That looks a F%$#@N interesting site think I'll be there. Regards Richard![]()
Regards Richard
Growing old is mandatory Growing up is purely optional
Retired teenager
it'll be my 32nd Cold Kiwi and 31st friday night, looking forward to a big one
COLD KIWI FOR DUMMIES.
While a huge number of Kiwi Motorcyclists have at some time 'done' one of more of the Thirty-Nine COLD KIWI Motorcycle Rallies there are still a lot of us out there who have yet to give it a shot. Some of us think of it every year; and put it off every year too! You'll know who you are; its not everyone's 'cup of tea' but for those keen to give it a go but haven't quite made it here's a few pointers to make it happen, and happen in style...
* I don't know anyone going. A lot of folk who are keen on doing a COLD KIWI simply haven't got around to it because they don't know anyone else going. The key to this is do you really need to go with someone else? If you're looking for a riding partner ask around, maybe at your local bike shop, or you may want to try WWW.KIWIBIKER.CO.NZ and link up with an individual or a planned group ride that these folks are running from some areas. If you want someone else for company at the COLD KIWI just arrive. The rally is chocka of folk just like yourself! Everyone is there to socialize with others, the 'Ice' was already broken when you rode through the gate. There are bikes of all shapes and sizes and riders of all shapes and sizes too; and everyone of them has a story to tell including you. Just get amongst it!
*Pre-Pay your ticket. This might sound like odd advice for an event that welcomes both Pre-Paid Entrants as well as gate sales but there are several clear advantages. The Pre-Paid meals are great. I usually crack my first tinnie at noon on Saturday; when the events kick off, by teatime a Roast dinner and pudding is just the ticket so I can behave like a poorly trained ape for a few more hours without falling over... While the 'over the counter' food is still damn good fodder I tend to like the forced eating time too. Once you've got your Pre-Paid ticket in your hot little hand the anticipation starts too, tell your mates; if they're looking for someone to go with its sorted and the plans unfold. Last but not least the RUAPEHU MOTORCYCLE CLUB have a prize draw for all Pre-Paid entrants too, you could score something too. Entry forms etc www.coldkiwi.co.nz or at most Motorcycle shops.
*Plan a different Route. The COLD KIWI is as much a destination and event as is the ride getting there. Wherever you're riding from take a map out and have a look at some alternatives and give them a shot. Chances are you'll see others out in the middle of nowhere doing just the same as you; and get chatting...
*Is it Cold? Yes and No! There's no doubt that Cold is a factor of the COLD KIWI Rally that's part of the tradition and the challenge too but in reality its easier than one thinks to be in comfort at the Rally. Thermals are a good move; most motorcyclists have already added some to their riding gear as well as a warm hat and gloves too. These items together with you riding gear should be enough to make you forget the cold still if you think you may need more for the weekend hit an Op-Shop. I'm not kidding, you can kit yourself out in gold old fashioned warm clothes for a few bucks and if you don't want to take them home toss them on the fire! Don't worry about fashion; there's no such thing at a COLD KIWI Rally!
*Additional Warmth. There's no denying that the COLD KIWI can at times be as 'Cold-as-a-Mother-In-Laws-kiss' so the Ruapehu Motorcycle Club provide plenty of warm spots to head for. There are two huge bonfires at the COLD KIWI, one for each night, as well as 44-gallon drum fires scattered around the camping areas. If you're cold when you arrive there's usually a big gas blower in the Marquee (yes Marquee) to blast some heat into you as well as hot coffee and food 24hrs at the food caravan. Remember the whole concept of the COLD KIWI Rally is to go out and play when 'normal' folk won't, after all there's a bit of eccentricity in all of us: just do it!
*Accommodation. While some people visit the COLD KIWI during daylight hours and scurry off to a Warm Bed for the night the majority spend the night/s on site. You'll need a good tent, good sleeping bag and either a sleeping mat or grab a few cardboard boxes from the caterers to insulate you from the ground. If you'd rather find a roof over your head for the there's plenty not to far away but it pays to book early as its still Ski Season at that time of the year.
*Food and Drink. There's full catering facilities 24hrs on site with a sit down area to 'Dine' in. Hot water is also available at the Food Caravans for you hottie etc. A licensed Bar is well stocked with various products at good prices too. The Parties on when you get to the Rally folks so take it easy on the way there
*Have a go at some Events. There are several hours of Events at the COLD KIWI catering for all sorts of people, you can either sit back and watch the happenings or get in amongst them yourself. While some like the Hill Climb and the Wheelie contest take a reasonable amount of skill and of course there's a risk to your bike, the Ruapehu Motorcycle Club also put on a range of events for the novice too. The slow race is a classic example of this, get some practice in before you get to the Rally if you like; there are also some events that you don't even need a bike to enter. Prizes are a bonus too; there's plenty of them at the COLD KIWI Rally.
* partying. it's a licensed bar and camping area so the countries rules apply, the cops do visit as part of the bar license and have the ability to shut it all down and oppose future licenses if there are breaches. Remember too new limits are in place for the road since last years rally, a lot of people are chossing to go hard on friday night and have a quiet satruday so they have the energy to ride home, and will be able to face a breath tester too. There are voluntary breath tests available as an indication only at the rally at certain times. It is still your responsibility to make sure you are safe to ride. the gear is checked but is not the same as the law uses so there is no guarantee but at least it's there.
*Take a camera. There's so many toys to see that its worth having one of these items to take it all in later; and to rub your mates who missed out on a damn good weekend noses in it.
The biggest mistake I made at the only Brass Monkey I attended was to try and sleep in my leathers. Wrapping up in cold leathers was plain dumb.![]()
" Rule books are for the Guidance of the Wise, and the Obedience of Fools"
Last year was not cold, But I saw some that thought it was freezing..... Wool is great, wool thermals under the gear is great and good to sleep in, wool jumper and hat, A good sleeping bag and you will be warm as toast... just make sure you fit in it before going, they are not a one size fits all......
I lent a spare tent to one guy, he froze, didn't fit in his sleeping bag, I also gave him my snow boots I took in case my feet froze, who new smooth sole bike boots would be bad on wet grass and dirt (take boots that are warm and have traction)
If you want to sleep dont tent right beside the fire :P
Got a bike without a radiator now. Looking forward to my first CK.
Only ever done the Southern rallies so far.
I have evolved as a KB member.Now nothing I say should be taken seriously.
Thinking about turning up on the sidecar this year. I havent been to a CK for 25 years.
Just another leather clad Tinkerbell.
The Wanker on the Fucking Harley is going for a ride!
Finally pulled my finger out and got my ticket tonight..... missed last years so am eager to check out the new site.
Harley Davidson: The most efficient way to convert gasoline into noise without the side effects of horsepower.
'Fast' Harleys are only fast compared to stock Harleys.
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