Okay guys. This is the hot scheme. I have booked Te Kauri Lodge for Saturday night 2nd March. This is a conservation lodge on the road to Kawhia and in the heart of some of the best biking roads on the planet. The lodge sleeps over 100 and is self-contained. Google www.tekauri.org.nz for details and www.oparauroadhouse.com for a good map. We will have a BBQ on the Saturday night and can breakfast at the Roadhouse before doing the Waitomo loop on the Sunday. The lodge is only 2 hours from Auckland and 40 mins from Hamilton but there are lots of creative ways to get there. You will need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow and whatever you want to drink. That would be a pain if you happen to own a bike that doesn't carry freight so we will make up a central collection point ( probably my daughter's cafe in Ellerslie) and I will bring it all down and bring it back on the ute. You don't want to ride with extra weight if you don't have to. The lodge borders on to 1100 hectares of reserve that you own. It is full of cliffs, bush, caves, streams, fossils and history. DoC have just built more all weather bush walks at your expense there so it would be rude not to explore. There is big lounge with an open fire plus a hall. As most of us joined to meet kindred bike enthusiasts, this is the big chance without riding to the end of the earth. Just a great chance to meet, mingle, tell lies, skite and tell tales about iron men on wooden motorcycles. So at this point please race into print with ideas and intentions as I don't want to be left holding the can. I get down there on a regular basis as I am the Project Manager for the rebuild. I chose early March because it is still daylight saving, holidays are over, weather should be settled and it shouldn't be cold. Yeah right. Okay now please respond.
wow, serious business... it's like "we ride once a month" becoming REAL! but, being a true latte-sipping kinda guy i don't own a sleeping bag plenty of time to sort that out by march...
Are we looking at gravel roads, or just tarsealed ones?, it would be possible to go down thru Port waikato, but there may be some gravel involved.
Blankets, sheets & pillow are fine. Just load them into a box together with what you drink and stick your name on the outside. Drop them off off at Gasket Cafe and have a super fresh latte from the fresh roasted coffee ( which will also be at the lodge).
We (me & ikiebikie) could be in for this - sounds like a great idea - cool roads to for those who have not done the Kawhia - Waitomo road - a lot of winding twisting road.
count me in
Same weekend as http://www.bikesbluesandhotrods.com/ what to do?? What to do??
There is always going to be clash somewhere. Do both. The advantage is the lodge is pretty much central Waikato and it is daylight saving....... Late arrival or early start. It is early times yet but not much response so far. I will gauge the interest before paying for the hire at Xmas and we were lucky to get the booking so please indicate intent. It is a brilliant venue and magic rides. Speak up!
It is early times yet but not much response so far Yeah know what you mean - seems like a great chance to get together but BFTP as a whole seems to have gone into a semi hibernation. But Me and Trina will most probably do the Kawhia thing
would most probably be there,
At this stage of things I would be keen to join in. Rhys
I'm interested - been a bit busy at work for the last wee while trying to hold onto my job. Didn't help I broke two ribs either.
We are hiring the whole lodge so bring partners. It is better to be there even if your bike or body isn't up to the ride so cars okay. Partners may prefer to car pool which will free up the guys just to ride without luggage.
Ok Simon, my wife and I are both definite starters for the weekend. Cheers, Rhys
I'm interested, possibly bringing a few extra's
