So, first up, day one remains unchanged from previous years, except it's day three in reverse. Meet at the usual spot around 8 am on Friday, the 14th of November, and we'll take a short ride to Awakino via the Bertram Road swing bridge, Kiwi Road, Waitongas Waitewhena Road, Taumatamaire Road, and then grab a beverage at Awakino.

Entrants/Victims:

Stay: Awakino/Mokau
We’re staying at the Awakino Hotel and Pub. 06 752 9815.

The pub may also be able to arrange alternative accommodations in the village, so please feel free to ask.
Tent-pitchers or cabineeros can stay at the Seaview holiday park (06 752 9708), 3km down the road, or at the Whitebait Inn 06 752 9713 in Mokau, 5km down the road.

big stretch between fuel stops.

Google Maps Day 1

Meet up at the same place as last time on Friday morning and leave the vehicles/trailers behind. Will send out details to everyone closer to the start.

We currently have one support vehicle with a trailer. If anyone else is interested in following the group in support, please let us know.

Day 2 - Awakino to Piopio 167km NO FUEL

Fun fact: Google Maps says it's 35.4 kilometres from Awakino to Piopio, but we're not going that way.

Start with a nice ride up the coast to the famous Instagram spot, the Waikawau Beach Tunnel, then up the favourite Pommerangi Road. Then comes my first small change, barely noticeable. We'll take a left turn at the end of the Pomerangi road, down the fast-flowing Ngapaenga. Another left turn sees us retracing Tom Phillips' escape path across the Waipuna Road, and then we take a right turn down the Te Anga Road to Waitomo. Te Anga Road is all sealed but has its own downhill twisties that everyone should enjoy.

I assume the Waitomo Tavern sells food, and there are a couple of other lunch options here as well

from Waitomo. We hit some real neat gravel around Tumutumu and Bodies Road before climbing back up Oparure Road to the Mairoa Road turnoff and Pungarehu Road section that has been so popular in the past. Now, at the end of Pungarehu Road, we take another wrong turn and follow the Mangaotaki River most of the way to Piopio, where the Fat Owl Motel hopefully has a bed for everyone, and succulent Chinese meal

fuel is only available in Awakino and Piopio. The support vehicle can make a quick detour to refuel in Waitomo if needed.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1QtbvbElzvXXBlYAvZrn5w1-OFKn_U_M&usp=sharing

Day 3 Piopio to New Plymouth

We'll start with some familiar roads here before taking an alternate route on some fast gravel back through Ohura and onto the forgotten highway. We should arrive at Whangamomona for lunch, then travel back to New Plymouth via Whanga Sadlle, Pohokura Sadlle, Matau Tarata Saddle, Tarata Tunnel, Bertrum Road, and the Swing Bridge. 

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1fC8SSQpIVBLvVgbr8-BVdDFNn8-64oM&usp=sharing

Complete all sections of the form to apply

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKnbGQR0uu7atDkdPUaBimDeOxcZjrhMYwU6OtTq2r-cXYVQ/viewform?usp=dialog

It's been a while! Probably since Beaver last visited actually.... He really brings the community together

Anyways

Gear St Union, Petone. From 6.45pm. Here's a Map if you're unfamiliar with the Pet One area.

Would be lovely to see all your delightful faces!

With a relay or two and some wire it should be possible to bypass the wiring fuckery and hook up directly to the power supply which is in the same side compartment. All 12v.

In return she will feed you something epic, give you nice beer and tell you stories of exactly how much of a cunt I am.

Ping me for deets - Ta.

King Country Crusade
November 29th - December 1st 2024

Since everyone had so much fun last time (and J5 and bunch of small bike OS regulars missed out) we’ve decided that a repeat of the King Country Crusade is in order for 2024.

The 1st Crusade

Rev up your fizzholes and start prepping those small bikes for 600km of twisty backroads, narrow tunnels, smooth and rough gravel, and scenic views spread over 3 days taking in some of the best the West has to offer. It's The Second King Country Crusade (AKA West-Pest AKA Taranaki Tunnel Tour). 29th November - 1st December 2024.

Day 1 - 205km
We head inland from New Plymouth to Taumaranui via the Bertrand Road swing bridge (oldest in NZ!), through a few choice tunnels to Whangamomona & Forgotten World Highway.
Some gravel near the start and 20km at the end, otherwise sealed. The famous SH43 Forgotten World Highway is a must ride for every self-respecting motorcyclist in NZ.

Lunch stop at the classic Whanga Hotel for hot chips and a lemonade.

Petrol NP (0km), Taumaranui (205km).
This is a big stretch between fuel so you will likely need to carry extra. It might be a good idea to figure out what kind of range your bike gets and plan for how much extra you’ll need. 

Google Maps Day 1

Old Whanga Road - Extra for hardcones
Part 1 https://goo.gl/maps/BUH3qGTUpXz1H7rQ6 
Part 2 https://goo.gl/maps/XR8LUMGDvmnAfiFm8

Whether we attempt this or not will be very weather & pre-ride reccy dependent. The clay/papa rock surface supposedly turns slipperier than eel snot after any rain. It's also only halfway through day 1 so we don't want to have half the pack drop out before lunch!

Stay: Taumarunui 
We’re staying at the Alexander motel 07 895 8501. The proprietor Steven has been kind enough to block out all of the rooms for that night for us. He's gonna hold them for the next few weeks so give him a call/email, say you’re part of the motorbike/scooter crew and he’ll sort you out.

If they are full the Twin Rivers Motel is just over the road. There is also the Taumarunui holiday park which is 3km down the road for campers, or take your pick of abandoned house in town and mancamp in the backyard.

The RSA is just round the corner for a refreshing post ride beverage and there are a selection of ethnic eateries nearby to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Day 2 - 195km
Taumaranui to Awakino via Ongarue, Piopio, Pomarangai road, Waikawau Beach Tunnel.
The roads today will be a good mix of gravel and sealed. The Pomarangai road is possibly the highlight of the whole ride. There's a scenic detour along the way to visit a rugged west coast beach accessed via (another) tunnel.
Lunch/petrol stop at Piopio.

Petrol Taumaranui (0km), Piopio (90km), Awakino (190km)

I've had to split the route into 2 halves to get google maps to play nicely with following the route.

Google Maps Day 2 Taumaranui - Piopio

Google Maps Day 2 Piopio - Awakino Hotel

Stay: Awakino/Mokau
We’re staying at the Awakino Hotel and Pub. 06 752 9815. They have also kindly blocked out all the rooms for us but there aren’t that many here so say you're part of the scooter/motorbike crew and get in early. The pub might also be able to sort out other accommodation in the village so holler at em.
Tent-pitchers or cabineeros can stay at the Seaview holiday park (06 752 9708) 3km down the road or at the Whitebait Inn 06 752 9713 in Mokau 5km down the road.

Day 3 - 200km ish
Awakino to New Plymouth via Mahoenui, Ohura, Ahititi, Urenui.
Lots of gravel, lots of corners, the infamous Kiwi Road and plenty of sweet tunnels. Watch out for overly friendly wildlife on the Taumatamaire Rd first up...

Lunch in Ohura last year took way too long so we probably won’t repeat that one… Roadside sausages maybe?

Petrol Awakino (0km), Urenui (185km), NP (205km)

Another big stretch between fuel stops.

Google Maps Day 3

Same place as last time to meet up Friday morning and leave vehicles/trailers behind. Will send out details to everyone closer to the start.

If anyone is keen to volunteer to tow a trailer as support vehicle that would be two thumbs up.

We have one support vehicle with trailer so far. If anyone else is keen to follow the bunch in support there's a trailer in NP just waiting for you to hook up and drag along.

Entry Form: https://forms.gle/NjHShDgP4b29B1VN8

Please make sure you have accommodation sorted for Saturday night in Awakino/Mokau before submitting the form - this is kinda limited and will probably restrict numbers unless you’re going to be a happy camper.

Entrants:

1. @anglia4
2. @alfalfa
3. @Itchybear
4. @Duke Blackwood
5. @johnnyfive
6. @iwanttobeamole
7. @Vintage Grumble
8. Richard S / @richiesmith
9. Chris R / Tofa
10. Paul McG
11. @Tumeke
12. @peteretep
13. @sentra
14. @slacker.cam
15. @Abarth
16. Greg H / @GregH
17. Connor D
18. Shaun M
19. Darryn F (@iwanttobeamole's mate)
20. Jose R
21. Al N
22. Nigel J (Support )
23. @Gyrocket
24. @Gyrocket+1?
25.  
26.  

Fallen Soldiers

• Bucket Barry
• Neil S
• Alan H
• Dan W
• @WankBankA100

Unsure of exact location but will confirm this. Compensation will be duly provided. Thanks!

Revisiting the always classy establishment that is Fisherman's Table. I mean, who doesn't love a salad boat!

Friday 28th March, 7pm

I'm a MAP

If you can please pop in the Discussion thread if you can make it so I can adjust numbers if needed.

It's under the nzhondas banner, but you know, car community spirit is dying a bit and I'm trying to revive it without charging $10 at the door like others...

All welcome, doesn't need to be Honda etc 

Nice (hopefully) convenient spot for most peeps down in Plimmerton and hopefully the weather holds out for us. The forecast is looking ok for now

Look forward to catching up with you weirdos!

Map

I am looking at bidding on a small motorcycle / scooter on Manheim auctions. Location listed as NZ Salvage in Wellington. 
 

Is there anyone in the area that can assist in picking up and storage for a short amount of time if it goes ahead? 
 

thanks

Andrew

Obviously you'll be rewarded with beers/sexual favours etc.

Wednesday 14th August (mixing it up from our usual Thursday)
7.30pm
BambuchiSan, Hataitai (MAP! )

I always like to use Monthly meet as an excuse to go get a burger! This year we're gonna give BambuchiSan's burger a go

Burger

If this doesn't float your boat or tickle your pickle they do have a regular Menu too

Please lemme know in the Discussion thread if you plan to attend, I can then adjust the booking. Bam's is a pretty small restaurant so wanna get this as close as possible.

Heading back to our old stomping ground, 1841 in J'ville.

Booked for 7pm

See you cats (and beavers) there!

Country

Crusade
November 17-19th 2023

J5 is up the duff and Eastcape is off the cards this year. Don’t worry though, @anglia4 and @alfalfa have rubbed each of our braincells together and came up with 600km of twisty backroads, tall and narrow tunnels, smooth and rough gravel, and scenic views spread over 3 days taking in some of the best the West has to offer. Rev up your fizzholes and start prepping those bikes for the King Country Crusade (AKA West-Pest AKA Westcapade AKA Taranaki Tunnel Tour).

November 17-19th 2023.

If any of you jokers happen to turn up in New Plymouth on the same day and start riding along the same route then wow wouldn’t that be a happy little coincidence.

Day 1 180km/220km (depending on route)
We head inland from New Plymouth to Taumaranui via the Bertrand road swing bridge (oldest in NZ!), through a few choice tunnels to Whangamomona & Forgotten World Highway.
Some gravel, mostly sealed. The famous Forgotten World Highway, a must ride for every self respecting motorcyclist in NZ.

Lunch stop at the classic Whanga Hotel for hot chips and a lemonade.

There is an option to go via Old Whanga road if conditions allow - this is 18km of unmaintained dirt road challenge!

Petrol NP (0km), Taumaranui (180km/220km).
This is a big stretch between fuel so you will likely need to carry extra. It might be a good idea to figure out what kind of range your bike gets and plan for how much extra you’ll need. If you can make this leg easily then ask yourself - am I really riding an appropriately terrible bike for this kind of adventure?

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xHZrKrMuJRRwFZfu9

Old Whanga Road - Extra for hardcones
Part 1 https://goo.gl/maps/BUH3qGTUpXz1H7rQ6 
Part 2 https://goo.gl/maps/XR8LUMGDvmnAfiFm8

Whether we attempt this or not will be very weather & pre-ride reccy dependent. The clay/papa rock surface supposedly turns slipperier than eel snot after any rain. It's also only halfway through day 1 so we don't want to have half the pack drop out before lunch!

Stay: Taumarunui 
We’re staying at the Alexander motel but lots of other options exist in town. Twin Rivers Motel is just over the road. There is also the Taumarunui holiday park which is 3km down the road for campers. Or take your pick of abandoned house in town and mancamp in the backyard.

The RSA is just round the corner for a refreshing post ride beverage and there are a selection of ethnic eateries nearby to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Day 2 190km
Taumaranui to Awakino via Ongarue, Aria, Piopio, Pomarangai, Waikawau Beach Tunnel.
The roads today will be a good mix of gravel and sealed. There is a scenic detour along the way to visit a rugged west coast beach accessed via (another) tunnel.
Lunch stop at Piopio.

Petrol Taumaranui (0km), Piopio (85km), Awakino (190km)

I've had to split the route into 2 halves to get google maps to play nicely with following the route.

Part 1 Taumaranui - PioPio https://maps.app.goo.gl/gJE2dKd4EhQeVTeW7

Part 2 PipPio - Awakino Hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZY83ypAUv3Q7NGn57

Stay: Awakino/Mokau
We’re staying at the Awakino Hotel and Pub. 06 752 9815. There aren’t that many rooms here so get in early. The dude here also reckons he can sort out other accommodation in town if needed so holler at him if the pub is full.
Tent-pitchers or cabineeros can stay at the Seaview holiday park (06 752 9708) 3km down the road or at the Whitebait Inn 06 752 9713 in Mokau 5km down the road.

Day 3 200km ish
Awakino to NP via Mahoenui, Ohura, Ahititi, Urenui.
Lots of gravel, lots of corners, sweet tunnels and ride back across the oldest traffic suspension bridge in NZ.
We're deep in the wilderness pretty much all day so bring mi goreng and a stove for a hot roadside lunch or stuff ya pockets full of muesli bars and last nights leftover burger and chips.

The Ohura Cosmopolitan Club will be opening up their kitchen for burgers & fish'n'chips for us on Sunday from 11:30am!

Petrol Awakino (0km), Urenui (185km), NP (205km)

Another big stretch between fuel stops so you will likely need to carry extra again.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/NfEvUgDpyMo2TW1AA

We’ll probably have post ride beers/BBQ/bonfire somewhere in NP?

Details to come for where to assemble on Friday morning and leave vehicles and trailers behind.

We don’t have a support vehicle and trailer sorted yet so if anyone is keen to volunteer that would be two thumbs up.

*There is a trailer just waiting for some champ to hook up and drag along.

We have 2 support vehicles and trailer confirmed!

Entry Form: https://forms.gle/Ertmwgaqdu6jJFep6

Please make sure you have accommodation sorted for Saturday night in Awakino/Mokau before submitting the form - this is limited and will probably restrict numbers unless you’re going to be a happy camper.

Entrants:

1. @anglia4
2. @alfalfa
3. @Itchybear
4. Bucket Barry
5. @Duke Blackwood
6. @WankBankA100
7. Dan W
8. @northernal
9. Chris R (Tofa)
10. Alan H-R (Ginga)
11. @Gyrocket
12. @morkster (support)
13. Greg H (gregbop)
14. Connor D
15. Travis K (trav)
16. Richard S
17. Matt N
18. Shaun M
19. Paul M
20. Brian S (Support)
21. Dallas W
22. Karl D
23. @iwanttobeamole
24. @TheGriz
25. Brett H
26. Chris K
27. Darren P
28. Zac B
29. Neil S
30. Jose R
31. Ian D
32. Luke B

DNS. Nathan M (Gazza)  

The part in question is a silly part but fairly hard to come by. It's a pre facelift honda logo rear boot spoiler.

If anyone is going there could grab it and I'll pay for it and pay for your help. 

Any help would be appreciated 

At last months meet we had a chat about high class, fancy pants places to meet for the Winter/Cooler months and we decided on Fisherman's Table for this months dining experience.

Deets:

Day: Thursday 9th May
Time: 7pm
Where: Fisherman's Table, Paekakariki   MAP!

Please let me know in the discussion thread so I can book for semi accurate numbers.

Who doesn't love a salad boat?!

Just need a pair of rims shined up and I aint got time to sit down with some wet and dry, rags and autosol.

Weather is looking good, and should hold out to this evening.

MAP

Going to keep this thread going, people can suggest places and dates and see what works for people or Doesnt work for anyone at all even.

So Far, we have the 16th of December locked in for Otaki Forks,

However that seems for ever away and we can deff do something before then.

CatchPool Valley in Wainuiomata is always good for a Casual.  And Considering trying battle hill Farm as a close casual also.

SO yeah, start suggesting dates, places etc

I am pretty much always keen for camping. I have no plans besides the 9th of December. Have wagon, will sleep.

Current dates:

11th of November - catchpool valley camp ground, wainuiomata.

16th of December - Otaki forks, Otaki.

Assuming I can get it and its the right size, can someone pick it up and store it for a couple of weeks?

So gonna go good ol' Plimmerton again, as it seems the most convenient for all you Coast peoples. And there seems to be a lot of you now days. It is also a really nice spot, so it has that going for it.

Map

Lets get a catch up and pre-brief in before wagnats!

Trusty Plimmerton Beach locale. (Map).

Hope to see you there!

There's probably more people here with honda generators tbh, OS generator and lawn mower convention??