The story of one ride to the '99 Rally

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Participants: Dr Bob BMW R1100R, Peter Mc, Kawasaki Ninja 900, Peter J  BMW K75, Bruce A from Tauranga Suzuki GS450 ("Duhgah Duhgah":),  the origin of this strange onomatopoeic nomenclature is the interesting exhaust note) and about 2400 other motorcyclists.

Apologies from: Mike C showed some interest; invitations were extended to Messer's, Gareth W, GK, Mark B, Gavin L. It would be great to get a strong Ak group together.  The first challenge on this Brassy actually started the Saturday before departure when at the CLEAR Social club Go-Kart racing I severely bruised my side and abdomen; also came down with a nasty cold which got progressively worse.

Day 1: Wednesday 2 June: Auckland to Wellington via Westcape: 760km: Peter had stayed the previous night so we set off together at a very wet 6.30am.  Rather a nerve racking ride to the turn off at Rangiri then, although still very wet. light traffic through to MacDonalds at Te Awamutu. We were getting a bit concerned for Bruce when he turned up shortly before 9am. The rain eventually petered out about Te Kuiti although road still slippery. Major
road works through the Awakino Gorge area so immediately the BMW was looking well travelled. Quick rest at MacDonalds at New Plymouth and off round the West Cape. To Peter J's place in Houghton's Bay; parked bikes in his garage; then into Armadildo's Restaurant in Willis St; I had "Hoover Hog"; beauty. At this stage Peter J admitted that he planned to collect his badge from the rally site then immediately ride back to ChCh for family reasons; he generously made amends to us by shouting the meals!

Day 2: Thursday 3 June: To Mahana close by Motueka: 320km: Out of bed at a
ridiculous 4.30am to get to the Inter-Islander at 5.30am. The new ship Awatere seemed to be behaving although very few vehicles on board. A warning that the food is dodgy;  I bought an expensive bacon roll that could have been used for house framing the bread was that hard.  Should have taken it back I guess.  Great watching the sun coming up through the sounds.  Bruce and I took the scenic route to Havelock; road very tight, wet, and slow also with lots of trenching; I thought CLEAR Outside Plant must have a part in this. To Peter's In-Laws shortly after noon to witness great reunions with Peter and his 3 very adventurous young lads. The Grand Parents looked to be surviving the annual visit fine. Lunch then Bruce, Peter J, and self headed over the Takaka Hill for an afternoon spin. Unfortunately the road still wet after heavy frosts so no where near as much fun as I imagined. Turned back at Takaka as we found out the Mussell Inn (some 20mins North was closed during winter). The In Laws and Jackie put on a great roast chicken dinner and pud so with stomach's groaning we headed off to bed.

Day 3: Friday 4 June: To Lake Tekapo via Lewis Pass and Christchurch: 600km: Bruce and I left at 7am; the Peters about 9am. We wanted to catch up with a few people in Ch. Despite getting a map from Peter's Father in Law we still got lost finding our way to the main road south. It was lightly raining and not really light till 8am. After we went through a ford I figured we were well off course. Good ride over the Lewis although not as fast as I have done this section; still rather damp in places. To our bro's place in Kaiapoi where to our annoyance despite prior discussion he was nowhere to be seen; we left a shitty note in his letter box! An old friend in ChCh recommended us to the Oxford on Avon for lunch. Dropped in to see my youngest son at his student flat on Riccarton Rd before heading South into rain and heavy slow traffic about 4pm. Straight down HW1 through Ashburton then turnoff to Geraldine. Got fairly dark by Fairlie also fairly damn cold.  A shock to see an illuminated "ICE" sign by Burkes Pass but it was not till I pulled into Tekapo I realised the sides of the road were well snowed over.  Tekapo well covered and very icy. Dinner at Reflections as last year; the steak just as good.

Day 4: Saturday 5 June: To rally site via Omarama and Pig Route: 300km: A superb clear sunny morning; lots of wandering round taking photos; crunching iced over puddles; looking at goldfish swimming round under ice; walking through snow; looking at the old stone church; thinking how we would handle the icy roads, etc. Eventually set off carefully at about 10.30 to find the riding quite straight forward. Breakfast at the usual place at Omarama. Getting on so decided to head direct to the site via Lindis Pass rather than the planned Pig Route from Palmerston (next year though!). Lots of snow and some ice grit over the Lindis. Picked up grog at Cromwell and to the site about 3pm.  Peter J collected his badge as planned and soon headed back down the Pig Route to the coast and onto Ch.   He later advised he was pulled up at 130km/hr and fined $300. In true PJ fashion he apparently won $300 at the Ch Casino that night. 
The usual wandering round admiring the bikes and yarning; bought a Brassy denim shirt I'd lusted over since last year when they ran out. Found Mike S's Bro-in-Laws: Chris (yet another brand new Honda Super Blackbird injected this time) and Darcy (brand new $30K Harley Fat Boy) from Auckland, and Brian (on a hired BMW R1100R same as mine) from ChCh. A great trio indeed.
Chris entered and won the "Furthest travelled within NZ" Prize. Great discussion how the Bro-in-Law (Mike) is to come to the next Brassy on his new (to him) Kawasaki 750. Mike: the challenge is out!
The same band as last year but the backing musicians had reached new levels of incompetence!   The amusing woman vocalist was in reasonably fine voice but did not oblige the boys after the usual much shouted request.  I watched one dodgy character climb onto the stage then do what I understand is termed "a brown eye". A couple of other chaps performed well also; one insisting the band members drink other than the Southland beer and one who nodded his head to the music in a most amusing fashion. 
Really cold so off to the tent about midnight. Cosy warm in the -8 deg C 
conditions but the various shouting matches and revelry continued all night. Several interchanges worthy of note. I'm sure there were more spunky woman present than at previous Brassy's as well.

Day 5: Sunday 6 June: Planned to Balclutha via Bluff: 500km: Out of the tent to a HARD frost; ground frozen HARD; Idaburn Lake with several huge patches of ice. Some sign of the sun by about 10am but absolutely no warmth and tent still totally frosted over when taken down. Off site about 10.30am. Very cold through the Cromwell Gorge. Some black ice through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown. Peter mentioned a bit of a moment. Conditions changed to rain then rain with very strong Westerly winds through to Bluff. Had my long awaited Bluff Oysters and chips at Bluff Takeaways; very very tasty but quite small in size. Quick photo at Bluff then back through Invercargill to Gore. By this time just before dark at about 4.45pm and not much enthusiasm to continue to Balclutha as planned. I managed to find rather expensive accommodation at the Crydon Lodge so the matter was settled. Maxine and I will call into Jim C at Balclutha in Jan to apologise for the "no show" ; a bit of an expensive wimp out really. Still great smorgo dinner and with stomach's groaning to bed.

Day 6: Monday 7 June: To Hari Hari via Haast Pass: 550 km: Clear morning and away about 9.30. Good ride up HW90 to Raes Junction. Rather a frosty valley at the end so slowed somewhat. Then an enjoyable ride through Roxburgh, Alex, to Cromwell. Bruce thought the Clutha River looked as if it was frozen so stopped to chuck in a rock; no it was not but certainly looked strangely patterned. Quick gas up at Cromwell then over the Haast for lunch at the hotel.  The usual moss, metal grids in the road, and wet conditions on the
Haast but quite straightforward. Also the usual strong gusty winds round Lake Wanaka. Last year a chap fell off his bike in this area possible because of these winds so I was especially careful.
Weather continued to hold for a great ride up to Hari Hari arriving nicely before dark. The usual great evening in the public bar sculling back the local brew. Gumboots are certainly the most common footwear. 

Day 7: Tuesday 8 June: The wet day: Westport, Buller Gorge, back to Mahana: 450km: Awoke to heavy rain as per the weather forecast. The usual awesome breakfast and farewell to the Manager Steve and into the rain about 10.30am.  Steady careful progress saw us lunching at Westport pub then tackling the full Buller Gorge still in heavy rain. The Buller is still really enjoyable in the rain; at one point a crazed Toyota Surf driver pressed hard and eventually passed at high speed. After reading about the rusted bike and skeleton found down some Buller cliff years after the accident I take due care. By Murchison totally bloody wet and dis-spirited. I was feeling the effects of my cold/flue and quite miserable; still must soldier on eh. One item of gear I haven't quite worked out is the heavy winter gloves: when these get inevitably soaked through the lining comes out with your hand.  Just try to reinsert the wet linings with wet hands; most frustrating. Over the Hope Saddle and to Mahana about 5pm shaking with cold. After a hot shower and several glasses of red wine I felt totally rotten. Another awesome roast dinner by Jackie and Pete's In-Laws; most hospitable.

Day 8: Wednesday 9 June: To Otaki via St Arnaud: 300km: A superb Motueka morning and gear starting to dry. Peter left to spend some time with a wine buff friend at Blenheim while Bruce and I travelled via Tophouse (look it up on a map) to relax on the shores of Lake Rotoiti for a time. Then flat out down the Wairau Valley to Spring Creek Pub for a late lunch. Even Bruce had Duhguh Duhguh up to his/her max of 150km/hr. I'm not admitting the BMW speeds. Saw Peter go by while in Spring Creek Pub then Chris and Darcy.  We thought we might see Chris and Darcy on the ferry but no sign; must have stayed at Picton. Onto ferry (the Awatere again) at 6.30 sailing; again very lightly loaded. Only one other motorcyclist; this was an amusing young chap on a Zebra painted old Suzuki 1100. This chaps riding gear featured rubber gardening gloves; an old sports coat with only one button left, jeans (two pairs though!) and ordinary shoes. His luggage was in a large pack which he wore like tramping. Must have been ride to hell. Kept up with me most of the way to Otaki though. Greasies at Maurices (an amusing Chinese bloke) which we scoffed at Peter's Mum's place.

Day 9: (will this trip never end?) Thursday 10 June: To Tauranga originally via Gisborne but shortened to via Napier: About 600km: Away much later than planned about 9.30am. Another superb day for riding. Bruce and I via the planned HW50 (well recommended I've done this several times) but Peter evidentially missing the HW50 turnoff. 
Peter mentioned an maniacal Toyota Surf driver taking huge overtaking risks at insane speeds to keep up with him from Levin HW57 through the Manawatu
gorge and half way to Waipukurau before he decided to slow and end what Surf driver must have considered was some sort of race. Hardly, of course, as Peter was just getting along at the usual good steady pace when appropriate.  The Toyota appeared to be the same vehicle we diced with in the Buller
Gorge!
Eventually caught up with Peter on the road North of Napier where we enjoyed more takeaways. Over the Napier/Taupo Road in fine form; good conditions.  Coffee at Stag Park Truck Stop and to Bruce's place in Tauraga bang on 6pm.  Too tired to do much so to bed about 9pm. 

Day 10: The long awaited last day: Friday 11 June: To Ak via Hikuai, Kaiaua, Kawa Kawa Bay: 300km: Weather still holding although overcast. Farewelled Bruce and She Who Must Be Obeyed about 10.30am. Many many trucks all the way to Waihi but not too bad through Whangamata, etc. Great twisties all the way to Kopu on this section. Some loose metal so care needed. Most enjoyable to ride a powerful bike up the Coromandel Range; I well recollect punting an ancient Austin Cambridge and a pathetically underpowered (although amazingly thirsty) Landrover (sorry Kev) up these hills. To Kaiaua for yet another greasy lunch. I tried the Pacific Oysters: Yuk; no where close to the Bluff ones. Met old Ken B (good old long retired Ulysses member) taking his new Kawasaki 650 Twin for a spin. Ken is selling his absolutely immac BMW K75; an excellent buy for someone.  Onto the motorway at Takanini and home about 3pm.

Summary: Just under 5000km covered; my Michelin tyres still have plenty of life after now doing some 12,000km (last year my Bridgestones were trashed); my dreadful cold is now being inflicted on the chaps at work but is slowly getting better; this riding seems to be hell on the waist line (I can't figure out why) but a few good runs hopefully will fix that!  
The 2000 Brassy will be a cracker: the first of the new millennia plus the 20th Brassy. 

Dr Bob

Thanks to Dr Bob for allowing us to publish this.