September 25-27th - Auckland - Owhango/42nd/Fishers

**Devil** · 15th September 2009, 16:08

Yeah i'll go with whoever wants to organise it. I too am unfamiliar with the gravel roads down that way.

**johannvr** · 15th September 2009, 20:58

I'm also relatively easy on arrangements, and have also taken the Friday off on leave. Have ridden some of the roads down there, but don't know them too well. Have mapbook (can make multiple colour copies of relevant map pages & laminate if anyone wants a copy - let me know & also have GPS, willing to leave Aucks early & spend the whole day (casual sightseeing / more gravel / whatever) to get down to Owhango Pub by nighttime for a feed & a hot shower, so yea - I'm in for whatever pans out. As it is I will be doing it all in reverse on teh Saturday morning seeing as I can't stick around for the 42/Fishers ride

Suggestion:

We all meet at the normal spot (BP Autobahn Papakura) early-ish (7:00 / 7:30 / 8:00 / 8:30 latest ???), compare notes & scram? May be able to co-ord it to catch up with Chris near Hamilton somewhere if he leaves from there.

We can maybe each come up with some suggestions on a doable route in the interim & see which suggestion wins the democratic vote?

**Crisis management** · 16th September 2009, 07:21

Chris, that route you have posted looks great and probably a route i would take anyway so why not stick with that, see how time goes and decide whether to lengthen / shorten it as the day progress'.
I will confirm my attendance after this weekend.

**Bass** · 16th September 2009, 08:24

Chris' route looks fine to me too.
I suggest we use it as far as Pio Pio and see what the clock says when we get there. There are all sorts of possibilities bewteen Pio Pio and Taumarunui and so we can extend / contract our intended route to suit.

**Devil** · 16th September 2009, 08:35

Hopefully my new ohlins rear shock will turn up in time!

**Waihou Thumper** · 16th September 2009, 08:53

I know you are planning a great ride down from the big smoke...
Unfortunately I am working that weekend and I have seen your little route planning as well.
I was wondering if you are or have been tempted to cross over SHWY 1 and ride down through Cambridge back roads, Whakamaru, Pureora Village, Waimiha, Ongarue, Back road to Taumarunui....there is a fair bit of metal, the roads are awesome, even the tar seal ones are thin and twisty...
I have the Friday off so I could arrange a ride...perhaps....Happy to be a guide for the day, will even bring the cane and Labrador...

You guys must be getting a little tired of the same route south maybe by now?

Anyway, it was a thought that's all and if you want some really good roads, no traffic etc, just sheep, goats and the bush...cross over the road and head down to Taumarunui via PioPio, Waitawhenua Rd-Ohura and Roto Rd as an alternative....

They have to be really great metal roads and long.....really long!

**junkmanjoe** · 16th September 2009, 20:59

will have new tires fitted this weekend...so nice high roost from me...

**Taz** · 16th September 2009, 21:41

Originally Posted by junkmanjoe

will have new tires fitted this weekend...so nice high roost from me...

You're not on here as often as ya used to be..... Found a better site?

**johannvr** · 17th September 2009, 08:03

maybe a bit like my predicament - works gets in the way of life far too often ??

**Eddieb** · 17th September 2009, 08:45

Yep, JunkManJoe has just started his new job and is doing 11 hour days, plus travelling time.

**junkmanjoe** · 17th September 2009, 18:57

Originally Posted by Anthrax

You're not on here as often as ya used to be..... Found a better site?

yea sorry guys...a little tied up now days...
on the rimutakas road realinement project.. 4yr job.

a pic of my new office..had a few spare mins to grab a pic..
dont worry ill be there for the ride...
its going to be a early start on sat morn..

JMJ

**branahanrahan** · 17th September 2009, 19:36

Originally Posted by johannvr

I'm also relatively easy on arrangements, and have also taken the Friday off on leave. Have ridden some of the roads down there, but don't know them too well. Have mapbook (can make multiple colour copies of relevant map pages & laminate if anyone wants a copy - let me know & also have GPS, willing to leave Aucks early & spend the whole day (casual sightseeing / more gravel / whatever) to get down to Owhango Pub by nighttime for a feed & a hot shower, so yea - I'm in for whatever pans out. As it is I will be doing it all in reverse on teh Saturday morning seeing as I can't stick around for the 42/Fishers ride

Suggestion:

We all meet at the normal spot (BP Autobahn Papakura) early-ish (7:00 / 7:30 / 8:00 / 8:30 latest ???), compare notes & scram? May be able to co-ord it to catch up with Chris near Hamilton somewhere if he leaves from there.

We can maybe each come up with some suggestions on a doable route in the interim & see which suggestion wins the democratic vote?

been looking forward to this ride for long time and finally got everything green lit; partner placated, kids stowed, accom sorted, friday off work, tyres chainsawed back to life etc etc..

and i'm keen to join auckland crew for the ride down too, not too fussed about route, but it all looks good to me, but might have to peel off earlier to get to nat park as i'm staying there.. also, can i put my hand up for one of your maps please johannvr? it was the promise of lamination that swung it.. nice one.

**Dakar** · 17th September 2009, 20:19

Originally Posted by junkmanjoe

yea sorry guys...a little tied up now days...
on the rimutakas road realinement project.. 4yr job.

JMJ

You haven't sprayed KTM over the Hitachi sign yet?? i must PM you about a 990 ive heard about, or is that to much temptation!! heard its going cheap

**johannvr** · 17th September 2009, 20:57

Originally Posted by branahanrahan

been looking forward to this ride for long time and finally got everything green lit; partner placated, kids stowed, accom sorted, friday off work, tyres chainsawed back to life etc etc.. .

glad I'm not the only one who has to go thru that drill

Originally Posted by branahanrahan

and i'm keen to join auckland crew for the ride down too, not too fussed about route, but it all looks good to me, but might have to peel off earlier to get to nat park as i'm staying there.. also, can i put my hand up for one of your maps please johannvr? it was the promise of lamination that swung it.. nice one.

No probs - will make one for you