through some of the Waikato's prime dairy country to Otorohanga where we met up with the others for lunch.
We headed out of Otorohanga and onto Waitomo Valley Road and onto Waipuna Road where we said goodbye to the seal for the next 100km or so.
We had to study the map a few times to ensure we stayed on the gravel. One of the little twisty roads reminded us all of Vietnam. Lots of fun.
Back onto seal and just before Waikawau Hugh had an off at 80kph, doing a magnificent 30 metre slide down the road. His front wheel had hit a patch of gravel. Minimal damage to bike and rider with his protective clothing doing its job.
We made a slight detour here and headed out to the coast as we wanted to go to the tunnel that leads to Waikawau beach. At one point we had to wait for a small mob of sheep to pass.
There was lambs, ewes and dogs going everywhere.
It is a walking only tunnel but Tim decided to take his bike through and had a wee bit of trouble
at the other end trying to turn it around, but with Beate and Marty man handling it the job was done.
Another destination ticked off the bucket list.
Since our last trip they have sealed Manganui Road and what a great motorcycle road it is now. Alas I fear the camper van fraternity will find it and it's low vehicle status will be gone forever. Marty and Hartles were having a little dice to be the leader. Beate and I decided we were not going to be left behind so we both upped the ante as well. An awesome ride. We all made it to the gas station with ease, especially Marty who has a 35 litre tank on his bike. It was only a short journey from there to the pub.
The publican was a little concerned as she didn't know how many of us would be staying the night and she didn't want problems with room allocation. 17 of us stayed in the end. We went for a short stroll around the town before it got too cold and dark.
No whitebaiters out. The recent rain had obviously made the water too dirty. Had a nice meal in the restaurant although Marty was a little disappointed with his whitebait fritters. They weren't up to the class of the ones at the Ross pub. A fun time was had in the bar with most of us hitting the sack around midnight.
After a big brekkie everyone we set off for home. We planned to visit my cousin 5 mins down the road at Mokau but he wasn't home so we increased the pace a bit and caught up with John, Heather and Hugh who were taken a less direct route back and one we fancied doing as well.
As we sped along the coast Mt. Egmont (or Mt Tarankai if you want to be politically correct) seemed to be rising out of the sea and then disappearing into the clouds. A beautiful sight but no time to stop for a picture.
About 20km south of Mokau we turned onto Waitaanga Road, which after a few km turned from seal to gravel. Just what we were looking for. We had about 40km of fun before arriving at Ohura. We'd had more sheep, cows, goats and chickens to avoid along the way, not to mention stunning scenery and only one other vehicle.
Ohura must have been a thriving town once upon a time if its large 4 lane main street is anything to go by. When we stopped there wasn't even a shop, let alone one that was open. The Cossie Club looked like it was still operating but I guess it struggles. The only sign of life was two young girls hooning up and down the deserted main street on a poor little kids 4 wheeler. We discovered the town's other residents were in church, singing to their hearts content.
So we saddled up and rode out of town. Had a lovely ride up the 4 to Te Kuiti where we stopped for lunch. We said goodbye to John and Heather here, they were heading on up to Auckland. We decided to ride with Hugh to Rotorua on the 30. What a cracker road. We never made Rotorua as after refuelling at Mangakino Hugh took off as leader- but in the wrong direction. We sat and waited as we figured he would see there was nobody behind him and come back. After 5 mins Marty went to look for him but couldn't find him so we decided to head home via Tokoroa.
All went well until just north of Tokoroa and I suddenly felt very deflated. (well my back tyre actually) so I pulled off the road and rang the AA. Lucky for me I have full Road Side recovery so I figured at the very worst I could get me and the bike taken home. Made the call and was told "Help is on its way". Great. An hour later nothing. Strange, as I'm only 5 mins out of Tokoroa and 20 mins from Putaruru. Ring again. They will contact the contractor and see where he is and get him to call me direct. No problem. 15 mins later AA ring back. There is no contractor in the area who can take a bike but hey, we have just located one in Mangakino who will be there just as soon as he gets a trailer and some straps. ETA approx 1 hour. I am less than impressed so tell them to cancel the call and they will be hearing from me. Ring Maree, who just happens to be at home doing nothing, so she very graciously agrees to bring the blue truck over and rescue me.
We eventually arrive home at 7pm having sat on the side of the road for 3 hours. A few people stopped, all of them motorcyclists (without their bikes). Three cops went past but not one stopped. No revenue to be had I guess. Despite this wee set back it didn't spoil a great weekend.
My bike is waiting for a new tube and tyre, plus new fork seals. But it will be up and running again any day and waiting for it's next adventure which is early November. Watch this space.
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