So out came the Beemer for some gravel rash adventures around the northern part of Auckland. It was about time I locked into my memory some of these roads anyway. It it close enough to Auckland to get away for a few hours of gravel riding before returning home. Knowing them like the back of my and would be a good idea.
Andy (partner in crime) and I met up at the Shell at Westgate, and after a nutritious breakfast of a sugar drink and sausage roll we headed north to do some exploring. We weren't really sure of where we were going but keen to just ride some gravel roads and see where we ended up. I was confident that between the two of us we would find our way.....but as it turns out.....
We had been riding for short while and were stopped on the side of the road to gather our bearings and decide our next direction when a guy on a KLR pulled up to check we were OK. After a brief chat it was clear to Andy and I that he actually knew where he was going..which is more than can be said for us.
So we followed him as he took us through a awesome loop of gravel roads around Puhoi and Kaipara. When we stopped you could not wipe the grins of our faces. How neat and fortuitous to meet up with a guy and enjoy some great riding. Eventually later in the day we departed. Andy and I stopped for some food before taking a few more roads and eventually heading home.
Isn't it great how fellow bikers can meet up, enjoy some riding and then depart..richer for the whole experience. I love biking....
here are a few pics from the day...
I stopped in the city on my way home to have coffee with a friend and then meandered home...it doesnt matter how long or short the ride, it is always great to get out.
I haven't ridden the Vee in two weeks so am missing my gravel fix. Although in the 3,000 odd km I've done on the Connie in that time I did get to do some gravel...
ReplyDeleteBRR coming up this weekend...
I saw that Andrew..you are so much more hard out than I.
DeleteNice one Rog. I found a good dirt road over here yesterday while out for a spin. Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteCheers Mike, always nice to hear from my non alcholic scottish friend......
DeleteThere's one thing NZ has in spades and that is spectacular scenery. Even the little back roads are beautiful. I look at several NZ blogs and when I look through the pics I often wonder why I haven't moved there. Enjoy it all Rog and thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve, and I have to agree we are very lucky, I take for granted some times. I think the best thing is we dont have to travel far to see it.
DeleteLooks like the perfect weather, not too hot nor too cold and just damp enough to keep the dust down while providing sufficient traction. Great roads and beautiful scenery, thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteBTW, did you happen to catch the tire brand name on that KLR, those look quite the aggressive tread.
Funny you should say that, I did notice the tyre but not the brand, and yes it was a very aggressive off road tyre.
DeleteIt was perfect conditions.
Rog:
ReplyDeletebeautiful scenery and nice roads. Makes me want to try some of that gravel. You're making us drool . . .
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
You should give it a go Bob, as for making you drool..you guys did a pretty good job of making me drool over our winter.
DeleteWhat a great way to spend a holiday. Good to get your fix and even better if you can meet like minded people on the way.
ReplyDeleteThat you can get out of the suburbs within minutes to experience some nice Kiwi scenery reminds me of the limitations of th place that I live in. Yeah, we have great scenery too, but from where I live it just takes an hour at least to get there...
Thanks SOnja, well you know more than anyone how it works over here. The beaches and mountains are never far away.
DeleteSerendipity that you just happened to be stopped when the KLR came by. What a great day for tootling around on gravel roads.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing the greenery after our long brown summer.
Brandy, I have to say we were very lucky. Tootling is what I do...
DeleteGreat photos Rog - not at all familiar with that area and you got the best weather of the weekend too!
ReplyDeleteCatch you Sunday, all being well.
MAte, didn't try very hard with the pics..just point and shoot!...I hope Sunday is good, although to be fair we have pretty good weather for most of our IAM rides.
DeleteBeautiful pictures and what looks like wonderful riding. Thank you for posting....
ReplyDeleteIt is great the way bikes open up possibilities to meet people. Sure, I've had a few experiences where people were too full of themselves and their brand of bike, but nearly always folks are just interested in what your doing out and about. And, when I stop to take photos often people stop to make sure I'm okay. It is a wonderful world.
ReplyDelete~k
Keith, you have a wonderful outlook on life...!
DeleteIt's beautiful...and the sun made the mountains look more beautiful. Am beside myself with awe
ReplyDeleteYes it is fun to meet with fellow bikers and The view is exremely beautiful. It is a place one would really have fun riding
ReplyDelete