Umatoi locals (all 2 of them) decided to see if we can make a return trip to Gisborne in a day. In order to complete the task at hand the numbers had to be limited so it was decided that it be Dogsnbikes, Pheobe, Meanie, Yods, 86 and myself.
Weather on the east coast just wasnt going to play ball so last minute change decided we would head north up western access and find some roads on the west of the island. And that we did.
Kicked off at 6am. Quite dark at 6am. Dogs, Pheobe, Meanie and Yod were rearing to go. 86 text and said he would meet us in Cheltenham so off we went. The plan being as fewer stops as possible. Gave 86 a wave in Cheltenham and he was on the bike for a catchup. Vinegar hill at 6.15 in the morning was alot different to vinegar hill at 4 in the afternoon. Very sedate pace with lots of double guessing of the road surface. Then come the deep gravel road works which I wasnt really ready for. All in all, a pretty interesting trip across a well known road. Got the feel for it and headed up SH1. It was fucking cold and I found myself wondering if the gods would strike me down if I put heated hand grips on a sports bike. 86 peeled off in Taihape due to lack of latte or something. Real shame because once we got through the tough morning the day turned out fantastic.
First stop was Turangi for fuel where Yod discovered a colour matching scheme between his bike and shell coffee. (pic 41). It felt great to be cruising and just being at peace with the bike early in the morning. As the sun came up it became very apparent that it was going to hang around for some time.
Headed up western access at a reasonable pace and the bikes in a line fell into the corners as my mind wandered onto other things. Dogs lead at a pace that didnt require alot of concentration and the roads unfolded in front of us in a predictable manner. Didnt take long before we hit SH30 and across bennydale to Te Kuiti. It has been a long time since I have been down this road and I had almost forgotten how good it is. Some fast flowing corners as My stomach was grumbling before hitting the gas and gobble for lunch. Well it was only 10am so more like brunch really. The Honda required special parking (pic 10-12). Bike refueled at $2.14.9 per litre!!!!
Run rings round Meanie and Dogs (pic 44) (albeit in the carpark) and we headed off down 8 mile where Dogs and I had a bit of a play. Great road and REALLY happy noshowed up.
Turned off toward Ohura to follow possibly the most dodgey road in the north island. Littered with sheep and even a billy goat gruff guarding a bridge on the way. Couldnt really get the flow going due to animals around almost every corner but made reasonable pace through this section.
Stopped in Ohura so Yod could have some intimate moments with his camera and his bike. (pic 20-21). Took some nice shots of bike lined up in the middle of the road. (pic 13-19) I think it was rush hour because in the 30 minutes we stopped there 1 car came up the 2 lane avenue (with median island) that is ohuras main road.
Found out Dogs had never done the forgotten highway so keen as mustard we headed for the twisties and were welcomed with open arms. First section of forgotten highway was well recieved. The gravel was more like hard paced dirt so great to ride on. Stopped at the tunnel for some more photo oppourtunities. Being well ahead of schedule we spent some time chatting and taking photos. (pic 25-36)
Stopped again at the pub for a refresher where a few other bikes had pulled up. Good to see the Hondas sticking together so they dont get picked on too much. (pic 37-39).
Next stop was Stratford for fuel. Dogs set a cracking pace and I latched on behind. Absoutely amazing trip down to Stratford. This section was not a sunday afternoon pootle. The 9 fell into its own as high concentration was put into hitting the mark and not letting the Daytona out of my sights. Mission accomplished. Good fun.
Refuel and back on the main road and back through Halcombe Hill set us home at just after 5pm.
No tickets. No bins. 800+km. Cant wait for the next one.
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Sounds like a great day out! Love the pics of the bikes in the tunnel!!
Originally Posted by u4ea
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lol. If it's any consolation it took me nearly two hours and three stops to get home where I promptly went back to bed again. Combination of a long week, flu coming on and freezing bits I think. Next time though for sure 
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