Mid Week News - 23/11/2022

kiaora HOG Auckland Chapter, welcome to the Midweek News.

Its good to be back...not...the Southern Roar was an amazing event but more amazing was the wonderful group Dee and I rode down with including our Director, Welfare officer, Webmaster and later joined by our Editor with 10 members all up from our chapter being there. If you ever get the chance, I recommend you do the Roar, a great bunch of people and the roads and views are spectacular. Thank you to HOG Deep South, Christchurch and the HD dealerships.

However, we were not home for long and we were away again but just down the road a wee bit to the inaugural Waihi Wahoo which though hindered by the weather, it was a great event to be part of with about 15 of our members from our chapter. Thanks to HOG East Coast and East Coast Harley Davidson.

Note: There is a Joint HOG Chapters Overnight event coming on March 18-19 2023 to Napier. A flyer is in Coming Soon with details, book now.

In Your Midweek News

• Southern Roar review
• Hard Arse review
• Kaiaua review
• Waihi Wahoo review
• Te Aroha Loop review
• MDN review
• Tyres Tyres Tyres
• Lets Ride - Chapter Ride Beach Hop
• Chapter Night
• HOG.com
• Photo of the Week
• Bike of the Week
• Patch of the Week
• T-Shirt of the Week
• The Ideas Factory
• NZ Blood
• Dealership Links
• Social Media links
• YouTube - Deano & Hugh
• The Sheriff
• Coming Soon
• Napier Overnighter

Southern Roar review from the Director

Hi everyone,

After seeming like ages, November 7th finally arrived and 7 intrepid travellers met at BP South 10.00 am, Trude and myself, Hugh and Amra, Shayne and Diona, and Matt headed off for the Southern Roar, the weather was ok as we made our way down the country through to Otorohanga for a lunch break and then on to Te Kuiti for a fuel top up, clouds started coming in as we got through to Taumarunui, where we decided wets would be a good idea, once appropriately attired, off we went towards Waiouru and the ever-darkening skies, about 10kms south the heavens opened and poured down on us in brief but heavy showers, a quick break at Waiouru and on to Bulls we went, Lancewood Motel turned out to be an old Geriatric Home, and was very quaint, separate rooms and shared bathrooms, Trude and I were picked up by my son and spent a few hours with the mokopuna before being dropped back to the lodge, everyone else made their way into town for a pub dinner.

A 7.30 start we headed for Wellington, with a detour to Central HD Fielding to pick up our HOG United We Ride patches then back to the highway and into MotoMart to grab the Wellington patches, only a slight detour as Shayne took the wrong turn off, then down to the ferry and off we went, a very flat trip across Cook Strait arriving just after 3.30 pm, a cruise into our accommodation in Blenheim and time to have a break before heading into town for a very nice Thai dinner. We got our first update from TJ who was making his way to meet us, having left half a day after us.

Wednesday dawned fine and off to Kaikoura to meet Rex Scott from the Christchurch Chapter, for a lovely lunch in 25c temperature, on the way in we were lucky enough to be able to make a couple of stops to enjoy the view and get up quite close to a large seal colony, amazing to see these animals, which appear so clumsy on land, become like ballerinas in the water. Rex took us first to Rolling Thunder to pick up patches and then on to our overnight base at the Pegasus Motel, we unpacked and then Rex and his wife Jos, drove back in two cars to ferry us down the road to the local pub for dinner, dropping us off again after the meal.

Thursday morning came in with heavy low cloud and threatening to rain, we made our way through the early traffic down to Rakaia for a very nice breakfast then down to Rangitata before heading inland to Geraldine, all the while the overcast conditions left us alone as no rain arrived, pulling in to refuel at Geraldine we made the decision that wets were most certainly going to be needed as the clouds got lower and darker, but on to Fairlie for a magnificent pie and donut for lunch, still dry we moved through the Burkes pass towards Lake Tekapo, around the last bluff it was like a different world, we left the clouds behind and had a fabulous vista over the lake to the Southern Alps bathed in sunshine and a perfect blue sky, we made a number of photo stops at Lake Pukaki, and upon leaving our final photo op I very gallantly turned Trudes Fatboy around on the narrow gravel lane od off to Mt Cook we went, stopping on the Mt Cook road for more photos, this time the glorious  sight of the sun on the peak of Mt Cook again with a perfect blue sky and 23c temp. As we started to move on Trudes bike wouldn't start and sadly the warning lights told us we had lost her Fob, BUGGER.

Fortunately, I had the  PIN recorded and so off we went up the road to the Alpine Village Lodge where we made plans to get a replacement FOB,  McIver and Veitch said they could replace it for us on Saturday so Trude and I readied ourselves for an additional 6 or so hour return trip in the morning, that evening bought completely clear skies and Mt Cook looked beautiful in the moonlight, Amra was up doing some stargazing around 11pm when Starlink travelled overhead, in full clarity, what chance. We had a bit of a late start Friday as it was only a couple of hundred kms to Cromwell, leaving just after 8.30, again another clear blue sky, as we headed out a voice comes through the intercom from Trude, "I think I'll find my key today" you can imagine my reply... a nice steady cruise brought us into Twizel for brunch, and a 15% surcharge for the local public holiday, sitting down with our first coffee and one of the locals comes up to our table asking "Do you know anyone who may have lost a Harley key" to our amazement one of the local cyclists had picked up Trudes fob in Pukaki and she lived a few minutes away, some 10 minutes later Trude was reunited with a slightly worse for wear fob, over to the Fatboy and ignition, it still worked fine, so a safety wrap of insulation tape and we were once again underway, what an amazing country we live in.

Through Darra and the Lindis Pass we stopped at the summit lookout to find a burnt-out Jeep, the fire was so intense all the aluminium wheels had melted leaving big rivulets of the now cold molten alloy under the wreck.

Riding on and into Cromwell to the 5 Stag Hotel and the Harley-Davidson-Southern Roar banners, met up with old friends and new mates and a wonderful afternoon of relaxing, watching a constant stream of bikes arriving as others came and went from the venue, potato potato potato filled our ears.

Saturday was fine again and three different ride destinations were available to ride with large groups out one each, the majority of our group, now including TJ who caught up with us in Cromwell Friday afternoon, headed out to Glenorchy and on to the One Lane Bridge of TVNZ fame, before returning for the Dinner and music, a very fun night.

On Sunday we were joined by 10 more riders from the Christchurch Chapter as we headed for Haast and on to Ross, at Haast, we stopped for lunch and had possibly the nicest whitebait fritters ever. Then on up the coast with the obligatory photo stops before we arrived at Ross, the Lipshams and the Camerons were booked into the Empire Hotel, what an awesome experience, the hotel was a step back in time but completely refurbished rooms including ensuite were just perfect, we got to have a look through the private museum or shed full of his shit as described by the owner Marks wife, an awesome collection of old motorbikes and cars including three or four old Harleys. We all ate at the hotel digging into the Sunday roast of Roast Pork, Lamb, Beef and Chicken along with roast veggies and dessert, it's a good thing we all have large bikes. 

Monday arrived, and our biggest day meant riding up through Greymouth to Reefton, Murchison and on to Nelson where I managed to find Filco straight away only to take the wrong turn at the roundabout and cause about another 5-7km loop, but we got there, took the photos, grabbed our patches before heading down the road to the Honest Lawyer for lunch. Because of the road closure between Nelson and Blenheim we had to head back down to Glen Hope before turning north to St Arnaud for a quick stop, before heading back to Picton, a hard day of 601kms, but very nice to have a beer-looking out over the port.

An 11.00 am sailing meant we had a casual brekky in Picton before boarding and saying goodbye to Te Waipounamu, again we had an almost perfect crossing, very little wind and no swells, disembarking at around 2.30 pm we headed north for Taupo, a fairly uneventful trip avoiding about six patrol cars along the Himatangi Straights, we need wets as we crossed the desert road but fortunately just short bursts and we all got in relatively dry, while deciding what the agenda for the evening was going to be we had a visit from Doc, and ended up having a few drinks in the hotel bar.

So we could all collect the full range of dealership patches we headed out on Wednesday morning to Rotorua for breakfast then on to East Coast Harley, photos and patches gathered we crossed the Kaimai for Road and Sport in Hamilton and the collection was complete patches from all participating dealerships, the trip was nearly over, we had a slight shower on the way to Muddy Waters where we refuelled and said our goodbyes, and split off as necessary up the southern motorway to home, for Trude and I 3801km door to door.

It was the best holiday we've had simply the best company to ride with and enjoy the scenery and adventure, thanks Trude, Shayne, Diona, Hugh, Amra, Matt, and TJ for being such great travelling companions, and thanks to all our Harley Davidson bikes, over 30500km combined and not a beat missed, apart from the fob, and that was my fault, not the bikes. Cant wait for the next trip, roll on Burt Munro 2023.

Ride and Have Fun

 Cammo

Hard Arse Ride review from RC Greg J

Hi Guys,

Hard Arse Ride Sunday, Nov 6th.

A hardy group of 9 departed BP South at 7.40 am which included 2 H/A virgins. Deano had put his hand up to be TEC, and had a set of the maps in case it went pear-shaped.

I'd put this ride together back in 2020 when COVID hit us and tried again in 2021 when it got rained off.

My crazy idea was to do the longest ride on the shortest day, ride coast to coast and follow sunrise to sunset. With daylight saving the ride was much warmer and lighter than mid-winter, and we finally got it done.

Hard Arse is all about time and distance so stops were minimal, and as short as possible. 2 fuel, coffee, and food stops at Pongakawa and Karipiro were supplemented with 2 mid-point splash and go top-ups for the guys with smaller tanks.

We went down Highway 1 to Te Kowhai and onto route 39 through Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, across the  Arapuni dam to Putatruru for a quick fuel stop. On to the Rotorua road turning off at Ngongotaha then round the top o the lake via Hamurama across route 33 to the coast at Paengaroa, and along the stunning east coast to BP Pongakawa for fuel for both riders and bikes at 10.50 am and 300kms we were on time, and not quite halfway.

Our HRC Hotrocks joined us here after a trip to Waihi to suss out the Wahoo ride courses and a tryout on the new 'Pocket Rocket' Low Rider. So we were now up to 10 bikes.

A few km's down the coast I found a small camp-ground to pull into for our East Coast photos, before turning west and inland at Matata and heading for the West Coast.

Some shortcuts and side roads then back onto route 30 around the beautiful Rotorua Lakes, slipping along the side of Rotorua for a splash and go, at BP Whakarewarewa. A zig-zag and back onto 30 again heading for Atiamuri, then a loop up via Mangakino, and towards Tokoroa. We turned off just before the town and headed up Old Taupo Rd, then followed the Waikato river to Karapiro. We crossed over the Arapuni Rd north/ south, that we had used going west-east to Putaruru earlier. If you look at an overview of the ride map it forms a large number 8. We popped up onto Highway1 briefly to Mobil Karapiro for another fuel, food, and stretch stop. 2.30 pm.

Getting out of the Mobil onto #1 in traffic was probably the most difficult part of the day, but the guys fed out and re-grouped up the road. We turned off at Cambridge heading west to Ohaupo, Ngahinapouri, then up to Whatawhata where Hotrocks headed for home.

Sunday afternoon is a bit busy but we had a good run out to Raglan, going the extra kays out to Manu Bay Lookout for the West Coast shot. 4.00 pm and 620kms

The final run for home was back to Whatawhata and up #39 and Highway 1 to end at Muddy Waters Mercer. 

Coast to Coast by 5.30 pm and 742km's for the ride. 

A few of the guys had to travel to the start point so banged out an extra big day

No incidents, or problems. A good number for the group we were able to keep tight and on time, with no waiting for catch-ups. A great job by Deano as TEC

Cheers 

Greg

Kaiaua ride review from RC Peter B

Had a good ride, 8 bikes and 2 pillions. Nice ride out through Ardmore, Hunua. All good no mishaps. Home back along the coast road

.

Chapter Ride Waihi Wahoo review from the HRC Hotrocks

Head RC’s debrief for Chapter Ride on Saturday 19 November to Waihi and the Waihi-Wahoo weekend. The weather forecast for the weekend was dire, with predictions of heavy downpours and thunderstorms. This apparently deterred some people from attending the event. Despite the doom-sayers, on Saturday morning we left BP South at 8:30 am. As time was a factor I kept the route relatively uncomplicated – heading down to SH1 and then turning off onto SH2 towards Coromandel. As the weather stayed dry we soon turned left and headed off for a scenic run down to Miranda and then along the Thames Estuary Road to Waitakaruru. We hung a left towards Thames and then not long after turned right to Ngatea. From there it was a quick and pleasant ride through Paeroa and on to Waihi via the beautiful gorge. We arrived at the event in time with the ride taking 90 minutes at a steady pace with no incidents to report. 7 bikes and 2 pillions. Thanks to Hugh for TEC duties.

Hotrocks (Tony H) Head RC

Te Aroha Loop - Waihi Wahoo review from the HRC

Head RC’s Debrief for Waihi - Wahoo Chapter Ride Debrief - Te Aroha Loop. As Head RC I was "volunteered" to represent our Chapter by Cammo. There were two other rides on offer: 1 to the Wood-turners cafe near Thames, and the other ride to Whangamata/Kopu loop. I noted that numbers were down on all these rides – due again to the crap weather forecast, I suspect. Again, despite the doom-sayers, we left Waihi at 1.30 pm in hot sunny conditions. This was not to last. After a pleasant run back through the gorge, we passed through Paeroa and towards Netherton taking a left onto Awaiti Road with a nice straight run back to the Tahuna Paeroa Road(Swamp Rd). But in the distance, I could see the unavoidable squall awaiting us as we hung a right towards Tahuna. Sure enough down it came but no point in stopping to don wets. On we pressed as the rain obliterated the imaginatively named No 1 Road I was looking for on the left so we blatted on and missed it. Never mind. Like all nimble RC’s I improvised and made a left turn South at HW 27. Carried on until I found a left at the similarly aptly named No 4 Road which joined up with ……No.1 Road. A right there took us in a straight run to Waitoa. We turned left to Te Aroha - we’d all dried off by now-only to see, in the distance the rain awaiting us near Te Aroha. Again practicalities and the thirst for a beer dictated carrying on without a stop for wets as it was literally only a couple of k’s or so to the Grand Hotel. There was a bit of grumbling from a couple of pussies in our group about getting wet, but once inside the pub with restorative beverages in hand all was forgiven. After a quick drink, the downpour had stopped and the sun was peeking through again. Sure enough, we hopped on our bikes back to Waihi via Paeroa and we were all dry again at ride finish. 7 bikes and 3 pillions I counted, but at the beginning, technically we had 8 vehicles. When we left Waihi we were escorted briefly by Butch on his electric scooter, complete with Hog vest and helmet. This really added a new lustre to the whole event! Gotta be a fine there somewhere. All in all a great days riding, despite minor weather interruptions. No incidents on the ride. Again thanks to my mate Hugh for TEC duties.

Hotrocks (Tony H) Head RC.

MDN review from the Director

Hi Everyone,

We were able to attend the MDN Xmas party for the kids this year after two years of missing out due to Covid, sadly Trev and Joy couldn't join us because they had both contracted a dose of Covid. 

Saturday afternoon arrived and we met at Auckland Harley I was joined by Nev, Rod Slater, Aaron, TJ, Rodney, Maurice and Trish along with Steve and Debbie and we headed off for Ngaruawahia, an uneventful trip had us arriving just after 2.00 pm, where we stopped in the driveway for me to adorn myself in the Santa suit, we then continued up the drive to be met by a very appreciative group of children and parents, a quick circuit of the car park and inside we went, Santa was escorted to a seat in front and his able assistant elves (Maurice and Trish) began to hand out the presents which had been supplied by our Chapter, these were all very well received and a fun time was had giving them out, after the gifts were distributed we were invited to cut a very large cake complete with Auckland Hog Eagle and Rocker, all made with edible icing, we had some cake and a drink and then proceeded outside for the kids, and some not so young kids took the opportunity for photos on and around our bikes.

This is a very humbling experience to be involved with these children who, despite their problems, are full of happiness and fun.

If you get the chance to join us next time, please make the effort, if only to see the joy and smiles.

We headed off home and got hit with a bit of rain around Rangiriri but all in all an exceptional day.

Ride and have fun

Cammo

Wanted Known - AHD - TYRES

Tyre availability - variable depending on size and manufacturer e.g. some are on backorder with a possible ETA of Feb 2023.  Some tyres are delayed for months with ETA changing.

If you think you will require tyres soon, please contact either shop for availability.

You may want to consider buying now if they are available and putting them away yourself.

Unfortunately, we do not have room to store tyres for you other than those in for current workshop jobs.

Chapter Ride to the Beach Hop Whangamata 

The Repco Beach Hop is returning to Whangamata and Auckland HOG is going down on Saturday to be part of all the good times ranging from rock and roll to American motors so our Harley-Davidsons will feel right at home. Ride leaves from BP South. 
Depart Location: BP South <Click here for Map>
Date: Saturday 26/11/2022
Time: 08.30 am - 5.00 pm.
Road Captain: Deano to lead.

Note: Event end time is a guide only.
The RCs brief takes place 10 minutes before the ride begins.
Please ensure your bike has a current WoF and Registration.
Pillions are welcome to join the ride.
Patches and rockers are optional.
Ride safe and have fun.

Chapter Night

Kiaora Auckland H.O.G. whanau.
Members, new members, family and friends are invited to the Akarana Golf Club for our monthly Chapter night. Bar and Menu are available. Enjoy a drink or two and a meal with members before the meeting commences at 7.30 pm. Remember to bring along a few extra dollars so you can take part in the door raffles with several draws through the evening giving you chances to win some great prizes. 
Date: 28/11/2022.
Time: from 6.30 pm - 9.00 pm.
Location: Akarana Golf Club, 1388 Dominion Rd, Mt Roskill. <Click here for Map>

Photo of the Week

Bike of the Week

Patch of the Week

T-Shirt of the Week

Get your latest fix of Heavy Duty Magazine at AHD and NAHD

Do you have any great ideas for your Chapter in regard to ride route locations and ride events?

These can be Saturday Open rides, Chapter rides, Midweek rides, Night rides, Dinner Rides, Hard Arse rides, Novelty rides hell any kind of ride route and event you think of.

This is your Chapter and you can be part of the decision-making, does this sound like you, then contact your Director, Head Road Captain, Activities Officer or contact them all to discuss the possibilities, we are always up to fresh ideas to share with your HOG family.

https://www.aucklandhog.org.nz/committee-members

Click on the link to donate, Get Involved, Team Red under Auckland Chapter of the Harley Owners Group Mt Wellington.

Deano's Rides - Hard Arse 2022

Hughberiding - Mangonui to Kaeo

The opinions expressed here are those of individual Dobbers’ and do not represent Auckland Chapter as a whole. If you have any dirt on anyone, and you want to Dob them in, remember it is all for a good cause. We sort out the dumb R’ses, and all proceeds go to our entertainment fund and a large chunk of that goes to our welfare fund to help fellow riders in our Chapter.

Email the sheriff sheriff@aucklandhog.org.nz

Joint HOG Chapter Overnighter to Napier

Do you want to meet other HOG members from other Chapters?

Do you want to attend an overnighter ride?

Do you want to have a great time?

Do you want to ride on some beautiful NZ roads?

Then mark the date in your calendar dairy -18th &19th March 2023

The Waikato HOG Chapter has invited all NZ Chapters to join in an overnighter ride to Napier. This is a great way to meet fellow HOG members from other Chapters. The ride to Napier on Saturday and home Sunday will be organised by your Chapter. These details will be forwarded to you from your Chapter.

Saturday evening meal is at the Napier RSA, a $35 buffet meal with live entertainment in the bar. Napier RSA, 34 Vautier St, Napier.

Accommodation - There are plenty of motels within walking distance of the RSA. Check with your Chapter to see if they have some motel units on hold. Don't leave it too late to find out though.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Shayne LUPPO Lipsham

Membership Officer

Assistant Director

Mobile: 021 146 1540

Email: membership@aucklandhog.org.nz