Ride around NZ - Charity event - Feb 07

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Well they are off. I went as far as Gisborne today. The other rider headed for Hicks Bay

We had 8 bikes to Gisborne. There I had to leave them and head for home. We had an overcast day as we headed out of Napier.
That was after the support Van was sent to the Ford shop for repairs to a leaking radiator hose.

A few spots of rain as we hit the motorway. Some heavy rain as we got closer to Wairoa. The oil and shit washing out of the road surface made riding a challenge. Well done to everyone. The weather broke as we hit Wairoa and the sun almost peaked out as we stood around the gas station. As a few tried to dry out most put on warm liners and things as the rain clouds looked heavy to the North.

We set out from Wairoa on dry roads and little traffic.That soon changed and the rain set in again. Wet roads, and all degrees of rain accompanied us to Gisborne. However as before the rain was gone when we pulled in to town. Filled up with gas and contacted the support crew. They were only half an hour behind us at this stage. It was time for me to head back to Napier. I have to admit it was hard to say goodbye after riding with this group. Great people and they are going to have a great adventure. With the shaking of hands and a few friendly comments I hit the road home.

I can imagine sitting on the deck outside the Hicks Bay motel drinking a few cold ones. Kinda wish I was there. So till the 24th I wish you all a safe and happy trip.

Only a short write up from me cos I was only on the ride a short time. Make the effort to catch this group when they come to a town close to you. They all rock man.

Ummm why did it cost $1.23 more to fill the bike when I went from Gisborne to Wairoa than on the way up from Wairoa to Gisborne? Strange really........ .......

[Grub]

Ummm why did it cost $1.23 more to fill the bike when I went from Gisborne to Wairoa than on the way up from Wairoa to Gisborne?

Coz on the way back you were going against the earth's rotation and so needed more gas.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

See I knew someone would be able to answer the question.
There is such a wealth of knowledge out there.
Thanks Grub

[Moko Potaka]

(day1)of2
wow now that was one kooooool ride.
big meet at the carters arms,intro's all round and putting names to faces seemed the best way to start.
8 bikes left and we were awayyyy.made good time to wairoa for a quik stop and gasup.i have to say that we have one beautiful country weather it be wet or fine.the roads along the east coast were great and we were travelling at a pace where we could just enjoy the views.
gisborne was the next break and was sad to see one of the crew leave us,so we were now down to 7 bikes.cheers gixxer,was nice meeting you.
this was my first time along this coast from napier and i now know what i have been missing.we stopped at tokomaru bay as i went to fill up i just happened to ask the girl behind the counter where the next gas station is,her reply was...'we're the only one along the coast'.this had me worried as the range on th VN was limited to 170km before reserve.i knew there was one in omaio but unsure what was before that.when we left tokomaru bay we went thru te puia springs and guess what....there was a gas station,that girl at the last stop just didnt have a clue.
we got to te araroa and well ill be!!theres a gas stop there too.i had to laugh to myself,wondering what i was worried about.
5 bikes and the van headed to the lighthouse and us 2 cruisers just hung around and waited.i decided to check the accomodation out and went to hicks bay.most were staying at the motel but 2 of us were booked in at mels place,a backpackers nestled in a private little bay run by joe mcclutchie.joe also runs fishing charters too and i will be returning there again one day soon,with my dive gear in tow.once i found our bed for the night,i headed back to te araroa to catchup with the crew again.we all went to the motel,made plans for the morning then said goodnight kiwi.

[Moko Potaka]

(day2)
with a hearty brekky of maori bread and museli in our tummys,we headed off to the meeting place at 8.30.
not a good start when our cameraman left the camera on the back of the bike and was pickedup in pieces by the rearguard

the plan on this leg was more leisurely .take in the sites enjoy the ride and meet up in opotiki.my plan was just to make omaio for gas.

and what a day it was.beautiful coastline, no rain in site and bikers everywhere going all ways.after a couple of stops to take in the views(and the odd icecream)my eye was back on the guage creeping towards E.

omaio was just around the corner and relief was actually getting there without switching to reserve.astonishment was finding out that there was a major powercut and pumps were out of action.generosity was a guy from motu jetboat tours offering me some gas.now that was kool!but hang on,its aviation gas he states.hope its ok.i couldnt say yep fast enough lol.
that stuff made the VN hum along nicely.

finally meeting up in opotiki scott asked me to lead us into whakatane ,twas my privilege and the ride through was again blessed by fine weather.
after a break at whakatane i rang my boss at harvey normans to see if we can get a replacement camera.not a prob and a big $500 discount to boot.

back on the road again and tauranga was in our sites(so were the black clouds)these hit us at otamarakau but didnt hang around for long.

as we passed the papamoa turn off 2 of our team decided papamoa looked better than tauranga and branched off to the wrong road oh well.after realising the mistake they then became the tail enders

knowing my time with these guys was near its end,we stopped at tauranga for gas where i was wishing i could just keep going all the way with these great people.i was told there will be a cuppa tea waiting at katikati for us so that was it,im easy.i had to go that extra for a real cup of tea.
the parents of one of the crew had it all ready for us when we got to katikati.the hospitality there was amazing.thanks again for the cuppa,we all needed it im sure.

well handshakes,hugs and farewells said i went back to whakatane as the others headed to coromandel.
my short time with these people will be remembered as long as i live and i will attempt to catch them again in auckland on the 10th feb as they head south to new plymouth.this will coincide with the westpac run on the 11th feb.
then i will also make the final day from masterton into napier.i cant wait.
im also looking forward to the updates to come

everyone who reads this please keep an eye out for these bikes.the most noticable being the ural sidecar which looks like something out of world war 2,
and the big suzuki boulevard 109 which follows it.stop and say hi and throw any spare change you have their way.its an awsum cause and they are doing this for charity out of their own pockets.

the end(for me)untill the next meeting in auckland

pai tou haere e hoa ma.ka kitea koutou akuanei.
god bless

[Crisis management]

Great write up Moko, I get to catch up with the guys for the ride thru Auckland in a couple of hours, looking forward to it!!

[yungatart]

DAY 3 Monday 5th February
Coromandel to Russell
Distance = 440km
Meeting – 8am – 8.30am
Departs – 8.30am
Coromandel Town Centre

Other Meeting Places (these times are approximate and are subject to change)
Thames @ 10.00am
BP Thames (which is the one just as you leave town)

Ngatea @11.00am
Main Road through town

Auckland – TBA

We start the day with a short ride south, following the Coastline along the Firth of Thames before making our way along the Western side of the Firth of Thames through Orere and Clevedon before we hit the thriving metropolis of Auckland. No stopover here unless it is for refreshments and fuel.
Then it’s up to Northland, via the Auckland Harbour Bridge and through Warkworth and Wellsford. Then it’s through Whangarei before reaching our stopover in Russell which was New Zealand’s first capital and a well deserved day off tomorrow.

The times are approximate and are subject to change, we would advise that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the time shown.
If you want to find out where we are please txt or call (027) 3446372 (please no calls after 9pm), If would like to join us you are very welcome, please ensure you pay your $25 donation upon arrival, and please try and have the correct change.

[Moko Potaka]

just had contact from wayne and 7 drowned rats turned up in russell safe and sound .you guys have a well deserved rest tomorow to rest those weary bottoms.:spankin:

[yungatart]

Yeah, what MP said!! I reckon they deserve that rest!!

[Moko Potaka]

Great write up Moko, I get to catch up with the guys for the ride thru Auckland in a couple of hours, looking forward to it!!

give them my best when you see them,cheers CM

[Gixxer 4 ever]

just had contact from wayne and 7 drowned rats turned up in russell safe and sound .you guys have a well deserved rest tomorow to rest those weary bottoms.:spankin:

I hear the weather forecast could be a bit wet for the next part as well.
Never mind it is a fundraiser and if it was to easy it wouldn't be the same.
He said sitting at the computer in the sun.
Take care people and I still wish I was on the ride.

[Zukin]

Hey all

Yes it is very wet at the moment here in Northland!
Heres hoping that the weather holds up, but then again it is an adventure

I will post a more detailed report on Friday

Overall very good trip so far

Cheers Scott & Carissa

[Moko Potaka]

cant wait to hear about it,take care guys

[yungatart]

DAY 5 Wednesday 7th February
Russell to Kaitaia
Distance = 300km
Meeting – 7.45am – 8.15am
Departs – 8.15am
Russell Holiday Park
Longbeach Road
Russell

Other Meeting Places (these times are approximate and are subject to change)
Paihia @ 9.00am
SHELL PAIHIA
140 Marsden Road, Paihia


We start the day with a Harbour crossing on the car ferry from Russell over to Opua, and then we meet up with those tagging along for the day in Paihia. We follow the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands, before reaching Awanui.
Then it’s on to Ninety Mile Beach (tide and weather dependent) up to Cape Reinga, the most Northern point on our adventure. Those that do not wish to ride along the beach can travel by road with our support vehicle.
We then head back along the Main Road before stopping in Kaitaia.

The times are approximate and are subject to change, we would advise that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the time shown.
If you want to find out where we are please txt or call (027) 3446372 (please no calls after 9pm), If would like to join us you are very welcome, please ensure you pay your $25 donation upon arrival, and please try and have the correct change.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Then it’s on to Ninety Mile Beach (tide and weather dependent) up to Cape Reinga, the most Northern point on our adventure. Those that do not wish to ride along the beach can travel by road with our support vehicle.
We then head back along the Main Road before stopping in Kaitaia.

.

I hope that works today. I hear on the radio the weather has been very bad. Good luck people and stay safe out there.