Learner Ride to Cape Reinga (20 November)

**Grant`** · 17th October 2011, 18:17

Originally Posted by Maha

We will leave the start point at 9.30am sharp.
Ride up the M/Way and exit at the Orewa off ramp taking us via Waiwera.
Our first stop will be at Wellsford.
This is a 5 min leg stretch stop only.

Coffee/Food and fuel will be at the Gull Whangarei.
That makes each leg around the 80K mark.

Over and out.

Can we make Fuel stop in Kamo at Mobil ot Caltex by BK as not a fan of Gull fuel to be honest. Yes I know I am a pain lol.

**Mom** · 17th October 2011, 18:46

Originally Posted by Newbi

Haha, yeah I know I won't melt, gettin wet doesn't bother me, it's the slippery road that does. But I guess I won't have a choice cos it's raining again now. Totally over this shitty weather, roll on Summer.

The road is no more slippery wet than dry for the most part. Stay off painted lines and the like, they are very slippery. Read the road ahead of you, if it looks slippery chances are it will be. You will be fine though. The roads up there are designed to encourage a learner to get out and do it!

**Newbi** · 17th October 2011, 19:05

Originally Posted by Mom

The road is no more slippery wet than dry for the most part. Stay off painted lines and the like, they are very slippery. Read the road ahead of you, if it looks slippery chances are it will be. You will be fine though. The roads up there are designed to encourage a learner to get out and do it!

Ok then Thanks, that's exactly what I shall do. Cheers

**Maha** · 18th October 2011, 05:55

Originally Posted by Grant`

Can we make Fuel stop in Kamo at Mobil ot Caltex by BK as not a fan of Gull fuel to be honest. Yes I know I am a pain lol.

Its all about the easy in easy out option...that Caltex is on the other side of the road and controlled by lights so no.
The reason Gull was chosen was, it also has a bakery attached..fuel for the bike and body.
GAS (Marsden) and Caltex Oakleigh where the two ther contenders but were lacking in the food/toilet department.
You could get to Paihia on tank?

The petrol all comes down the same pipes from Marsdon...

**phill-k** · 18th October 2011, 07:28

Last time I went into Gull was heading out of town in the car wanted a full tank they are now strictly prepay, wouldn't give out cash on EFTPOS had to prepay $100 their maximum and then fill up then go back in and get an EFTPOS credit, needless to say I have not been back if they still use that policy it will be slow for anyone wanting to top off rather than nominate an amount.
You could turn right at the lights at Maunu Rd on the arrow (first intersection on the main drag through Whangarei with Traffic Lights) and into the BP good coffee and food there.

**Armi** · 18th October 2011, 08:39

First time back on the bike since my incident yesterday. Pootled around the suburbs for a bit then went to town for uni, pootled round then back to to the shore, back to town for uni again and back home. I'm not ride fit. My legs are killing me.

Also my battery appears to be buggered. A friendly stranger helped me get it started while I was in town then it cut out on the motorway. Another biker stopped behind me while I got it going again.

**newhere** · 18th October 2011, 11:29

Originally Posted by phill-k

Last time I went into Gull was heading out of town in the car wanted a full tank they are now strictly prepay, wouldn't give out cash on EFTPOS had to prepay $100 their maximum and then fill up then go back in and get an EFTPOS credit, needless to say I have not been back if they still use that policy it will be slow for anyone wanting to top off rather than nominate an amount.
You could turn right at the lights at Maunu Rd on the arrow (first intersection on the main drag through Whangarei with Traffic Lights) and into the BP good coffee and food there.

Agree, BP Wiley's would definitely be a better option for facilities and its not scary to leave your bike while you grab a coffee

**Maha** · 18th October 2011, 12:11

Originally Posted by phill-k

Last time I went into Gull was heading out of town in the car wanted a full tank they are now strictly prepay, wouldn't give out cash on EFTPOS had to prepay $100 their maximum and then fill up then go back in and get an EFTPOS credit, needless to say I have not been back if they still use that policy it will be slow for anyone wanting to top off rather than nominate an amount.
You could turn right at the lights at Maunu Rd on the arrow (first intersection on the main drag through Whangarei with Traffic Lights) and into the BP good coffee and food there.

Originally Posted by newhere

Agree, BP Wiley's would definitely be a better option for facilities and its not scary to leave your bike while you grab a coffee

I have just spoken to Richard at Gull Whangarei and he said he will open up the pumps for us on the 18th...no worries at all, he will be duty that day.
It is the easiest option for us as we wont be governed by lights.

**nzspokes** · 18th October 2011, 12:37

" I like traffic lights"

**Maha** · 18th October 2011, 13:11

Originally Posted by nzspokes

" I like traffic lights"

Ever hear of the term ''its like herding cats''?...

If any of the groups gets split by lights, mayhem will follow..

Left/Right turning phases seem to be over to quick, unlike straight through.

**Mom** · 18th October 2011, 15:05

Originally Posted by Phreak

Hey Mom, if need be I can drive you

Originally Posted by ynot slow

I am just over 25 lol.

I will require proof of this fact, you dont behave as if you are

Originally Posted by renegade master

Also I'm more than happy to drive, and next week i'll be 25.

Originally Posted by nathanwhite

I have found a non biker friend

Big thank you to you lovely fellas for offering to drive the cripple. Young Ynot slow has won the ballot as it appears he may be unfit to ride that weekend, so us infirm should really stick together.

RM, if you dont have a bike and want to come you are very welcome to come up in the car with me if you want to, I will have room for 2 others, but you will have to share the back seat with my shower chair

Doogal, that goes for your friend too.

Let me know.

**george formby** · 18th October 2011, 15:18

Originally Posted by Maha

Ever hear of the term ''its like herding cats''?...

If any of the groups gets split by lights, mayhem will follow..

Left/Right turning phases seem to be over to quick, unlike straight through.

If you do get split up going through Whangas arrange to re- group beside the new church just north of Kamo before the open road limit?

**newhere** · 18th October 2011, 16:20

Originally Posted by Maha

I have just spoken to Richard at Gull Whangarei and he said he will open up the pumps for us on the 18th...no worries at all, he will be duty that day.
It is the easiest option for us as we wont be governed by lights.

Aaaahh mates in high places, bonus

**Grant`** · 18th October 2011, 16:59

Gull was using a Biofuel mix last time I looked and i won't run my bike on that shit or 91 (even if the other companies do I ain't seen it advertised and so that makes it ok) - was reasoning behind wanting to go elsewhere, but I can shoot to Mobil or BP and fill up and come back.

Won't be like a quick 5 minute stop at all with that many bikes and I can avoid a queue.

**Grant`** · 18th October 2011, 17:10

Originally Posted by Armi

First time back on the bike since my incident yesterday. Pootled around the suburbs for a bit then went to town for uni, pootled round then back to to the shore, back to town for uni again and back home. I'm not ride fit. My legs are killing me.

Also my battery appears to be buggered. A friendly stranger helped me get it started while I was in town then it cut out on the motorway. Another biker stopped behind me while I got it going again.

Good to hear your back on the bike though. Shouldn't take to long to get back into the hang of things on the bike!