With this years’ AGM in Nelson, I organised to stay and travel down to the inter-island ferry with our Waikato chapter. The weather was outstanding for the entire trip, with cloudless skies and chilly mornings Heading off from Auckland after a coffee stop First stop at Ngaruawahia for the night Ride to Morrinsville to meet Waikato and Auckland crew Turangi fuel stop Wellington ferry terminal RIDE COURSE https://youtube.com/shorts/uxtNcY0icTQ?si=XVtvSySROqtfSgbT Bunks in the ferry cabin
Overnight ferry left late, resulting in little sleep in the cabin I had booked. We would normally board at 11pm and sail at 1am, rather than boarding at 2am and leaving while finding my cabin It was blowing 65knots+ resulting in my gloves being blown off my bike and lost Luckily I had 2 pairs packed for weather The short ride across to Blenheim for a coffee and dethaw, then off to Nelson to check in The ride is varied, with mountains and coastline, so great start to a day Arriving earlier to checkin found I had an executive suite, which was very pleasant, and a change to the normal frugal planned spending The only rain on the trip, crossing the straight ]
The hotel started filling up with other TRMCC Chapter members from across the country, ready for the evening BBQ and AGM the next day.
125 registered riders and guests, filled into the hotel, many having late nights partying before getting up for the buffet breakfast This was followed by the statutory annual meeting required by all incorporated societies. This is to cover funds raised, members remits and election of officers. Buffet breakfast-full English, pastries, coffee, juice Rutherford Hotel - Maitai 2 Conference Room Matal 1 Conference Room / Riwaka Foyer Rutherford Hotel Foyer showing displays
Following the meeting, we all gathered for the scheduled ride around Nelson and the Tasman district The day was perfect and involved stopping at a sponsors sites for barista coffee and bacon and egg butties RIDE COURSE https://youtube.com/shorts/HNK3mzDk8EM?si=E7Nq7u43jD9vAn2b Event sponsor local Triumph dealer Filco Farm & Sport Show and shine for customers while we have brunch
The ride included a stop at the Presidents beautiful property for refreshments, inter-island tug-of-war and a crank toss event. These were all enjoyable, before departing for more legs and rest stops. Second leg through Motueka Valley to Upper Moutere The Best Triumph bike shed for refreshments Tug of war was won by the South Island Crank toss added to the entertainment Facebook video leaving https://www.facebook.com/share/v/LEE8SBMaU6bTE52n/?mibextid=WC7FNe Third leg River Haven in Ngatimoti was a fantastic stop Fourth leg to Wakefield Hotel before heading home RIDE COURSE https://youtube.com/shorts/HNK3mzDk8EM?si=E7Nq7u43jD9vAn2b
Once back at the Rutherford Hotel, we parked up, enjoyed the well stocked fridge (after I removed the mini bar items) and headed down for Dinner, Prizegiving, and our Charity Auction ($3,500 donation for St Johns raised), followed by socialising with members Auckland presented the 3D printed Best American or European bike to a grey Motoguzzi. There were many spectacular trophies showing the talent of the members who made them First time one bike has won 3 trophies
Bike that won the 3 trophies shown in last pic On display was a members newly upgraded Rocket 111 Roadster, an old 750 Tiger and sports car, which intrigued many. He rode the rocket on the AGM ride, so it is not only a showpiece.
I organised to ride with a group back to the Ferry, meeting other chapters members for the crossing, before saying farewell and riding to my overnight stay in Palmerston North. The temperatures dropped so much, I had to stop in Shanon to add a thermal layer, change to my Gortex winter gloves and purchase a small chicken and chips to warm my hands/tummy.
After a good nights sleep, I set off on the ride home, stopping in Taihape for brunch and Turangi for fuel. Again the weather was spectacular, although cold through the desert road. RIDE COURSE VIDEO https://youtube.com/shorts/qFzjqC_VitM?si=z0223_MyTe3AaQhP RIDE COURSE VIDEO https://youtube.com/shorts/bcqoDOkHnMo?si=uGwIJgbfQn1BT2mQ
Happily home I could hear a faint bearing noise, so had to sort that out, before heading over for a new front tyre after the week riding saw the old one out Weary but joyful to be able to ride and celebrate friendship with fellow riders across our beautiful country Bad bearing on the brake side, had a slight movement The squeak was the ABS wheel rubbing the sensor Other bearing were fine. Note I record the spacer sizes
Thanks @Dawsy, was best autumn weather I’ve seen for years. We had 2 weeks of rain before leaving, then 6 days of perfectly clear days with dry hot roads Had 5 years with those gloves so sad, but had been well used (60+ k km)
Brilliant writeup, thank you. I have not been to the South Island having stayed near Taihape and Palmy. Bus add the South Island to my next adventure to NZ in January 2025 Alfie
Thanks @alfie, Summer in the South Island is glorious. Super long days in the very south and spectacular mountains and scenery throughout. The Tasman region including Nelson and Marlborough have their own climate and are known for their hops and gastro bars. If riding, look for Arthur’s and Lewis pass as journeys between destinations
Bet you were bored stiff, didn't look there was much going on. . As ever, a great ride report and pictures to boot too.
Way too much for this old body to handle @Bikerman I did everything during the day and then early to bed, to do it again the next day
Wow! What a terrific event, @Dartplayer! I really enjoyed all your photos and commentary. Those trophies were particularly cool. Glad you had a great time! Maybe you'll find your gloves some day.
Thanks @Sandi T, pleased you enjoyed the pix, it was a huge event and well run. I needed more sleep so will plan a stopover next time riding to the South Island. I still miss my gloves and froze on the weekend wearing summertime gloves and forgot to take my recently purchased merino mittens to wear underneath You can see the weekend ride under https://www.thetriumphforum.com/threads/nv-motorcycles-dice-run-2024.41446/
