Ride around NZ - Charity event - Feb 07

[jaytee]

Good on you for doing this! My name is jonathon and seeing as how my mum (Katherine monks) organises the Wellington Relay for life I'm really keen to support you guys. Although I'm a poor student I will happily donate $70 for your wonderful fundrasing event and I would also like to join in by escorting you into the capital. If you need any connection with the Wellington Relay for life just let me know, I'd be glad to help.

[elle-f]

22nd Feb - Picton to Masterton (via Cape Palliser)

If you need a place to stay - i live in Carterton which is about a 10 minute ride back from Masterton.

[Zukin]

Good on you for doing this! My name is jonathon and seeing as how my mum (Katherine monks) organises the Wellington Relay for life I'm really keen to support you guys. Although I'm a poor student I will happily donate $70 for your wonderful fundrasing event and I would also like to join in by escorting you into the capital. If you need any connection with the Wellington Relay for life just let me know, I'd be glad to help.

Hi Jonathon

We really appreciate your kind comments and offer
Rather than just the donation we would prefer to have as many riders such as yourself join in on the ride if the dates suit? (These details will be available soon on the website)
We would really love to get a HUGE escort into the city, as it would be beneficial to both the Cancer Society but also for motorcyclists in general.
The more media coverage we get for this event the more we can tell the public about our cause and also to keep an eye out for motorcyclists.

Cheers

[Zukin]

22nd Feb - Picton to Masterton (via Cape Palliser)

If you need a place to stay - i live in Carterton which is about a 10 minute ride back from Masterton.

Hi there elle33f

Thanks for you offer
We are having a rest day in Masterton on the 23rd too, with a planned ride to Castlepoint.
We will probably have a bit of a shindig down there somewhere as a celebration too
Then its the final ride to the finish line on the Sat, it will be a late start to allow for riders from Wellington, Hawkes Bay & Manawatu to get to Masterton and join in for the final ride. We want as many riders for this as we can

Cheers Scott

[Zukin]

Hi All

We have now added a bank account for those of you without credit cards
See the attached image for the bank account information

The "Tag along riders" booking page should be live today , the trip information is here, simply click on the tag along riders information logo

Cheers Scott

[Crisis management]

I've just found this thread, Scott, so apologies for a late join up. I am around for the Auckland area legs & will tag along. PM me if you need anything done in Auckland.

Iain

[Zukin]

I've just found this thread, Scott, so apologies for a late join up. I am around for the Auckland area legs & will tag along. PM me if you need anything done in Auckland.

Iain

Hi Iain

I look forward to catching up with you, we will probably need a guide (or advice) on 90 mile beach if you know that area well

See you then

Scott

[Crisis management]

we will probably need a guide (or advice) on 90 mile beach if you know that area well

Just a little far north of Auckland for me to say I "know it well"..... however I will see what I can find out, I was thinking of doing the loop from Auckland north & back with you.

Iain

[RiderInBlack]

we will probably need a guide (or advice) on 90 mile beach if you know that area well

When are ya heading up there as I might be able ta help ya there if I'm not working?
Doug (Norflander)

[Zukin]

Ok so the website is not working properly so I have decided to add the info here

Everything you need to know on how to join us on this amazing journey:

How to Sign Up (until the website is operational)
1. See below for the route and decide which trip option you would like to attend (Entire Ride, North Island, South Island, Two Days, One day or the Final Day ride)

2.If you are riding a Road bike, please click on the dates to ensure that this leg of the adventure caters for you.

3.N/A - Website only If you are selecting the ONE DAY tour option, please check here to ensure that the dates you prefer are still available. If the date you prefer is RED, this means the day is fully booked, if it is ORANGE is almost full, and if it is GREEN it is good to book. (Dont worry about the colours yet)

4.N/A - Website only -For TWO DAY tours please click on the first day you would like to join us, if this date is RED, it means the tours are booked out, if it is ORANGE is almost full, and if it is GREEN it is good to book.

5.Then go to this website

6.Another website (in New Zealand) will open, follow this process making sure you enter the minimum amount (if you pay a little more that would be fantastic!)

7.You will receive a receipt number, then you need to copy it or write this number down

8.Then close this window and enter your receipt number in the required field

9.Then you are almost done.

10.Then send an email to ride@rideforlife.co.nz with your name and receipt number.

11.You will then receive an email with regular updates and information regarding your leg of the adventure.

12.The first thing you should do once you receive this email if you have selected the ONE DAY or TWO DAY tour option is to book which dates and days you would like to travel with us as we will restrict the amount of riders we can have.

"Whilst we would love to have as many riders as possible join us, we must restrict the number of riders that can attend

"Preference will be given in order to the ENTIRE tour riders, then NORTH or SOUTH Island Riders, then TWO day and finally ONE day riders.

"There are a number of spots available exclusively for Learner Riders for all tour options.

"There are also a number of spots available for Suzuki Motorcycle Riders for all tour options.

"A current NZ drivers licence must be held by the rider

"Pillion passengers are ok (a donation is requested but not an expectation for these pillion passengers)

"Must have the necessary insurance


DAY 1 Saturday 3rd February
Napier to Hicks Bay
Distance = 450km
Road Conditions - Mostly Tarseal - There is a gravel road to the East Cape Lighthouse, this is an option for those that wish to ride to the lighthouse.

We depart Napier and head up the rugged East Cape through Wairoa and Gisborne, we continue north before arriving in Te Araroa where we detour into an unsealed, no-exit road to the most Easterly point on mainland New Zealand. We make a visit to the historic East Cape lighthouse, which stands 154 metres above sea level and is accessed by a walking track of some 700 steps - worth it for the views at the top. The road to the lighthouse clings to the coastline - there are numerous sandy beaches just metres away. Then we head back to Te Araroa where we hope time will allow us to visit Te Waha-o-Rerekohu - New Zealand's most ancient pohutukawa tree. We then leave this magical area and continue to our final destination on the first day of the Adventure - Hicks Bay

DAY 2 Sunday 4th February
Hicks Bay to Coromandel
Distance = 440km
Road Conditions - Mostly Tarseal, with options for Gravel riding in Coromandel.

We start the day travelling down the magnificent East Coast, through towns such as Waihau Bay and Te Kaha before reaching the Bay of Plenty.
We will pass through Opotiki and Whakatane, and stop to take on fuel and refreshments if we need to before continuing on to the Kiwifruit capital of the World and Mt Maunganui / Tauranga
Then it's back onto the bikes and continue the trek north to the Coromandel. The Coromandel's landscapes are hugely varied - from the dead flat Hauraki Plains to the rugged peaks of the ranges; from the crashing surf of the east coast to the tranquil bays on the Firth of Thames. Just before we reach Whitianga, those on the more adventurous bikes can follow us through the 309 road, which is a nice gravel road that crosses the ranges before dropping into Coromandel for a well deserved rest.

DAY 3 Monday 5th February
Coromandel to Russell
Distance = 440km
Road Conditions - Tarseal all the way today

We start the day with a short ride south, following the Coastline along the Firth of Thames before making our way along the Western side of the Firth of Thames through Orere and Clevedon before we hit the thriving metropolis of Auckland. No stopover here unless it is for refreshments and fuel. Then it's up to Northland, via the Auckland Harbour Bridge and through Warkworth and Wellsford. Then it's through Whangarei before reaching our stopover in Russell which was New Zealand's first capital and a well deserved day off tomorrow.

DAY 4 Tuesday 6th February
REST DAY
Distance = 0km
Special Events -TBA

DAY 5 Wednesday 7th February
Russell to Kaitaia
Distance = 300km
Road Conditions - For adventure/off-road bikes only (for those on road/sport bikes, you can ride to Cape Reinga and then back the same route)

Today is 60% gravel and beach riding
We start the day with a Harbour crossing on the car ferry from Russell over to Opua and continue to Waitangi, we follow the scenic beauty of the Bay of Island up to Cape Reinga, the most Northern point on our adventure. We then head back along 90 mile beach (tide and weather dependent) before stopping In Kaitaia.

DAY 6 Thursday 8th February
Kaitaia to Auckland
Distance = 400km
Road Conditions - Back to the mostly Tarseal riding today with the first of many days riding along the rugged West Coast.

We follow the Coast down through settlements such as Opononi and Waipoua Forest before reaching Dargaville. Then it's along SH12 through Ruawai and Maungaturoto and onto Wellsford.
We then follow SH16 along the Kaipara Harbour through Helensville and Kumeu before reaching Auckland.

DAY 7 Friday 9th February
REST DAY
Distance =0km
Special Events - Sponsors Day - Motomail and Mus Design

DAY 8 Saturday 10th February
Auckland to New Plymouth
Distance = 420km
Road Conditions - Mostly seal however sections of gravel are expected on the Coast Road to Awakino from Waitomo Caves, an alternative route is available.

We start the day on the Motorway, and throughout the day we travel through areas where there is a possibility of no other traffic on the road.
Once we go over the Bombay hills we head out towards the West Coast through Pukekohe and Tuakau and follow SH22 all the way to Raglan. Then it's a quick trip inland down to Otorohanga before again heading towards the Coast, past Waitomo Caves and out to Piripiri and along the rugged Coast again.
We join up to the Main State Highway at Awakino, before the final run into New Plymouth

DAY 9 Sunday 11th February
New Plymouth & Wellington
Distance = 420km
Road Conditions - All tar seal today

We ride around the Coast under the Shadows of Mount Taranaki arriving in Hawera. We continue along the State Highway until we reach Wanganui, and the possibility of a quick stopover at Suzuki NZ before continuing down to Sanson and into Manawatu
Then it's on to SH1 and travelling along the coast into Wellington, the last leg of the North Island leg!

[Zukin]

Part 2

DAY 10 Monday 12th February
REST DAY - Cross Cook Strait
Distance = 0km
Special Events -TBA

DAY 11 Tuesday 13th February
Picton to Westport
Distance = 320km
Road Conditions - All tar seal today

From Picton, we follow the Queen Charlotte Road through the Marlborough Sounds to Nelson.
We then head inland towards Murchison, before heading through the Magical Buller Gorge and onto Westport. .

DAY 12 Wednesday 14th February
Murchison to Franz Josef
Distance = 300km
Road Conditions - All Tarseal today.

From Westport we follow the rugged but beautiful West Coast South to Franz Josef Glacier.
The rugged West Coast is magical on a good day, as it twists and turns along the South Island.
We will probably have stopovers at Punakaiki, as well as most of the towns along the coast such as Greymouth and Hokitika.
Then it's a stopover at Franz Josef where we will be under the shadow of Mt Cook.

DAY 13 Thursday 15th February
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Distance = 460km
Road Conditions - All Tarseal today

If weather and time permits we will continue through Haast along the coast to Jackson's Bay.
Then it's onto the only time we cross the Main Divide, then follow the shores of Lake Wanaka, then through the Cardrona Valley, making a small detour up to the Possum Bourne Memorial, before the adventurers make then way to the adventure capital of the world, and a well deserved day off doing whatever they want.

DAY 14 Friday 16th February
REST DAY
Distance = 0km
Special Events -

DAY 15 Saturday 17th February
Queenstown to Invercargill
Distance = 250km
Road Conditions - All Tarseal today

An easy days riding to today with a direct route taken from Queenstown to Invercargill.
We want to fossick around in Invercargill looking for places of interest of Burt Munro.

DAY 16 Sunday 18th February
Invercargill to Dunedin
Distance = 250km
Road Conditions - All seal today,

Another easy days riding today, but the trend of the Coast continues.
However from today we change direction for the first time in 10 days! We head north
We follow the road through the Catlin's which I understand is beautiful before we link back to the Main highway at Balclutha and onto Dunedin

DAY 17 Monday 19th February
Dunedin to Christchurch
Distance = 490km
Road Conditions - Approx 150km of gravel on todays ride (alternate route available)

Today we actually head inland after we pass through Oamaru.
We head over the Hakataramea and the McKenzies Pass's, before the ride along the Canterbury Plains through Ashburton and arriving in Christchurch probably dusty and dirty and looking for a good shower.

DAY 18 Tuesday 20th February
REST DAY
Distance = 0km
Special Events -TBA

DAY 19 Wednesday 21st February
Christchurch to Blenheim
Distance = 410km
Road Conditions - Approx 200km of gravel roads from Hanmer Springs to Blenheim

We leave Christchurch and the last of the South Island Cities, then it's onto Hanmer Springs.
Although the distance isn't great the road we take is!! Molesworth Station, no petrol, no assistance and nothing until we almost reach the top of the South Island Blenheim, a quick trip to Picton and the end of the South Island leg.

DAY 20 Thursday 22nd February
Picton to Masterton
Distance = 280km
Road Conditions - Another easy day with the Interisland crossing, then its over the Rimutakas, before hitting the Wairarapa, we head south once we reach Featherston, along Lake Wairarapa and across to the North Islands most Southern point at Ngawi. We then head back through Martinborough and Greytown before finishing in Masterton for a well deserved rest day before the final days ride

DAY 21 Friday 23rd February
REST DAY - MASTERTON
Distance = 0km
Special Events - A ride to Castlepoint

DAY 22 Saturday 24th February
THE FINAL DAY - Masterton to Napier
Distance = 350km
Road Conditions -All seal to finish off the adventure, through all the towns along the route, we expect there being at least 100 riders to follow us into Hawkes Bay, and by doing so will generously donate to the Relay for Life Event. We say goodbye to all the riders at the entrance to the Relay for Life event, and we then enter the arena with those riders that have completed the entire journey, we ride a few laps of honour to finish what has been and exceptional journey!!

So come on everyone, support us and those living with Cancer.
Cheers Scott & Carissa
www.rideforlife.co.nz

[Lissa]

By Feb I should be able to join you on the ride to castlepoint. Awesome thing you guys are doing - Good on you!

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Hi You 2.
Well done. Hope to join you for the first day and the last day.
Hope to put a few Hawkes Bay riders together for the first and last day.
K Later
Steve

[clint640]

Good to see it's all coming together mate. I suspect I'm going to get made redundant in January so I can't make any plans for Feb, but hopefully I'll be able to hook up for part of the ride, maybe even a whole island if the gods of unemployment are smiling on me.



Clint

[Zukin]

Hi You 2.
Well done. Hope to join you for the first day and the last day.
Hope to put a few Hawkes Bay riders together for the first and last day.
K Later
Steve

Hey there

That would be fantastic.
I would love you and John to lead us into Hastings if you can join us on the final day, seeing you are Suzuki Riders and all and given us the time of day and actually rode with us from the start
Something we really appreciate

The last day we want to showcase motorcycling to the public by trying to attract at least 100 riders and have a full escort into Napier

We will have meeting places for riders to tag along in
Masterton
Pahiatua
Dannevirke
Waipukurau

You will need to pre register for the final day though

Bookings can now be made on our website www.rideforlife.co.nz (the costs and details will be found on the first link, under the tag along riders page)

Cheers Scott