FInally got underway at 1ish from Wellington. Campbell and Ken were the more seasoned riders. Weather was the best for riding - little wind - sunny and the best of company.
We decided to do the Parapara's since the scenery was awesome with all these autumn colours, not to mention the nice curvey roads ofcourse.
Hanging left and doing the western side around the mountain with great roads and a stunning moon rise with cooling temperatures welcoming us. Plagued by patches of thick fog and some tricky wet corners we slowed down somewhat as we were traveling through unknown territory. Making good progress despite stopping to get fuel. Mist continued to follow as just about the whole way to Rotorua with traffick almost absent except for the odd copcar. We turned up at Murray's just after 7pm.
Saturday we had Tony (Taupo) and Dave turning up at Murrays to accompany us along the east coast road. Six of us now headed out at 8 am and fueled up down the end of the road from Murrays. Weather was stunning again. Again some mist around the lakes as we traveled north east. Man this is great. Why did it take me almost 26 years to get back on the bike again......
We had various stops along the coast where we took the obvious pics with the goal to be in Gisborne later in the afternoon. Stops at Torere, Hawai, Raukokore and its beautiful Church not to mention one view of White Island and a great morning tea at Te Kaha Cafe. Having never been at this neck of the woods I'd like to spend more time, on the bike ofcourse, in this area. Winding roads galore and concentration sometimes lapsed with stunning views, stray horses, turkeys on the road and feeling too hot. Was wearing the minimal under my outfit to keep me cooled, t-shirt and shorts all the way. Eastcoast weather I was told. Must say that the road conditions were great. Some roadworks in obscure places with plenty of signage to let you know what is happening. Arrived at Tolega Bay in the main street where we caught up with some other bikers who were going in opposite direction where we came from. Then onto the Tolega Bay Wharf. for another stop and a walk.
Then off to Gisborne where we arrived at 6ish. After scrubbing up went of the wharf and sat outside the boatclub for a meal and some bears. Boats arriving after their day of being out on the water. Turned in at 11.30pm
Another early start. Breakfast in town at a very nice cafe (?) where they make great coffee. On the road at 9am. What can I say more windy roads stunning weather and a few stops. Next stop Napier for lunch. Marina area ofcourse, sitting outside and plenty of parking. Murray, Tony and Dave drove back to the Napier - Taupo turnoff to finish their trip back to Taupo-Rotorua.
With the weather looking grimmer on the westcoast as we approached Woodville. We took the turnoff to Masterton with sunny conditions following us all the way to Upper Hutt where we ended up riding in light rain. But hey who cares. Couldn't wish for a better weekend. Great roads. Great people. And worth doing again.
Thanks for those commenting and giving me advice in previous post.
Pics to follow.
Eric
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Karma ... Justice catches up eventually !! 
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