Mid Week News - 12/03/2025

Kiaora HOG Auckland Chapter, welcome to the Midweek News

HARLEY NIGHT - LET'S PARTY! 

When: 14th March

Time: 6pm - 9pm

Live music from: Lorenzo Hazlewood

Food available from: Rock Dog HotDogs

Location: Auckland Harley-Davidson

521 Mt Wellington Highway, Auckland

In your Midweek News

• Hard Arse Ride Review
• MDN Ride Review
• Chapter Riding Information Briefing
• Lets Ride Kaiaua
• Bike of the Week
• Photo of the Week
• Harley-Davidson Insurance Services
• Dealership Rewards for Auckland Chapter Members
• HOG.com
• Chapter Links
• Dealership Link
• Social Media Links
• YouTube 
• NZ Blood 
• MDN - MDA
• Health Links
• The Sheriff 
• In Notices
• FYI Rides
• The Head Road Captain
• Coming Soon 

LAST CHANCE: Harley-Davidson March Deals! 

Time is running out! Two incredible Harley-Davidson offers expire March 31st:

Exclusive ex-demo model pricing

Special Model Year 2024 Run Out offers

Ready to ride your dream Harley?

Don't miss these limited-time savings!

Hard Arse Ride Review from RC Greg

241 Double Hard Arse to Wellington 8/9th March.

I realised that Wellington was almost exactly 700 kms, what a great Hard Arse, but how do you get back?

Why not do 2 on a weekend there and back.

I put it out on Member Jungle and had 16 other crazy riders registered!

Day 1.

We departed from Z Bombay, our usual spot, at 7.30 am. Earlier that morning, I had a message that Sheriff Tim had some urgent health issues overnight and would be unable to attend and be TEC for the second leg. We decided to review it over dinner on Saturday night. I split the ride into almost 3 equal parts for fuel/food stops throughout the day. There were 2 x bikes with smaller tanks, so I added extra top-ups for them and a chance for a quick toilet, stretch for everyone else. Hard Arse is time vs distance and we needed to get some km’s on the clock.

Straight down the expressway all the way to the Piarere Mobil for a splash and dash, turning off onto Horahora Rd we rode the backroads past Tokoroa and onto Highway 32 and Whakamaru, where we encountered quite heavy traffic with Highway diverted from Atiamuri. Over the top of the lake and into Taupo, we by-passed it up Spa Rd to Highway 1 and our first food fuel stop at Z Tauhara – on the Napier – Taupo Rd. 10.26 am there were a lot of bikes and the Aotearoa Nation riders were doing a Poker Run

We left at 11 am onto Napier Rd, with large sections still at 80km limits, it was highly policed. We saw 6 x patrol cars just on this road. There appeared to be some leniency as we passed a few of them well over the legal numbers (lucky no Sheriff) but as a group got away with it. The next splash and dash was at BP Bayview Napier around 12 pm. The sun had come out on the coast and we rode the bypass around to Hastings and then onto Highway 50 through all of the gravel flats and vineyards, some of the nicest scenery on the ride, now onto Highway 2 and through the small towns of  Noreswood onto Dannieverke, our second fuel/food stop at 2.10 pm and 518kms. This would get us through to Wellington. We had a few spits of rain coming into town, and most of the guys chose to put wets on, as it was looking pretty grey up ahead.

We left at 2.45 pm through the Wairarapa towns of Paihiatau, Ekatahuna, and the Heavy Truck bypass to skirt around Masterton, then Carterton, Greytown, Featherstone, with passing showers as we rode through. The rain cleared and we had a dry run up the mighty Rimutakas, what a road! Constant uphill switchbacks up into the mist, with lots of 25-35 km hairpin corners. Once over the top, the weather changed on the southern side and we had showers all the way down into TeMarua. As we rode down Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt and onto the motorway, the weather cleared and we rode around the Wellington harbour in the sunshine right into the CBD and the Z Vivian St Wellington – 5.25 pm and 732kms.

The Hotel Mercure was just a block away around the corner. Getting 16 Harleys into an underground carpark was entertaining.

Dinner was at the Fork & Brewer, a few minutes’ walk away.

Day 2.

Early 7.30 am start and everyone had got their bikes loaded and out of the carpark onto the street. Mike had volunteered at TEC, with James helping out. I had a surprise for everyone as we left CBD Wellington via the Terrace and Bowen St to a park outside the Beehive Government House for a club photo op. A few minutes later before Security showed up, we were on the road heading up the coast on the new Transmission Gully motorway (still 100km-stink) and onto the Kapiti Coast for our first stop – 9.30 am Breakfast at the legendary Vivs Kitchen Sanson. A big cooked breakfast and a few cream horns later we were on the road in record time, leaving at 11 am.  It had turned into a stunning sunny warm day to ride along the coast to Whanganui our first fuel stop 50km up the road. After emptying some tanks and filling others, we were off further along the coast to Hawera where we turned inland, heading for Eltham and Stratford for the next fuel stop at Inglewood 140kms up the road. Fuelling here meant we didn’t have to divert back into New Plymouth for petrol and it would get us to the next fuel/food stop at Otorahonga 185kms and another 2 ½ hours up the road. A brief team talk sharpened up the team, and the guys got into a good rhythm and the ride was flowing well once again along the coast. This is a stunning piece of road up the coast and then through the gorge with fast-flowing roads and lots of challenging corners. There are roadworks on Mt Messenger and a few patchy pieces of roadworks, but it's still a favourite piece of road. We rolled into Otorahonga for our final fuel/food stop at 3.30 pm. The final leg to home, and everyone seemed surprisingly fresh, or they pretended well.

Up Highway 39 to Ngahinapouri we turned towards Ohaupo and round the back of Hamilton Airport and onto the expressway for the final 130km stretch to the endpoint at Muddy Waters for a well-deserved beer,

5.05 pm Sunday afternoon, 1415kms Double Hard Arse done!

I think everyone’s eyes hurt from so much beautiful scenery – what a stunning country we live in.

A trip around the coastline of the North Island for the weekend. The group had a great time and really supported each other.

Congratulations to everyone, and a special mention to a couple of people Andrew, apparently his first H/A and a double!

Also Mia, Joeys' wife who completed the ride as pillion.

Regards

Greg

Thankyou to all who contributed images. Click on the top 2 images for Chapter Photographers' Facebook albums.

MDN Ride Review from Director Cammo

Hi guys,

Saturday was the day for the MDN Camp ride to Ngaruawahia. It started off in fine weather from Hibiscus Coast, then stopped at Albany as it poured down, carried on and it was dry again by Northcote. Arrived at Auckland Harley and the sun was streaming down, met up with the crew for the ride, ten bikes and three pillion passengers. Right at midday we left and headed down the motorway in bright sun again. Got to Drury and it started to rain again just lightly, but by the time we got to St Stephen's Hill, it was pouring again, what to do? So I turned off into Z Bombay where it stopped again. We hummed and hah'd and some of us put our wets on, and off we went, no more rain of course. We headed down to Rangiriri to meet up with Kermit. We waited a couple of minutes but there was no sign of Kermit, so off we went again, travelling across the Waikato river and down to Huntly. There, I made a last-minute change and we turned right and rode out towards Rotowaro, and onto Waingaro Road, turning left and getting to the CYC camp about 50 km later. Fortunately, much to the delight of all the riders, as none had ridden that road.

At the camp, we were greeted by Trev and his team, kids all excited to see us arrive and into the lens of Kermit, who had gotten there some 40 minutes earlier than us.  Dismounting, we were surrounded by kids and their parents, all happy to see us all again, photos of them on the bikes and then some afternoon tea was shared. We started to pack up and another round of photos and alot of very happy campers. We left and headed north to Muddy Waters for the mandatory drinks break before all heading off home. A truly satisfying day, the kids smiles make it so worthwhile, thanks everyone who came along.

Ride and Have Fun

Cammo

With thanks, the 4 images c/o Kermit - click on the image for Luppo Facebook Album

CRIB - Chapter Riding Information Briefing 15.03.25

"CRIB - Chapter Riding Information Briefing"

Cheers,
Nev

Location: Upper Mezzanine, Auckland Harley-Davidson, Mt Wellington. <Click here for Map>
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Road Captains: Nev & Joe90 to chair.
Note: Road Captains Nev & Joe90 will take you through the group riding protocols we follow at Auckland HOG. We're not here to teach you how to ride, but we want to make sure when you ride with Auckland HOG you're familiar with the way we do things on the road.
There will be a ride to follow where we put all the concepts into practice.

Auckland HOG Chapter Saturday Ride to Kaiaua 15.03.25
All H.O.G. members and friends are welcome.
Depart Location: Auckland Harley-Davidson, Mt Wellington. <Click here for Map>
Time: 1:00 pm - 5.00 pm.
Road Captain: Pete 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.
Back patches and rockers are optional.
Ride safe and have fun.

Bikes of the Week

Fantastic effort by all the Hard Arsers on their Iron Horses

Photo of the Week

HARLEY-DAVIDSON INSURANCE SERVICES

*HARLEY-DAVIDSON INSURANCE SERVICES is a trading style of the Swann Insurance business division of IAG New Zealand Ltd
and policies issued under the trading style Harley-Davidson Insurance Services are issued, administered and underwritten by IAG New Zealand Limited.
Contact the Sales Team at Auckland Harley-Davidson for more information or to sign up.
Key Features & Benefits
Features & Benefits: Full Cover HOG Member

•  Agreed value policy (inclusive of GST)
• 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Riding apparel cover $10,000 ($5000 for rider & $5000 for pillion)
• Accommodation cover following an event up to $500.
• Drive Belts (must be sudden external cause)
• Club & Track Day cover
• Transit cover
• Up to $500 to transport the motorcycle to the nearest repairer following an accident.
• Windscreen & Lenses
• Fatal Accident cover up to $5,000.
• Medical expenses up to $500
• Cover for a replacement motorcycle, valued at less than $65,000 for 30 days from the date of purchase.
• Keys & Locks ($1,000 with a $100excess)
• Optional Named Rider cover
• $20,000,000 Third Party Liability cover
• Faultless Excess
• Flexible payment options
• Transfer of car No Claims Bonus to motorcycle up to a maximum of rating 2 (for riders over the age of 21 with a full motorcycle licence)
• Plain language Policy Wording and Proposal
• Coverage throughout New Zealand

Policy Excesses

An excess is an amount that the insured must pay in relation to a claim under the
Policy.
There are five types of excesses: -
Basic Excess
(or standard excess) is $500 (unless stated otherwise on the schedule)
Age Excess
is based on the age of the rider at the time of the accident. For riders under 25 years
of age, the age excess amount will be $500 (unless stated otherwise). The age excess
does not apply if the motorcycle is stolen.
Licence Excess
Applies to any riders with a Learner or Restricted licence on a LAMS approved
motorcycle. Excess amount $500
Theft Excess
If the motorcycle is stolen, an additional theft excess of $500 applies.
Special Excess
Is usually imposed because of, riding history, claims experience and type of
motorcycle insured. Varies from rider to rider.
N.B. These excesses are added together in the event of a claim. For theft claims, the
insured does not pay any age or licence excess.

 

Dealership Rewards for Auckland Chapter Members

Auckland Harley Davidson are very excited to offer the following extra financial benefits to our Auckland Chapter Members.

REWARD MILES POINTS - Double Rewards points on Genuine Parts and Accessories.

This now also includes Double Rewards on Labour!!! Rewards Points are instantly redeemable.

FYI Double Rewards Points = 10% saving.

Birthday Voucher - Double Voucher for your Birthday each year (complete the form to register).

Standard customer = $10 voucher. Auckland Chapter Member = $20 voucher.

Mothers Car/Bike Care Products - Auckland Chapter Members also receive an Automatic 10% off all Mothers Car/Bike Care Products.

Please Note: To take advantage of these benefits, you must be a current financial member of the Auckland Chapter Harley Owners Group (H.O.G)

Reminder: Harley-Davidson Insurance Services offer great benefits to all H.O.G members including a discount on the premium to be paid. More info is available from the Sales Teams at Auckland Harley-Davidson.

Note: To take advantage of the Auckland Harley-Davidson Auckland Chapter benefits, please present your current Chapter Membership Card (available on Member Jungle).

Please be fair to the staff even if we know you.

Auckland Chapter

Waikato Chapter

East Coast Chapter

Central Districts Chapter

Wellington Chapter

Christchurch Chapter

Deep South Chapter

H.O.G.TM MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
ASSOCIATE MEMBER | $60 PER YEAR
FULL MEMBER | $95 PER YEAR
H.O.G.TM Membership Card
H.O.G.TM Rallies/Events Member Check-in
H.O.G.TM Chapters
H.O.G.TM Ladies of HarleyTM
H.O.G.TM e-Newsletter (Tailored for NZ/AUD Market)
H.O.G.TM Merchandise available from Chapters
H.O.G.TM Members Service Center
H.O.G.TM Mileage Program
H.O.G.TM Patch/Pin
Harley-Davidson MuseumTM Free Admission
H.O.G.TM ABC's of Touring Contest
EagleRider rentals and tours
Safe rider skills recognition and discounted programmes
H.O.G.TM 10, 25, 35-year member recognition
The Enthusiast Magazine
Chapter Organized Events, Rides, Social Get Togethers, Weekends away, Charity
Events, Monthly meetings,
H.O.G.TM Discount on Harley Assist
H.O.G.TM Discounted Insurance (IAG/Swann underwriters)
H.O.G.TM New Travel Portal (hotel/motel discounts)
H.O.G.TM NZ Ferry Crossing Discounts (unique to NZ)
Meeting new people and forming great relationships
Being part of the biggest brands in the world
Great Rides with other like-minded people
New Adventures to be found and roads to ride

 

 2025 CVO Road Glide Test Ride from Blockhead

Deanos Motorcycle Rides Harley Davidson Pan America Carplay

Cardwell Customs 1st VLOG 2025

 All videos

 All videos

 

 

 

Thank you to those members who have donated blood, your contribution has helped save 214 lives. Click on the link to learn more.

 

MDN 

 

Trevor Jenkin

National Executive Chairperson, Northern Branch Chairperson &

Calls 4 Charity Ltd Director

Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand

419 Church Street East, Penrose, Auckland 

PO Box 12063, Penrose, Auckland 1642
0800 800 337 |  021 267 4380 | Charity Number: CC31123
facebook.com/MDANationalOffice | www.mda.org.nz

About Us

Haven Falls Funeral Home is a family owned and operated funeral home.
We have over 20 years of experience in funeral planning and are here to assist
you and your family through your time of loss.

We understand that mourning the loss of someone you love, is an event that
can be challenging both mentally and physically, whether expected or unforeseen.
You can trust that our professional staff will ensure all your practical
requirements are met in a caring and professional manner.

Haven Falls Funeral Home’s will organise all of the necessary arrangements
and our caring and helpful staff are on hand during the service and
beyond to make sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Click on the above image for more information.

https://www.havenfalls.co.nz/

The Sheriff

Reminder – Don’t forget to drop your mates in it for those little incidents, accidents and infractions. The money obtained/extorted goes to the Chapter Welfare Fund and is used to assist Chapter Members who have had the not so little incidents and accidents.

Email the sheriff sheriff@aucklandhog.org.nz

or call/text  021 959 026

“Never let any truth or facts get in the way of a good story”

Notices

Meremere Drags 15.03.25

Bikes and Backroads - Manawatu National HOG Rally 2025 NZ

Venue: Awapuni Race Way - Palmerston North
Date: 14th -16th November

For those wishing to book accommodation, we have had an overwhelming response from all Hotels, Motels, Lodges BNB, etc.
Please when booking mention you are attending the NZ National HOG Rally

Tickets will be available through Eventbrite in early April

SAVE THE DATE! FULL DETAILS COMING EARLY 2025.

Premier Events and Papakura Rotary Club proudly present:
The Star Insure New Zealand Motorcycle Show 2025
In association with CFMOTO

 18-19 October 2025
 Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane
 Gates Open: 9:30am - 5pm

As always, the show remains a charitable fundraising event with all profits going back to the community.

FYI Rides 

Note: Iron Thunder SOUTH AUCKLAND Poker Run 15 March

Metzeler Elephant Ride 23 March.This year we're heading south of Auckland, on some of the best biking roads the region has on offer. Our departure point is Les Batkin Reserve, River Road Tuakau (Just before the Tuakau Bridge) Take the Pokeno exit from State Hwy 1. Registration from 9:30am, with departure at 10:30am.

Note: Iron Thunder NEW ZEALAND Dice Run 29 March

The Head Road Captain

What Our Chapter Can Offer You If You Are A Less Experienced Rider
 
The Auckland Chapter is here to foster members to Ride and Have Fun. We have a
number of options as listed below. We encourage all members to join in, with the caveat
that they are able to ride comfortably at the posted speed limits applicable on the ride. As
we are not licensed instructors, we cannot be there to teach how to ride, but to provide a
safe environment for all our members.
 
What we can and do offer.

In all cases, check out the event calendar on Member Jungle (MJ) for full details.
 

• Sunday morning Laid Back Coffee rides – This ride offers a shorter distance at a slower pace with riders of a similar level of experience to you. It provides an opportunity to meet possible “riding buddies“ and to experience the camaraderie that is part of our Chapter culture.
• Opportunities to find like-minded people and other riding buddies.
• Occasional Sunday brunch events - these are not so much a ride, but again an opportunity to socialise and meet other Chapter members at all levels. Also, we encourage you to come along to Chapter Nights. This is another opportunity to meet other members, find out about Chapter events and locate riding buddies.
• Pathways to obtain training and rider skills :

CRIB (Chapter Riding Information Briefing) – This short Saturday morning
session gives you the information you will need on how to ride with the Chapter. Important
protocols such as staggered formation riding and corner marking etc are explained. 
Riding Courses - Our safety officer will provide information, pathways and
links to promote riding courses such as the ACC Ride Forever programmes e.g. Pro Rider
bronze and silver courses. These courses are ideal for learning a variety of techniques to
help you not only to enjoy your riding but be safer on the road. Once you learn the skills
you can then spend time on your own (or with your riding buddies) practising them and
gaining more confidence, so that eventually you can handle one of our group rides. Chat
with other Chapter members to see what suits and be ready to ride and have fun.
 
What Level Do You Need to Reach Before Joining A Group Ride
 
Riding in a group may be a new experience for you. That is why the CRIB meeting is so
important as you will learn the way a HOG ride is organised, see the notes above. Riding
is all about confidence and we want to help instil that in our membership, and another
reason we promote the Ride Forever courses, as none of us are perfect. Please feel free
to talk to any of the Road Captains, or any other committee member if you have any
questions about group rides. We want as many riders as possible to enjoy the
camaraderie, to reach our destination safely, and then return home.
If you feel your level of ability and confidence is to a point where you want to “graduate“ to
say a Saturday afternoon ride, you need to be able to consistently keep to the legal speed
limit applicable to the various roads the ride will traverse. 
If for any reason you come on a ride and you are unable to keep up, as we only have a
certain amount of time available, the Road Captain may not be able to wait for you.
However, if that were to happen, you would always be welcome to make your way directly
to the venue at the end, at a speed you are more comfortable with. Pre-ride briefings
and/or a chat with the Road Captain/Tail End Charlie can help you understand what is
happening.
There is nothing as unpleasant or potentially dangerous than feeling you have to keep
up with others. It is important to at all times ride your own ride and not someone elses ride.
Remember to Ride and Have Fun.
Tony Horrocks (Hotrocks) - Head Road Captain

Wanted - Road Captains

If you are interested and think you have the ability and commitment it takes, or you would like to know more, please contact the Head Road Captain or see him on Chapter Nights or on our ride events.

Email: roadcaptain@aucklandhog.org.nz.