Comedy of errors New Zealand 2012

Comedy of errors on tour
Meeting the tour people at Christchurch, having dinner for the first time ,coming to pay they split the bill 12ways and you pay a twelvef they drink like there is no tomorrow 8 bottles of wine and expensive food costs us 140 dollars
1 could not mount the bike due to panniers to large and no room to put foot to hop on
Stephen could not start his bike(had to pull the clutch in)
Barra missed the turn into the hotel where we were to to meet after picking up the bikes.we did not see him again until we got Akaroa he rode by him self as he was lost
Frank lost his panniers twice as he did not lock them on Stephen had some okky straps to help them stay on he did not lock them on
Vic and I have now worked out to get on the bike.I have to get on first and slide back onto the pillion seat, then Vic slides his leg across his seat and jumps on it is all very high tech
We rode over 300klms as Wayne was taking the lead and took us around the area the days ride should have been 87Klm
Dinner again was shared with 8 bottles of wine at30 bucks a shot and you pay a 12th (not our way). This will have to stop or we drink more.
Leaving Akaroa it started to rain,it rained until 9am at Darfield where Barra dropped his bike as he is short sighted and did not see the gutter he broke his break lever amid hurt his hand.Stephens gloves the lining had come out when he took them off as his hands were so wet, so he tossed them on the ground.
It rain and it was cold until lunch time we had Chinese soup at Lake Tapako the girls arrived and had toasted sandwiches, it was just bucketing down.
Leaving the lake district it cleared up and we pulled in for petrol. Barra ran up the back of us due to the width of the panniers nearly knocking us off.
Vic took the lead as he had the hotel in the GPS.
We never saw the tour party again that night.Vic and I had a quite dinner down by the waterfront,crayfish and wine it was a good night in bed by 8-30 as we were buggered

Hanmer Springs to Christchurch 26th Feb 2012

Hanmer Springs to Christchurch 26 th Feb
Waking with sun on the hills it looked like a scene from Switzerland, just beautiful.
Again leaving at 8-30am we took a shorter route of only 430klms, but Bob and Barra are all tired out and they did not want to ride any more twisties ,so they followed the girls down the coast road.
Our ride was magic,first of all we stopped at thrill seekers gorge for a photo stop whilst the sun was out, then headed for Lewis Pass wich is 863 meters above sea level and watching the black clouds drift over the tops of the mountains.Whizzing around the tight corners trying to catch on the video the wonderful scenery,a little drizzle started but not enough for us to stop but it was bloody freezing.We had breakfast at a little cafe and all put on our wets as the skies looked ominous up over the pass heading for Greymouth,then onto Arthurs Pass a bikers paradise which is 736meters above sea level.
A little rain which made the roads a little slippery Vic did a "controlled"sideways slide we stopped at Arthur's Pass township for lunch then the skies opened up,when it had stopped we meandered along this beautiful alpine road,we followed the Waimakarri River to the Canterbury Plains then onto Christchurch.
It was a fantastic day.
The whole holiday has been good despite the wet weather all the riders and wives got on together no problems arose to our knowledege.
This is our last bulletin for this trip.
It must be beeroclock cya soon

Blenheim to Hanmer Springs 25th Feb 2012

Blenheim to Hanmer Springs 25th feb 2012
We had a Chinese meal last night at it was very good, all selected different meals, and we paid for our wine when we ordered it, a lot better situation.
Departure time was 8-30 am as we are going to have breakfast on the road, at Nims seafood shed,the road that was picked was twisty and beautiful country side,we then rode down the coast stopped to see some seals on the rocks, the were all showing off, jumping into the water and swimming about it was a lovey sight,moving down the road we stopped at Nims were we ordered 1dozen green lipped mussels cooked on the premisses just magic for breakfast, the girls arrive and they all bought a crayfish for their lunch a couple of the boys did not like the idea mussels for breakfast so they set of to have bacon and eggs and pies
We took an inland loop road with so many twisties Vic just loved it ,then back out to the coast ,then headed for Hanmer Springs no traffic just sweepers, what also made it for great riding the sun was out and the roads dry,
Arriving at Hnmer Springs we put on our swimmers and headed for the heated pools where we just sat and cooked and relaxed. Off to the pub now as it is beeroclock.

Barra dropped his bike again today, he has no left indicator or knob on his clutch lever and his tank has a dent in it $$$$$$$$. He was not hurt only his wallet
To morrow we head back to Christchurch it will be long ride about 550klm we return the bike on Monday and fly home

West point To Blenhein 23rd Feb

Westport to Blenhein 23 rd Feb
What difference a day makes, waking to see sunshine Wow it is going to be a dry day Wrong again.
Leaving Westport looking at the sky we saw the black clouds drift overhead, so we all put on our wets again then it rained and rained .Stopping at a little cafe at Inangahua for breakfast a ray of sunshine was above us and the most beautiful rainbow had appeared
Through the Buller Gorge heading towards Murchison on a beautiful twisty road Vic was in his element wet and twisty roads he rode like a man possessed .He was having a great ride again the road surface is great.We stopped for coffee at a small cafe and the girls caught up with us .the rain started to ease as we head to Nelson, as Vic has the GPS he leads the guys to Nelson and lunch.
We ride along the coast road were waves are lapping the foreshore and the sun has come out.Stopping for lunch we take of our wets and enjoy a feed of the best fish and chips.
We then ride Queen Charlotte Bay road which twists and turns around the coast to Picton every rider commented on the road as it was very picturesque
Leaving Picton and ride to Blenheim found our motel called the Waterfront which is right on the river ,(it was not quite what the girls had expected) dinner was at an Italian restaurant about 1 klm away,this was a fare well to Jennifer who has to be back at work on Monday in Sydney.

Today rest day Blenheim 24th Feb
Some went on a wine tour,as Blenheim boasts to have more sunshine hours then any other region in New Zealand. Blenheim has won worldwide recognition as a major wine producing region .
Vic and I walked to the town centre and got some glue as my intercom had fallen from my helmet,also got some waterproofing to do the boots, and the sun is out it great to be warm again.

Wanaka to Fox Glacier 21 st Feb 2012

Wanaka to Fox Glacier Tuesday 21stFeb
Well what a bastard couple of days.
At Wanaka we walked to a beaut restaurant for dinner it was a very good meal ,same chain as the one in Queenstown which cost a bomb but we are all a little more aware of the wine prices .
Waking the sun was trying to come out so for breakfast we walked down town, then we had a walk along the lake, then it started to spit, then sprinkle.
We did not leave the luxury apartments until 10 -30am ,riding along Wanaka lake it was nearly clear skies ,then it just fell from the sky it rained and rained.We stopped at the salmon farm to have lunch,then back on the bikes again until we reached the Fox Glaciers it rained for the whole 280 Klm lucky the road surface is very good.
Arriving at the High peaks hotel the proprietor opened up a drying room for us so we could dry our clothes.Had a nice dinner at the hotel and from the windows you could make out Mt Cook if your imagination would let you as it was just covered with cloud and rain.
Fox Glacier to Westport Wed 22nd Feb
Woke up to a pink sunrise and we were very surprised thinking it would be a dry day.
Wrong again, bugger!
The rest of the group took advantage of the clear morning and took early morning helicopter flights over the glaciers and landing on Fox as the sun was glistening on the snow.
Vic and I did not take the flights and left for our ride,as the group were not leaving until 10-30or 11.00 they were going to ride up the west coast to the pancake rocks and shanty town.So Vic again found some roads that we had not ridden on , we rode through old gold mining towns and quaint little villages. But of course it was in the bloody rain, so again our day was spent riding 326klm in the pouring rain.now all our clothes are hung out to dry.
TalK about getting wrinkled and it is not old age..

Rest day Te Anau 19th Feb 2012

Rest day Te Anau Sunday 19th Feb
Arriving Saturday afternoon
Our motel is just around the corner from their luxury apartments,our half the price .We had dinner at a little pizza shop .It was quite good
Sunday
The gang had booked to go to Doubtful Sound on a cruise ,they were getting picked up by bus at 8.30am
A bonus the sun came out and all our clothes were put out to dry.
We decided to ride to Milford Sound ,as it was warm and the sky was clear it was 250 Klm round trip, with all the rain from yesterday waterfalls were plentiful and beautiful.There even was a snow cave by the tunnel.as we exited the down hill tunnel the road was wet and slippery on the 25klm corners, then gravel (just to keep you awake) it was a wonderful ride and the scenery was spectacular,Had hot soup at the sound and rode back to Te Anau .
We then walked along the foreshores of the lake and spotted a sea plane doing joy flights we just could not resist .We did a 15minute plane ride around Te Anau and surrounding areas .Magic
We met the group at the Fat Duck restaurant and had a lamb shoulder meal so Vic and I shared it was such a big serve, so delicious.
Monday 20th Feb

Te Anau to Wanaka
Meeting the group at 8am we rode about 60klm and they stopped for breakfast(Vic and I had ours at a bakery at 7am)
Out came the maps and seeing what route to take..Bob (the one with the cold) and Barra did not want to ride the 390klm so they took the straight short route to Wanaka,Stephen Wayne,Jim and Frank wanted to do a loop, Vic wanted to ride a road that he had never ridden over the mountains,looked good on the map lots and lots of twisties. So each to their own and we are to meet for lunch.
Well we had a wonderful ride the twisties and sweepers were just magic,again the scenery would take your breath away. Many sheep stations with pretty sheep dotted in the paddocks, some were going to the shearing shed to be shaun .We met them for lunch then rode together to Wanaka but first we rode through a pass (Crown Range)
Stopped at a little pub in Cardrona that was built in 1863 a real quant little place and had some light refreshments
The rest of the gang has gone to the Wanaka Warbirds and Wheels museum
Vic has now gone down with Bobs cold and is poorly he has dosed himself up with whiskey and drugs and he is out like a light.
Off to a little restaurant down the road to night,I reckon it will be an early night

Invercargill to Te Anau 18th Feb

Invercargill to Te Anau Saturday 18th Feb
Had dinner across the road last night, and there was seniors meal being offered.,so we took it. It was great $58 a double ,seafood chowder and steak and a sundae.

We also learned that Bob (the one with the cold) put his bike down in the gravel.
Going to fast around a road works corner hit the gravel and came down.He was not hurt but his bike has many scratches$$$$$$
Also Stephen's bike had no brakes as his brake caliper had come off Frank fixed it so he could continue.
Waking this morning Sat we find that it pouring with rain, as we were going to
see Burt Munro (the fastest Indian fame) museum before we head of to Te Anau. Stephen Frank,Jim,and Wayne left early as they wanted to ride to Milford Sound
Bob is still a bit shaken after his fall,Pam and Barra wanted to see it, so Roz drove the Tarago down the street and we had breakfast then headed off to see the hardware shop where all the stuff is on display.
After breakfast we all put on our wet weather gear, Barra gets wet feet so we suggested he put plastic bags over them when he is riding, between his sox and feet.So he put them in his pannier just in case. Duh. .It is just poured down all the 190 Klm,Vic kept an eye on Bob as there was many road works and lots and lots of loose gravel on the corners.it got really cold must have been about 6deg every thing is dripping wet
We arrive safe and looked like drowned rats ,Bob and and the rest are staying at in different accommodation.Vic and I got changed and walked to the main shopping area and bought a bottle of scotch just to warm up.(well that's excuse anyway)
We will meet them for dinner tonight somewhere,they are all going on a cruise to Doubtful Sound tomorrow , we will have a rest day. just hope that is warms up a little and the sun shines

Dunedin to Invercargill Friday 17th Feb

Dunedin to Invercargill Friday 17th Feb.
Woke up to a beautiful sunrise over the ocean,just perfect with the pink shimmering over the water,walked down to a small cafe and had breakfast.
Back on the bikes at 9-15am and the plan for the day was.a quick tour around the city then to see the Harley Rally which is being held here on Saturday, many many Harley's about all shapes and sizes.
Vic and I left the boys to do there touring and sight seeing and we rode to Balclutha for morning tea and waited for the boys to turn up.No body turned up at 12 so we rode on to Invercargill. The road and the weather was perfect, the sweepers and the road surface was just magic, we were having such a great time we did not stop for lunch.Arriving here at 3 pm even before the girls arrived , a perfect day for us.Dinner tonight is across the road at a Cob and Co steak house.
Bob has a very bad cold and is going to see a dr when he arrives
300klms today

New Zealand FEB 2012

QUEENSTOWN to Dunedin
It was cloudy and overcast when we woke this morning,we took our umbrellas and walked to the waterfront for breakfast,then the sun peaked out from behind the clouds and low and behold it is beautiful day.We are getting our first bit of vitamin D for 3weeks.So we sat in the sun and had fish and chips for lunch.We have not sighted the rest of the gang today.
Meet up with the others for dinner down at the waterfront.A wonderful meal but the end result was astounding the bill came for 12 persons $1009 ,they all looked astonished and checked the wine ,it was $56a bottle and we had 8   .
Leaving at 8 am we head for Dunedin, it is  clear sky and cool about 11deg , we stop at a motorcycle shop for Barra to buy and have fixed his break lever and Wayne to have his motorcycle helmet fixed. We head out for Cromwell for breakfast then ride to   Ranfurly   for morning tea, where Wayne got to speaking to a local who  told him about a scenic loop,well we took this loop road missed the turn and we were onto dusty gravel road which meandered over the mountains ,we traveled for about 7 klms in the wrong direction.Vic checked his Trusty GPS and we did a u turn and headed the right direction, only Bob followed.Vic and I rode on our lonesome. We stopped for lunch at Middlemarch about 10minutes later the rest arrived.They must have checked for rear lights (only two riders have a GPS.)
After a sandwich and two drinks cost was $28 (Vic nearly fell over)The road through to Dunedin was fantastic sweeping bends and deep gorges and pastures and many pretty sheep.
We are staying at beach resort in St Clair a beautiful spot over looking the Pacific Ocean and dinner will be here tonight.I think Vic and I will be drinking water and maybe sitting on our own
Vic and a few of the riders went for a ride to the castle and surrounding area to see the sights,I stayed back and had a rest.they could not enter the castle unless they paid $24.00each they turned around of course

Oh I forgot Vic and I now have mounting and dismounting  down to a fine art.
I have to climb on the bike first and push my self up on the pillion seat and then Vic has to slide his right leg through on his seat,all very technical but it works.

I can get off the usual way if Vic leans right over the tank

Day 1 New Zealand 2012

New Zealand log
We are now in QUEENSTOWN .
After a comedy of errors getting here,there are 12 people on the "tour"5 Couples and 2 single guys. all the men are riding bikes and 4 women are following in a TARAGO van with their gear.
Vic and I are on a Suzuiki V Strom 650
we picked up the bike and found that I could not mount it, as the panniers were a lot larger than usual 45 liter Givis (real big bastards) the first attempt a lady helped me slip my leg behind Vic being a short arse the other leg left the ground,then she had to grab my bottom and hoist me on,it was a very cosy fit.

Leaving the bike rental place in convoy riding back to our Motel in Christchurch one rider did not see us pull in and he rode by,we did not see him again until we reached Akaroa. This ride was to be 87 Klm but change of plans it ended up doing 300 but with out more comedy, one riders pannier fell off twice, lucky Stephen had some okky straps to hold it on. He did not lock it on Duh.
We had dinner at a little restaurant on the waterfront it was very cool and very expensive. Next day it was raining and we are leaving at 7am as it is a 560 klms the way we went, it was bucketing down most of the way, and a lot of the riders are fair weather riders and just can't cope with the rain and bitter cold winds, stopping for breakfast one guy who is short sighted missed the gutter and put bike down broke his brake lever,he hurt his hand but is ok .stopping for lunch the boys . Decided to have Chinese soup and the girls had toasted sandwiches and it's still raining.Vic took the lead as he knew where the motel was,the road surface was fantastic through the passes the rain had stopped and we had a great ride.
Being Valentines day Vic and had a wonderful romantic dinner by the water front, grayish and all the works just magic
Today is a. Rest day,one fellow is poorly with a cold so his in bed all day