My solo sojourn - with friends... The 1st

**Colapop** · 25th March 2008, 20:17

I was riding home from work on Thursday and I thought "Fuck it's a nice day I'll go for a ride..." I'm riding along marvelling at the day and the freedom of it all, wondering where to ride to...? Mangaroa Valley is nice? The Taka's? I got home and called my mate (in Napier) "Got a bed?" "Yep" the I called my mate in Tauranga "You home for the weekend?" "Yep"
So some clean undies (Mum always said "Be prepared") and a couple of other bits and I was gone. Ne'er mind those worrysome droplets of oil I'd noticed. Just two drops - no harms I'm think...

I had time to think and ponder on my journey north. The joy of the warm summer breeze, the delight of the twisting goat track of the Taka's, even cruising through the 'rapa in the dying rays of the day to be greeted by so many suicidal moffs!! My visor was the canvas, their bodies my palette *bastard things* Arriving home to friends as though they are kin is a great feeling - their home not mine. Welcomed by the scamp that is HxC and his "Road Cones of Death", MSTRS and his mistress Yungatart... "Hmmm" Methinks as steed is stabled for the night "appears to be a plenty drop of oil under thar." MSTRS does agree and says he "I think you've got an oil leak" Why say many words when a few accurate will do. Wine (or at least beer) women and song (ok we just yarned) followed into the wee smalls. For me though, an early start but no one else was awake! What to do? WWE into the Laird and Lady's chambers to awake them from blissful slumber!! It was nice that MSTRS got up after that to make me breakfast.

Well, we have a yarn and a ponder upon the leaking steed. Says me "It doesn't seem to have leaked anymore..." So I reckon I can get it to chez DMNTD for the full monty (Shhh... he 'knows' people) NOPE. I gets me as far as Wasp27's base of operations and a puddle does appear as quickly as I've stopped. Oooo that's not good. Best I get my sorry arse back to th' kinfolk fer some reeshurance.

Her skirts are lowered, the bustier gone, all's that left are the drawers hiding whatever modesty is left. Well, ok then, we took off the fairings, pipe and sump as appears the problem is a cross-threaded sump plug. Away to the workshop of as previously said legend that is Wasp27. A drilling and a milling ensued (it's REALLY handy knowing an aircraft engineer) and "Hey Presto!" right as rain a jolly good job well done. She is dressed again and away we go! After of course the obligatory hugging and tears of farewell. Escorted from town ostensibly to "show me the way" seemed more like a frog march but I'll take whatever farewell I can get.

...

**Colapop** · 25th March 2008, 21:03

The first text I got when I stopped was from my sweetheart (No not you AJ) which I won't relay here...

the next I picked up was GI Joe - "In Otaki heading to Wellington" "Nice" thinks I and replies thus "In Rotorua heading to Tauranga." And so to TGA. Payes Pa road is a stretch to be respected and enjoyed. There are the twisty bits and sweepy bits. The languid bits and the "Oh shit! I'm awake" bits. Yes indeed, an eventful piece of road. I found the mansion that is chez DMNTD. My arrival was overshadowed by the eight bleck bikes in the garage. Had I come to the right place? I pondered that thought - but not for more than a split second.

He is, in his own home, a nonchalant man and his greeting was, as usual, sardonic. "Do you still love me big boy?" Well, I'm going to assume that's what he said (I couldn't hear him over the sounds of my tunes) and of course I answered in the affirmative "Gidday Homo" They're a pleasant bunch in the Bay of Plentiful delights. Howdy y'all to the assembled masses that had already descended upon the residence. A habit perhaps or mere happenstance that twice in two days there was merriment and frivolity to be had (we drank and talked shite) A text voice from the wilderness "How long is it to Tauranga?" GI Joe1313... He arrived "The Ridiest Rider"

I know - thanks Unit, at 4 in the morning and as alluded to in his report here he had had 2 many bottles of "V" earlier in the ride...

A little wired was he indeed.

And so to a pootle about the BoP (Northern Chapter) Coroglen awaits! Still. The road from Whangamata to Waihi is sublime and I found the challenge quite welcome (Hmm yes, me gots some learning to do) A Tairua bathed in glorious sunshine and semi clad youngsters enjoying ice cream does the ad makers proud. A mishap by one of our number saw us return to help.
The following roadside picnic was however, quite sublime. The young pretty officer was even quite amenable to the slings and barbs of sarcasm and jest thrown his way. A hug was ordered for both him and the senior officer (that eventually arrived) before we departed. I thought I was being nice! And lovely was the ride back to base camp to reflect and breathe upon the days activities.

**Colapop** · 25th March 2008, 21:16

And so to the final journey. On the day that God has set aside for the praise of his works and to rest those weary bones. I rode! A slight precipitation the previous eve was not to dampen my spirits but the departing from ones friends does leave a heavy heart. A damp Pyes Pa road and a reflective muse contributed to the first miles of my return being a somewhat sombre affair. But as the day warmed and the roads dried so did my mood. Traffic? Pah! I know not of congestion. Greasy road food and petrol stations filled with the screaming spawn of caged lesser mortals gave me the holy right to open the throttle and enjoy my sojourn as a treat of the senses.

A homecoming indeed! My bed await me as never before it seems. The world I had known was back to whence it had begun. A clear head, a lightened heart and all was right with the world. Things I learned of myself and my journey? Go through life with a care in your heart and share it with others. That care will be returned many times over and it will keep you humble and grateful for all that you have. Maintenance is not for those 'other' bikers. Your steed may well be mighty but it will not accept an unkind master. Do what you can, even if you feel it is nothing. It all makes a difference.

Thanks to my friends and the people who made my solo sojourn so memorable for many reasons. John, Janet, Zac, Aleisha, Warwick, Steve, Annette, Chris, Gordie, Tina, Darren, Jacs, Justin, Sam, Donna, Kelvin, and the lovely copper who hugged so nicely...

The ramble endeth here... Thank you and goodnight

**riffer** · 25th March 2008, 21:25

Well. Wondered why I never hear from you any more.

All this time jaunting around the country.

Glad to hear you enjoyed yourself and came back safe and well.

**Waylander** · 25th March 2008, 21:27

Sorry I couldn't make it over there to give you another chance to fondle my balls mate.
Had family shit.

**mstriumph** · 25th March 2008, 21:27

lyrical Colapop, just lyrical!!

**yungatart** · 26th March 2008, 07:24

Do your maintenance !!
Don't jump on my bed anymore, it is not nice to do that to people who have the kindness to put up with you..I mean, put you up!
My bladder has still not forgiven you...

**MSTRS:Me** · 26th March 2008, 07:41

Listen to your bike, for it has the wisdom of ages to impart. They do nothing without a reason, and their lifesblood is just as important as yours. Especially when it is trying to do a vanishing act. Like other nefarious deeds, the wet spot is a clue....

**SpeedyGirl** · 26th March 2008, 07:44

Nice to hear you are having fun up there Col!

**jrandom** · 26th March 2008, 08:01

Swot it's all about eh?

How's the reworked suspension on the Ruff & Rattly Nine Hundred treating you, Col?

**yod** · 26th March 2008, 08:09

there's nothing quite so enjoyable as a hot morning coffee whilst reading about the adventures of a man and his trusty RF...

**Colapop** · 26th March 2008, 08:11

Her suspenders are not quite adjusted right - I don't the seams are straight! In saying that, it's far and away better than what it was. I have to have a little visit to Shaun or someone who knows about springy thingys...

**ManDownUnder** · 26th March 2008, 08:18

LOL mate you're a nucken futter... loved it!

Do the Shaun thing re the springs - I did and mmy one regret was being a cheapsskate. He did wonders under the instructions of "Adjust what I have... no new parts please". The RF apparently has light springs in the springy tubes... need heavier ones...

I'm no lighweight but (with respect) you are even less so.... might be worth splashing out the extra if you're thinking of keeping her any length of time.

**Colapop** · 26th March 2008, 08:54

Yep done that already re: front springs. I have as hard a springs as are available in there now and they make a huge difference. The rear shock has been refurbished but could do with a new spring... I'm not fat - just generously proportioned.