Humphry and Co. go east...

**Bonez** · 6th June 2006, 19:38

Queens B'day weekend ride-

Humphry, Bonez and Combo Man left Palmy Nth Friday arvo. Havelock North then on to Wairoa staying the night at one of the cleanest, most well appointed cabins and facilities I've seen in a motor camp.

Off to the Gisbourne via Tiniroto on Saturday. Whilst having a late brekky met up with a young chap on a Suzuki 8 hundy cruiser. He tag along with us to the East Cape. Climbed the 700 odd steps to have a gander at the light house. Then off to Hicks Bay departing company with the youngen. Stopped at Te Kaha for a stretch and pie. Then off to Opotiki for the night.

On Sunday it pissed down nearly all the way to Taupo via Whakatane, Murapara, Waiotapo. Lunch at Taupo. Stayed Sunday night at Mangakino at a freind of Combo Man's after he kindly invited us via a text message to Combo Man whilst in Taupo. Hmmmmm apple crumble and rocky road ice cream for desert yummmmmmmmmmmmmm. Slept the night on the couch in the lounge in front of a Kent woodburning heater-toasty warm. It dried most of our gear overnight-YES.

On Monday it was a chilly to Tamarunui ,no rain at all, where we had a hot chocalate drink to warm our insides. Then off to Whangamomona we went. My GB had a flat front tire about 35 ks from Whanga's. Tried a tire pando, which seemed to do the job ok till the temperature dropped through the gorge. Limping along at around 50-60kph, well what else was one to do in the middle of the back of beyond, on the flat tire. We met up with a cocky moving a flock of sheep. Asked if he had an 18" tube lying about, but no luck. He did inform me though that Mert at Whangamomona 9kms futher on would be able to help. So onwards and upwards we went. Sure enough he was correct. Mert, who was having lunch when we showed up, had TWO new 18" m/c tubes. I bought one, which we fitted. Shouted Mert a jug of beer for his troubles. Had a natter with him in the pub along with a freind of his. Then off home via Straford, Wanganui, Bulls etc arriving home at around 7.00pm just in time for dinner. Then a long shower then nighty night night..................

All in all a bloody good weekend. Picks and further commentary to follow. The two GBs ran without a hitch, apart from the flatty btw.

**Hitcher** · 6th June 2006, 19:46

What a great trip! I'm waiting anxiously for the photos...

**Bonez** · 6th June 2006, 20:03

Originally Posted by Hitcher

What a great trip!

Yip. Certainly better than staying at home

. Some burly gents at the pub in Taupo made the comment that we were certainly "tougher than them"

To be honest everyone we spoke to was quite impressed with our efforts and all where very freindly and helpfull. Well almost all.................

**phantom** · 6th June 2006, 20:15

Sounds like a great ride Bonez, hopefully it won't be too long before I can get yet another GB out there amongst it. Unfortunately got visitors EVERY weekend this month, they all seem to want to make sure I am still alive. Mum's just gone back to the west island, got the mother in law to go plus two sets of friends. Always wanted to do that trip on the push bike but older and wiser now.

**combo man** · 6th June 2006, 20:27

Yeah man, was 100% good 4 days! Gb's the way! Where we garn next Bonzy? I'm tryin ta talk free to ride into a blast this Sunday. We ended up doing 1520ks, and that takes my bike to a grand total of 4382km's in the last 7 weeks! Not too bad for $600 bucks!

**combo man** · 6th June 2006, 20:29

Originally Posted by phantom

Sounds like a great ride Bonez, hopefully it won't be too long before I can get yet another GB out there amongst it. Unfortunately got visitors EVERY weekend this month, they all seem to want to make sure I am still alive. Mum's just gone back to the west island, got the mother in law to go plus two sets of friends. Always wanted to do that trip on the push bike but older and wiser now.

Would be good ta go ridein with ya phantom! Never underestimate the raw power of 400 cc!

**Bonez** · 6th June 2006, 20:31

Originally Posted by combo man

Yeah man, was 100% good 4 days! Gb's the way! Where we garn next Bonzy? I'm tryin ta talk free to ride into a blast this Sunday. We ended up doing 1520ks, and that takes my bike to a grand total of 4382km's in the last 7 weeks! Not too bad for $600 bucks!

Fucken cheaper than those new fangle XBox thingamegigs aint it?

**combo man** · 6th June 2006, 20:37

Originally Posted by Bonez

Fucken cheaper than those new fangle XBox thingamegigs aint it?

More fun, too! I've tryed to do those car raceing game thingies and they don't handle anywhere near as good as da bike! Mind you, no flatties on Xbox!

**Bonez** · 6th June 2006, 20:43

Originally Posted by combo man

More fun, too! I've tryed to do those car raceing game thingies and they don't handle anywhere near as good as da bike! Mind you, no flatties on Xbox!

Hey it added a bit of entertainment, didn't it?

**Bonez** · 7th June 2006, 19:31

Just worked out the all up cost of the trip to be around $280. This includeds gas, food, drinky poos-alcoholic/non-alcoholic-, accomodation and puncture fix. Not bad really, considering. Never had to adjust the chain either. Just a daily check and lub with hypoid gear oil. Adjusted the chain at work yesterday though. Just needed 1/4 of a turn on the adjusting bolts.

Time for a filter and oil change too I notice. But will do that this weekend. I'll give the ol gal a good clean and check over all the nuts, bolts etc also, ready for it's next escapade.

Combo Man will pop in home sometime so I can upload the pics.

Edit- Shit, it's well overdue for an oil change according to this-
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...hlight=gb400tt

**NUTBAR** · 7th June 2006, 21:49

Hey Bonez

was good to meet & ride with you guys. I should have kept riding as the camping spot at hicks bay was booked out, oh well. at least we had a good days ride. shame about the roller coaster, I mean road between Gisbourne & TeAraroa.

**Bonez** · 8th June 2006, 19:02

Originally Posted by bravo1

Hey Bonez

was good to meet & ride with you guys. I should have kept riding as the camping spot at hicks bay was booked out, oh well. at least we had a good days ride. shame about the roller coaster, I mean road between Gisbourne & TeAraroa.

Welcome to KB. Yes it was an "interesting" stretch wasn't it?
How did the pics you took turn out?
.