Northland Noose

**Maha** · 14th April 2013, 17:51

Trip meter reads 442kms … Warkworth/Opononi/Kaikohe/Warkworth.
Fuel average was 20kms per Ltr riding two-up.
Our first stop was just inside the lower colon of Kumara Country, or as the locals call it…Ruawai
Nice Café though, been there before and will again, more than I/we can say for that over priced dump at Opononi. Next time we stop there it will be at the little Takeaway dairy next door.

Waipoua Forest was in pretty good nick (road wise) a couple of divets that I saw way to late..

Photo op at the top of a hill overlooking the Hokianga entrance and then down to Omapere where I wanted to stop for lunch, but elected not to after seeing what was on the menu. Onto Opononi then through to Kaikohe for fuel. Had only used 13.5 ltrs since leaving home. Headed down Twin Bridges road which is reasonable condition also, considering there is a bit of logging going on through there at the moment, a few bits of patch seal scattered around but on the whole, twas fine.
Last stop was just before Waipu, we both needed a leg/bum stretch by then. Got home just on 4:30.
That sort of day is about my limit, concentration over the last 20 kms wasn’t at the same level as it was when I started out.

Great day, big day, bike was a dream, was good to arrive home.

The Route--->>http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr=...mra=ls&t=m&z=9

**buggerit** · 14th April 2013, 19:10

nice pics, what fuel are you running?

**Mom** · 14th April 2013, 19:18

Great day out!

Millie is short of rego so I got to do my first long trip pillion on COBB. I actually really enjoyed cuddling up with Maha

Through the Waipoa Forest was lovely. Far canal is that ever brown. I dont remember ever seeing it in that bad a state. The Kauri are certainly shedding canopy and the Ponga Ferns are almost dead in places. Very orange. Got to visit Tane Mahuta, I thought it would be closed due to the Kauri Die Back up this way, but no. Magical place you can never tire of.

Stopped for a feed at Opononi Hotel. I will never, ever go there again. Honestly, the food was average at best the last time we stopped there, this time revolting! I was starving hungry so picked enough to fill the need for food, but honestly WTF! Over priced, over cooked, mis-represented shit.

Catch of the day, salad and chips. Terakihi apparently. Huge blood line through it? No salt, so over cooked my knife bounced off it the first time. No seasoning, I had to go and ask for salt. A first for me. Salad was obviously yesterdays already dressed rocket mess. Floppy and oil soaked greens, some brown tipped sprouts laying in a pool of red oil

uck: And chips I was not planning to eat, share with my love

( light on carbs day for me) with no salt! Absolutely disgusting shite! Repeated on me most of the way home

Still, the company was awesome, met a couple from CHCH walking around the place at Opononi, and avoided any contact with plod. Just as well really. I reckon I should take the windsheild extension off COBB

**Mom** · 14th April 2013, 19:25

Forgot my pics

**Edbear** · 14th April 2013, 19:34

Nice to see that even bad food can't stop you having a great day!

**Jantar** · 14th April 2013, 19:44

A lovely area to ride in and a beautiful bike to do it on. Perfect.

**Maha** · 14th April 2013, 20:02

Originally Posted by Edbear

Nice to see that even bad food can't stop you having a great day!

My burger was ok...food is but a mere part of the day, spending quality time together was the idea behind today..

You know its dry when even the ferns are browning.

Originally Posted by Jantar

A lovely area to ride in and a beautiful bike to do it on. Perfect.

I think the best bit to ride on today was between Opo and Kaikohe, weather wise, the whole day was mild/cloud covered/little to no wind. We could see some rain to the north at Opo but it didn't effect us.

**Mom** · 14th April 2013, 21:24

Originally Posted by Edbear

Nice to see that even bad food can't stop you having a great day!

Nothing quite like spending time with the love of your life

Originally Posted by Jantar

A lovely area to ride in and a beautiful bike to do it on. Perfect.

The 1250 certainly has that little something

about it. I will post up a pillion perspective soon.

Originally Posted by Maha

My burger was ok...

It looked divine

Originally Posted by Maha

I think the best bit to ride on today was between Opo and Kaikohe, weather wise, the whole day was mild/cloud covered/little to no wind. We could see some rain to the north at Opo but it didn't effect us.

I really enjoyed the whole ride, though I admit to getting a bit fidigity towards the end, my bum was singing...

I had to boogie

Was a bit worried when the black clouds delivered a few spits out of Opo, but nothing eventuated thankfully. Them clouds looked awesome though

Beautiful day, temps just right

**Laava** · 14th April 2013, 21:41

We have a regular visit to Morrells cafe, Waimamakau just north of the forest. You rode past it, but I recommend it.
I had a great fang down the twin bridges road today on the Buell, mint!

**Maha** · 14th April 2013, 21:47

Originally Posted by Laava

We have a regular visit to Morrells cafe, Waimamakau just north of the forest. You rode past it, but I recommend it.
I had a great fang down the twin bridges road today on the Buell, mint!

Yeah we saw that...I also spotted another Cafe' on the hill coming into Omapere....almost tempted to grab a bite at the caravan opposite Tane Mahuta.....

**yod** · 15th April 2013, 14:18

Originally Posted by Laava

We have a regular visit to Morrells cafe, Waimamakau just north of the forest. You rode past it, but I recommend it.
I had a great fang down the twin bridges road today on the Buell, mint!

oh bugger me sideways, that is a farking magnificent bit o' road innit....

**Jantar** · 15th April 2013, 15:18

Originally Posted by yod

oh bugger me sideways, that is a farking magnificent bit o' road innit....

One of the best I have ridden. I just love that section of continous 55 kph bends.

**Maha** · 15th April 2013, 15:40

One thing I have to become more 'alert' to/of, is the how quick and easy it is for the bike to get to a speed where, I could end up walking..

At one stage, I was

when a quick glimps at the speedo suggested that, the day could well have ended sooner had there been an HP within striking distance

**Gremlin** · 15th April 2013, 16:24

Sounds like a great ride.

Originally Posted by Maha

At one stage, I was

when a quick glimps at the speedo suggested that, the day could well have ended sooner had there been an HP within striking distance

It's exactly that reason I don't think I'll own a sports type of bike any time soon again... just too easy to speed... standing in front of the judge pleading for a work licence isn't something I wish to repeat

**Maha** · 15th April 2013, 16:53

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Sounds like a great ride.

It's exactly that reason I don't think I'll own a sports type of bike any time soon again... just too easy to speed... standing in front of the judge pleading for a work licence isn't something I wish to repeat

You did mention that when I was looking to purchase. Still, I know I have the right bike and it's just a case of a simple self control adjustment.