KB Gathering - Turangi Queens Birthday '09

[chanceyy]

sorry guys I too am out .. still suffering with a chest infection .. not nice choking in ya helmet (and I need to lose it before heading north in a week) .. have a good weekend stay safe

and hopefully see you guys next yr

[kinger]

.....and in my defence your honour....

Unfortunately, the boss has cut my hours, sometimes only doing two days a week, and as a result, I ain't got no cash.
Sadly, this meant couldn't afford digs, beer, food, but filled the tank.
We left Taupo about 9.20 on Sunday morning, hoping to meet for the ride out, but missed you all, so went round the lake. Hope you brave and hardy souls that met up had a good weekend, and hopefully I'll be either in a better job, or the building market will pick up, and I'll make twice the effort to be there next year.
Sorry, sorry, sorry.

Oh, and I know I'm not the only one suffering the recession, but with bills to pay and less money coming in, I'm afraid there's only so much I can save up for. Don't mean to offend, but the flights for the Aussie MotoGP are already paid for, so saving for that is No1 priority.

[325rocket]

back home and warm...

[ajturbo]

back home and warm...

i have to say it...

but did anyone notice that red bike managed to get in EVERY photo...!!!!

don't ya just hate that... friggin smart arse!, just like when reports are reporting live on a street, there is always one person who just has to be in the shot....

[idleidolidyll]

This is as far up Ruapehu as those brave enough could get. The road was ice at this point and going down was bloody dangerous with a howling gale trying to blow us off the mountain.
I'm quite surprised nobody dropped their bike.

[idleidolidyll]

This is just before we left Sunday morning bound for the top of Ruapehu (didn't make it), Smash Palace (didn't make it), Taupo (whew! made that one), Huka Falls (yep, got there too).

You'll note, of course, all the empty spaces and cabins where the softer, more sensitive (limp) riders should have been.

Howling blizzards, ice and freezing cold (of course). From the access road to the Chateau to National Park and beyond was a test of human endurance (OK, that is a bit of an exaggeration but it was looking like that ahead of us).

20km short of Smash Palace we decided that we would probably get there but the blizzard would have frozen up the wet roads making it a nightmare getting out again. Discretion was decided over valour..............but only just.....

[tri boy]

13 bikes aye.
Thats a shame.
I think we had close to 30 more on the first. Hope you still had a good time.

[idleidolidyll]

This is outside the Chateau for those who don't recognise the building.
Although it looks fine, the weather had just started packing in and snow was starting to drive down to where we were.

Some of the less brave decided that this was as far as they were keen on going (remember though, they were harder than you who booked but didn't show)

Those of us who did ride further managed to get past the gate maybe 5 or 6km to the first staging area where you are advised to fit chains. After that we had no more traction.

[NinjaNanna]

Well guys - good turn out I'd say considering the weather forcasts (buggar that they got it rigth for once too).

Just think about the memories - good stories to tell when the cold is forgotten in a months time.

Almost memorable enough to make me regret not coming ..... almost, well at least I've almost finished un-packing the garage and we haven't even been here a year yet.

[one-speed]

At was well worth the experience

[325rocket]

i have to say it...

but did anyone notice that red bike managed to get in EVERY photo...!!!!

don't ya just hate that... friggin smart arse!, just like when reports are reporting live on a street, there is always one person who just has to be in the shot....

haha. thats my bike and i took the photos

[_Shrek_]

i have to say it...

but did anyone notice that red bike managed to get in EVERY photo...!!!!

I did & was the owner taking all the pics? well done that man

[Korumba]

Just got home via the Pohui pub.. great weekend Guys and Gurl....see you all next year... and hopefully some other of the other KB members would have had a nice hot cup of harden the fuck up by then and come have some fun.....on a Motorcycle!
But having said that, respect to any one that attended the Brass Monkey.

[Pumba]

Well that was the most interesting Queens Bday Turangi Ride I have been to.

And really I should know as I have been to all of them I also want to congratulate Nadroj as the only other person to attend all Queens Bday Turangi rides (now dont show anyone else our seceret handshake or it want be anywhere near as cool).

I will do a bit of write up later, here is some of the few photos I took on the trip (I make no excuses for the for the fact there is a lot of a particulary good looking triumph).

[DIN PELENDA]

Thanks guys for great weekend, good ride, good company. Me and my boy had blast. I'm at work now, photos to come .