alfalfa

1 hour ago, Tumeke said:

Any news on a support ute or we on our own this time?

We're working on this. Pretty sure we'll have a support vehicle !

 

1 hour ago, johnnyfive said:

Looking at the map again, can we add a side quest, of using the harmonic thrum of two dozen little bikes, to flush that guy and his kids out of the bush?

Stop and listen for the echoing of 2T nangs off his massive forehead?

Less than 3 weeks to go - get excited. How's everyone's rigs looking?

@iwanttobeamole still got last years petrol in there?

Got back from a week in Raro, some great bikes over there. Didn't get to do any riding this time (kids etc) but we went for our honeymoon years ago and had a bike for our transport. So good.

Goldenboys (or similar) seem to be a popular tyre choice too

Go rookiedave go, this is an excellent tale of adventure and woe so far!

2 hours ago, Spencer said:

They were a real favorite of the safety conscious Melbourne soccer moms of the late 2010's, the rich ones got a Cayenne. Will be a nice rig though, its a real trap trying to find a tow vehicle that isn't 100k or a pile of shit.

Apparently there have been zero fatal crashes in the history of the UK XC90 fleet which is quite impressive

Ah yeah totally understand, I get how someone who is maybe newer would benefit from learning/actively practicing that kind of reflex. Grinds my gears when it's presented as some "unlock the secret doctors don't want you to know!" alternative way to steer a bike.

I'm keen as to do the ride forevers once I get the YB125 re-reg'd, have really only heard good things apart from maybe the odd dud instructor. My old man did the bronze and silver a couple of years ago and raved about them and he's been riding for 50+ years

Countersteering is literally just steering on any kind of two wheeled bike?

We still need a support vehicle if anyone is up for it - we have the trailer just turn up with a towbar.

Last year @morkster managed to drive the whole route in 2wd including the extra gnarly Kiwi Rd in the wet.

@Beaver, @CaMpylobacter, @Truenotch etc come ride or drive

18 hours ago, tortron said:

Is it like this one that @Aubshas?

Yep pretty much identical 

10 hours ago, tortron said:

Yeah cool

I bought these ones for the tank

And I made this one for the front

Inverted because 2 tone paint is inverted in those 2 spots

Oh man these are great. I need to find a decent picture of the YB125 side cover decals to reproduce as mine are mostly missing 

6 hours ago, anglia4 said:

Yes, he did a very good job of keeping the support drivers company last year 

#1 XL175 seatwarmer

 

Regular direct flights CHC - NP for you southerners so no excuse really

39 minutes ago, RUNAMUCK said:

Please assemble it the night before, and dont test it untill the actual ride. 

This is the Richard we all know and love!

This is the way.

Definitely come along its gonna be rad!

17 hours ago, Sungai Sungai said:

Im going to try very hard to have a suitable bike by the time this comes around  

That route looks incredible.

Come and do the King Country Crusade as a test run in November!

Still punishing yourself with the 80's mitsis eh, love to see it!

Those Paj's ghfwii

1 hour ago, Tumeke said:

@slacker.cam and @sentra need to put thier names there too as I've booked thier accommodation 

you bloody ripper!

Entrant list in first post updated. Great size. Look thick. Solid. Tight.

Sharing is caring  

I reckon I could also probably get around most of the route with only occasional phone/map consultations

On 11/06/2024 at 19:26, 64valiant said:

showing interest.

will double check with the other occupants of the house  

On 11/06/2024 at 22:09, Truenotch said:

Anyone got a spare MX100 in the LNI?

On 14/06/2024 at 14:00, Tumeke said:

Time to re-ass-emble the red flaggotz gang. Ken etc

On 11/06/2024 at 11:26, Beaver said:

Incoming tyre kick.....

What sort of pace are we talking? Basically trying to decide between lifan or nang master. 80-90kph cruise vs 70-80kph cruise.

Entrant list updated...

Sign up sign up!

On 12/03/2024 at 14:05, Vintage Grumble said:

Have done a few very short rides on this bad boy, and its running pretty damn good. Its quite nice to ride also, which is a bonus. At nats I did a 75km trip from nats HQ to a museum in Cambridge, and just to be safe, I decided to re-fill it before departing for nats HQ on the return trip. It went onto reserve in the middle of the road in front of the service station, which was a bit of a surprise, as I was told it would do 200km on a tank (6L) but had only managed 75ish. That's around 8L/100km, which isn't great. J5's bike which is very similar, and was pulling the same speeds, and is only 15cc smaller in capacity, used just over half as much from memory, so somethings not quite right. Its defiantly running rich, and often smells a bit gasey, but I cant find gas leaking out anywhere. Will dropping the needle make a noticeable difference? Cant really think of anything else to check/change?

I did manage to hit the metric ton in a two lane flat express way race with J5 though, so that's a new PB.

Also also, a person on TM who confirmed they had both racks I need, then ghosted me super hard when I tried to buy them. BUT I mentioned to a customer that I yarn to about shit old bikes, what I was after, said his best mate apparently has at least 6x CT200's laying around, so he is actively trying to source the racks for me, excite.   

Pic4fred:

 

Regards, VG.

Here's a thought, is the petrol tank crossover pipe blocked? Would only give you half the usable tank capacity which would appear similar as using shitloads of fuel...

19 minutes ago, tortron said:

I will probably be down there then, but I don't think il have a baby sitter

 

 

70-80 with plenty of even slower sections, the majority of roads are pretty tight and twisty!

@slacker.cam, @Beaver, @Goat, @Vintage Grumble, @johnnyfive, @Mop Head, @peteretep, @sentra, @iwanttobeamole, @64valiant, @tortron, @TheGriz etc etc etc 

The Second

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