For those stuck at work - suckers

[merv]

We went riding in the Wairarapa today when the rain in Welly finally calmed down a bit. LB suggested this ride in the first place but then she bunked out on us and it was a bit late for me to round up others that were available so in the end we just took two of our bikes - me and Mrs merv on the VFR and my Bro' on Mrs merv's DR650. Because we didn't get away until 11am we canned any idea of going to Castlepoint or Riversdale and just did a short loop.

So it was off over the Rimutakas and I snapped a few pics as we went just to piss you guys off that are stuck at work.

I reckon my VFR is a pretty good looking bike for one that becomes a teenager in February.

First 3 photos are at the top of the 'takas, then the next 2 are at what was the old Flying Fish, now called Toppys Cafe and Bar where we had lunch. The good news was I think the food is just as good as it always was, possibly at better menu at that.

Then we did the usual, out the back of Martinborough to the Bell tea corner, then across to Gladstone, up the hill climb road and then stop for a break at the Wainuiouru hall as seen in the last pic.

[Lucy]

Didn't piss me off, I rode to work, and am always happy to look at bike porn!

Good onyas.

[Maha]

Same here Merv, i said to around lunch time, come lets go for a ride to Stillwater, never been there before and what a stunning place, didn't have the camera, wasn't expecting to brag about going to Stillwater...my bad...

[merv]

After Wainuiouru we looped back to Masterton, didn't bother going into the town but turned off past Henley Lake and took the road back to Gladstone then we went past Gladstone pub and around past the mushroom place and back to Martinborough to get gas for the DR. Filled them both up in the end because we were stopped anyway. For those South island guys that talked about getting bad gas mileage doesn't matter who rides our DR it is light on fuel. Bro' by then had done just on 200km and couldn't get more than about 8.5 litres into the tank so he was getting about 22 km/litre cruising in strong winds in one direction at least at around 110km/hr most of the time. The VFR wasn't full when I left because I'd already done a few kms on it but it had done over 220km on a bit over 11 litres so with two of us on it does close to 20km/litre.

So it was gas and toilet stop then back off over the 'takas, first stop at Te Marua to wait for my Bro' then we took the back way to Whitemans Valley and had afternoon tea at the Short Straw cafe which is still pretty good too - we hadn't been there for about 8 months.

Then back home - all up a bit over 280kms - sure beat working, and not as long as that short 800km ride either.

[merv]

Same here Merv, i said to around lunch time, come lets go for a ride to Stillwater, never been there before and what a stunning place, didn't have the camera, wasn't expecting to brag about going to Stillwater...my bad...

You're not talking about Stillwater near Greymouth are you?

[Maha]

You're not talking about Stillwater near Greymouth are you?

Hell no.....bit of a long haul from here for an afteroon ride.......
Stillwater (north) just south of Orwea on the east coast bays rd...

[Hawkeye]

Thanks for sending me spirreling (sp) into a pit of depression Merv. Not only do I have to go into work, but the bikes off the road at the moment so I'm having to use the train to get to Wellywood. You have really cheered me up with this... not.

[merv]

Hey Hawkeye what's wrong with your bike?

As for the train, that's how I normally go to work - nice and relaxing.

[Dafe]

I just wanna go riding!!!

[Kornholio]

Yeah yeah Im stuck at work but the joke is on you cos you ride a Honda :P

[merv]

We do have the DR650 so we do still have one parts bin special (as I know Suzukis as) in the fleet so we don't just ride quality Hondas.

[Hawkeye]

Hey Hawkeye what's wrong with your bike?

As for the train, that's how I normally go to work - nice and relaxing.

Hi Merv,

The bike is in need of a little bit of open heart surgery. There are a few noises which I need to get to the bottom of. Nothing major but it's 22 year old with 65k on the clock and it’s getting a bit tired (especially having to pull my carcass around). So it’s getting some long awaited TLC.

I dropped the back wheel off last night to clean the frame, sprockets, chain etc and I’m giving it new oil, filter and plug. I've also been getting a new front sprocket as the old one seemed a little too loose. Then there is also the joy of the WOF which is due next week.

I’m trying not to ride it too much as I’ve got about 5 weeks left on the restricted so I’m just trying to nurse it along so that I have it available for taking the full. Then I’ll be onto the 500 so can pull the engine on the CBX apart at my leisure.

[James Deuce]

What a nerve, Merv.

[Rashika]

not minding being at work too much...time and half all day, suits me well.
Now if only i could actually get some work done?!

[merv]

What a nerve, Merv.

I would have gone riding with you though Jim if you'd been available.

Now back from the shops and thinking of hitting Welly - then gotta decide where to have lunch - Bristol maybe.