Riding South Again - March 2106

We left home just after 1pm having waited in the vain hope the weather would improve. My bike decided it didnt want to start so had to bump start down the driveway. We are off, in the rain heading towards Rotorua as the Kaimais look particularly bleak and we suspect the speed restriction signs will be in action.

Stopped in Rotorua for gas and noticed my rear tyre was looking very flat. Closer inspection shows its leaking air. Luckily there is a tyre shop 50m down the road. Initially the guy is reluctant to do it but once Marty had the wheel off he is quite happy and does it for free. Got talking to a guy who had spotted us at the gas station and he had noticed the state of my tyre and he said he thought to himself,”must be carrying a lot of gold on that bike”.

Off again and we leave the rain behind. Marty pulls off the road on the side of Lake Taupo but as it isnt a designated off we had to tide over the gutter to get to the parking area.

We were all in need of a pee so found suitable areas and felt better for it.

Trouble free run to Taihape arriving around 6pm. The motelier greeted us warmly and then gave us a choice of two accomodations. We chose the house as it was very roomy and the same price plus continental breakie. He then gave us beer and chips. Nice way to finish the day.

Walked into town had a lovely chinese at our favourite little shop then back to the house for a lovely cuppa tea a spit of telly watching and an early night.

Great first day.

Had a startling wake up call at about 3am that saw me rocket out of bed. Previous tenants had obviously set the alarm! I tried to turn the bedside light on but couldnt get it to work. Marty asked me what I was doing and pointed out it was a fan not a light at which point I remembered I wasnt in my bed at home. I diasbled the clock and went back to sleep.

Managed to get away pretty much ontime only to discover at the gas station that my front tyre was flat as a pancake. Luckily when we pumped it up the air stayed in.

Stopped in Bulls so Beate could meet her sister and family and return an article of clothing to her. Had a coffee then off to Makara. Easy ride. No traffic hassles getting into Wellington.

Lynnie made us lovely toasted sarnies for a  late lunch then we jumped on the BM’s and went to Te Papa to see the Gallipoli exhibition. It was very moving and bought tears to my eyes.

Ivan had arrived by the time we got back and was busy doing repairs on his bike.

Marty and Dean got to work and shortened my side stand. It is do much better.

Late night for me. 11pm. Time for sleep.

Lovely roast for dinner.

  

Bad sleep due to cramp. Must drink more water. We all bundled into Lynnies car and headed onto Wellington to the Dominion museum to see the 2^nd Gallipoli exhibition. It was far more to read and absorb than the Te Papa one but very good. We spent nearly 2 hrs there then had a quick look in the Cenotaph then went cruising around Shelley Bay Road. Climbed up to the memorial to William Ferguson Massey. Stunning views of Wellington harbour.

We then headed to a cafe that Lynnie had recommended but it was too expensive ($20 for a BLT) so we carried on and found a cheap bakery in Mirimar which was perfect.

Back at Lynnies we all felt the need for a nanny nap.

Had a lovely evening again with the Carter’s and the Rackstraw's Lynnie overfed us with her stunning cooking again.

Very happy to get to bed. Knackered.

Was up at 5.30am as last nights curry was on the move!

We left for the ferry just after 8.30. I had to bump start my bike once again. About 6km down the road my bike spluttered to a halt when I couldn't decide where reserve was. Beate stopped and with her eyes we got me going again. A little further down the road the boys appeared looking for us. We got to and onto the ferry with no further dramas.

Lovely calm sailing. We decided to stop in Blenheim to get me a new battery. Bit of a mission getting the old battery out with half the bike being dismantled. The new one slotted straight in but the terminals were arse about face so it was no good. Marty took my old battery into the shop and they re watered it. 

Next issue when the bike was reassembled was whether or not I would make it the 50 m down the road to the gas station as my tank only contained fumes. Made it and my 22 litre tank took 22.5 litres. Bit too close for comfort.

Lunched at subway then headed south to Cheviot. Had brief stop on the Kaikoura coast for Tim and Beate to add a layer then a quick look at all the seals then we continued on with Tim in the lead. He got away on the Hunterleys and Beate was off after him like a scalded cat. We just puttered on at around 110 and arrived within a couple of minutes of them. Saw more cops in the last 10kms than we've seen since we left home.

Had nice roast meal in the pub for tea. We’re all relaxing in our unit. All a bit tired I think.

Big off road day tomorrow. Hope I hack it OK.

Saturday

Bike started this morning with a bit of gentle persuasion from Marty. We had a very interesting and fun ride to Culverdon.  We went up some back road till we got to a sign that said road not maintained past this point and carried on. Tim had to do a bit of scouting to find the track at times but we made it to the other side. Stunning scenery. 

Bike played up and wouldn't start so Marty sent me to open a gate so he could bump start it but instead I got a massive electric shock that hurt my arms and hands like hell. He managed on the small slope available. We then discovered if the lights were off while riding it would start so that's how it is now.

Stopped for lunch in Amberley. I had to gas up at a 24/7 gas station 20km out of Amberley as I was on reserve again. Put 21.26 litres in.

It was here I discovered I had no indicators. Closer inspection by Marty showed the whole unit had fallen off. So now I’ve no lights and no indicators.

The afternoon ride took us over the Okuku Pass and down through the Lees Valley. Bit harder ride with gates, fords and a river. I made it through the river give or take a stall or two so I was happy.

Shortly after the road improved and I found myself leader of the pack. I increased my speed a bit and due to light I didn't see a small ford. I hit it at pace and the bike and I were airborne. I was off the seat but we managed to land together although a bit sideways and carried on. I slowed down after that. Marty also hit it and bottomed out so he stopped to check his sump was still intact  Thankfully it was.

Met quite a bit of traffic on this road. Cyclists, motorcyclists, farmers and cars.

The last 20km of gravel were hard work as I was quite tired.

 Was nice to roll into Darfield about 4pm.

We are all a bit tired so after tea we have retired to our rooms. Early night for us all.

Great day.

Bad sleep. Didn’t want to wake up this morning.

Bit of a delay leaving as we couldn’t find anyone in the pub to unlock the garage. Meant I got extra 5 mind snoozing.

Our destination for the day was riding into Erewhon  Station. The road in was not nice. Roly poly gravel and ridges of gravel swept into rows by cars so it was exciting at times. Lots of traffic and not nearly as scenic to ride into as Mesopotamia was. We did get a couple of fords to cross just to keep our hand in. No probs there.

We had our lunch at the end of the road then headed for Fairlie. Stopped in Geraldine for gas but as I hadn't gone onto reserve we carried on. 9 km from Fairlie I did.

Visited a friend of Tim and Beate's then had a wander downtown before returning to the pub for drinks and tea.
They seemed to get our meal order a bit muddled and bought out 2 corn stacks for Marty and I. He had ordered a burger and wedges. I ate a piece of tomato put some salt and pepper on my salad then decided to go to the loo. When I got back the corn stacks were gone. Some other diner got short tomatoed and salt and peppered.

Had a lovely port with Tim and now retired. Waiting for MJ to appear with the coffee.

Having a wonderful time with great riding. We are so lucky.

Continental breaky at the pub then we loaded up and got on the road. About 10mins up the road we stopped and put our wet weather gear on. I was pleased to be able to put my lights on as it was pretty dull.

Once over Burkes Pass the weather cleared.

We rode up to Mt St Johns observatory. The views were stunning and the wind was pretty gusty.

I broke my sunnies here. Well the loose lens fell out and shattered on the stones so we detoured back to Tekapo so I could get a new pair.

We had hoped to ride along the canals but the roads have been closed. Bummer. 

We had a break at Lake Pukaki then headed to Omarama. We got food at the 4 square as the cafés there are all too expensive for our budget.

Next stop was Cromwell. I went onto reserve 10km out. Typical for this trip.

Onto Clyde arriving about 3pm. It felt like 5.

After a shower and a coffee in the pub MJ and I went for a wee walk to the old bridge. Good leg stretch

Sorted out my cycling gear then Beate and I took our bikes around to Maria and Roys. She very kindly drove us back as it was drizzling.

Pizza for tea and after a bit of TV it was off to bed.

MJ had a much better sleep last night as did I so he was quite happy to get up and get me breaky in bed. Coffee and muffins.

Just after 9 we headed down to where we were collecting the bikes. First shock was that I didn't get the men’s bike I’d ordered. None available so they upgraded me to their newest bike at no extra cost. The seat leaves a lot to be desired.

We got our lunch (pkt of sandwiches) from the 4 square then set out on our big adventure. We churned through the kms, stopping at all the historic points along the way.

To me Tiger Hill was a non event. It was a gentle climb. 

We stopped half way up and had our lunch then it was a short 8km to Omakau. We arrived st the pub at 1.30. 3.5hrs and nearly 40km after we set off. We were a bit stunned. Checked in unloaded our bikes then went on a short ride to check out the historic town of Ophir. We passed a group of cyclists who yelled out to us that it was a waste of time but we quite enjoyed it. The old bridge was pretty impressive.

Back to the hotel for a wee rest then a shower. Spent the time till tea just relaxing in the garden bar. We went for a wee walk after tea and now blobbing out in the reading room.

We are feeling surprisingly good. Although a little tired.

The stables at the pub are the ones used in the Speights adds.

I slept in till nearly 7.30 so we didn’t quite get the early early start we planned but we still got away by 8.30.

We bought breaky and lunch at the 4 square. 2 packets of sandies for $7. Cant complain.

We stopped about 5 mins after we started to add a layer. It was rather chilly. I even put my thermal gloves on under my bike gloves.

We had a lovely ride especially through Poolburn Gorge. Stunning scenery. The tunnels were fun and the viaduct was very impressive.

The uphill slog all day didn't really bother us at all until the last climb out of Otureha. This was a long 7km climb that just seemed to go on forever but eventually we made the highest point on the trail and took the picture.

It was all downhill from there to Wedderburn. We arrived at the pub at 2 o'clock. Didn't feel as knackered as yesterday . 

We booked in showered had a coffee then walked back up the hill to the red barn info shed. We then walked down to the station which we will ride past in the morning.

Back to the pub where we relaxed watching telly till our lovely roast dinner was ready.

Chattered with a couple from Auckland who are starting the trail tomorrow. They knew my Uncle Dave from Waipu. Such a small world.

In bed. Bit of a read before lights out.

Up earlier this morning. Had breaky with the lovely couple from Auckland then packed up and set off. We were a little worried about the wind as it was blowing a gale.

Once on the rail trail we subjected to a bit of cross wind down to Wedderburn Station which blew Beate around a bit and one of the Hamilton ladies off her bike twice. I had no problems. Once down on the flats we had an amazing tail wind that blew us into Ranfurly in no time. We went into town but as we missed about 400 meters of the trail we rode back up it. What a mission. The wind was so strong. Once back into town we went to the 4 square for our lunch. We each got a chicken roll. I added a banana. The lady told us we should get cracking before the wind changed. We didn't need to be told twice and were off. The temperature was very changeable so we were both on and off with layers. After about 3 hrs we were about 6km from Hyde. We stopped at the tunnel diversion and clambered down the slope and along the river bed till we found the exit point of the tunnel. Beate thought we should go through it but I shot that idea down straight away. We had lunch on the rocks

Back up the hill through the last tunnel then down into Hyde. Bit of a head wind to finish the day.

Our pickup arrived on time and delivered us to the Stanley Hotel in Macraes Flat. After a shower we went for a walk around the wetlands and pondered all the billboard signs in the adjoining paddock. I thought some farmer must be collecting all the unwanted signs and giving them a final resting place but no apparently it is art and hated by the locals.There were some nice sculptures in the Wetlands though.

I've had a lovely birthday. Missing Mr H. But I will see him tomorrow.

Got a lovely set of ear rings from the PA's and they put a photo of Buddy on FB with a happy birthday mum sign around his neck. I loved that.

Time to get some shut eye just in case we have 27km of head wind tomorrow. I hope not!!

Had a great sleep last night. Didn't have to get up till 8am . Bonus as it was a little chilly.

Very leisurely start to the day. We arrived back at the rail trail at 9.30ish. It was pretty cool. About7°. We layered up and off we went. Wasn't long before we had removed a layer. Bit of a head wind for the whole 27km and a couple of climbs that Beate found a bit of a challenge but we made it. Stopped at all the interest points talked to fellow cyclists – and there were a lot on the trail this morning.

We rolled into Middlemarch at 12 o'clock. Took the necessary photo then headed to cycle shop to drop off the bikes and meet Alistair and Rebecca who were waiting for us. Went to a little cafe for lunch then headed back to Clyde. We stopped off at Chatto Creek so we could look at the post office that we had missed previously.

Got our bikes and headed to the rally site arriving about 4ish. The boys weren't there.

They arrived about an hour later. MJ looked and was exhausted. They had a hell of a ride. Very hard and not a place to take a fully laden PD. He came off 4 times but thankfully Tim was able to assist in getting him upright. The bike has suffered a broken left mirror and indicator. Minor damage I guess. MJ is a bit sore. I have never seen him looking so shattered. He is glad he did it but I think he has decided he is too old for that sort of extreme off roading.

All in all we have both had a fun few days.

Nice night catching up with everyone at the rally. Lovely site and we have a nice room.

Early to bed for us both tonight.

A very lazy day. Went for a walk downtown with MJ Bob and Claire and Lynnie. After lunch I went for a river walk with Beate Rebecca Bob and Claire. Had a big sleep when I got back. Was knackered. We all went down to the pub for tea.  Walked back to camp sat around yakking for a while then off to bed.

We got away around 10 and headed off to Queenstown with Lynnie and Dean. Stopped in Cromwell for gas and coffee. Spent a quiet with afternoon with Mike and Emma. All of us having a wee nap. We went down to Kingston to check out their new house. It is lovely. I hope it works out for them . We had tea with Cag and Mal then we returned to Queenstown and into bed. Has been nice to see them but man do they live stressful lives. I couldn't do it.

We went to breakie at Novatel this morning. What a feast you can have for $20. I had lashing of bacon and mushrooms.

We planned to ride north with the Carters so co ordinated our leaving. Somehow we got ahead and they weren't at Cromwell. Got a message at Omakau that they were behind us so we waited there for them. Had a lovely ride detouring along the hydro canal then up to Mt St John but that was closed. 

Onto Fairlie where we gassed up and had a coffee and a snack.

A bit if discussion there as to how much further we would go. We decided to head to Geraldine then decide as both Lynn and I were feeling tired. At Geraldine we decided to push onto Darfield. We arrived about 6pm went to the pub but they were full so we popped down the road to the motel and we have a stunning unit for $10 more. 3 bedrooms. Luxurious beds big lounge kitchen area etc. Its fantastic. Had takeaways from the little pie cart across the road for tea. Yummy then watched a movie.

Am very tired. I think I shall sleep very well tonight. 530 odd km today. A biggie for me.

Leisurely start to the day and a stress free ride up to Picton. We made the obligatory stop along the Kaikoura Coast to check out the seals. Enjoyed watching the pups splash about in the rock pools.

We managed to change our ferry bookings and killed the two hour wait time by going into Picton for a coffee. We all had a cat nap during the 3.5hr crossing. Arrived in Wellington just after 11pm to rain. It was not a pleasant ride to Lyn and Dean's. I dislike the road into Makara in the day time so it was doubly bad at night and in the rain but we all made it and before long we were all relaxing with a nice hot cup of tea and some chocolate.

Drizzle welcomed us in the morning so we donned our wet weather gear and set off on the long ride home. We had 3 stops. Two for petrol and one for lunch. 500 odd kms and nearly 8 hours later we pulled into the garage. It was great to be home. Within minutes the heavens opened and never stopped for days.

Timing is everything when you are a motorcyclist.