Chris.QCR

What a fucking rad weekend ! It was 3 years since I last rode my bike on the Marlborough Mellee. It felt like more than 3 years. I lost confidence in the bike. The tyres felt like slicks all weekend. But being surrounded by GCs and such stunning scenery I didnt let it get me down and rode on. The new engine was a dud but Bart will land himself a couple of spare motors in good time. The CT certainly needs some love before the next ride but Ill get onto it sooner than later. Many thanks to the organising party Bart, Mof, Karl & Harry and also Josh for support. Mof really nailed the route. Lake Kaniere loop was a highlight for me on the bike and Nelson Creek was the highlight for the camp. Great times with great people will never get old even if we do. Seeing the older blokes on the OG CTs was so good to see and gave me hope for the future of such events. Many thanks to the organisers again and from someone who has organised events in the past and aware of how stressful leading up to it and how on the day it isnt as enjoyable as it is for those just particpating. So cheers ! Also really proud of Max & Simon for overcoming many challenges and making it thru to the end !

Easy ! My first battle is to drive home from Queenstown then start packing

Just seen these guys today outside the Cardrona Pub. They called themselves the mild hogs and were riding Cape Reinga to Bluff. Got me fizzing to get my bike packed when I get home tomorrow

Looks like another bloody good time we have missed out on again ! Next year will be there in the Van !

Attempted a shakeout ride today and a fuel line split at the tank end. Which for my bike involves removing the exhaust and then tank so I rode it back home from the Tai Tapu meetup and replaced the fuel line and hose clamps as well as the filter. Filled up the tank and looks to be holding all good now. Looks like @NZChaddy & @Spud1man had a good ride out to Bossu !

Been awhile between trips ! Basically the last time I rode this wss the 2022 Marlborough Moped Melee and had a fucking ripper of a time and enjoyed every moment. The bike got a absolute hiding and took everything I threw at it . Was getting harder to start. Was planning on taking it on the next one in 2023 and had booked Accomadation and annual leave booked but unfortunately a month prior to the event I lost my best mate and main adventure ride buddy Aaron Card and couldnt bring myself to get back on the bike. Since his passing I aint ridden my bikes much at all except his funeral and a tribute Syds run for him. Then after some grief from the boys at work I got it running again and rode it around the block and it didnt sound pretty. So I dropped the engine and my good bud Dan done me a solid deal on a new Lifan so retired the old donk and fitted new one. Battled wiring gremlins alot and then couldnt stand the noise it made anymore from the straight pipe which is the opposite of who I used to be . Have fitted a old grom muffler a buddy at work gave me. Fitted new Tyres and replaced most fasteners and sorted out ny spares and tools kit . Feeling good to rejoin the group riding again and tackle some West Coast adventure with a solid crew from work plus some OS buddies I aint seen in a wee while. Looking forward to the riding!

Hahaha you had me fooled ! Very nice and now in the best hands ! Cant wait to see what you do !

My CT is now running again after some wiring issues. Rode it to work yesterday and have realised in the past two years that its too fucking loud haha. Gonna try whip up a baffle for it shortly

Pretty damn cool Jeff !

Entered and encouraged the 6 other lads from work to get amongst it too. Carb getting a ultrasonic clean and get into some wiring this arva