Northern Gravel Adventure Riding Club

**suzieq** · 12th April 2012, 20:20

Originally Posted by dmoo1790

What's the bike doing on it's side in the background? Do you have a strange power to make bikes lie down Sue?

How about that iPhone app for the Harleys? Cool. I want one for my KTM.

GUILTY GUILTY verdict received - all good riding over 800kms in a day, (which I love to do) but these parking offffs

at the end of and being hauled off the tarmac by overseas visitors???

When I attended Aaron Slight track day at Taupo just one of the things he taught me AFTER I had breathed in his exhaust fumes from my session on the track with him whilst following in his wheel tracks - he taught me tht riding the bike was only part of the adventure, or in my case misadventure??? "Looking to where one parks the bike and exiting the car park in an upright position also the successful completion of your Adventure SUE??? " Just one of the things I remember him saying to me. Being adventurous one must look to also attend to these finer points on any adv ride.

ps from What I c on YOUR KTM there you have quite a collection of gadgets already???? COLLECTOR of GADGETS are we????

ps how bout the link to this new g a d g e t to look at???? Can't have team KTM being left behind on techno issues!

**dmoo1790** · 12th April 2012, 20:45

Originally Posted by suzieq

ps from What I c on YOUR KTM there you have quite a collection of gadgets already???? COLLECTOR of GADGETS are we????

ps how bout the link to this new g a d g e t to look at???? Can't have team KTM being left behind on techno issues!

Way less gadgets than your average BMW. Have a look at Gremlin's bike for instance. Well maybe he's at the extreme end of the spectrum for gadgets.

Your wish is my command: http://thekneeslider.com/archives/20...r-your-harley/

**suzieq** · 13th April 2012, 06:11

SMOKIN................ and I love it............

THANX and link produced just like I had snapped my fingers SO C O O L

**suzieq** · 13th April 2012, 06:33

SPOTLIGHT TIME - this blurb I wish to showcase another gentleman who I recently had the privilege of being herded along the roadside by,
Sorry, after vaguely remembering the read from FEB issue of K R trax were made to the stack in the lounge and it did not take long to flick thru and spot JESSICA proudly on display amongst the pages.

NAME SUPPRESSION: (New Club Policies) You will need to read the attached link to divulge DETAILS -

Our recent PORONUI visit - the small XT was fortunate

to be herded along our pumice tracks most of the day and heading thru the forestry the twin-turbo-boostered lighting system the big GSA boasts came into its own. Riding after the sun has gone down no prob for this bike and owner. With Xmas not too far gone now the bright lighting system thru my day a vivid reminder of the lovely lighting system set-up son Tim had taken so much time spreading round our household tree. No, honestly a lack of lighting on the XMAS decos and maybe more to be added for next year's efforts. (definately the go)

Now, having brushed shoulders (on several occasions) with someone FAMOUS and taking in the many epic events that JESSICA has done

big time wow food for thought AWSOME doesn't come close To put the article in memory confines and having met certain gentleman and yes to actually be herded along by JESSICA WOW factor

http://s1217.photobucket.com/albums/...%20by%20Hanne/

ps have we all had the privilege to meet HANNE and her ADVENTURES??????
FAMOUS HANNE

**suzieq** · 13th April 2012, 06:40

JUST IN PM IF INTERESTED:

Hi riders, Hope you had an awesome Easter,

I am excited to announce that the next Great Australian Ride will commence on SATURDAY 4TH AUGUST 2012.

The start will be at Australia's most Eastern point, Cape Byron lighthouse, NSW. 5.00am to watch the sunrise over the South Pacific Ocean.

This is a one of a kind ride, from Australia's most eastern point to the western most point, Steep Point WA. Riding through the Simpson and Gibson Deserts.

I believe that our freedom is priceless and I invite other riders to come and join in on The Great Australian Ride, or a section of it, from East to West, this is a NON PROFIT CAUSE. A $300 donation is required from each rider, all donation raised will go directly to, The Children's Health Foundation, Brisbane (formally The Royal Children's Foundation). Through the hospital's own Foundation website.

I have divided the ride into 4 Stages, covering the entire length of our huge Island continent. These stages and details have been uploaded to the FB page, 'The Great Australian Ride'.

I would like to make special thanks to those who have and are currently helping and involved with this unique charity ride.

Please bare with me, as I am limited with the amount of information I can upload on this Facebook page. I am currently working on a Website specifically designed for the Ride.
Interested riders please contact me through facebook, happy to answer any question or queries you may have involving this ride.
Happy Travels
Stuart Ball

1.STAGE 1. The Adventure begins
Feel free to ride the whole stage or just from one town to the next.
Company is always appreciated.

Bryon Bay
Lismore
Casino
Tenterfield
Texas
Goondiwindi
St. George
Cunnamulla
Thargomindah
Noccundra Hotel
Cameron Corner(Boarder QLD,NSW,SA)
Innamincka (Burkes memorial)
Cordillo Downs (Aust largest sheep station)
Birdsville

Approx 5-6 days to ride Stage 1. A mixture of road and off-road surface. Stage 1 rides through a wide range of Australian diversity, from NSW to some of Qld Iconic Outback towns. Historic Pubs to Outback Station and a real sense of leaving the busy world behind.

STAGE 2.
Wildlife, thousands of wedge tailed eagles, vast open plains and crossing The Simpson Desert to Alice Springs.

Bedourie
Boulia
Ride east along the Donohue track
Tobermorey
Crossing over into Northern Territory
Onto the Plenty track
Jervois
Alice Springs

Approx 2-3 days to ride Stage 2. From Birdsville to Boulia the road is fairly good, partly road and off-road. The Donohue and Plenty track is all off-road and requires a certain amount of skill to complete. Approx 650km. The key here is to stay alert, ride within your limits and remember slow and steady wins the race! Good off-road tyres are needed as well as a large 20 plus litre fuel tank. This is an amazing area of Australia, very rewarding indeed, meet fantastic characters and ride through a Desert.

STAGE 3.
Welcome to the Red Centre of Australia, riding pass Kings Canyon, Uluru and The Olgas is inspiring. With the red dust of the Outback, white Ghost Gums and vast blue skies, this is a truely incredible ride and you'll be blown away by natures sheer beauty.

CAUTION! This is a tough and challenging section. You will need to be fit and require a strong positive attitude. A sense of humor help...s a long way too.

Kings Canyon
Uluru
Olgas
Follow the Tjuntinanta Track west
Docker River
Warakurna Roadhouse
Warburton
Tjukayirla Roadhouse
Laverton

Approx 3-4 days. Crossing through massive Aboriginal lands, The Great Central Track is 1200km of remoteness unlike anywhere else on Earth. Experience the true meaning of solitude and enjoy evening bush fires under a blanket of a billion stars.

STAGE 4.
Fourth and final stage!!

Passing through the Gold fields of Western Australia, beautiful historic towns with classic stone architecture. This section is well deserved after the Gibson Desert! A time to enjoy some tarmac and a cool beer at any one of WA iconic Hotels. Rich and colourful plains where 50 metre long Road trains make up this section.

Leonora
Leinster
Mt. Magnet
Murchison Roadhouse
Overlander Roadhouse (Re fuel for final push to Steep Point, 185km)
Steep Point (Australia's most Western Point!)

Approx 3 days.
CAUTION! Make no mistake the last 185km to Steep Point is the hardest and most difficult of the entire Adventure. Remote sand dunes cover the peninsular and it is best to ride as light as possible. Reaching Steep Point to watch the sunset into the Indian Ocean is extremely rewarding. And that the satisfaction is truly incredible and undoubtedly unmeasurable to anything else I have ever experienced. It will change your life forever I guarantee it.
Happy Travels
Stuart Ball

Now to conclude this Adventure, I intend to ride out of Steep Point and head south down the Brand Highway to Geraldton for one night. Then cruise down to Perth and have the bike trailered back to Brisbane. (Last year I rode her back across the Nullurbor, and swore that I would only do it again if I absolutely had too) In Perth I hope to enjoy a final night of celebrations and to raise a glass to all who have donated to the Foundation and all those who have been part of The Great Australian Ride 2012. I gladly invite anyone to join this final night and hope to cross paths again in 2013. Then next morning fly west. Happy travels

**Shewolf** · 13th April 2012, 08:41

sounds like a great ride, apart from the riding naked part, the offs are gonna sting

Originally Posted by suzieq

JUST IN PM IF INTERESTED:

Hi riders, Hope you had an awesome Easter,

I am excited to announce that the next Great Australian Ride will commence on SATURDAY 4TH AUGUST 2012.

**nic** · 13th April 2012, 09:02

Originally Posted by Shewolf

sounds like a great ride, apart from the riding naked part, the offs are gonna sting

I had to read it through twice - but I got it

It does sound like an awesome ride

**suzieq** · 13th April 2012, 16:11

Originally Posted by Shewolf

sounds like a great ride, apart from the riding naked part, the offs are gonna sting

OK so that's a no space park up for the DR then TEAM OJ may just have the container to themselves unless a few small XT's may be interested in attending

Excitement is brewing sounds like an awsome ride and ONLY just across the DITCH

Those AUSSSIES "MISCHIEF a plenty" This Is How An AUSSIE has an ADVENTURE

Forgot, MY FAMILY are AUSSIES and LIVE over the DITCH have been for over 25years SCAREY STUFF indeeed can't wait to see the selection of bikes in attendance

S Q

**suzieq** · 13th April 2012, 16:15

Originally Posted by nic

I had to read it through twice - but I go it

It does sound like an awesome ride

Yes cool indeed

S Q

So cool one of our KTM's may just have to be updated ????? SAD times indeed??????

**suzieq** · 13th April 2012, 22:39

http://www.northerngraveladventureri...-adv-ride.html

For queries about this ride pm me or we will look forwards to meeting up with you SAT mng 9am Mobil Lake Terrace Road.

S Q

**Bikemad** · 14th April 2012, 09:30

is that the Mobil garage next to the taupo napier road?

**suzieq** · 14th April 2012, 11:27

Originally Posted by Bikemad

is that the Mobil garage next to the taupo napier road?

yes the white servo Lake Terrace Rd, bottom end Napier/Taupo highway SH5

S Q

We will be down Fri night so thought we would put something together for Tim for his short 9 ?? days here in N.Z. before he heads off to Melbourne then Darwin.

**suzieq** · 17th April 2012, 18:17

The group enjoyed a brief stop at Waitahanui enroute to Tukino and more..................

http://s1217.photobucket.com/albums/...01stApril2012/

S Q

**suzieq** · 20th April 2012, 15:57

Time confirmed 9am meet up BP KUMEU

A gravel road ride will be taken that will lead us out to Helensville, we take a brief stop and refuel.

From here over to our South Head Farm Tour.

On completion for those that wish we will head back into Helensville and a lunch stop before head off for home.

S Q

http://www.northerngraveladventureri...nini-topu.html

**suzieq** · 22nd April 2012, 08:13

http://www.northerngraveladventureri...farm-tour.html

Stunning views, excellent and varied terrain, weather p e r f e c t - an adventure was had by all that attended our ride. The Farm had just recently utilised their onsite grader and this had indeed been put to very good use prior to our visit. Entering the property we travelled up a newly graded gravel road that led out meet up at The Farm Sheds. Our Farm Manager met with us briefly and provided us the keys for the various sections of gateings we would need to open and lock behind us. Leaving The Sheds we travelled up a freshly graded 4 x 4 dirt track that had large remnants of big thick chunk sized rocks spewn coursely about (compliments to the farm grader, a job well done) a lovely smooth ride thru here with the odd thick patch, a few short small farmland hills and we arrived at our first lookout point. The views here fantastic. To take it all in magic. Reversing from here the group travelled over many more farmland 4 x 4 tracks that were grass and sand based to lead us out to yet again another big hilltop lookout viewing platform. Stunning views and the most perfect day for it. Down from here over to another section of the farm which led us up and through many quite deep sand traps in some places. This provided for some great entertainment from the group. One area being laced with big thick chunk sized rocks, many left wheel-sliding it down. A break time and much earned after that one area. A nice farm ride from here and more gates over these lush green paddocks we finally make it to the the forestry gravel road sections. For those that wanted a nice little offer up was had for yet again more sand tracks that bordered the pine forest. For those that wished to take in gravel roadings well we got to it. Once we completed these the big 1200cc that accompanied us led us to explore another section of forestry/sand and gravel tracks that led back to our entrance point again. To own a property like this words can't describe. Many could see a career for themselves riding their bikes each and every day on a piece of land like this (hard work every day without going to work) Wow factor and a total privilege to be allowed access for our small group of adventure seeking bandits. Our new club is looking to mix up our rides with gravel road ride outings - then beach runs - then forestry rides - We are looking to become a proper adv riders club looking to build on our skills and to welcome and introduce any new people into the world of adventure riding here in New Zealand. To boldly go and seek out and explore WHERE DOES THAT ROAD LEAD TO - and having the skills to do so