Update, 3,500km later

[WanderBird]

Updating all those who encouraged me when I first got my BMW.....

I have done 3500 blissful km's (by myself) in just over a week, having ridden every day, with the exception of yesterday, due to pouring rain.


Trips have varied - Palmerston - Alexandra, Palmy - Middlemarch (The Pig Root is a great road!) Mt Cargill, Taieri Plains, Oamaru, Waitaki Lakes via the Maheno inland route, generally just tiki-touring.
A few days ago I decided it was about time I tried gravel - that is what I get the bike for. The first ride was a back road from the top of the Macraes Hill, down to the bottom of the Pig Root.
Cautiously, cautiously, a bit of rolly stuff built up on corners, steepish in places (for me!) but it was great! Once I remembered that the bike will wobble, I just relaxed and went with it.

Having both enjoyed and survived that road, I carried on and went down to Bucklands Crossing, considered the road thro to Nenthorn, but it's an isolated road, and being by myself, first day on gravel etc, I decided I should wait till I had a bit more experience, instead I went over Apes road to Karitane, then down the coast road and back to the Kilmog via Church road.

The following day I did a whole bunch of gravel roads around Ranfurly, out to Waipiata, Naseby etc. The heat was really uncomfortable, but the ride was fun.

It feels terrific to be out there on the gravel, ....it opens so many options, and I have always loved just going up unknown roads to see what is there, doing it on a bike is better

I'm so glad I persevered and overcame my (now) laughable fear of the Beemer - getting it is one of the best moves ever

Anyone in Otago available for weekday rides? or weekends for that matter... pm me

[Taz]

BMW's and gravel make a good team. What tyres are on your GS?

[Rosie]

Good work!
Have fun exploring all those new roads

[tri boy]

Your into the swing of things quick smart arn't you?

What I like about the backroads is:
Bugger all traffic.
Stop where ever, and when ever you like.
Havn't seen a coppa on one for years.
People are friendly and relaxed. (goes with the territory).
Unspoilt country side.
Bugger all traffic.
A sense of adventure on each new road you travel down.
Bugger all traffic.
The need to rely on your skills and comonsense.
Bugger all traffic.
Wild life everywhere.
Views to die for.
Camping in isolated areas.
Bugger all traffic........................
the list is endless.
Hope to see you out there

[Mint Sauce]

Just brilliant. From someone also new back to biking, 30+ year gap, it is wonderfully inspiring to read about all the stages you are entering and breaking through. Just brilliant.

You will receive my first bling; if I'm actually entitled to give any.

[WanderBird]

I guess I have gotten into it fast, 'face the fear and do it anyway' as the saying goes. Every barrier I break through gives me more confidence.

Country roads are fabulous for all the reasons you listed, and probably more. I love the peace (when stopped) isolation, and the unknown round every corner, as you say, the list is endless.

MORE I say!!!

Your into the swing of things quick smart arn't you?

What I like about the backroads is:
Bugger all traffic.
Stop where ever, and when ever you like.
Havn't seen a coppa on one for years.
People are friendly and relaxed. (goes with the territory).
Unspoilt country side.
Bugger all traffic.
A sense of adventure on each new road you travel down.
Bugger all traffic.
The need to rely on your skills and comonsense.
Bugger all traffic.
Wild life everywhere.
Views to die for.
Camping in isolated areas.
Bugger all traffic........................
the list is endless.
Hope to see you out there

[zadok]

Well done. I've yet to use my Tiger in this manner, but this is encouraging.

[scumdog]

Your into the swing of things quick smart arn't you?

What I like about the backroads is:
Bugger all traffic.
Stop where ever, and when ever you like.
Havn't seen a coppa on one for years.
People are friendly and relaxed. (goes with the territory).
Unspoilt country side.
Bugger all traffic.
A sense of adventure on each new road you travel down.
Bugger all traffic.
The need to rely on your skills and comonsense.
Bugger all traffic.
Wild life everywhere.
Views to die for.
Camping in isolated areas.
Bugger all traffic........................
the list is endless.
Hope to see you out there

You've just described out main sttreet..

[WanderBird]

*chortle* scumdog - your street is busier than mine then!

Have been invited by fellow KB'er to do the Waipori Gorge, Dunstan Trail, Lake Onslow etc tomorrow. Some serious gravel km's and I am looking forward to it. Will update when I have done it, this time I will take my camera!

[Old Grant]

Good ride. Thanks for the company