<![CDATA[Kiwi Biker forums - Blogs - Gremlin's Tall Stories by Gremlin]]> https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blog.php/2710-Gremlin-s-Tall-Stories Kiwi Biker - New Zealand motorcycle community en Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:52:08 GMT vBulletin 20 https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/images/BP-Brown/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Kiwi Biker forums - Blogs - Gremlin's Tall Stories by Gremlin]]> https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blog.php/2710-Gremlin-s-Tall-Stories Raglan to Kawhia – Exploring (31/12/2015) https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/6341-Raglan-to-Kawhia-–-Exploring-(31-12-2015) Thu, 31 Dec 2015 11:23:00 GMT Well I never got as far as Kawhia, but I digress when the blog has barely begun. The plan was to base myself out of Raglan for Christmas-New Year break, tracking all the roads for accuracy for the open source maps and generally enjoy going down every road and see where it took me. Raglan to... Well I never got as far as Kawhia, but I digress when the blog has barely begun.

The plan was to base myself out of Raglan for Christmas-New Year break, tracking all the roads for accuracy for the open source maps and generally enjoy going down every road and see where it took me. Raglan to Kawhia would normally take around 1-1.5 hours and about 50km, with a lot of that being gravel and slow going – especially if a graded had just been through.

I’ve only done the route once before, on my KTM 990SM and indeed the grader had been busy and it was hard going on road biased tyres and 17 inch rims. Doing every road in between, I had no idea if I’d ever get as far as Kawhia as I didn’t know what I’d encounter, how tough it might get and when you’re doing every road, time passes with minimal km covered.

The weather forecast looked ominous, with severe weather watches coming so I knew my time was limited and I wouldn’t get the several days of exploring I had planned.

I headed south from Raglan on New Years Eve around midday and simply headed along the coast. I was in a pile of traffic, but by the time I hit the gravel I was alone with everyone turning off for something. The initial gravel was very narrow and winding, and to recommend this road as a touring route for tourists… mmm probably not the best idea.

Still, once I got out from the forest and it opened out, I got treated to the views I was hoping for

From there I dropped down to the coast several times for beach access roads to find more people.

Not what I was after I continued until I found the first intersection that went back to tar. Now I had more decisions to make. Namely, to try and run the roads in the order I had roughly planned, to try and cover them all without too much back tracking.

Some cows in a field seemed quite taken with a very large chook chaser visiting them.

I swung past Bridal Veil falls on Kawhia Rd, but with the temperature in the high 20s I didn’t feel too motivated to be walking in full gear and instead wanted some gravel and mapping errors. Kawhia Rd had been closed previously due to a slip and there were several sets of No Exit signs at the northern end with a road closed orange sign at the southern end… except the road was quite passable. However, the open source maps did have this all tagged as sealed, which it definitely wasn’t.

The BMWOR forum has a thread for abandoned buildings, so I couldn’t pass up this one

During my exploring I was a bit doubtful that a piece of road I was on was actually public, but at that point I was finding some farm buildings and a farmer comes racing around the corner towards me on his bike. There is just a slight contrast between his singlet, shorts and sunnies to my full Revit outfit, boots and helmet, but we trade a few words, I enquire about the terrain and he asks me how I find such a large bike on the roads. I explain that his will float over terrain much better than mine, and I have to deal with wheel spin at 100kph but horses for courses and it can do other stuff as well.

I find Tipperary somewhere in the back country, so contrary to what my mother taught me… it actually isn’t a long way after all…

I found myself back on seal and heading into Raglan a bit too early for my liking but it was a nice view for sure

I went down the road until it turned to 50kph (near the golf course) and then swung a u-turn as that section of sealed road is pretty mint indeed :yes: Heading back into the gravel and I’m starting to get a little too comfortable. I know I can’t exit corners in first and open the throttle unless I want the two ends of the beemer wanting to negotiate their respective locations… and quickly at that. 2nd is better but won’t last too long and I need to short shift to 3rd. If the road is a little more open and I don’t have a corner to slow for, then wheel spin continues through 3rd and into 4th if I’m game for it and by now I’m starting to approach 100kph.

Hanging off the bike to try and keep it going in the correct direction is fun, but I’m reminded this is no dirt bike when I accidentally back it into one corner and suddenly it feels like a quarter of a ton again.

So in the end, only 180km ish of exploring taking me about 6-7 hours but I put the ride firmly in the “Fuck Yeah” category having thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. While I can have days of hundreds of kilometres, I equally enjoy poking my nose down a road and seeing where it goes.

Later that evening there was even a stunning sunset so here’s a bonus pic

Finally, since it’s New Years Eve (and Happy New Year all you crazy buggers that read my occasional ramblings) Raglan puts on a fireworks display, so here’s a couple of the best I managed. Here’s to another awesome year of riding in 2016!

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]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/6341-Raglan-to-Kawhia-–-Exploring-(31-12-2015) A peek into the world of Event Riding https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/6148-A-peek-into-the-world-of-Event-Riding Tue, 03 Nov 2015 09:11:32 GMT For those that don't know, I've done several triathlons, marathons, some half Ironman and also a full Ironman. I know, my physique doesn't exactly give away my athleticism... oh wait, I've done every single one on top of a motorcycle ;) Obviously this is not how most people do it, but it's fun watching people's reactions when you try telling them you do all that sort of stuff yet weigh 100kg :sweatdrop

It's a side of motorcycling that is seldom seen and almost harder to get into as the skills are specific and not everyone either wants to do it, can do it, or has a motorcycle suitable for it. We can travel at any speed from 5-100kph, avoiding competitors, the public, cones and doing plenty of tight u-turns as we either chase bicycles or get chased. Most events are full closed road events with only permitted access, but some I have done have been working with police to maintain a rolling road closure around the race on public roads.

One event I've done for the last few years is the Auckland Marathon. Run from Devonport to Victoria Park, there are multiple events, but the main ones we're involved with is the full marathon, half marathon and quarter marathon. There are mutiple roles, namely photographers (relatively easy as it's start stop and the pictures are mostly taken off the bike), film (hard as filming is done on the move and you have to constantly be in close proximity without being too close) and lead escort (can be hard when you're in the midst of slow people with the leaders closing on you fast).

Lead escort is sitting in front of the lead male or female and clearing a path through other competitors for them. The marathon leaves at 0600 from Devonport, the Half from the same place at 0650. The leaders in the half will often hit the last marathon walkers only a few km into it, but it only gets really busy around the buslane and then the harbour bridge through to the finish.

The runners have been alone for a while, are spread across the whole usable area and we come along acting all mean and force them to one side by tooting our horns and shouting. Most hear us at some point, but some won't understand or have music blaring and get quite the surprise when we're suddenly next to them ordering them to move. We usually run in twos, with one clearing and warning and trying to establish some order before the second bike tells people to move again, and finally the runner comes through hopefully able to keep their stride.

Half Marathon - 21km
This year we had 3 bikes on male lead half, one a newbie (had done other events, but not this role) so the best way to learn this sort of thing is in the midst listening to us, while myself and the other have done this for a couple of years already. We had comms between our helmets so could talk and push and pull each other as required. Leading a race also has the additional responsibility of knowing the course exactly. Take a wrong turn and it's likely the competitor(s) will follow you. This particular course is closed and built overnight so we can't ride it before hand and any issues are encountered and dealt with on the fly.

I finally got my arse into gear and had the GoPro up and running this year, linked to my mobile so I could check it was the right angle and I've done the most basic editing trimming it to the salient part. No music so you can hear both my voice plus the others from the comms unit. If you like music, play your own, that way you'll get exactly what you like :bleh:


Quarter Marathon - 12km
Once we were in the side chute specifically for us (#1 rule is don't run anyone over, #2 is don't go down the finish chute), the others took a break for breakfast in the VIP area and would then head out to patrol the marathon along the waterfront. I headed for the North Shore to run the Quarter as well, starting from Smales Farm.

For this, there was only one motorbike each for male and female lead. We watched the constant sea of competitors until the cut off time when they were loaded onto buses instead. One of the requirements on the event is the course closing at certain times and public access being restored. For the half and marathon, if you didn't make it onto the busway by 0815 then you got transported further down.

The quarter started at 0900 and we had an easy run along the wide busway, the lead pack forming within 1-2km and only hitting backmarkers on the bridge. Progress was more tricky in the tighter areas with no extra bike to warn runners earlier.

Here's another vid, for the quarter, again, with my stellar editing :innocent: oh... and my voice :facepalm:


After that, my voice was feeling worse for wear and it was time for a break for breakfast. Now mid-morning it was out onto the marathon course for safety patrol, but the majority of runners had either finished or well on their way back. Sorted out a few little niggles like cars getting onto the course and keeping cyclists off closed roads. This is the time when we're now Mr Nice, encouraging everyone along, checking they're OK and looking out for their safety :D

A debrief with the remaining crew in the VIP tent and then home, to wrap another years marathon. Started fading fast in the afternoon (0400 start will do that to you) and I had a 2 hour nana nap in the afternoon :zzzz: ]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/6148-A-peek-into-the-world-of-Event-Riding 10 Years On https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/5799-10-Years-On Fri, 01 May 2015 00:00:01 GMT I joined KiwiBiker in late March 2005 as I researched motorbikes and the forum kept coming up in results. Member #2710. In early May (first few days) I gained my Class 6 Learners and so started my passion for motorcycling. Yesterday I realised that in the next few days a decade will be reached and... I joined KiwiBiker in late March 2005 as I researched motorbikes and the forum kept coming up in results. Member #2710. In early May (first few days) I gained my Class 6 Learners and so started my passion for motorcycling. Yesterday I realised that in the next few days a decade will be reached and passed… time has flown by.

Shortly after gaining my learners I picked up a ZZR250 from TradeMe, crashed and not road legal for just under $1500. I bought a new top fairing and other parts required before tentatively heading out onto the roads. I think I stalled the bike at least 5 times on my tricky driveway and the first corner wasn’t taken… luckily there was another road in front! 40kph felt fine in suburbia. Why would anyone want to go faster I asked myself? In 7 months I did about 9000km before selling at the end of the year after I’d passed my restricted licence.


After the longest period I’ve ever been without a motorcycle, 3 weeks, I returned in the new year after a P&O Cruise to the islands to the sad news the learner I’d sold the bike to had died, running wide on a corner into an oncoming car. A valuable lesson was learnt. Small mistakes at the wrong time can be fatal.

With my restricted under my belt, I’d also applied for a capacity exemption (no LAMS back then) and was granted the exemption with no restriction on capacity. I test rode a 1995 ZX6R and a 1996 ZX7R (first year of the P series). Probably no surprise, but the ZX7R won. In a year I did over 21,000km and sold it after I gained my full licence in January 2007. I still credit that bike, with its brilliant front end as teaching me how to handle a bike as it required far more work than the modern 600s to ride. I only found out years later that my mates had had bets on how long I would last.


There was no other bike in my mind for an upgrade than the first release of Kawasaki’s litre bike, the 04-05 ZX10R. I’d lusted after one since I’d had the 250, rocking up to the shop and seeing them. With its aggressive look and reputation to match, I could feel it mocking me but as said… it was lust at first sight. There was a gap between the 7 and 10, but my boss had provided a CB919 Hornet for work a few months earlier, so I could still ride, and I hadn’t started driving.

In March 2007 I finally found a black 2004 ZX10R with 5k on the clock, the owner barely riding it and the mutual friend commenting he’d babied it, which was a rare find. His only regret was that he’d “only” done 270kph, I’m horrified, thinking there was no way it had been babied, until I noticed the inch wide chicken strips on tyres with a flat profile. Cash changed hands and I gently rode it home. Dad had given me a lift to collect… don’t think he was too pleased to hear the 270kph comment :whistle:


What followed in the next 18 months could be summed up as naughty. I was one of those young males, treating the road like a racetrack. Most rides had a top speed in excess of 200kph, often simply because I could… easily. Other mates also had litre bikes… we tried to find the differences between them. We all agreed mine was the most rewarding to ride (and most difficult). You were often on edge, the bike feeling like if it killed you, it would sit there laughing at your stupidity. This was typical Japanese at the time. Monster motor, sharp chassis, quick handling, the best of the best in all pieces and as a package unrideable in competition due to its unpredictable nature. As a road bike, it was a massive thrill.

However… in the 18 months of ownership, more people were crashing, several mates died, more left motorcycling due to the deaths and injuries and I found myself running out of mates to ride with. To cap it off, I lost my licence for 3 months due to collecting 120 demerits in 20 months, and needing my licence to work and travel around the city… the impact was real and sudden.

It was a moment for reflection, especially the moment in front of a judge pleading for a work licence (which I was granted). Other riders I considered slower than myself were also crashing and I began to question how close to the limit I was. Obviously it’s a little late to find the limit after you’ve passed it… In a culmination of factors (and after I got my licence back) and covering 17,000km I traded it on a brand spanking new 2008 KTM 990 Supermoto.

The re-adjustment speed wise was painful and took several months. I’d gained the bad habit of treating speed limits as mere suggestions (this included tripling the speed limit once or twice on the ZX10R). This was replaced with strict discipline. I’d been on a short leash with a limited work licence and recognised that while fines hurt financially, it was the demerits that would be my comeuppance.

The only problem was the KTM was well… a KTM. With a hooligan toy at my hands, I learnt wheelies. I liked wheelies. Mates were even quite familiar with this. I was never good at wheelies however. Anyone good has written off or decently crashed at least one bike, which I hadn’t… so I was no good. In between 3rd gear power wheelies and hooking 2nd gear mid wheelie (I was very proud of that) I started exploring back roads, gravel roads and anywhere that looked less travelled.


This was a slippery slope and the more I explored, the more I asked the shop to get better economy from the bike and allow me to carry luggage. The more I asked, the more the shop thought I was crazy and started reminding me it was a Supermoto. Along with the exploring came long distance riding (yes, looking back now, it’s somewhat funny in the country of NZ, with two small islands).

After 27 months and hatching yet more ridiculous ideas (custom designing a larger fuel tank anyone? – luckily this wasn’t executed) I finally concluded I was on the wrong track and needed a more suitable base for my modifications and needs. The dealer was a bit stunned that a 27 month old bike had 63,000km on it… he thought I said 6300km. :laugh:

I was creamed on the trade in, two thirds of the bike value was lost, but in return I got the new shiny I really wanted and no messing about with tyre kickers. I picked up the only 2nd hand R1200GS Adventure I could find in the country, an ex-demo 2010 complete with the HP2 sporty upgrades for that year on and 4000km on the clock in January 2011.


I quickly set about rectifying the low mileage once again travelling the country and indeed, even the USA and Canada in 2011. After a year the GSA had 40,000km on the clock. Over the subsequent years the annual mileage has dropped but I’ve done almost everything I could imagine on it and still enjoy it. Since the darker days of the ZX10R I’ve more suitable riding buddies and speed is no longer the source of enjoyment and rather the execution of a safe ride with fantastic scenery.

In the last year after joining IAM I’m also working to raise motorcyclists standards of riding, which some mates enjoy describing as putting the fox on guard of the hen house.

Adding the mileage across the bikes together, along with the work Hornet, it’s in excess of 310,000km and 200,000km of that is on the current bikes I’m riding, the Hornet and GSA.

Roll on another 10 years… but NZ does seem smaller than it used to be :ride: ]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/5799-10-Years-On IAM Observer Test (10/07/2014) https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/4031-IAM-Observer-Test-(10-07-2014) Sun, 13 Jul 2014 11:28:42 GMT If If’s and An’s were pots and pans, then I’d have a whole pile more blog posts than I do. Suffice to say my blogging has been crap in the last year or so. :o I blogged my IAM Initial Assessment round April 2012, a monthly ride in May 2012, and then nothing, so I should probably update you on... If If’s and An’s were pots and pans, then I’d have a whole pile more blog posts than I do. Suffice to say my blogging has been crap in the last year or so. :o

I blogged my IAM Initial Assessment round April 2012, a monthly ride in May 2012, and then nothing, so I should probably update you on that. Around May/June 2013 I passed the IAM Advanced Test, making myself a full member. In August/September I was part of the 2013 Trainee Observer intake, essentially, right back into being observed and getting feedback.

In IAM Observers are the volunteers taking associates on runs, assessing their riding across a variety of roads, urban and rural and then giving them feedback as their primary role is to get associates to Advanced Test standard. It was always my aim to work towards that, to return the time and skills to others coming through the system.

My first assigned Observer ended up with other commitments taking priority, so another, Roger, took me on while his Trainee Observer was painting his house. Some intensive work with almost weekly runs from April to June this year paying dividends as I got used to all the elements required in the role of Observer.

As an Associate, you are paying attention to the indicators of the Observer showing you the route to follow, or listening to Bluetooth comms which many of us run and concentrating on getting your riding right and applying the system.

As an Observer, you’re remembering your chosen route, giving route directions in good time for the Associate to follow, watching what’s happening in front and behind of them, what they’re doing, what’s happening behind you for safety, remembering everything during the ride and then debriefing the Associate after the run. On top of those requirements during a run, you need to have good communication and listening skills, good knowledge of road code and roadcraft and a supportive manner of the Associate without crushing them during debrief. Yeah… the first few runs were hard work. :wacko:

As with anything, practise is the key and I could see the improvements after every run. Part of the trainee program is a set of 8 modules that need to be completed, from gaining information from the Associate (helps with tailoring a run to their needs) to briefing them on how the run will work, through to other specific modules including observing fast and slow riders. This part I was never too phased by, as I figured they’d get marked off as and when I’d achieved them. Roger also assisted in getting specific riders for the slow and fast modules and comms between them only, doing things specifically to test my observation. I’d also become comfortable with being observed again, as simply there was too much else to pay attention to, to focus on what Roger might be thinking. The key anyway, is to ride normally, as any mistakes will be brought up and you’re then able to correct them.

Last month Roger starts mentioning that if the next run or two go according to plan he’s putting me forward for the test and suddenly I find my comfortable environment of an Observer to catch my mistakes is vaporising… While a certain mate thinks this is the fox watching the hen house, I certainly feel the responsibility for representing IAM and doing right by the associates.

The test, like the Advanced Test is run by an IAM Examiner, in this case Phil McDaid of Riderskills, Chief IAM Examiner for Motorcycles. Roger, in true fashion leaves me after the last run, saying he’s putting me forward, with the parting comment: “No pressure, but no-one I’ve put forward has ever failed” *hard stare* … mmm… :whistle:

Since Phil also has his own business to run along with putting up a lot of his time for IAM, weekends were his busiest time, so I arranged to take a day off work instead and do it during the week. Thursday was arranged, 2pm out by Westgate at Phil’s office.

The Observer Test is made up of 3 parts. Theory on roadcraft and road code, a short version of the Advanced Test and then a run with an Associate where my observation and feedback is observed by Phil and then assessed.

During the initial weekend of trainee training, we’d sat some theory tests and all 4 of us had scored 100%, so I was at least hoping to equal my previous score. Associates must score 70% and Observers must score 80%. Unfortunately, I got one roadcraft wrong and one road code wrong (who the hell needs to text in emergencies… argh!) leaving me with 90%.

Onto a short Advanced Test to prove I can still ride to the standards required (Observer riding is different to the system due to the dangers of being close on the same line). Phil takes me on a tour of West Auckland, most of it unfamiliar and I have to provide two (or was it three) running commentaries. Urban one I fail to mention the rubbish bags on kerbs… duh. Rural one I thought I was doing well until he told me to relax and said watch out for the concrete truck around the corner… huh… ah, I see it as I round the corner having failed to observe it early somewhere… I even replied to him “You had to do that to me Phil!”. I swear he was laughing in his helmet. :laugh:

See, no matter how hard you try, Phil is always going catch you somewhere. However, on returning to the office, besides those couple of things during commentary, my ride has gone well and Phil is satisfied. The one thing I’ve learnt so far (OK, amongst a pile of things) is that the Advanced Test is sort of a minimum standard. My riding has improved from there and you never stop learning.

Onto the observation part, the associate has arrived and I’m semi in control, having to run this section of the ride, figure out a suitable course with a mixture of urban and rural riding and do anything required like I would in a normal run. Phil then gives me feedback once the run is finished and written up.

3-3.5 hours after starting Phil is leaving me hanging, working slowly through each part, questioning certain things, commenting positively and negatively on sections, before finally giving me the good news and declaring I have passed the Observer Test! :wings:

It was definitely a happy moment, a lot of relief for sure and also satisfaction that I had gained the skills required in order to contribute. Beforehand, I’d found myself in an unusual position of being slightly nervous. All the work by Roger, a day off work, Phil and Associate committing their time, to waste the opportunity would be at the very least frustrating. On the other hand, I was calm, knowing I needed to be. I’d done the theory, I knew how to ride, I figured I knew how to observe from practise with Roger, and if I made mistakes then they needed to be corrected anyway.

Fortunately, Roger’s record remains intact, therefore my health is intact and IAM has one more Observer to help associates through the system. Another intake of Observers is also planned for next month, so it frees up another Observer to take a trainee.

So while I now fly solo, so to speak, I know there is still plenty more learning to be done as I start taking on my own Associates and guiding them towards the Advanced Test. ]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/4031-IAM-Observer-Test-(10-07-2014) 2013: The year that was https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2861-2013-The-year-that-was Wed, 01 Jan 2014 23:45:28 GMT It seems many do these blogs looking back on the year, and I sometimes wonder why, but then, given my lull in recent blogging (which some have touched on, on rare occasions) I figured it would probably be a good way of catching up a whole year in one hit as the year was different to the previous... It seems many do these blogs looking back on the year, and I sometimes wonder why, but then, given my lull in recent blogging (which some have touched on, on rare occasions) I figured it would probably be a good way of catching up a whole year in one hit as the year was different to the previous ones for various reasons :D

January was some event riding, an Ironman in Auckland and my first Cycle Classic based in Palmerston North, which was an eye opener, as there was a pack of cyclists to work with and a long queue of support vehicles behind them. Our role was to work with the 4 police cars managing a rolling road block around the convoy on each stage, bar the first country day, when I was given the TV3 videoman instead, and the other days ended up dual duty on convoy and also the organisers own cameraman. A week of covering that was quite different to closed course single day events, but a lot of fun as we all learnt from mistakes made, day to day.

A brief break in early February and finally getting my restricted car licence, then Paeroa and almost immediately after, a holiday to the South Island in late February and early March with a mate. Normally we rode down, took in the TT2000 and then a week of the South Island, but this time decided to transport the bikes down via ute instead so we also had a backup vehicle. The cost of a ute and 2 people was almost identical to 2 people and 2 bikes, so it was a free vehicle essentially. Sorting out a breakdown in Cambridge, everything else went smoothly, including the TT2000. The following week was some of the best adventure riding we’d done, taking in Hakataramea Pass, Danseys Pass, Old Dunstan Trail, Nevis Rd and Skippers Canyon then up the West Coast back to Christchurch.

It was somewhat fortunate we loaded back onto the ute, as Toto’s Hornet chain was beginning to protest the extended number of rough roads and dust, leaving the rings from the chain links at every stop, despite daily cleaning and lubing. It could be said I acted somewhat gleefully about having a shaft drive instead…

Early April was another Auckland Triathlon, essentially to outsiders, a valid excuse to do 100kph down Queen St (when it’s a normal street it’s 30kph)! The events are an excellent way to practise technical skills, going as slow as 10kph, riding in close proximity to cyclists, plenty of 2up u-turns and generally supporting the event in a way no other vehicle can. My boss flew out of NZ at the end of the month, for a 6.5 month break in Europe, riding the continent and most of the countries in it. Running his company fell to me, and essentially put my life on hold for half a year. :pinch:

Instead of knocking up a usual 30,000km ish on the BMW in the year I barely covered 1000km a month while he was away, and even that seemed high, as besides IAM rides, I left Auckland twice on two day trips. The work Hornet also sat still a lot more as I had no boss to ring and tell him he needed to move equipment here or there. Instead, it was me driving his X-trail and finding out what Auckland traffic was like as I lugged gear back and forth across the city.

In May, I passed the IAM Advanced Test, becoming a full member and culminating a year of hard work brushing up my riding and meeting the high standard required of IAM. Well worth it, but also another step on the IAM path. I also breezed through the car full licence, the IAM work no doubt paying dividends, as I knew the road code well. Looking back, I found myself wondering why it took me 7.5 odd years to complete my car licence, as I did both the restricted and full in quick succession, but then, I also made up for the lack of driving, by spending the next 6 months mostly driving.

Worse still, I became less of a biker. Mmm, rain, nah, I’ll take a vehicle. Mmmm, definitely looks like it will rain, I’ll take a vehicle. Ah, rain, I knew I’d been driving the last few days in a vehicle for a reason. If you’re chuckling, just wait until a few very hot days we had a few times. Much easier being in an air conditioned vehicle without the gear you know… A sad change for sure :crybaby: Family made a point of highlighting this, saying that I would be selling the bike in due course etc, but that was purely a step too far. After all, if I did that, I wouldn’t have much use for a ute either (which was purchased during the updates to my licence)!

Winter ended up being quiet, very little riding and plenty of working through weekends to finish jobs that hadn’t been finished during the week, and lots of rain, so this new found pansy stuck to 4 wheeled contraptions far too much, almost taking pride in how little the rain pants had been pulled out and used, with the only exception being the monthly IAM runs, which helped me to at least keep using a tank of gas a month in the BMW. I also ended up buying a mountain bike, in an attempt to return to a semblance of fitness, but it took until October ish before I actually rode the thing…

End of August and the next step in IAM, attending a weekend of Observer training, officially the start of becoming an Observer, by going through a 2 day course put on by the Chief Examiner, Phil McDaid (who runs Riderskills and has a real passion for motorcycling safety). Assigned to an Observer, our job is to get me to Observer standard and pass the Observer test and then start taking on my own associates and working with them to get to IAM test standard. It’s been an interesting road, taking more interest in the road rules, how they work, making sure I know them correctly, all part and parcel of being an IAM Observer, along with the riding skills. It’s a never-ending process, continually aiming to improve, and it’s not something you “put on” for IAM rides.

In September and October the IAM assisted other charities with the Blue September and Pink Ribbon Rides respectively, either within the ride or on intersection duty and generally promoting our own charity and belief in advanced riding. Everyone reported a good result, so it’s likely that these will become fixtures in the calendar. I was lured out to Woodhill Mountainbike Park by mates, bit of a baptism of fire, but after a few runs the wheezing was slowly changing into breathing and progress was being made on the fitness front.

In November it was back to Event Riding, the first weekend being the Auckland Marathon and the subsequent weekend was BikeTheBridge. For the marathon my role was Male Half Marathon Lead with a mate. I was first, he was second, then the lead runners behind him. We left after the main full length marathon, so our role was to clear a path through the tail of the marathon for the lead runners. Easier said than done, the rules said no music devices, which seemingly fell on deaf ears (did you see what I did there?) as plenty of MP3 players etc in use, meaning people couldn’t hear our instructions being shouted, or horns being beeped.

This resulted in a more than a couple of very startled runners turning around and finding a motorcycle bearing down on them. Responses varied, but one ran like a panicked rabbit in front of me, left, right, left, right until finally going left. I had Bluetooth comms with my mate, which was handy for managing the gap between us, but we both felt the pressure of the ones behind bearing down on us and the requirement to keep moving through the runners. The initial part was easy, but as we entered the busway, and especially over the Harbour Bridge, the runners were very dense and it was like moving through treacle (running over participants was definitely not approved). By the completion of 21km through the Viaduct, my voice was definitely feeling the effect of shouting MOVE LEFT, *BEEP BEEP*, KEEP LEFT etc.

A quick break for breakfast and then we switch from being evil to being supportive, patrolling the waterfront and course for the 2nd half of the marathon, supporting runners, cheering them on and checking for those in distress and bringing medical in, if required.

BikeTheBridge was a participation event over the Harbour Bridge (ie, not a race) and my role was to lead the 115km ride to North Harbour Stadium in Albany. Of course, looking at the lead bunch in my mirrors, I don’t think many remembered it wasn’t a race. A cruisy ride through Dairy Flat and back through Riverhead, and then it got really interesting in the final run to Albany as we joined into the middle of the 50km ride. Cyclists on both sides of the road, overtaking each other, motorcycles patrolling and the road open to cars, all on narrow country roads, it was quite the switch from tootling along with nothing in front of me, and only the occasional car passing.

In the final kilometres, the leaders are making their break, passing cars held up by other cyclists and chasing me down a hill urging me to go faster as I pause to negotiate a cyclist and a blind corner. With the main event out of the way, it’s back to patrolling, increasing the road visibility of the cyclists until the final riders have completed the event (including a very slow ride right at the end, for a very tired cyclist that refused the sag wagon).

The end of November was the last monthly IAM run for the year, so one of the members hosted a small get together at their lodge (http://www.lonekaurilodge.co.nz) and we had a great BBQ. I also realised that between IAM and event riding, my riding had become mostly functional for some purpose rather than a casual country run and a lot of the other time being taken up doing mountain biking with mates – and luring more mates into it. Make it fun and I reckon it’s a great way to get some fitness.

With the usual rush as work entered December and the run to Christmas, along with the usual surprise of where the hell did the year go?, the boss was back and projects were underway (with him away, most were shelved, prioritising daily support and resolving issues) and besides one great run out to Waipoua Forest with GiJoe, the BMW once again wanted a new seal for the final drive and there were none available at the dealer or BMW NZ, so a couple of weeks off the road waiting for a new seal to arrive, and increasingly getting more nervous as Christmas approached, and it needed to be replaced for the holiday period.

Fortunately it arrived in time and was replaced the week before Christmas. The boss returning also meant I was back on the Hornet for the Christmas rush, and the grin couldn’t be wiped from my face as traffic ground to a standstill in most places, and I could keep moving getting things done.

Christmas Day and it was onto the BMW, my brother and I spending Boxing Day in Wanganui for the Cemetery Circuit racing, the first time my brother had been, and his first multi-day trip outside Auckland. Perhaps I sowed the seeds of travelling the country, who knows, but I carried all his gear (the BMW is rather handy like that). Back to Raglan and the family bach for a day (parents being handy and bringing down my ute, mountain bike and other associated gear) then off to Rotorua to spend time with Toto and his girlfriend mountain biking the Redwoods until New Years Eve.

It didn’t going entirely according to plan, at the end of the first run through the Redwoods I misjudged my speed over a big jump, then 2 little ones, landing into the 2nd little one, sort of coming off, but more importantly, re-adjusting the seat (or more specifically bending the seat rails) with my rib cage. Fortunately, probably no broken or cracked ribs (A&E wouldn’t be able to do much, so I didn’t bother) but boy, the next couple of days of mountain biking were a little more gentle and hard work. Back to Raglan feeling delicate and taking it easy trying to get the ribs to heal faster…

What will 2014 bring? The calendar has already been filling up with events, but the number one goal is getting my ribs happy again so I can get things done. January will see another Ironman and Cycle Classic (a week in Palmerston North again), February will be Paeroa and more marshalling at Hampton Downs for some big weekend and as the TT2000 clashes, I’ll probably miss it for the first time in about 4-5 years.

In between all that I’ll need to slot in more development as an IAM Trainee Observer, with the aim of becoming an Observer before year end to help ease the workload on the existing Observers, as there is a waiting list for new associates, and I’ll continue to enjoy mountain biking, perhaps with a few weekend trips thrown in to ride areas outside Auckland, as there are some fantastic trails.

As for mileage on motorcycles, hopefully better than 2013, but I think the years of 30-50,000km a year are now history, as life seems pretty full on with all the other things I now enjoy doing! As with KoroJ however, it’s somewhat scary to look back and think how much I saved on fuel, servicing, tyres and even the equipment won’t wear out as quickly.

I put a set of tyres on the BMW after the South Island trip, early March, and they are still fitted now, with months of life left and probably 8-10,000km done on them. In previous years I could have worn out a couple of sets in that time! After the Temptation thread I started as well earlier this year, I can’t imagine changing the BMW any time soon either, as it’s perfect for the variety of things I do, and currently sits at 83,280km. I have a graph of mileage over time which I’ll update but it’s at home while I currently lounge in Raglan enjoying a rare break from everything, even work.

I hope you’ve all had an excellent year and done all the things you wanted to! Here’s to another! :wings: ]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2861-2013-The-year-that-was 2012 KB Gathering - Sunday/Monday (03-04/06/2012) https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2639-2012-KB-Gathering-Sunday-Monday-(03-04-06-2012) Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:05:43 GMT *Sunday* Up at 0700, no-one had really discussed what time we should be getting up in our room, but it seemed everyone liked the time and ran with it. I had a breakfast of Countdown supplies and most of us were ready to go before Qkkid had even surfaced… slow bugger! He tried revising what time... Sunday

Up at 0700, no-one had really discussed what time we should be getting up in our room, but it seemed everyone liked the time and ran with it. I had a breakfast of Countdown supplies and most of us were ready to go before Qkkid had even surfaced… slow bugger! He tried revising what time he had said, but none of us were having it.

Before heading out I headed around the corner to get gas then returned and everyone was ready to go. Mplant was joining us for the day’s ride and OCD Legend made herself comfortable on the back after a short briefing on what to do (and perhaps more importantly, what not to do). The guys filled up at the Mobil at the start of SH5 and then we headed east to Bayview to meet the Napier crew who would be joining us for the day ride.

I took up position at the rear, playing TEC behind Mplant as SH5 was boring enough and I had OCD Legend to get used to on the back. Mplant was making good progress, not going too badly. Around one very wide uphill left hander I surprised an oncoming Harley in a group. They were barely entering the corner but this one was already almost on the centre line. With my IAM lines I was closer to the centre line than you’d normally be especially since the lane was so wide. I saw a definite correction from the rider as they were forced to stay further out from the centre line.

The rest of the trip to Bay View was uneventful, except for Mplant missing my indicator and he carried on right past all the stopped bikes and the gas station. I pulled in, figuring he’d notice soon enough that I wasn’t behind him anymore. MSTRS and Yungatart and another were already there and waiting for us. We had a brief break and a ride briefing before heading out. I would take TEC again as I was content to have a cruisy day for the most part, but perhaps play a little during the Gentle Annie.

MSTRS led out down some back roads from Bay View, roads I’d never been on, but boy, I sure love having locals play guide, as the roads were a lot of fun being very tight and twisty. Seafield Rd led to Puketitiri Rd and Mplant was soon in front of me as the others overtook one by one. He was certainly looking more comfortable than the trip down, but the poor guy had still only been riding for a couple of weeks.

On Puketitiri Rd it finally fell apart on a tight downhill right hander. Ntoxcated happened to be just down the road (I think he was chatting to his wife) and sort of saw it in his mirrors. Mplant entered the corner, but panicked, jumped on the brakes and went straight ahead, off the road, through a ditch and even managing to half launch it up a steep bank before tumbling off himself. I pulled over to let OCD Legend off before finding a better position to park and provide more warning for approaching cars. Ntoxcated had already turned around as well and we got the CBR250R back on the road side with a bit of tugging. A brief run down the road by Ntoxcated and we were quite surprised by the minimal damage to the bike, as usually sportbikes destroy themselves (or the fairings).

Back on the road we knew we’d lost a lot of time but figured they’d either stop or come back, and there would be corner markers anyway. Ntoxcated takes point to show lines and braking to Mplant while I bring up the rear. We continue on, but Mplant is clearly a bit shaken and within a couple of kilometres another downhill right hander (but very steep and decreasing radius) catches him out. He’s half braking, half trying to turn and I’m already on the brakes expecting the worst.

He hits the marbles near the edge of the road and goes down harder. This time the CBR250R is starting to complain about the abuse and won’t initially start. We leave it for a few minutes before it’s happy starting, so was most likely flooded. I’m thinking that while he’s getting a hell of an experience it’s not exactly what we’re after, but hey, we can’t do much about it. The delays will also be noticeable to the rest of the group. It’s an odd thing sitting on a barrier post waving and giving thumbs up to cars while we wait for the bike to want to start.

On the road again, a bit more cautious, and I’m hyper sensitive now and hanging back. It wouldn’t really make my day to run over another rider (or bike). Puketitiri Rd is a great ride but now there is no-one in sight. Karen the GPS is all over the map trying to route me through our intended route of the Gentle Annie and I’m getting suspicious that we may be heading into a dead end, yet there has been no-one marking a turn. Mmmm… gravel ahead. I’m reasonably certain that MSTRS wouldn’t be taking a ride along a gravel road and while I’m OK with it, we should probably focus on finding the group and not being lost.

I motion to turn around and we stop in a layby to assess the situation. There’s no reception so I can’t contact MSTRS but I send a txt anyway to inform him of what’s going on, before deciding we should back track. I take lead and we head down the road, only to run into MSTRS in less than 1km and yep, he’s out looking for us. We let him take lead and it pans out that we should have turned between Mplant’s two bins (so uh, the second one kinda wasn’t necessary). The main group has had lunch and continued on through the Gentle Annie, while a couple are stopped at Puketapu Tavern waiting for us.

We arrive (just a little later than planned) but once the lunch finally arrives it makes up for it, as it’s delicious. Ntoxcated almost had his death wish granted when he tried to send mine away saying none of us had ordered it, but since I rescued my food, he would live to see another day!

It was almost mid-afternoon and too late to tackle the Gentle Annie now, especially with a learner in tow. I still really wanted to, and night riding is fine by me, but the group, and especially a learner’s needs, come first. MSTRS led us back to the main drag and Ntoxcated offered to take TEC to give me a break. I warned Mplant that at times I would step up the pace and he didn’t need to keep up, as I would wait down the road. The plan was to lead, but now and then have a play through the tighter bits to give us both a nice time.

Bar one cop out hunting, the return trip was uneventful, but the main group had still beaten us back to Taupo when we arrived in the early evening. Their report was that the road had been fun, but very slippery in places and no place to take a learner, so we made the right choice to return via the main roads. OCD Legend reported she’s enjoyed the back of the BMW, so maybe Ntoxcated will see the light in due course and get himself a lovely practical BMW tourer… or not. :dodge:

While the rest headed into town almost straight away, I told them I would catch up, so it gave me a chance to check on emails and ring one or two people. Later on, searching the town (which isn’t really that large) I failed to find them, settled for some takeaways at a place I’ve been to before on previous trips, and then found them back in the backpackers already, having bought themselves some pizzas.

We had a fun night swapping stories, but the southern lot had already had late nights on the previous nights, and had an early start the following day to head south so they turned in and we weren’t far behind. We briefly discussed leave times and routes, but there were a lot of options and no-one really choosing anything so we left it for the morning.

It took me a short while to get to sleep but then had a good sleep through to morning.


Monday

It was a lazy start, surfacing after 0700 and since there wasn’t far to go there wasn’t too much rush either. It was another Countdown breakfast of nuts and raisins and orange juice, but a healthy start to the day. Several options on offer for the return to Auckland got whittled down to one basic route, mostly main roads, SH1 to Tirau and Okoroire Pub for an early lunch, then SH27 to SH2 then SH1 and home.

The whole group was pretty much going to do that, so while they headed out to Wairakei to fill up, I found the Shell in town and then joined them, taking up my usual position of TEC. Traffic was reasonably light on the open road but the lack of cops was quite surprising.

The Okoroire Pub was quite when we arrived but then got busier after we arrived. No repeat of the antics we had on Maha’s ride where someone locked the keys into the car. I had a delicious mango drink and burger, but not everyone ate as it wasn’t quite lunch time. I’m not one to pass up an excellent burger on offer, so got stuck into it.

Turning onto SH27 after Okoroire there’s an oncoming police car… ah, more expected, but the second one wasn’t too expected, but no-one was even at the limit yet after pulling out of the side road. The rest of the trip was uneventful, but in excellent sunny conditions.

I peeled off as we passed through East Tamaki, waving good bye, and once home noted I’d still notched up over 1000km for the weekend. Didn’t go exactly as planned, but still saw some faces you see once or twice a year and had a good time with plenty of laughs.
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]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2639-2012-KB-Gathering-Sunday-Monday-(03-04-06-2012) 2012 KB Gathering - Saturday (02/06/2012) https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2638-2012-KB-Gathering-Saturday-(02-06-2012) Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:02:54 GMT *Saturday* Last year I’d had to skip the Gathering as I was mid prep for my USA Trip and my bike was somewhere on the ocean anyway. This year there were no such problems, so why not catch up with a few folk I don’t often see. We met at the BP Papakura Autobahn… for once, I was actually early,... Saturday

Last year I’d had to skip the Gathering as I was mid prep for my USA Trip and my bike was somewhere on the ocean anyway. This year there were no such problems, so why not catch up with a few folk I don’t often see.

We met at the BP Papakura Autobahn… for once, I was actually early, around 0815, with barely a soul in sight. GiJoe came out of hiding in the shops, but declared he only had a daytime leave pass, so would return to Auckland some time during the day. In due course some of the others arrived, NinjaNanna, Ntoxcated, the Qks and a newbie, Mplant.

Shortly after 0900 we decided no-one was coming, so headed off. We took SH1 south through Huntly and Qkchk ducked off with a wave at Taupiri, taking the main bypass south. It turned out later she wasn’t feeling well at all and had already spoken to Qkkid about it, and was taking the direct route to Taupo to rest up.

We turned off the main drag at Ngaruawahia (much to my relief) and took the back roads due south. I had nominated myself TEC but GiJoe couldn’t let that pass, so decided to be 2nd TEC (the bloody cheat). Mplant was in front of us and it quickly become apparent that he was definitely a learner as the others disappeared into the distance while he couldn’t get close to open road speed. I watched and observed for a while noting the mistakes he was making and moved ahead, motioning him to follow me.

Using some of the tricks I’d learnt from others in the IAM riding I pointed out important items and where to be on the road, getting him to follow me. The others had also been naughty and not left us a trail to follow, but the route was reasonably simple. After Mplant had been following me for a while and seemed a bit better I put him in front again and the improvement in his riding was clear to both GiJoe and I and good for at least a 10kph increase in speed.

The others had stopped in Otorohanga for a re-group, so I explained what was going on. Questioning Mplant, he’d only been riding for a couple of weeks. :crazy: Perhaps not the best ride for a very green newbie, he was in for a baptism by fire then! The temperature wasn’t particularly high (I’d been running my heated grips) and Mplant was looking very cold, so he put on another layer of clothing and commented he felt much warmer. I was rugged up in my Rukka suit so wasn’t feeling cold at all.

It was only a short hop to Te Kuiti, the next stop so we continued, with GiJoe, Mplant and I bringing up the rear. The more flowing roads were easier for Mplant so we made pretty good time, but arriving at the Z there was no-one sight. I should have checked where we were specifically re-grouping, but filled up anyway and guessed they’d be at my next choice, the eatery next to the BP at the other end of town, and sure enough, they had already ordered. Time for lunch then, as there wouldn’t be a more convenient time for lunch later.

We discussed the route for the afternoon over lunch, deciding to do Awakino Gorge and the Forgotten Highway. However, this was not a good idea for Mplant, being a challenging and long ride, not stuff for newbies. GiJoe offered to lead Mplant towards Taupo and then return to Auckland, so Ntoxcated, NinjaNanna, Qkkid and I headed south west through the gorge. The others were comfortable on a pace a little above legal, me not as much, so after a few overtakes they slowly disappeared into the distance. I wasn’t too fazed as I knew where I was going anyway and figured they would stop at some point to re-group.

The ride along the west coast was stunning. Conditions were windy and overcast but it was still a nice sight riding beside the ocean. No bikes in Urenui so I continued on, taking the turn off for Stratford. The run along the straights was predictably boring, so I looked forward to the re-group in Stratford… except there were no bikes. Z empty, turn at the roundabout… no bikes. Slightly puzzled, I figured I may as well continue. They were big boys and *should* be able to take care of themselves. They were travelling quicker anyway, so it wasn’t a good idea for me to be the one waiting… :scratch:

I had a fantastic run through to Whangamomona, all sealed roads this side, but took it carefully through a few damp sections. The rest required sport mode to be dialled into the ESA as I kept whacking the stands on the road through the tight cambered corners, despite 2up preload settings (and not a lot of luggage). Reaching Whangamomona I needed a toilet break, but the bloody public toilet was up a side street. It can’t be far I thought, and if I left the bike on the main road then the guys would be able to find me if they were behind.

Well, it may not be far when you’re on a bike, but walking it was almost 1km – in full bike gear – oh, and 1km one way. I passed a few locals and they even commented “Why didn’t you bring the bike down?”. In between panting I said I was trying to find people and they could see the bike. Their looks seemed to be a mix of puzzlement and questioning my sanity and I think I felt the same. Regardless, they talked funny but then in the Republic of Whangamomona, everything is a bit different.

I found the toilets and started the return trip and upon returning to the bike the guys were just arriving. Seems they got confused in Inglewood and took a wrong turn. I didn’t think you could go wrong in a town couple of houses but there you go. They looked sheepish enough. Qkkid announced that Taupo was putting on nibbles for us in light of the group booking. That’s nice, but it was happening at 1400 ish, and it was already 1430 and we were a long way from Taupo.

Right, so nibbles missed, the guys felt we should still blast along in a futile bid to get nibbles. I think that’s the reason I’ll put on the elevated pace we did to Taumarunui but it sure was fun. I started a bit behind the guys but passed Qkkid and NinjaNanna and followed Ntoxcated through the gravel section. He sure was keen on the slippery clay on his VTR, but I wasn’t letting some road rider disappear. :lol:

We stopped in Taumarunui for more gas (I was good for Taupo having filled in Te Kuiti) and the other two weren’t far behind. We had a good look at a group of bikes that were getting ready to leave, a middle aged group on a variety of bikes from road bikes to cruisers. The guys checked into their respective spouses to update their location (and it seemed the party was already in full swing). We geared up and headed out on the final leg to Taupo, some 1.5 hours away.

Reaching the turn off for SH41 I’m in the lead, so I pull over, indicate to two of the guys to turn off and wait for Ntoxcated. I’m waiting for a little while, enough to wonder how hard 5-10km is when a car pulls up and asks if I’m waiting for a mate on a motorbike… well yes I am and it seems Ntoxcated has decided to chat to a cop, or maybe it’s the other way around? I head back to Taumarunui and find him in a side street just inside the 50kph zone so wait to one side for him to complete formalities.

He’s obviously less than impressed at being pinged but there’s nothing you can do about it, so we head along SH41 towards Taupo. It’s starting to get dark and as we’re heading through the forest there have been rain showers and it’s damn slippery. We take it easy, working our way of the slippery patches and reach SH1 without too many slides.

The GPS proves it’s worth as we reach the Blackcurrant Backpackers before the other guys, even after being well behind, as they struggle to figure out exactly where they need to be. Ntoxcated’s wife (OCD Legend) is already waiting with access to room and I head to check in. The other guys (including Mplant) are already in the shared room so I join them and get out of the bike gear.

We head into town to find the other KB’ers (who are in a bar of course) and turn it into a proper gathering. Many familiar faces, both from Gatherings and also the Grand Challenge. I have a really nice steak sandwich for dinner and we have the odd discussion about the following day amongst the rest of the bullshit. OCD Legend doesn’t really want to tackle the full day on her bike and thinks she might spend the day in Taupo, which can’t be that exciting given she spent the time and effort to get to Taupo.

I offer her the pillion seat on the GSA as Ntoxcated’s practical VTR has no pillion seat and she initially declines. A few pitch in their opinions, including Qkkid who hilariously declares that he wouldn’t pillion behind many people, but I’m one of them… flattering but I can’t remember the last time he saw me ride :D

We head back to the backpackers to talk more shit before turning in for the night, with an agreed time of 0900 the following morning. I go via the Countdown to get some supplies like drink and food for breakfast and even come to the aid of a cute backpacker who can’t figure out how to operate the hobs, although I would probably be the last person who should ever give advice about kitchen stuff, especially when it involves gas and flames. Still, we got the hob lit, much to the entertainment of the crowd… bastards :bleh:
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]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2638-2012-KB-Gathering-Saturday-(02-06-2012) IAM May Monthly Ride (27/05/2012) https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2596-IAM-May-Monthly-Ride-(27-05-2012) Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:19:36 GMT Setting the alarm for 0800 didn’t exactly work, eventually realising I’d lost half an hour already and I better hurry up! Had breakfast, got geared up, chucked odds and ends into the panniers and off to Westgate. I left home at 0915, one stop for some gas and I got to Riderskills HQ around 0950. ... Setting the alarm for 0800 didn’t exactly work, eventually realising I’d lost half an hour already and I better hurry up! Had breakfast, got geared up, chucked odds and ends into the panniers and off to Westgate. I left home at 0915, one stop for some gas and I got to Riderskills HQ around 0950.

Everyone was already there, including Sharry, who was now curious about IAM, after speaking to me. Hehe, always fun bringing in fresh victims. :devil2: A quick catch up some of the guys, and meeting new faces. Blackbird’s mate Andy was there, and being a BMW owner he was curious about how it was setup, so we swapped the inevitable stories all BMW owners seem to have. :scratch:

Philip split us into groups, with observers, members and trainees evenly spread. I had a cruiser rider going through training, Blackbird, a new member and one of the Riderskills staff as observer. We headed out on SH16, cruiser rider in the lead and me at position 3. We were initially split up by traffic but caught up through Kumeu. We continued north, turning onto some side roads (I think we took a wrong turn somewhere) and ended up on the end of Old North Rd, then Peak Rd.

Nearing the end of Peak Rd the Riderskills staff went in front and started point out things to observe… so I reckoned I clearly wasn’t doing a good enough job. Reaching Kaukapakapa the cruiser rider missed the turn onto Kahikatea Flat Rd so the observer chased him down while we waited. We had a brief break in Waitoki to debrief and to swap positions so I would lead. The one overtake we’d had (of a truck towing a trailer) resulted in some discussion about good overtaking, and good observation, noticing that while it would be safe to overtake, there was no space in front of the vehicle to go into.

The cruiser had been leading at a…. err… conservative pace which was about 80kph in practise (or a little bit over). He did admit that he was in no rush, so happy with his pace. The observer had noticed a Ducati catch up to us, clearly frustrated at our limited pace on straights, but each time we hit corners he disappeared, then caught up again on straights… :laugh: While stopped a guy in a car had warned us of a mufti cop just around the corner, so moving away I was sure we stayed at the limit throughout town. I have to admit however, the radar saw him, but never eyeballed him, so he must have been fitting in remarkably well.

Since I was leading I got to set the pace, so back to 100kph we went. The member and I split away from the cruiser (in position 3) and Blackbird and the observer, but waited at the end of the road by Caltex Dairy Flat, before heading south on SH17, or old SH1. We had decided to do Coatesville Riverhead Highway back to Westgate, and while the weather was cloudy there was no rain, the temperature was high teens and the road in excellent condition.

Consequently, we dropped the cruiser again, but the speed limit along the road is now 80kph, so I managed to pretty much maintain that through to Riverhead. From there, it got a little messy. I pulled over after a roundabout to wait for the others, then they arrived, I pulled out, but the member behind me had pulled over further ahead… so a bit of confusion all round over whether we were pulling over, or not, eventually I felt I was leading and should take the lead again. Definitely not a good look, as it frustrated the cars and made ourselves a danger… still, life is about learning.

Back to Riderskills HQ and we were first back. The observer took Blackbird and the other member for some further training I think, as all members (if they wish) continue on to become observers. The cruiser fellow and I chatted until the other groups started returning.

The feedback for my riding was on the whole, good, but I needed to take up the cornering position sooner, make my mirror checking more obvious and ride along straights more to the right of the lane than the centre, which may not be something I entirely agree with.

I can see that it gives you better sight angles for hazards and objects on the left side of the road and you’re not riding in the crap in the centre of the lane, but it does put you closer to the oncoming traffic, which I’m not entirely certain is a good idea given the average skill level of the muppets on four wheels. Yes, you can give up your position (as it’s termed) for traffic, but then it seems kind of pointless to me to be basically swerving around on a dead straight road? The crap on road argument is somewhat negated, as the wheel tracks are, on average, more heavily worn, meaning they have less traction available.

With the feedback given, I headed off. A mentor will be assigned shortly, to work with me, through to the point they feel I am ready to take the full test. I txted GiJoe to let him know I needed to swing by his house, as I’d left my bungee cargo net at his place from the previous day of working on the bike. I headed south to his place, found the net, then felt I wasn’t in the mood for the motorway home, so took the back roads.

It turned into a very contemplative ride, thinking about the feedback. Was it right? Was it wrong? Did I want to ride that close to cars? I’d mentioned that part of the reason for riding in the centre of the lane was giving equal space either side for any issue that might arise. Side winds push you around, and especially with panniers on, I’m almost a metre wide. Riding in the right wheel track with a gust of wind would likely see me on the centre line, part of the bike in the oncoming. Regardless of anyone’s background or expertise, the oncoming lane to me is a no go area, unless overtaking, no matter what people say.

This certainly isn’t their intention or message, feeling that should say, a cross wind strike, then you counter. If there are oncoming vehicles, then give up your position (or for anything else). Number one is safety, which is naturally a good idea. I guess this approach strikes me as slightly inefficient. Endurance riding combines all the normal riding skills along with efficiency, to minimise use of energy balanced with making good progress. A position that requires constant adjustment is perhaps not the best choice then? Does that extra metre or so (max), make all that difference when you’re on a straight?

At the same time however, I’m very aware that this is how bad skills and habits creep into your riding. Am I being reasonable, or simply trying to argue that I’m right, and not embracing better ideas? Without trying to be stubborn, I’m still struggling with positioning on a straight. I can see their point of view that it looks undecided, neither here nor there, but I’ve chosen the position as the best after thousands of kilometres and experiences.

As I say, this was by far my most contemplative ride I’ve had for a long time. At the same time I was juggling the demands of the roads, going through the back of Takanini and Clevedon to the Pohutukawa Coast and then north through Maraetai and Whitford. It was actually the perfect choice and exactly what I was after, a nice mix of corners and straights, reasonably quick and flowing, and roads I probably haven’t done in months. I focussed on getting into position earlier, staying more to the centre of the road (and not particularly liking it) but also paying attention to the sides of the roads for hazards.

It was then that I had a second cause for further contemplation. I remembered a previous blog from Blackbird, commenting that as he went through the IAM process and trying to improve his riding, he was trying to improve everything at once, which caused his riding to turn into a right mess as other elements fell to pieces. This was starting to happen to me, while spending more time on those areas needing improvement, I wasn’t watching my mirrors as often or checking my speed.

In the end, the contemplation was turned into action, focussing on the riding 100%, information, position, speed, gear, acceleration. IPSGA, or one of the fundamental riding approaches to IAM. I passed a Harley pottering out for a cruise as I hit the Pohotukawa Coast, passed it and some cars and had a good trip through the tight corners of the coastline.

Nodded to a couple of bikers in Maraetai and headed home, arriving at 1500 with just over 200km on the clock for the day. A short day distance wise, but all the concentration and thinking made it feel like a much longer day. I think I can certainly expect many more days of high impact riding, short distance but demanding on brain and body. Blackbird often mentioned the constant watch of an observer as being tough.

Next weekend is the KB Gathering, so I’ll continue to concentrate and work on my positioning. This is certainly an interesting challenge. :ride: ]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2596-IAM-May-Monthly-Ride-(27-05-2012) Fitting LEDs and Zumo 660 (26/05/2012) https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2590-Fitting-LEDs-and-Zumo-660-(26-05-2012) Sat, 25 Aug 2012 00:10:05 GMT After what can only be described as the ultimate procrastination I finally got around to installing the replacement LED strips on my BMW. GiJoe and I had tried to fit them last year and ended up with blown/broken LEDs all round. We presumed somehow the controller failed so I had to order new... After what can only be described as the ultimate procrastination I finally got around to installing the replacement LED strips on my BMW.

GiJoe and I had tried to fit them last year and ended up with blown/broken LEDs all round. We presumed somehow the controller failed so I had to order new strips. They arrived earlier in the year but I had been doing other things so they sat waiting.

Of course such an install requires some extra spannering hands, so off to GiJoe again (he’s a real sucker for punishment) and we set about stripping the arse end of bike and tapping into the existing wires where we had left the posi-taps from last time. I’d decided I didn’t really want flashing red indicators, as being American, the indicators were red (but other kits are orange – go figure). This time there was no repeat of broken shiny things, and we were puzzled why this worked flawlessly and the others didn’t. :scratch:

Back together we tested throughout and the result was good… besides one strip that had remained installed, now had a few dead LEDs, despite having had no use since last year. I simply give up on that one in disgust… at least it works in the majority!

Somehow GiJoe had run out of zip ties (I have no idea how :innocent:) so a quick trip down the road to Repco for more zip ties, I even kindly donated them to his resources… I’ll probably use some on the next install anyway. :D

Next was a new GPS. The old Zumo 550 had done 97,000km and the screen was looking sad. I’d ordered a replacement screen (still yet to fit) but then a fantastic price came up on the 660 buying the Zumo 660 plus accessories plus fast memory card for $666. Can’t even buy at that price from overseas so bugger it, I bought it. I’d read online that thanks to feedback it’s one of a few GPS that supports Off Road Tracks as well, perfect for my adventure riding. :wings:

The 660 has a completely different wiring harness to the 550 so once again the tank had to come off. I documented the tank removal process this time as someone from AdvRider had asked for it. We located the 550 wiring, removed it from the bundle and added the 660 wiring harness. Tested briefly to make sure it worked and success! The day was going surprisingly smoothly…

We had some time up our sleeves and I’d bought more Touratech parts so we added the hard part steering stop on the front and fiddled the fuel line protectors into place as well. The jobs were a little easier with the large tank removed so why not take advantage of it?

From there we re-assembled, GiJoe scaring me in the process as we lost track of 1, no, 2 screws, then found one, then had them all and then lost one again. Somehow, we ended up with all the screws back in the fairings as required, but it was nerve wracking for a little while…

No mishaps today, long may it last!
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]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2590-Fitting-LEDs-and-Zumo-660-(26-05-2012) NGARNZ Pureora Adventure Ride (05/05/2012) https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2583-NGARNZ-Pureora-Adventure-Ride-(05-05-2012) Sun, 19 Aug 2012 22:20:40 GMT The ride started at 9am on Saturday in Taupo, so a Friday evening trip down was required as I’m probably not the earliest of risers. I’d managed to tempt Devil into doing the adventure ride, but he was so keen he left Auckland at 1530, already packed and fuelled. I was not so lucky, with a day of... The ride started at 9am on Saturday in Taupo, so a Friday evening trip down was required as I’m probably not the earliest of risers. I’d managed to tempt Devil into doing the adventure ride, but he was so keen he left Auckland at 1530, already packed and fuelled. I was not so lucky, with a day of work to pile through, so left work at 1700 (still early for an average day) and headed home. I hadn’t packed the previous night, so still had all that to do.

During the day Devil and I had traded Skype messages, mostly around the trip and he’d also warned me that Taupo was expected to be 0 degrees overnight, so I should get down early. We’d also discussed packing light, but initially I’d planned to stay Friday and Saturday night, so I could travel light during the ride on Saturday. Anything happening on Sunday however, and as I found the last time, I have to carry all my gear, which makes the bike more of a handful, so I preferred to try travelling as light as possible.

This required some re-organising of my gear and cutting what I didn’t need. From two panniers (not completely full) and a tail pack (not full) to just the tail pack in its small configuration. At least I had the toolbox inside the right pannier rack so I packed a couple of tie downs, air compressor, air gauge and BMW toolkit (with some extras) into it. In the pack side pockets went the additional tools and puncture repair kit.

It didn’t leave me much room, especially once I threw in the spare visor, snacks, water and emergency gear like PLB and medi-kit. Since I had to fly to Christchurch on Monday for some work I wasn’t going to have a full day on Sunday anyway so decided to head back to Auckland on Saturday early evening with Devil, which meant I didn’t really need any overnight gear. Woohoo, more space saved! All these tidy preparations meant time was also ticking along and it was already past 1900. I had some dinner and a shower and once completed with packing and geared up, I was raring to go by 2100. So much for the early departure then…

This was scotched by the quick realisation that I should probably double check my oil, as I wasn’t carrying extra. Of course, now it tells me that I have about a quarter of a sight glass left. Urgh… I better top that up to be safe. Off comes some of my gear, dug into toolbox for the tool for the oil cap and topped it up. Happy the bike was ready to go, geared up and was on the motorway heading south shortly after 2130.

I expected it to get much colder as I headed south, but in preparation I had all my liners, balaclava and winter gloves on despite the temperature hovering around 10 degrees. I’d considered the heated vest but didn’t have the space for it when I didn’t want it and I didn’t figure it would get cold enough anyway, with a trip so short. I got off the expressway onto SH2 with no traffic. Caution through SH2 in the “Safer Speed Area” of 90kph then back to normal pace after the Coromandel turn off. Traffic remained light and I had a good clean run through Patetonga.

The temperature was definitely on a downward trend and after Patetonga it sat between 4 and 6 degrees for the most part, getting as low as 3 degrees. I wasn’t feeling cold and if anything felt I might have been a little overdressed but headed for Matamata. Traffic remained light so any cars were easily dispatched. Reaching Matamata just after 2300 it was time for a re-fill. I hadn’t filled in Auckland because I wanted more range for the adventure riding and didn’t want to fill in Taupo otherwise I would have a full tank which was more gas than I needed.

The attendant kindly opened the pump and when paying enquired if it had been cold, with a bit of a grin. I’d noticed a cop car head south on my road as I was exiting the station, but never saw it again. SH27 led to SH1 via Tirau with some low lying fog as I passed through the Waikato. The fog was predictably colder but it was only 45km out of Taupo when it started getting much colder passing the region of Atiamuri. I saw a low of 0.5 degrees on the dash which is a reasonable effort. The gear was doing well so still felt warm enough. The Stag Park Diner was reached at 0030, checking in and cancelling the Saturday night room. It meant I could change to a preferred room on the car park side, parking Jessica right outside making unpacking really easy.

Initially I chucked my gear on the same bed as previously but a hunt through the room for available power points netted a heated blanket on the bed so I switched my gear and got the blanket running (hey, I don’t have one at home, it was the corner of the building with 2 exposed walls, why not have some luxury?). Jumped in bed before 1am wondering when the blanket would start feeling warm, as I have no idea how long they take to warm up. I did find out at some point in the night, waking briefly to realise it felt like summer I was so warm, and then rolled over.

8am and I’m up again. The diner is perfect for breakfast, but somehow this time the same request of cereal and fruit evolves into the continental breakfast, same price but includes toast, spreads, and a whole bowl of fruit, instead of a few slices. Awesome. Debated with some truckies who thought it was far too healthy but I said I couldn’t be round and riding a bike!

Since I’d already filled in Matamata the previous night, it was straight to the Mobil, just before 9am to meet everyone else. Devil had come down for the ride, but stayed in far flasher digs for the night, commenting he had a spa bath in the unit (some people aye… they do nothing to fix the BMW rep). We talked shit for a little, everyone comparing notes on what they had done to their bikes, which mods worked better and so on.

Jim did a ride brief laying out the day’s riding and since Tim was around he was taking TEC so I was free to ride like normal. We headed north through Taupo and along some back roads (Jim never seems to take a straight line if he has a route twice the distance handy) using the corner man system to keep everyone moving. We re-grouped before the Pureora Forest and then headed in, taking some of the side roads I initially thought I’d already done on my own exploration.

This proved to be incorrect as I started passing water crossings I’d never seen before so enjoyed the route. Continuing through the forest Jim proved his desire for travelling in circles (I bet you think I’m joking) before we headed out the northern end and made for Whakamaru for lunch. Ok, so some small bikes might have needed a little top up of gas too… Not feeling too hungry after an excellent breakfast I grabbed a pie and drink from the dairy.

This proved useful as Jim was trying to locate Sue and another, who’d taken their own route through the forest since they were moving slower, and now didn’t know how to reach Whakamaru as the GPS was giving them all sorts of weird directions (odd, never had that happen at all :whistle:). Reasonably certain they were on SH30 I offered to head out and find them. Stopping and asking the odd rider if they had seen them (with no luck) I continued past the forest and eventually found them oncoming, so they were on the right track. A quick chat, phone call to Jim to say I’d found them and we cruised back to Whakamaru as the lady thought she was very low on gas.

We made it to Whakamaru safely and I decided I was hungry again so had another snack before we started the afternoon session of riding. From Whakamaru we headed south back into the Poihipi Rd area doing more back roads and re-running some from the morning. Some gravel but quite a few sealed, which I didn’t mind at all :D We came out at Atiamuri in the mid-afternoon, where Devil and I debated when we needed to split off. He needed to be back in Auckland for other stuff he had on Sunday, and I also had some things I needed to do (plus another night’s accommodation wasn't really necessary). However, I wasn’t too phased what time we got to Auckland (including midnight) while he had a dinner, so I said for him to set the time and we’ll peel off.

We continued with the group, crossing over the dam with the camera guy, Chris, taking some pictures. I marked the next corner, waiting for him, but he didn’t appear. Heading back, he was still waiting, thinking there were more people, but some had already left early. By the time we reached the next turn the corner man was gone and we reverted to tracking bike tracks. The gravel was quite difficult, the bike sliding all over the place. With the low sun I was heading into some shaded sections absolutely blind until actually in the shade.

Chris is a much more competent rider so he was already waiting at the next turn but the gravel was gone and the seal had returned. Tracking doesn’t work so good on sealed roads :crazy: We guess and we’re in luck as we hit the next corner, as Devil is marking and hasn’t seen me come through. We’re back in the group and we continue. The IAM training pays dividends on one cresting left hander as we come through the corner and there is loose gravel from a badly repaired patch. My road position allows good visibility and time to react, first tapping the brakes to warn others behind me, then selecting and line and sliding through the gravel, as the K76 tyres I’m still using were quite road biased. Knobbly tyres would have made it much easier, but such is life. Once we hit SH30, Devil and I have already decided we would be splitting off. We’ve covered most of the ride anyway and said our thanks to Jim for organising.

The rest of the group took off while we stopped to put air in Devil’s tyres as he’d aired them down for the adventure riding. For all the grief he gives me for carrying too much shit, it was amazing how quickly he gave up on his manual pump knowing I was carrying a compressor. Hah… :nya:

Trying to decide on a reasonable way to get to Auckland, not too many highways but not too long we headed north for Rotorua as I needed gas anyway. We reached Rotorua just after 1700 I filled so we could both make Auckland without another stop. We cleaned some of our gear, I swapped to my clear visor as it was getting dark and had a quick chat with a curious motorist who had a bike himself.

Devil was happy for me to lead so we took SH5 to Tirau (I don’t do SH5 too often and the glades are nice) and then up SH27 until SH2 and boring slog back to Auckland (mmmm, what if work didn’t exist huh?). We hit the motorway which was a smooth run until near Manukau, when a motorist seemed intent on holding everyone up in the fast lane by refusing to move over. Cars would eventually make their way around him but I was in the mood for educating a fellow motorist.

Eventually our turn behind the car and I ease up behind and flash high beam, as a request for him to move over. He has plenty of space in the middle lane and I give him time to move. Unfortunately (for him), he seems to ignore me, so I stick my lights on high beam and plaster the arse end of his car with light, lighting up the entire car, and all occupants within. :lol:

Amazingly, he still refuses to budge and I’m almost on the verge of overtaking before he finally suddenly swerves into the middle and almost the slow. I give him a hard look and a shake of my head as we pass by, but the rest of the trip is uneventful and I’m home around 2000. I’ve done Pureora before, and will do again, but it’s still nice to catch up with some of the NGARNZ guys… :)
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]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2583-NGARNZ-Pureora-Adventure-Ride-(05-05-2012) IAM Initial Assessment Ride (29/04/2012) https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2579-IAM-Initial-Assessment-Ride-(29-04-2012) Fri, 17 Aug 2012 04:25:48 GMT The alarm rings at 8am and I'm not exactly jumping to my feet. Not feeling particularly excited either, but nevertheless, after snoozing the alarm for 10 minutes I got up and had some breakfast and got ready. Out the door just after 9am in slightly questionable conditions I made my way out to Westgate.

Following on from my blog about having a session with Tricia at Roadcraft School of Motoring, it was now time to start the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) course: http://www.nz-iam.org.nz/

Initially, I’d decided to delay it a little, while my leg healed from the burn on the Poronui weekend, but raftn was having none of this, sending me a PM asking for my email address to put me on the mailing list for the monthly organised rides, and that he’d spoken to the IAM Chief Examiner, Philip McDaid who runs RiderSkills (http://riderskills.co.nz/ ), that I would be coming along and would need an initial assessment ride.

Well, if he’s already done that, I guess there is no escaping or delaying, so, with no time like the present, I find myself heading out like a lamb to the slaughter. I guess it’s not strictly correct, as I first found the IAM website last year and I’ve watched several videos of UK bikers in action, showing mind-set, lines, thoughts etc. and read the Police Riders’ Handbook. Factor in I always travel by bike and I’ve had plenty of time and opportunity to practise and improve my riding!

Everyone was to meet at RiderSkills HQ in Westgate, and when I arrived just after 0930 most were already there. It was odd feeling like a bit of a newbie, but I saw the familiar faces of raftn and Blackbird and said hello while raftn hunted out Philip. I’ve met him once or twice before and he seemed to remember me. While some of the behind-the-scenes organisation was done, putting people into groups I chatted to some of the other riders.

Blackbird came out and cheerfully announced I was in the fast group. Say what? :crazy: raftn came out and said he was with me, and that he would be practising his Observer skills on me, with Phil observing both him observing me, and observing me, and joining us another pairing of Observer and trainee. We took some unfamiliar roads out to Bethells Beach and sections of it were rather damp. I found it a bit of hard work, as I was keeping an eye on Phil in front and raftn behind, the skills required for advanced riding and the road conditions and layout. The trainee in front was not certain of the route, and subsequently struggled a little to watch his mirrors for direction and focus on his riding. After a wrong turn Phil took the lead back to the correct road.

At Bethells the other trainee got some feedback on his riding and then it was my turn to lead. We took a different route back, as Phil had put it, he’ll make it up as we go along. :lol: The first part was easy, as it was one road away from the coast and to keep going where we turned onto the road. The road had dried out so I could set a good pace and quickly got into my rhythm, taking the corners smoothly and reading the road well. Raftn seemed to hang back but had his boy as pillion so a slowed a little to keep us together.

As we returned to civilisation I did a couple of overtakes I thought I did well and the route got more tricky and was a bit of mystery, so both raftn and I had fun trying to keep an eye on bikes behind for direction and the road in front. After some roundabouts we got separated by traffic lights so I swung into a side street to allow the group to catch up. At the next traffic light raftn pulled alongside and said to go onto the motorway and head back to base, which we did. We were the first group back, but one had seemed to have a bit of bad luck and was still repairing a flat, but Philip had an air compressor to assist.

While waiting for the other groups to return raftn took me upstairs and gave me his feedback, with Philip sitting in. I think this was probably the best part of the day. I remember both raftn and Blackbird saying they always dreaded this a little as the truth was coming out, but for some reason I was only curious what would be said. Instead, it was raftn who was still nervous, now cautiously trying to give me my assessment but trying to make sure he was saying something similar to Philip would. :laugh:

It seems that while he got all nervous about reaching IAM level and the result of each ride, the nerves continue through to becoming an observer :laugh: I probably didn’t help, laughing through it.

On the serious side however (coz there is the odd one), raftn reckoned I had done really well, and he wished I’d made more mistakes to make his job of grading easier, so all that was left was to nit-pick. Can’t make it easy for him now can we? I need to work on making head checks more obvious when merging lanes or checking my space when making turns. Also need to accelerate a bit faster into higher speed zones. Never thought I’d be told to accelerate more, but sweet! :wings:

Grades are not given for the initial assessment, instead focussing on the areas that need improvement, and if you choose to join then your future rides are graded. Raftn put an “OK” on my sheet.

I filled in the form for associate membership and the bank details will be forwarded through to me so I can become an associate member until I pass the test which will make me a full member. From there, as the others said, I’m free to continue to become an observer, but I’m aiming for that already. Philip mentioned that they haven’t promoted it yet as they are still trying to build the capacity and if 100 riders pitched up they wouldn’t be able to cope. It also makes it that much more important to give back into the system that gave to you.

As the other groups returned it started to rain but then disappeared after a short while. There was no need to stay so I headed home, with a somewhat paltry 100km on the clock. Good thing I didn’t fill especially for it, but I understand the usual rides are longer, which are a better test. The paperwork should come through shortly and a membership number and observer are assigned. The observer will follow my progress and give feedback until they are satisfied I’m consistently achieving the advanced standard of riding and then I will take the test with another Observer.

I headed home confident I’m doing the right things and on the right track. My challenge now is to consistently do everything right and pass the IAM test.

Ride Route: http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr=...a=1,4&t=m&z=12 ]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2579-IAM-Initial-Assessment-Ride-(29-04-2012) Fitting a new Bash Plate and Toolbox (28/04/2012) https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2574-Fitting-a-new-Bash-Plate-and-Toolbox-(28-04-2012) Sun, 12 Aug 2012 03:57:05 GMT Ah, another day of hapless mechanicing on my poor bike. If you thought the mods were over, you’d be well wrong. I have plenty of ideas left yet! Of course, I shouldn’t really be left to my own devices so GiJoe was drafted in (probably somewhat reluctantly – and yet it’s like a train wreck to... Ah, another day of hapless mechanicing on my poor bike. If you thought the mods were over, you’d be well wrong. I have plenty of ideas left yet!

Of course, I shouldn’t really be left to my own devices so GiJoe was drafted in (probably somewhat reluctantly – and yet it’s like a train wreck to him, he simply can’t resist watching).

In today’s episode, it’s a new bash plate and a toolbox specific to the GSA luggage racks. After burning my leg during the Poronui weekend I’d realised there was more functionality to the bash plate than just protecting the engine. The right bash plate would also protect me from the bike during our (somewhat) frequent disagreements on orientation v landscape.

All the aftermarket options are bigger than the stock one, which doesn’t really pass muster and indeed already sports a good dent from the rough excursion in the USA. After a lot of reading and evaluation of the available options I settled on the BMW Enduro bash plate. The initial price from the dealer put me off, around the $1000 mark, but asking for a check on that resulted in a much more suitable price around the $400 mark.

The key difference between it and the others was that it includes a big rubber block that sits between the plate and engine and doesn’t mount like a nuclear shelter. I believe it should still be sacrificial as the engine is going to cost a whole lot more, but the rubber block should spread any energy better than no rubber block.

The other item was an aluminium toolbox to sit inside the right hand pannier rack, something I’d been thinking about for months, thought about custom options, then stumbled across an inmate on AdvRider that made them in the USA. He was a great guy and reckoned mine was the first in NZ, but he’d shipped a handful or two around the world. It opens on the side, so the pannier has to be off, but allows far better access into the box and I will use it to store some of my tools so for some adventuring I can carry less luggage (and have stuff like the puncture repair kit permanently on board).

So enough of the talk, I’d already figured that working on the bash plate with the bike on the centre stand would be a pain in the arse and of course we don’t have expensive work benches. Since Jessica has plenty of protection, over she went. I’m serious. We laid her on her side and while GiJoe was in disbelief, he admitted later it definitely made things easy.




Access to the bash plate was now super easy and we removed the old plate. A couple of rubber mounts halted our progress as we couldn’t figure out how to remove them and eventually in desperation I cut all the rubber off. Still couldn’t remove it. :shit: Lots of internet searching and a mild panic attack later I’m thinking I’ve now royally stuffed it up, when GiJoe finds that if you throw a spanner on it, it turns out and it’s threaded into the engine block. :wings: Probably a good thing I don’t have stuff like gas torches :devil2: It also explains why the damn thing wouldn’t come out with straight pulling.

The second rubber mount comes out easy as and we’re away again. We take plenty of time to get every detail correct and each part installed in the correct way with the correct bolt. The stock bash plate mounted with 4 bolts, the new one bolts with 6, the extra two at the rear as the bash plate is much longer rearward. I’ve read some installs online so knew it was going to be tricky, but after a bit of swearing we had the mount in place.



The fun part however was yet to come. I have a SW-Motech centre stand plate already installed and this protects the area around the bottom of the shock against debris and damage. The extra length of the large bash plate now meant they cross over each other and there was no way that could happen, otherwise the centre stand was unusable. The only option was to hack away some of the centre stand plate as the bolts on the bash plate were right at the end. Some drilling and sawing later (and one snapped blade – I have talent I do) the cut out was done. I might even go as far to say I was impressed with my handiwork as GiJoe made me do it myself. Everything fitted nicely and now I have a long section of plate protecting the whole underside of the bike. :niceone:




Next up was the toolbox. It was side loading so we had to fiddle about to make sure the door could open inside the pannier rack and concluded the best option was pounding on it with a hammer a bit to dent the front around a mount on the bike. I assure you it was gentle and quite subtle (the result)…

We had to drill two holes in the bottom tabs of the pannier racks to put the bolts through, that took some time as the rack was made of some sort of hard metal (don’t ask, I don’t know). The bolts didn’t play nicely with their nuts, so by some miracle I had some others lying around that were a perfect substitute so we used them instead.




The box sits perfectly on the side and offers some very useful space for keeping tools, regardless of what luggage I’m taking. It’s also secure and mostly waterproof (depending on how full you load the box the door might sit out a little, but water is unlikely to get in).

A good day of spannering with some useful tasks achieved! ]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2574-Fitting-a-new-Bash-Plate-and-Toolbox-(28-04-2012) ANZAC Day Ride to Opononi (25/04/2012) https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2571-ANZAC-Day-Ride-to-Opononi-(25-04-2012) Wed, 08 Aug 2012 23:40:27 GMT A blast from the past required an alarm 0630. Yep… public holiday and up at some crazy time. NinjaNanna had organised a ride that had seen an excellent uptake from the old crew, most of which I hadn’t ridden with for years, so as the popularity grew, it became more obvious that ya simply had to be... A blast from the past required an alarm 0630. Yep… public holiday and up at some crazy time. NinjaNanna had organised a ride that had seen an excellent uptake from the old crew, most of which I hadn’t ridden with for years, so as the popularity grew, it became more obvious that ya simply had to be there!

I tried to get Zapf along, almost successful bar his girlfriend’s neck playing up on the morning, so he was a non-starter and GiJoe never seemed interested enough. I left home just after 0700, stopping by the gas station for the first fill since the Taupo one on Sunday, some 35L, much to the amazement of the attendant. Don’t often have those vouchers handy, but the 4c one netted me $1.40 in savings.

The meet point was Caltex Dairy Flat, a fair hike from East Auckland and I arrived around 0815. Some were already there, including NinjaNanna, and a positively ancient identity in the form of justsomeguy put in an appearance, with some of the other old crew including Death, DMNTD and Unit and the Qks (complete with a pair of B-Kings). Around 16-20 riders in all, quite a good turnout.

NinjaNanna did his duty as organiser with a quick briefing, rough idea of route with a re-group at Paparoa and I put my hand up for TEC duties. Gas stops would be 160-200km apart, but when he caught me grinning he said I wasn’t allowed to re-fill until we got back to Auckland, or I was cheating. We headed out along Kahikatea Flat Rd to Kaukapakapa and then north on SH16 to Wellsford. The pace was a bit on the wrong side of legal, so having waited for one guy, I found myself a decent distance behind anyone so settled into my usual pace, happy to keep them in sight when longer straights allowed. In tighter stuff I would slowly gain, then lose a bit on straights.

North through SH16 I was slowly gaining and finally caught up shortly before the scenic lookout where it gets reasonably tight. No stopping at the lookout and straight through to Wellsford where justsomeguy was marking the turn. Up SH1, no marker at SH12 but it was obvious enough. The group was stopped at the start of Paparoa Oakleigh Rd and looking like taking a proper break, except NinjaNanna was cracking the whip and motioning for us to continue! :laugh:

A potentially left-behind mobile caused a couple of 250’s to start well behind the pack (after a talk with a couple they decided to leave the phone there) but one of the 250s eventually disappeared into the distance. At the end of the road at Maungakaramea we met the Northland crew, complete with Grant and newhere (2up on the Preddy to boot, with newhere’s Gladius temporarily off the road). There was a quick discussion about route plus re-group, with bikes all over the intersection, and then on to Maungatapere for more gas.

We continued north along Mangakahia Rd through Twin Bridges to Kaikohe. I had one of the 250s in front of me, who turned out to have been riding for 2 months, when speaking to him at Opononi, which explained the lower pace. Three of the fast boys were sitting on the Twin Bridges waiting, and then urging us on as we crossed the bridges :lol: They didn’t take too long to put their gear on and catch up and pass, but Kaikohe wasn’t far away.

Another gas stop (anyone would think they simply ride between stations) and the group left rather spaced out for Opononi. The 250s had a short break, tough going when you’ve only just got in, but the fast guys are chomping at the bit to get going! The 250s got the jump on me aided by some traffic, but I knew it wasn’t too far, so settled back into my pace. I was hitting the corners hard enough I flicked the suspension into Sport, as the bumps were unsettling the suspension and I was just starting to wonder how much of a jump they had had, when I rounded a left hander to find a 250 waiting at a one lane bridge, with 2 vehicles on the bridge… uh, pointing at each other.

Slightly confusing, I can only put this down to the Northland rules of driving and give way :weird:, but perhaps the learner had something to do with it. The 250 rider later said the learner had driven on while the other car was on, clearly failing to give way… The two drivers evidently had a bit of a discussion, but eventually the car on our side reversed and we could all proceed.

We reached the Opononi Pub at 1245, everyone else sitting at the tables, but because it was Anzac Day the place only opened at 1300, and I’m sure everyone was wishing for some food. I ducked next door to get a drink to tide me over, DMNTD commenting the chocolate milk was definitely the hard stuff… always got a nice comment that man… yeah right :bleh: The pub opened its doors and uh… we made a strategic move for the front counter to get our orders in first. :drool:

Mine wasn’t too far from the front of the queue, a delicious Tane Burger, patty and bacon and it didn’t take too long to make it disappear. I chatted to the 250 rider, who turned out to have been riding for 2 months, so was doing remarkably well, but gave him some advice and explained a few concepts as he didn’t know what the vanishing point was, etc.

Soon enough people started making noises about continuing on. Some had already headed down the road to the adjacent town of Omapere to fill with gas, but I was still fine. On the way through Omapere some stopped to fill with gas so I waited for them. When only 3 of the fast guys were left I figured this was probably a bad idea since they would easily be catching up and I wouldn’t be going as quickly. Equally, it didn’t look they were in much of a hurry to get cracking, so I left them to it and set off for whoever was last on the road.

The 3 fast guys caught up and passed before I even reached Waipoua, but I checked all had come through so I knew I was last. I had nice clear road in front of me to focus on lines and was really enjoying myself through the tight corners of Waipoua Forest until catching Unit who was last, having also waited at the Omapere gas station for a short while. There was no problem following her through the forest as I quickly learnt just how good the crossplane crank in the late model R1 sounds with 2 Brothers exhausts.

I turned my music off, lifted the visor and sat back, probably drooling slightly, listening as she accelerated out of corners then decelerated for the next. Damn the bike sounds good. :love: The closed in forest and slow corners only served to emphasise the sound. Once the speed increased as the forest opened out into normal countryside the bike wasn’t as easily heard. We slowly caught up to the next bike and had finally caught right up on the outskirts of Dargaville.

More gas for others, and I told DMNTD just how good the R1 sounded. The ride proper was over, so people headed off on their preferred routes home and I decided to take SH12 with a few others, including the pair of 250s. They disappeared into the distance and I eventually caught justsomeguy and another and left them behind before the Brynderwyns as they were doing a little under 100kph. The straights were as boring as always but traffic was at least light, and also no cops.

People had re-grouped in Wellsford, so I grouped up with them. Some decided to head down SH1 but there’s no fun in that so some, including I, headed back down SH16. The pace was just above usual, so fine, but I found myself always slightly behind the next bike, not quite latched on and consequently, one too many when it came to passing opportunities. Passing through Kaukapakapa the whole group turned off onto Kahikatea Flat Rd, but I saw no point as it would take you down SH17, old SH1 into Albany which isn’t that fun, so I continued and turned on Peak Rd, then Old North.

A bandit eased past right after the 80kph straight on Peak Rd so I followed him as we headed south. I slowed for the 80kph sections but he continued on. On Old North Rd I decided to mix it up and follow the GPS’s idea of going to Riverhead, then turning right onto Coatesville Riverhead Highway and down to Westgate at 1800. My gas was running low and I had just dipped into reserve, having travelled some 600km. The sun was setting fast and I figured that since I was out there I could take in NASS, as usually I’m still working.

I haven’t been on NASS in years, but after a quick search of KB on my phone, it was still on and meeting at 1830 at Westgate. I finally had a reply from Toto enquiring about NASS, except he informed me it was 1900 at Albany… crap. I was about to gear up and head off when another rider appeared for NASS, so Toto was sending me astray! I filled in preparation for departing and swapped to my clear visor for the night time riding.

A couple of others arrived and we left, heading for Albany the back way along Coatesville Riverhead Highway, which brought us out just outside Albany. We headed through the carpark, but upon finding no-one I think it was decided to head straight for the pub. Outside the pub I said goodbye, as I didn’t see any point in hanging around the pub.

Hitting the motorway after 1900, I figured I could see if SASS was doing anything, as they headed to the Manukau car park at 2000, after riding through the Hunua ranges. I would reach Manukau just before 2000 so headed south. I got there with 2 minutes to spare, and being the good southerners of Auckland were indeed practising, with a couple of little courses laid out. I’m still not as comfortable on the BMW as I am the Hornet, but then I’ve been on the Hornet for more than 5 years and know it very well. The BMW suspension and drivetrain also has the odd bit of slack here and there which affects response.

After some practise we headed off the pub, ordered some food and talked some shit. Initially my order of wedges arrived plain, so they let us keep the dish while making my wedges with bacon and cheese. Free wedges!

It got a little chilly outside where we were sitting, so after some shit talking we all headed home. Some 750km for the day for me and got home around 2230. Not bad for a Wednesday! :ride:

Route Map: http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr=...3,6,10&t=m&z=9
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]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2571-ANZAC-Day-Ride-to-Opononi-(25-04-2012) <![CDATA[Wellington Work Ride & Weekend Return 2 (22/04/2012)]]> https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2552-Wellington-Work-Ride-amp-Weekend-Return-2-(22-04-2012) Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:51:17 GMT *Sunday* I’d initially decided to have a reasonably early start around 0800 or something, but couldn’t be arsed getting out of bed so took my time, eventually slouching through to the main diner area for some breakfast of cereal and fruit. Having got the day off to the right start I left the... Sunday

I’d initially decided to have a reasonably early start around 0800 or something, but couldn’t be arsed getting out of bed so took my time, eventually slouching through to the main diner area for some breakfast of cereal and fruit.

Having got the day off to the right start I left the Diner shortly after 1000, popped into Taupo for the day’s gas and got into the country around 1030, heading along SH5. First stop was a gravel dead end into the Kaimanawa Forest Park that we to skip on the NGARNZ Poronui Explore due to time constraints. Clements Hill Rd was a narrow winding gravel road, but with a surprising number of people setup camping in various spots as I rode through the road.

The map was very inaccurate, showing the road ending quite quickly but the road went far further and was quite easy riding. Finally reaching the end at 1130 it was evident there are a few walking tracks leading to various places but I resisted the urge to try out riding them. :innocent: Returning, I took a small track consisting of mud and leaves and found a clearing for camping and was impressed to find a toilet as well, so I took a short break to have a drink and munch on an OSM bar.


I ended up walking down a bank and explored a stream that ended in a waterfall. Quite beautiful so I took a few shots before moving on. I was back on SH5 heading east by 1230. Passing Rangitaiki I headed for Waipunga Valley Rd which led into the Kaingaroa Forest, as I was eager to explore more of the forest. I found my initial guesses at road names after the first time through were slightly off, so noted corrections. One turn took me into an area marked as off limits due to operations so I turned around and took another road.

The track looped around back onto roads I had been on before, but I varied my turns and ended up on tracks not noted previously and seriously developed, being wider than normal and about as straight as roads get. Once it started returning to seal I figured I was coming to the end but this feeling was going to last for several hours yet. I passed a few oncoming vehicles like logging trucks and hunters, surprised to see activity on the weekend.

As I continued north the roads opened out and I found a sign that warned of no public access beyond its point… uh… behind me. :pinch: Crap… I guess the sign didn’t exist at the other end then. Since there was no going back it was also obvious that I must have passed through to the other side so I could expect to find the main road in due course. I found a sign directing river access down a side road allowing public access so I decided to explore it as it wasn’t on the map. I found the river around 1430 and took another break for an OSM bar and to take a picture and soak in the scenery.


The weather had been kind to me, on the warm side but not too warm and no real hint of rain, and even some really nice blue patches of sky. The road down to the river was interesting, with plenty of trees that had fallen over, but remained at a height high enough to be able to ride underneath them.

I retraced my steps back to the main road and continued north. In this process I somehow missed SH38 and still have no idea how I never saw it (not sure if I perhaps went under or over maybe) but I ended up going north on sealed roads for another half hour before seemingly exiting the forest onto a public road. At the cross roads two roads were forestry, one looked like it descended into gravel so I took the paved option as it was already 1500 and I had to be home in Auckland by the end of the day.

I passed Lake Rerewhakaaitu and found SH5 and evaluated my options, trying to find a nice route north that didn’t consist entirely of state highway that I’ve done plenty of times before. Eventually, the best option seemed to be to head south briefly, onto Waikite Valley Rd and head west to SH30. Entering Waikite Valley Rd there was some confusion with a camper van which I tried to give way to, as I was turning right into the side road, but they kept looking at me, so I went anyway. I figured I’d need to overtake them anyway, so why not straight away, so gave them a friendly wave and disappeared out of sight.

The road was excellent fun, definitely one to do again. SH30 led to SH1, expected but not entirely welcome and I still wanted some more back roads. SH1 was busy and I eventually remembered it was because the V8’s had been on in Hamilton. Urgh, more cars than normal and I was in no mood to be stuck amongst it. At Kinleith I jumped off the highway and found the beginning of Old Taupo Rd for the first time and did the entire length north. The sun was getting low as it was 1630, but other than a bit of sunstrike, I always seem to click with the road and really enjoyed the run through.

You can link up Old Taupo with Horahora Rd which takes you back up to SH1 but at least you’ve avoided a large chunk of highway not to mention the three towns of Tokoroa, Putaruru and Tirau. I took a final break in a rest area on Horahora Rd, which is part of a walking trail of the river. It sounds very interesting but I think I’ll keep my bike thanks. I knew from here I could go non-stop to Auckland, so yep, still loving the large range of the fuel tank! :wings: I’ve done SH29 and SH27 quite a lot this year already so for a change I took the traditional bypass at Cambridge of 1B. Bar one stupid woman who wanted to ignore everyone letting her into the side street the bypass was nice and quiet.


Complete contrast in fact, to SH1 when I rejoined at Taupiri. The V8 traffic was terrible and we crawled to Huntly. Searching the GPS knowledge in desperation and taking the cue of another bike I ducked down the back roads of Huntly, across the river and went north on the west bank while presumably everyone crawled along SH1. The shortcut rat run ends at Rangiriri and this was where the plan fell apart a bit. The bike I’d taken a cue off in Huntly had had the exact same idea as me to rejoin at Rangiriri, except now we were stuck behind a few cars that couldn’t pull out onto SH1 because of the traffic.

The biker in front started to try and go down the left but perhaps thought better because of a berm and pole. No such problem for an adventure bike so I ducked left, mounted the berm, dodged the pole and rolled up to the front of the line. With a car towing a trailer, he was never going to pull out any time soon, so I waited for a small gap in the traffic, used the hard shoulder to get up to traffic speed and was away. Have I mentioned I love bikes? :D

The run up SH1 needs no writing really. Traffic flowed well as it was almost immediately dual carriageway and I sat on the speed limit and returned home around 1900. With over 1000km on the clock since Saturday morning, plenty of grins and many new roads explored, I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend!

Pictures: http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/b...20Work%20Ride/ ]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2552-Wellington-Work-Ride-amp-Weekend-Return-2-(22-04-2012) <![CDATA[Wellington Work Ride & Weekend Return (19/04/2012)]]> https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2551-Wellington-Work-Ride-amp-Weekend-Return-(19-04-2012) Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:50:45 GMT *Thursday* My 4th trip since I started blogging, involving riding for work, she’s a hard life indeed. The usual drill that the boss was prepared to fly me down and that budget would be spent on riding down instead. Having a biker for a boss certainly makes it easy. This trip was to sort out... Thursday

My 4th trip since I started blogging, involving riding for work, she’s a hard life indeed. The usual drill that the boss was prepared to fly me down and that budget would be spent on riding down instead. Having a biker for a boss certainly makes it easy.

This trip was to sort out the move of a client’s branch office and install some VOIP phones for future development work, so what also made this trip easier was the capacity of the luggage to take several IP phones along with cabling and still have space left over for my own gear. The luggage was still pretty full though!

The original plan was to spend the morning in the office and head away around midday. This fell apart as I dealt with calls instead, worked remotely, and spent a few flying minutes in the office getting a few things sorted and then got on the road around 11am.

My esteemed riding companion GiJoe was on holiday (or is that break) from the delinquents called students, lamenting his lack of riding so I invited him along leaving him no excuses. We met in Takanini, timing it almost perfectly. He was already fuelled up, I filled up and we headed south. It was a shortish run down the motorway before exiting onto SH2. Traffic was average and the weather reasonably good.

Past Maramarua I decided SH2 was far too boring and headed south on Okaeria Rd. A fantastic road but we got stuck behind a truck for most of the good bits. We continued south taking a selection of roads until heading east to Tahuna and then south again to Morrinsville running parallel to SH27. These roads were mostly quiet but it was time to re-join SH27 through to Tirau which had the usual volume of traffic.

Mindful that GiJoe needs gas a little more frequently we had a gas stop at Matamata, checked the wear pattern on our tyres and continued south. Turangi was the next stop around 1545, the bakery for ourselves and the Z for our bikes. On the road again at 1615 it was a run straight down SH1, in hindsight we should definitely have stopped for the setting sun on Desert Rd as it was very picturesque. Still, we needed to be in Wellington so we kept moving. On the road south of Waiouru we started getting wet, but the showers never developed into rain.

GiJoe’s Honda was thirsty for gas again but the fill in Taihape at 1730 would see him through without another stop. I tried to get a photo of his bike having yet another pitstop but the camera was flat. Instead I chatted to a Super Tenere rider, apparently on a local Thursday night ride with a couple of others. It was SH1 all the way south but this time the rain was heavier and then departed as soon as it had arrived. Another few smatterings of rain as we did the long drag south. Passing through Waikanae and Levin you keep deluding yourself that you’re close to Wellington when in reality you’re a good hour or more away of really boring roads and traffic. :zzzz:

We reached KoroJ at 2000, and he’d kindly volunteered to play host providing both of us with beds, so the bikes all chatted in the garage, Ann had a delicious dinner already waiting and we caught up over dinner. For Gijoe and KoroJ it was the first time meeting each other, so they got to see how nutty GiJoe really is. We finally turned in shortly before midnight.

Friday

The next morning we were up, bit of breakfast and on our separate ways. GiJoe was going to invade Wellington for a little while then return to Auckland by evening, Ann was already off at work, I was off visiting clients and KoroJ off to work as well.

The day was spent visiting three clients, checking systems, installing some new equipment and overseeing a move of offices for a client. I checked in with KoroJ near the end of the day and got to visit his place of work, complete with his meeting room… or is that biker cave? It was a useful room and a talking point for him and clients to break the ice. For a biker interested in long distance riding, the effort he had put in was remarkable.

All rides he had done, Grand Challenges, Capital Cruises and TT2000, had been individually traced out on paper maps, badges and patches framed and hung on the walls, along with the trophies on tables. Most impressive indeed, when I can’t even keep up with my blogging. :no:

I’d been of two minds whether to head north on Friday evening, perhaps making Taupo, or staying in Wellington then heading north on Saturday. Ann insisted we head out for dinner, very hard to refuse her request, so we went to a great Italian place nearby and had a delicious dinner.

Back at KoroJ’s place I started planning my weekend route north to Auckland. As with most trips, I do one direction on weekdays and get the work done, then the other trip is over the weekend, minimising the use of work days (and I don’t want to use the direct route for every single trip). Using KoroJ’s local knowledge we built a really nice trip north to Taupo for Saturday maximising back roads and minimising highways. Of course, all this work… I had to invite KoroJ himself along didn’t I?

Unfortunately, since we’d been debating about whether the roads existed or were sealed, he was hardly enthusiastic, but we compromised, and I wouldn’t do some of the definitely rough stuff and therefore we’d be able to have a good ride together.

With a winding 535km route up the eastern side of the island completed, that would get me to Taupo in an estimated 9 hours we turned in for the night.

Saturday

The alarm rang at 8am. Up, quickly packed my remaining gear, a quick breakfast and we were out the door slightly late at 0915. We planned to meet up with the usual Saturday ride out of Caltex Rimutaka and KoroJ would double check where they were going and whether he was more interested in that.

KoroJ had already popped out briefly to check his pressures and fill up, so I filled up en-route for the day’s required gas. We waited at Caltex Rimutaka for the riders to arrive chatting to those that were there. Most I didn’t know, and annoyingly some already knew me (seriously, how do they do that?) but I introduced myself to a few, including katiepie who I had seen posting online, along with some other identities. Always fun to put some faces to names.

It turned out that the routes they would use for the day were not enough for KoroJ, he wanted more, so he would indeed accompany me. We figured we would head out first so as not to disrupt the other riders, but katiepie’s group was already on the verge of heading out. KoroJ quickly demonstrated his local knowledge, heading out of the service station by another exit while I was stuck amongst riders exiting the other. Drat.

We headed north over the Rimutakas and just as we approached them I finished easing ahead of the riders and with a wave, left them to it. I know the locals enjoy the hills but I was hard pressed to keep KoroJ in sight. I ride the hills maybe a couple of times a year so treat it like any other road I don’t know. Traffic kept our progress in check anyway and the first group almost caught up a couple of times.

Passing through Greytown around 1045 the detours started, and with KoroJ in the lead we headed west of the main highway, bypassing Carterton, but the presence of the river meant we had to go through the outskirts of Masterton. As we headed past a Tui billboard I chuckled, but then thought I really should photograph it, especially since I was an Aucklander. “NZ Rugby is only strong when Auckland Rugby is strong.” Yeah Right. Hehe :lol:


A shortcut across to the eastern side of the highway and onto a really neat road, Opaki Kaiparoro Rd, one I had never done before. It rolled over the hills with lots of corners and took us past Mauriceville. We jumped across to the western side again (hey, this route did take a bit of planning), debating one or two turns, but wound our way through the roads closest to the mountain ranges. Predictably of course, going this far off the highway we’d inevitably find gravel…. And we did. KoroJ wasn’t exactly happy about it, but waved me through and I had a little fun until it returned to seal. To be fair, he wasn’t that far behind anyway.

Heading to Kopikopiko we found another gravel road. I said our route ran along it, KoroJ didn’t believe it even went all the way through as there was a major river it needed to cross. This kind of disagreement is only solved one way… going and finding out. :wings: KoroJ would meet me on the other side ready for some back roads through to the Pahiatua Track. I would either go through and meet him, or have to back track and take the same route as him. Either way, it’s that sense of finding out the unknown (at least to me) that appeals.

Sure enough, the road did go through, a little bit of tricky gravel but mostly pretty easy going. KoroJ was already waiting at the intersection of Nikau Rd and Tutaekara Rd and we did the usual back roads towards Pahiatua Track. The road has changed since I was first through. They’ve widened up the road and removed some of the more challenging corners, but it’s inevitable I guess.

The initial plan was to use North Range Rd which is apparently quite rough, but KoroJ definitely wasn’t having a bar of it. He offered to wait at the other end, but not knowing how long it would take we opted for the easier option of heading through Ballance Valley Rd and we had a nice run out to the Gorge. Of course it was still closed so we headed back to Pahiatua and went around to Saddle Rd. It was an temporary 70kph area, hard to stick to and somewhat predictably we saw a cop at the other end having a little chat to someone. :Police:

Up and over Saddle Rd, wow, they weren’t exaggerating that the road is taking a hammering. Sometimes you think people exaggerate but Saddle Rd really was in shocking shape. Apparently they are doing the minimal maintenance required to keep it usable and closure to a minimum and once the Gorge is back in action they will re-seal properly. Still, I had never done the road and it’s got a great view. We headed into Ashhurst for a late lunch at 1315.


KoroJ had a good idea for a little café and it turned into quite a leisurely 1 hour affair. It was also a good opportunity to part ways, him to head home and for me to continue to Taupo as I had plenty of roads that required some exploring.

I headed north along Pohangina Rd, not the usual more travelled Pohangina Valley East Rd which is sealed. Pohangina Rd is not sealed for much of its length and winds its narrow way through farmlands with some rather stunning views. The road leads to Makoura Rd then Oroua Valley Rd and finally Main South Rd, alternating between sealed and unsealed sections. In Apiti as I joined onto Oroua Valley Rd I took a brief break and found a highly amusing parking meter outside the GAS station. With nary a soul in sight, I don’t think it was turning much trade and the GAS was closed on a Saturday afternoon…


Returning to Rangiwahia, I’d done some of Ruahine Rd in a previous Grand Challenge but since the roads on that ride aim to all be sealed, I hadn’t done some of the more remote roads so I turned down Karewarewa Rd and took Auputa Rd north which was really fantastic. Very tight and very winding the maps started getting inaccurate (always the place I like to be) and I found a couple of roads marked on the map that clearly didn’t exist. Finding a local I asked him out of curiosity if they existed, which he confirmed they did not.

Still, time was marching on and by the time I reached Kawhatau Valley Rd it was already 1620. The road returned to seal and I even spotted a cruiser heading down a side road so I figured it couldn’t be all that adventurous :shifty: I followed Kawhatau Valley Rd to Potaka Rd and then Toe Toe Rd (I could swear I’ve been along this road before but no idea when) which brought me out onto the main highway and I headed straight north passing through Taihape and Waiouru and onto Desert Rd. The sun was setting on Desert Rd again and I wasn’t going to miss another sunset without pictures. It wasn’t quite as spectacular but at least I photographed one.


I’d always seen a side road on the approach to Turangi, but always when crossing a bridge of sorts and always wondered where it went, so this time I set about finding the entry (which err… wasn’t too hard if you’re actually looking) and it ended up leading to the Blue Pools, which I reached just as the sun was rapidly setting, at 1800. By the time I had had a toilet break and had a little walk to the water’s edge (the break from riding was nice) it was getting properly dark, so after a little more exploration of side tracks I played with the high beams back to the main road. I have to admit, perhaps I’m juvenile, but I really do love the power of the extra lamps lighting up EVERYTHING :devil2:

As I return to the main road the combination of light and reflective tape makes for a confusing scene but it turns out to be a police car and an elderly couple. The couple have stopped because of a flat tyre and the police have stopped to assist. I lend a hand, first stopping at the right angle to shine light onto the Rav4 and tyre and then lend a hand here and there getting the tyre changed. My low beam was slightly more effective than the torch they had been trying to use before. Once done we were all on our way but not until the cops had had a quick look at the bike and all the gadgets… including the heated grips which I had running. They’d initially thought the approaching sound had been a quad.

Once back on the highway at 1830, behind the others as I’d needed to gear up, it was an easy run up to Taupo and my bed at Stag Park Diner, reaching it shortly after 1900. I did pass the Rav4 when going around the lake and had waved good bye, as they made their way north to somewhere around Hamilton. Checking into the diner the girl recommended I take a double bed as it was closer and available, mmm I wasn’t going to complain about a bigger bed. I commented on the higher price but she said that was the usual price, so paid. Then I asked her if singles were cheaper… yes. I was rather abrupt that perhaps she should have mentioned that the price would go up by 50% and she seemed surprised.

Mmm, that’s why I book a specific room then. Room 7, it’s on the carpark side so I can get the bike right under the eaves and it’s a single at $45 a night… all I need, a crash pad available 24/7 with food also 24/7.

I think I mentioned in a previous blog that other riders had rated the Diner food as average and while it probably was, I’m no fine diner, so a slap up meal of chips, meat and salad, soaked in gravy wasn’t such a bad end to a very enjoyable day. I was also one of a handful of people in the diner so it was quiet. I retired to the room, watched a bit of crappy TV with shit reception, had a shower and turned in for the night.


Pictures: http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/b...20Work%20Ride/ ]]> Gremlin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2551-Wellington-Work-Ride-amp-Weekend-Return-(19-04-2012)