge BP. This year’s ride had two start points, the Hamilton Tristram St BP at 7.00 am followed by Cambridge BP at 7.15 am.

I prepared the bike on Saturday. Cleaned it and checked the tyres and oil.

On the Sunday morning it was up at 6.00 am, dressed, breakfast and away at 6.45.

I arrived at Cambridge to find 5 bikes already there including Mike Couchman from Whangarei. Mike had left home in Whangarei at 3 am. He had come down to ride with us and was then returning home afterwards.

The route for the ride had been carefully worked out by David. First stop was BP Wairakei via Rotorua, then Bay View BP Napier, then Waiouru via the Napier Taihape road (Gentle Annie Track). From Waiouru it was back to Hamilton via National Park, Tokaanu, Whakamaru and Te Awamutu.

It was an easy run to Wairakei through Rotorua, apart from the temperature. I can tell you that I was very glad I had heated grips. I was Tail End Charlie (tec)

A total of 15 bikes left Cambridge. At Wairakei we were met by another who was running late and came straight through from Hamilton. We arrived at Wairakei at 9.00 am and left at 9.30 for Napier. Again a nice uneventful run apart from the cold.

The next bike and human filling station was BP Bay View. Reached before 11 am. Departure time was 11.30. From there SH 50A and the SH 50 turning at Fernhill onto the Napier Taihape Road. It's a nice easy road for the first 20 to 30 kms. them the bends get tighter and the road starts to climb. The road crosses 3 river valleys and climbs up and over into each.

Heading up the first climb one of our riders on a BMW GS failed to take a bend and in Ulysses parlance had a "disgraceful dismount" I hope Bruce went out and bought another Lotto ticket. He was certainly very lucky. As far as I could see, apart from mud on the cyclinder, the bike was unmarked and the bruising to his ego, he was unmarked too. He was able to get back on and continue riding.

I was still tec. On a winding twisty road I prefer to ride at the rear and pick my own way and not hold anyone up. The result was I dropped behind as we dropped down into Kuripapango. At Kuripapango you cross the Ngaruroro, a major river which drains the Kaweka Range. You then immediately start to climb the " true Gentle Annie". The whole road is often referred to as the Gentle Annie. Apparently according to Kiwi Biker forums the hill is named after a women who in distant memory was the owner / manager of the Road House which used to be at Kuripapango in the long distant past.

I was first over this road nearly 3 years ago on four wheels. At that stage there was nearly 30kms of metal road. The Gentle Annie hill was sealed however. As I came over the bridge and commenced my ascent another group of bikes was coming down. The road here is narrow and it was interesting to see two or three adjusting their lean angle as they saw me coming up towards them.

On the other side of the Annie you drop into another river valley, then climb out and over into the Rangitikei river valley. You then pass the isolated community at Erehwon (no where spelt backwards), then a small community called Moawhango. Shortly after you reach the turn off which takes you out to SH 1 instead of going the further 9 kms down into Taihape. From there it was only a few kms up the road to Waiouru. The next stop was at the Army Museum cafe. The others had only just arrived moments before me when I arrived just after 2 pm.

The remainder of the ride was on relatively main roads. SH 49 to Ohakune and out to SH 4 and up to National Park. From there it was up SH 47 to Lake Taupo and then up the "Western Access" road to Whakamaru.

It was on this road that I had a little fright. I had spied a nice straight stretch down a hill suitable to overtake a car. I wound my throttle around a little, as you do and my speed would have been a little north of the speed limit. I didn't see it until I was on it. There was one of those pretty white and blue cars with the nice lights on top.

I was fully expecting him to be out and after me. I worried a little about that for the few kms. Perhaps he had other things to do or he didn't like the idea of mixing in with a whole group of bikes.

At Whakamaru we had another brief stop said our farewells and it was a free ride home. I was in home at about 6 pm with on 790 kms on my trip meter and only 2 fills of Petrol at Napier and again at Te Awamutu. The range is one of the best aspects of owning an ST 1300. I could have done the extra 10 kms by heading into the start point at the Waikato Commerce Club and home again. I thought about it but decided no. ]]> STJim https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2310-500-Miles-in-Under-12-Hours https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2285-Hamilton-to-Lower-Hutt-and-Back-Again-9-to-11-September-2011 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:39:01 GMT The above weekend was Ulysses Coordinators conference in Lower Hutt. As I am Ulysses National Secretary I had to attend. Having been overseas for the last week of July and most of August I needed a good ride on the ST. During the week I had it serviced at Hamilton Honda. As secretary it... The above weekend was Ulysses Coordinators conference in Lower Hutt.
As I am Ulysses National Secretary I had to attend.

Having been overseas for the last week of July and most of August I needed a good ride on the ST. During the week I had it serviced at Hamilton Honda.

As secretary it was my responsibility to have minutes of the last meeting and agendas for approximately 45 people. I had almost everything done on Thursday evening. I was up early Friday morning. I released that I hadn't included expenses claim forms. I was shrowed dressed and in the car and into work to print of the forms.

Despite the setback, I had the bike packed tyres checked and pumped up and ready to go at 7.40 am. I was then on my way to Taupo to the meeting point at BP Waireiki . Originally we were scheduled to meet in Cambridge. Unfortunately the top bridge across the Waikato river is closed at present. We had come through the previous Friday afternoon. The traffic had been diabolical on SH 1. All the traffic that would have crossed the top bridge now has to use SH 1 to to get to the Lower Bridge and across to Lemington.

It was a pleasant trip to Taupo. A little on the cold side with some mist.
I arrived in at BP Wairakei at about 9.30 am. to meet with Bob Leeper from Auckland, Mike Couchman ,Whangaria and Kevin Beagley fromTauranga.
Wairakei is a wild bean cafe. I was very pleased to find that my wild bean tag gave me free coffee.

Shortly after I arrived Pete Read from Whakatane arrived then David Coy our National Treasurer making his last trip on his ST. The silver ST has been replaced with a 600cc Yamaha, a much lighter and smaller bike. David had sold the ST on trade me and was delivering the same to the purchaser in Wellington.

Finally two from Waihi Thames Valley arrived. Des on his Intruder Trike and Colin on a Harley.

It was largely an eventful ride down. It was a lovely clear day. Beautiful views across the Desert Road. Our lunch stop was at Bulls. After lunch ,not by, design we split into two groups. Just as we were about to leave VFR 1200 rolled up. It was Kevin from Bike Rider Magazine . BRM edit and publish the Ulyssian and Kevin is our editor. He ha been invited to attend the Coordinators conference for a question an answer session at the meeting.
He rode with us to the Hutt.

Heading south the sky darkened. At Otaki it was on with the wet's.
And was a damp ride, turning of SH 1 at Plimmerton and to Hutt Valley via Gray's Road and Hayward's Hill. The end destination was the Hutt Park Motorcamp. Accommodation for the conference is always at the Hutt Park.
In another life time I lived and worked in the Hutt Valley. I still know my way around. I was the lead bike. It was down the Main Road to the Kennedy Good bridge at Avalon. Then across the Hutt Valley to Nae Nae road and then south. Unfortunately at Whites Line East I turned left not right and took the scenic route through Gracefield. and around to Hutt Park

I settled in at the Hutt Park and then headed for the local pub. Then back to the Hutt Park for a National Committee meeting when all the others arrived in.

Saturday was the Coordinators conference. It's not something I need to include in this blog other than to mention the sticky date pudding severed up for dinner on Saturday evening by Wellington Branch who catered for us. In addition I then got to enjoy the England v Argentine world cup game.

On Sunday a group of five bikes set of at 8 am heading north.

First it was out over Hayward's and then Paekakariki Hill. At that stage the road was dry. As we headed north the weather ahead looked ominous. I already had my wet pants on expecting the worst. Coming up from Taihape to Waiouru the wind gusts were significant. We had a well timed stop at Waiouru.

It was then on to the Desert Road. By then it was raining. I think that would be the worst desert road crossing I have experienced on two wheels. Rain and wind coupled with slippery road. By then we were down to four bikes. One only going as far as Taumarunui. He had changed direction at Waioura. I was the last bike on the Desert Road. In such conditions I like to take my time and pick my way carefully.

We had discussed taking the Western Access road to avoid Taupo and to stop for a late lunch at Tokoroa.

I turned left at Turangi and headed up the Western Access road.
The rain let up and I was able to make very good time. I pulled into Dinos cafe at Tokoroa. The others were no where to be seen. I assumed that I had been left behind and that they were on the road ahead of me. As soon as I had ordered in they came. They had gone to the service satiation at Turangi as the Vulcan needed to refuel.

The rain set in again at Tokoroa. It was a very wet ride to Whitehall south of Cambridge were I refueled before heading home to Hamilton.

Filling up a managed to drop my helmet scratching the visor. A replacement has been ordered a a cost of $140.00. The moral of the story, be more careful. ]]> STJim https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2285-Hamilton-to-Lower-Hutt-and-Back-Again-9-to-11-September-2011