An overnight ride, October

[awa355]

Sunday 9th October, I'm going to leave Te Awamutu at midnight Saturday, and do a ride down to Gisborne for breakfast. Figured I would go via Rotorua, Opotiki, Waioeka gorge, Gisborne.

Years ago, I did a similar ride in July to Wellington with a mate. Brian was on his CX500, I rode an XS750 custom. Was a fantastic ride. Only problem was finding somewhere in Welly to eat at 6am.

Anyone else interested in doing a run that's a bit different would be welcome. Not sure if Opotiki has a 24hr sv stn. Otherwise, I might divert to Whakatane to refuel.

It wont be a race, Not sure which way I would return, the same way, or via Wairoa / Waikaremoana or east cape, or Napier / Taupo. I could arrange to leave from Hamilton or pick up riders on the way.

I'll be going regardless, ( unless the weather turns to shit).

[Taz]

That's only a 4 1/2 hour trip at most. Why not just enter the Grand Challenge in October?

[shafty]

Hi Awa, nice plan!

Just a reminder about the abundant wild life on the road at night dow that way.....I recall from a 4 Points some moons ago - mind you that was Te Arararoa......

[awa355]

That's only a 4 1/2 hour trip at most. Why not just enter the Grand Challenge in October?

Dont think my back would stand up to a 24hr ride due to a lower back disc problem that still comes back to haunt me occasionally. I could alter the route to stretch the ride out. Go via Taupo maybe?

I just want to do a decent night ride again.

The trip I mentioned above was awesome. One of those riding memories that never fade.

The XS750 had a 3 into 1 exhaust, it had a fantastic exhaust snarl, like an old GM diesel at full noise. On the desert road at 2am, a cold still night, I can still see the clouds, 3/4 moon, Cruising thru lit up towns with no one around. The idea of a midnight ride, middle of winter was a challenge back then. Bit older now.

[Madness]

I drove from Napier through Wairoa to Gisborne, then the Gorge and on up to D'Auckland on Wednesday for work. There is a buttload of Goats south of Wairoa, including a fair few dead'uns along the road side.

I've been wanting to do that ride for a while but I think I'll save it for a nice summers day.

Have fun!

[banditrider]

There was 24 hour fuel in Opotoki last time I needed it...

[Gremlin]

There was 24 hour fuel in Opotoki last time I needed it...

From memory on the last GC that went that way, there's two shell stations, one is open 24 hours?

Not a problem for us that can do 500km+ on a tank

[insomnia01]

I'm going to leave Te Awamutu and do a ride down to Gisborne for breakfast. Figured I would go via Rotorua, Opotiki, Waioeka gorge, Gisborne. Not sure if Opotiki has a 24hr sv stn. Not sure which way I would return, the same way, or via Wairoa / Waikaremoana or east cape, or Napier / Taupo.

did this loop last Xmas on my way to Wellywood, left TA at 4am was in Opotiki by 630am, Patutahi @730 then down to Wairoa via Tiniroto Rd I'm sure there's a 24hr gas stn but may pay to ring them first ( Caltex was open when I got there ) Enjoy !!!

[awa355]

I drove from Napier through Wairoa to Gisborne, then the Gorge and on up to D'Auckland on Wednesday for work. There is a buttload of Goats south of Wairoa, including a fair few dead'uns along the road side.

I've been wanting to do that ride for a while but I think I'll save it for a nice summers day.

Have fun!

Re dead goats. Might be a bit off by October, think I'll just eat breakfast at Macca's. May go via Tauranga, fuckatane to stretch out the ride.