Riding south in the north Island. January 10-13th

Update: Will combine the last week of riding….

Left Hamilton and just rode down to Ohakune for the night. Just settling into what was ahead and reflecting own the trip so far. 

Awoke and rode up to the Ski area outside of town, the clouds had rolled in before I reached the top, but had a great view out over the land.

On my way east and south I came across a Train Crash Tragedy site. 

A Pause to take on what this must have been like the Christmas Eve in 1953. On mount Ruapehu, lava had pushed up in crater and sent debris down the valley washing out the bridge. The train was barreling along, and a passerby did try to signal the train, but too late to stop before the train crashed into the river. Killed 151 People.  Sobering how quickly life can change. 

As I continued on in a somewhat somber mode, I reached the Turkaina Valley road. Was told is was a beautiful gravel road southward that I should certainly ride.

So off I go on what felt like a relaxed stroll out in the country.

Was good gravel road, with a little bit of marbly feel as they bike moved through the deeper bits of gravel.

Sun was out- it was warm and still. 

Just kept riding and enjoying the farms and changing landscapes.

GPS was a bit off and not very clear, so just slowed down, checked my maps and enjoyed.

Took good chunk of my day to wander down this road. Few Ute’s and Farm trucks and couple road works. Amazing day. Then I got to Hunterville, hit the pavement to get to Wellington for the eventing.

Will waiting for road works, Saw this truck with a saying that resonated.

Stopped for a quick snack at this place. Seemed relevant with all the sheep around.

Options

Arrived to see my friend Shirley whom I met beacuse I rode with Her Late Husband Ken in south America. RIP Ken. Was lovely to get to see Shirley as the loss is fairly recent. catching up and talking about life, loss and lets of other things.

Liked this signage in the hallway. Gift to Ken from his brother.

As this amazing motorcycle community is. Couple US friends reached out to give me contact details of others they are “friends” with off the internet! I’ve learned these are sweet and great experiences and connection. David and I shared some emails, and decided I could ride over to meet up. He would make his famous Pancakes and Coffee!  YES please. So greta to meet MrKIWI and his lovely wife!

We talked Life, Retirement and Motorcycles. Of course.  Look at his tidy motorcycle gear closet!

Sending me off with some roads to explore and hopes that we will meet again in the near future!

While in Wellington I booked a ticket to tour the Famous WETA Workshop.

They are a creative movie and film prop producer. They did all the stuff for Lord of the Rings and so many more. Was about 1.5 hour tour, and I was lucky to get last minute ticket.

No photos on the tour, other than couple things. Was really amazing the level of creativity and production to make these spectacular props. Swords, Suits, outfits etc… Hard to put into the words the creative talent to bring to life on screen what is envisioned to tell a story.

Tin foil used to create so many things – then adding materials to be lifelike.

After a lovely 2 day visit. Shirley sent me off with a lovely breakfast!

The signage around NZ of speeds and other roads are really interesting. More of an appeal to the sensible to mind the speed. Liked this one.

Or this one at Ken and Shirleys.

Continued my journey north again headed along the east coast. Not in any hurry, but just taking it in.

  My kind of roads one the mountains.

On the other side.

Meandering through the wine region.

I’m out in the country and I pilot car came by with message to pull over. Cycling race coming through. It was a professional cycling race much like Tour de France.

The leader way ahead.

Then a bit later the cyclists in the pack, motorbike support, cars, Ambulances etc. Was quite a sight.

I continue on… Just rolls out in the country. 

Then another unique experience.. Stock movement – Sheep are coming.

Parked the bike to let them move on by.

Onward and out to the coast.

Stopped at Porangahua Beach.

And stopped a place I had 10 years ago with my late friend Ken. RIP Ken Wilson.

Thankfully With ken, I captured video, so I know how to pronounce it!  Have a listen. 

Made my way up to Waipukurau and found a nice motel. Had several great chats on the road today with KIWi folks making sure I was OK when I stopped to check the bikes Oil level, and shared some great KIWi stories! I should have gotten photos, but sometimes I am not wanting to shift the moment. Today I wish I had.