Waimauku to Helensville and an Adventure

Ride Addition and Alteration for Sunday the 03rd March
WHERE?  BP KUMEU      WHAT TIME?  9AM SHARP

One of THREE Private Farming Stations that we will now tour and visit - 
 We follow the Gravel Road that leads us DOWN and over some very hard packed farm tracks and trails - NEW to riding your adventure bike over farm tracks and trails?? - This adventure has a NOVICE track/trail to be followed and the balance of this ride will be a gravel and sealed combination - Suitable for ALLL levels of ride attendees as we have a route that is suited to those NEW to taking your Adventure Bikes Off The Road

With the now "SERIOUS" Fire Ban Nationwide in place,  we have put together an Additional Alteration to our planned RiverHead Adventures.  Sunday's 03rd March "RiverHead Summer FEST" now comprises of an Adventure that will combine gravel and hard packed Farm Sections on THREE private Farming Stations that we will take you to tour.  Visit an historic pa site. 

"FROM WAITEMATA MOTORCYCLE CLUB"
"Despite recent rain,   the fine and windy weather that has followed it,  has evaporated the moisture quickly and we are back to critical levels in the forest. Sadly the long range forecast predicts little more than light showers" - sums up the conditions that we are currently experiencing here  - "Words from Bill Mancer from the Waitemata Club" who have unfortunately had to "cancel several" of their planned events.  We are currently awaiting news this week on moisture levels inside of the forest.  WE now have THREE private farming properties that we will take you to visit and we are sure these will provide a great adventure.  Suitable for ALLLL levels of ride attendees with your dual purpose adventure bike.

This ride will be suitable for ALLL levels of Ride Ability - Jim will be leading the Advanced Group and Sue will take those NEW to riding their adventure bikes off the road.  This ride is made up of hard packed farm tracks/trails/gravel roads and sealed roads.  An excellent variety of terrain to travel over.

Following the Hard Packed gravel/dirt roads around the farm - Followed by gravel/sealed road combinations

NEW - Own a Dual Purpose Adventure Bike and Wanting to take that bike OFF the Sealed Roads??
  WE will host a small group training over Farmland and we will put you through a series of exercises to perform with your bike.  Geared at NOVICE LEVEL 1 attendees.

Jim shows standing on footpegs and guiding the bike up the hill

Riding DOWN Rolling Hills

By hosting this series of NEW Adventure courses,  packed with knowledge on HOW TO,  you will soon have the skills to come join us in our New Season of Adventures with your Dual Purpose Adventure Bike.

http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/060413---training-overland.html

Coming VERY SOON - possibly Saturday the 06th April - (Date for this course will be confirmed NEXT Week)  We will commence a series of training sessions that will cover varying terrain.  Wanting to come join us and have that little bit more confidence to do so??   Our NEXT training session,  we will take a SMALL group of LEVEL 1 riders over Private Farm Land and we will put you through a series of exercises where you will be taught how to handle your adventure bike off the road and over the land.  Riding UP HILLS and Riding DOWN HILLS - We show you how, and we will put you through a comprehensive set of exercises.  Learning about ruts on farms and how to choose your correct lines.    If you wish to attend this course which will be run by Jim D please contact us to secure your spot on the Team.  This course is geared towards our Big Adventure Bikes.


SATURDAY the 13th April,  and we host our LEVEL 1 RiverHead Forest Off the Road training session.  Once again,  this course will be very different, and will comprise of breaking down a series of old logging roads that run throughout the forest.  We will show you HOW to ride these roads.  Mixing it up over YOUR day here with us.  We will split our group and move you around amongst our trainers that we have booked to assist us with this.  By the end of your day here,  we expect you to be able to ride around the total combination of the roads that we will put to you.  Taking your Big Adventure Bike OFF THE ROAD,  and with our TWO NEW courses,  we think you will be doing this!!

"WINTER" - and Just "SOME" of "Our" Winter Lineup of planned Adventures

Queens Birthday Ride - Sunday the 02nd/03rd June

We will be staying at The Historic Matawai Hotel
 

Queens Birthday Weekend - June 02nd/03rd - A winter ride has been put together taking in The Waikaremoana and a forestry section.  Self Cater here and MAKE YOUR BOOKINGS well in advance at The Matawai Hotel.  The Hotel is on hold for incoming from NGARNZ participants.  First in first served,  as accommodation at this small Hotel is limited.

Lake Waikaremoana

http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/queens-birthday-weekend---waikaremoana-and-a-forestry-circuit.html


We will keep you notified in our Blog Issues of Any Available Accomodation Spaces - Get in quick if you wish to attend this tour,  as Your Room could be wanted by another rider.



15th June - and Waipu Forest Adventure Tour
  Explore Waipu Forest and the Many Gravel Roads that surround this area

14th September - Big Forest Adventure Tour - Commences from Whangarei
 
Details coming soon - We journey over MANY Private Forestry blocks that take us out to   the Coast


Details available on our website soon

Training and RiverHead Forest Roads

TRAINING  at RiverHead Forest -  and we hosted our very first Level 1 Session for the NEW Season.  We geared our Session around those wanting that more technique approach to the riding and exploring that is metal roads.  Our venue just perfect for this.  With the total fire ban Auckland wide we tailored our first Session around a very small area of varying forestry road surfaces.  Our focus this Season is to host smaller group trainings, so to be able to offer to our participants that little bit more one on one time with our instructors.  With such an amazing response for our first intake, we needed to host two sessions to adequately cater for everyone on this basis.  

Group 1 arrives ready to begin our mng session

 Early 7am Saturday mng had arrived, and our first group met us anxiously roadside.  It was lovely to be presented with nice cool temperatures at this early hour.  Very pleasant.  With so very much to cover over our day,  this cooler start was well received.   The hours quickly wore on, and it soon became apparent that the sun was going to make her most overwhelming appearance,  and layers were quickly being peeled off.   Thanks to our helpers over the day,  excellent to have the support of a great skilled team of NGARNZ adventure riders.  Thanks to all of those who tirelessly assisted over the course of this training day.  It all combined together to make for an excellent day.

Group 2 Reports 1pm - and The Sun is Bearing Down Upon Everyone

WE promise you that upon opening this link below,  you will be treated to a little humour from one of our budding camera attendees!!!
http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/saturday-09th-feb-2013--level-1-off-road-adventure-training.html


As we are currently facing a "FIRE BAN" Auckland wide, we will commence to host our Level 1 "OFF the beaten Road" Adventure Course,  where we will break down a series of tracks/trails/ruts and detail these.  You will face a series of roads over your DAY, and we will rotate you between various course exercises, so to keep the group moving throughout.  This course will be made up of theory and also practical.  One goes hand in hand with the other.

Along with this "NEW Concept",  we will shortly also host a SAND Riding Practise Day, all of these courses will be suitable for our BIG ADVENTURE Bikes.  Jim D  will personally set these up.  As you can see below,  we are now offering a raft of "NEW" and exciting terrain to be tackled.  Upskilling is invaluable to be able to tackle all terrain surfaces that may be presented to you when YOU are "OUT and ABOUT":.  You never know what lies down the bottom of that Dead End road;  and knowing our Adventure Riders,  we feel sure you will go find out!!!

TO JOIN NGARNZ - An online payment is made with your name as Reference.  Details are available on our link below:
http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/membership-and-joining-details-contact.html

Membership is designed for those who are looking to become regular ride attendees.  All are welcome to attend our rides.  WE have a varying pricing structure for many of our rides to incorporate a discount for Ride Group Members.   We bring our rides to the Adventure Riding Community at already heavily discounted pricing.   Both Jim and I spend an incredible amount of time in the pursuit to personally bring varied and interesting Adventures to Ride Attendees.  We often look to incorporate Private Land Access also, to be able to showcase that something a little different with our dual purpose adventure bikes.    Gravel Newz Issues are available to Ride Group Members,  these are designed to keep you informed and up to date with what we have planned,  and where we are looking to take you next.

February 23rd/24th and we host our Big Adventure Bike Weekend - Entries close on the 18th February.

From "Awakino to Aria"

 

 

Well,  the KTM is "B A C K" from mapping out hundreds of kms of very interesting terrain,  as pictured above,  certainly very very interesting.  Along with this we now have a little something "EXTRA" to be viewed,  but we will keep that as a surprise.  You will have to attend to see this,  or view the pics as many do.  Looking great!!! 
  For those travelling down on the Friday, and wanting to journey down with Jim,  meeting time will be 1pm BP Bombay.  Please mail us so that we can add your name to our list, as we will be leaving 1pm on time.
http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/awakino-to-aria-2324th-feb.html

Sunday the 03rd March - and we pay a visit to tour RiverHead Forestry -

RiverHead Summer Fest Adventure Bike Ride

 

 

Time for a MUCH NEEDED Cooling Off - the KTM soaking it up!!!  We will be running TWO groups for this ride,  Group 1 Experienced Riders and also our Mid Rangers Group who will ride and tour the many gravel roads running throughout this Auckland based forest.

http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/sunday-03rd-march---sizzling-summer-fest-at-riverhead.html

From Taumarunui - Highlights a 4000 hectare Private Station in the very heart of Taumarunui - along with many fine gravel roads that this area has to offer

16th/17th March

Entries Close 02nd March

We follow - Not the "Yellow Bricked Road" - But The Fine Metal Road running through The Station

http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/from-taumarunui.html

 

 

TARANAKI EXPLORE ADVENTURE RIDE

Comprising of "ONE Day and a half" Adventure Ride

 

 

A rare "GEMSTONE" was found "BURIED" amongst the "Land that is The NAKI"

"Exploring The Naki" most certainly can uncover some unique artifacts

For more on this theme - come join us EASTER WEEKEND where we will

host One FULL day of Adventure on The Saturday and we will further your Adventure for an additional half a day of riding on The Sunday.  Friday night accommodation/Saturday mng breakfast along with a FULL day of Riding on Saturday, Sat overnight accommodation/Sat night dining and Sunday mng Breakfast is included in our Pre-Booked Ride Package.
You think "YOU are good OVERLAND",   hmmmm  Ever wonder how "THIS GIRL" handles also.......................

http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/29th30th-march-easter-weekend-taranaki-tunnels-and-more.html

 

 

Awhitu Surf and Turf - Where Land Meets the Sea

Saturday April 20th

Entries Close 06th April

 

 

Stunning views,  where Land meets the Seas,  we will visit several private beach access points and enjoy what this area has on offer - Stunning!!

 

http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/awhitu-surf-and-turf-20th-april-2013.html

 

 

 

KAIPARA/SOUTH HEAD ADVENTURE BIKE RIDE

SATURDAY THE 04TH MAY

ENTRIES CLOSE 20TH APRIL

 

 

Stunning views of The Kaipara can be seen as we visit this Private Property that takes us out to The Lagoon, What a Gorgeous property

http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/04th-may-kaiparasouth-head-adventure.html

 

 

Our "NEW" Membership Cards have now arrived and will be either mailed out,  or see me at our registration times, and I will hand these out to those who have joined with us.

 

 

FOR SALE:

Fancy a gorgeous Lava Orange F650GS parked up in YOUR garage???
Check out this link below,  and  DON'T DREAM IT,    LIVE IT!!!
GO on....    YOU KNOW you want to..............

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=559972404




"NAVIGATING AROUND THE WEBSITE":

Looking for a particular page that you may be interested in??:  Well,  Weebly have now installed a "SEARCH" function into the website. 

"HOW DOES IT WORK"???
In the Top Right Corner you will see a box that says 
"ADD TEXT"
Enter what you are looking for,  for e.g. key in "AWAKINO"  "PRESS"    Enter    or    Hit    "GO"
           _____________________________________
ADD TEXT________________________  GO




NEW"     Touratech New Zealand" has now joined us, and Gravel Group Members will now receive a 10% discount off their purchases.   Welcome Touratech New Zealand to NGARNZ

 

 

We leave you with this one below:  AS MANY have returned back from Xmas holidays and have now joined us with that little "OPTIONAL EXTRA" that "SEEMS" TO have "SNEAKED" inside "The Man Cave",  hmmm "BELOW THIS" sums it all up quite nicely!!!

Puhoi and The Looser Route Leading To....

P     U    H     O     I

January 2013 and our very FIRST Issue of Gravel Newz is now here ......  We open this Issue with MOTION scenes unveiled from a very Dusty Gravel Road Ride -
 Episode Number 1

Saturday 26th January and a Fine Gravel Road Ride to Puhoi and the Famous Cheese Factory

Episode Number Two - A Light Hearted Look at it Allll.......

A N D   in our Conclusion from "One Very Fine Day" -  If you didn't manage to make this ride,  we hope we will catch you on some of our "New and Exciting Adventures" to come.

A big thanks to Mike for taking the time out to check over our route for hazards prior to the Dusty Riders attending on the Saturday.  WE award our CycleSpot Euro Vouchers to Mike this ride for the work put into route preparation for us.   Next in line,  and not to be forgotten,  I believe some of you may just know DR BIG and KATIE !!!!    These two have been attendees at our rides over the past season, and at the conclusion of this ride we awarded the owner of these two our Spectro Oil Pack and filter prize.  Congratulations on bringing these two out -  I heard DR BIG has provided SAID OWNER with one very hefty fix-up bill  !!!!   This Spectro Prize Pack will most certainly be well received.   Well done to you Mark.

Memories from Days Gone Past: -
   One fine day,  myself along with another BMW fellow rider decided to venture Out And About Northwards for a casual exploration of the Dargaville area, along with adding a few additional km's to our speedos.  With nothing better to do,  this was indeed an excellent idea.   

KTM rider joins THE GERMAN TOURISTS who
just so happen to speak fluent ENGLISH!!!   :)

  Our first stop, and we had reached a roadside parking area.  Deciding to take a brief spell,  we pulled the TWO BMW machines in for a slight break.  Not realising that our BMW machines also sported TWO owners complete with BMW jackets, etc etc,   (  hint  GERMAN TOURISTS  )   ?????   (did not know that at the time, until statement was made with regards to  :)   )   Looking back now,  it most definitely does seem that this picture I am conveying fits in here perfectly. 

WHICH PIC fits???????   DO  German
Tourists SADDLE UP ONTOP OF KTM's???

  
 Scanning the immediate area just as we had pulled into the alcove,  we spotted  (well more heard) the rumble of the big engine firing up the KTM 990 Adventure Bike as it roared past us.  I remember the big bike turning into the left hand side road adjacent to us as we were now parked up, and the occupant's helmet veering sidewards as it turned almost curiously to view the "German Tourists"  :)    "Flashback here", and it was only just a few moments prior to this the two Beemers travelled along the sealed roading,  and this certain Big KTM Bike overtook us.  I know we all comment on "Front Tyre Saving Techniques";  this statement gets bandied about quite frequently??@#"??.   My thoughts this day, covers this nicely.  I can only say on reflection here with this particular Big Bike, that this owner also adopts this principal.  The front tyre did look mighty slick.   The Big KTM roared past us, and it reminded me of a giant stallion in flight as it bucks in full flight along the trails,  front lifting high into the air!!! 

  The big Adventure Bike had now raised OUR eyebrows,  and it now veered suspiciously  around and was heading briskly back towards us.   I guess curiosity can be quite hard to overcome!!!   Our KTM gent had now pulled into our roadside park up and was now neatly tucked in beside the two BMW Big Bikes, and then proceeded to disembark from his machine.  WHO WAS GOING TO Utter the Very First Word Here:::::???

  I do believe the KTM gent was the first to get A WORD IN......   It must have been quite a moment when we both spoke Fluent English!!!!   I will always laugh when I think of this moment,  absolutely hilarious.   These are the goodies we all remember. 


And OVERLAND Adventures has been spotted!!!  The BIG KTM taking it OVERLAND!!!
 

  Where did we go?  and what did the THREE of us get up to that day??    WEll a good amount of roadside adventure occurred that day,  as we made our way out to view a gorgeous lake.  The TWO BM's chose the sealed road that led into,  whilst the big KTM COULD NOT BE TAMED,    OVERLAND IT WENT,  and it did the brand PROUD!!!   Seeing was believing.  OVERLAND ADVENTURES,  and a great deal of.

 
  From this Adventure this day,  a New Ride Group Member joined our growing flock, and many more adventures have since been shared.  As this owner has a tendency to PLAY HARD when Out and About on his adventures,  he has joined us periodically from either the seat of the mighty 990 Adventure Bike/occasionally DR BIG has been along for the ride or,,,,  ON ONE occasion from behind the wheel of the Jeep!!!   When time permitted we often organised a Mid Week Adventure ride.    
 

Forever a cheeky charlie,   adopting to have a play on the small XT   -   oh dear!!!

NO  HONESTLY     IT WASN'T ME!!!!    "Guilty we thinks"   Pics tell a thousand tales

Further Shared adventures soon ensued, and this led us to tackle South Head and the gravel roads leading out to The Wainoni Lagoon.  Striking it lucky???  (unsure as to just how lucky)  this day we were joined by another lady adventure rider.  As we ventured out onto the black sands leading out and into The Lagoon, we found that the tide happened to be right on LOW.  Excellent.
   



The Lagoon - simply gorgeous

UNSURE at the time,  just how EXCELLENT this actually was???  

Finding Stream Crossings over the Sandy Beach and Front Tyre Saving Techniques
on Display yet again

 Meanwhile, whilst we were marvelling in the surrounds and playing at criss-crossing those STREAM crossings, DR BIG was OUT and ABOUT and having some mighty fine times on the deserted beach. Quite a spectacular sight.

 Our New Gent guided and took both of us LADY Riders out on An Adventure leading right to the very end of the Lagoon.  I have never ridden ever as far out as we ventured that day.   When the tide is out,  you can venture quite a way around.  Fantastic.

Our route as we travelled over the deserted beach led us over and through several shallow stream crossings and up and into The Lagoon itself.  Nearing the very end of this we came upon many kaikuia grassy tracks, the wiry green grassy tentacles stretching beyond to help hold these sandy tracks together.  Wow, this was amazing,  we found many NEW tracks that led out to the very edge of the sand banks.    For the two of us lady adventure warriors in the makings,  this provided a real adventure. 

Simply gorgeous views at the end of the Lagoon

The Road that leads us into - What a magic day it was

February 23rd/24th   -   "BIG BIKE"  Adventure Weekend  
  Take a Journey from Awakino to Aria -
 

NGARNZ "EVENT" WEEKEND - From Awakino - Aria: -

 Gravel Roads meet Farm Tracks/Trails/Beach  that lead to the most    stunning views: -
http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/awakino-to-aria-2324th-feb.html
Registration Forms NOW Available through enquiry on our website link
Entries closing 18th February.

SPARE TRAILER SPACE??
If YOU are intending to join us on the Friday for our Big Weekend Event,  and may have a trailer space available,  we have a lady adventure rider who has just recently purchased a NEW mount to join us.  We present ELMO to NGARNZ.  ELMO now parks up inside the stable that also houses MISS PIGGY and is set to join us on some adventures in the coming season, when timing permits.   So  any spare trailer spaces,  please mail me and I will forward contact details.

MARCH 16TH/17TH - FROM TAUMARUNUI TO NATIONAL PARK

Our visit to a 4000 hectare Taumarunui based Station is looming as we make ready to pay a visit here, right in the very heart of Taumarunui.   This has been factored in with a visit to more additional Farming Stations that offer tracks and trails throughout these areas.   Our accommodation which is incorporated into our Ride Package is Whakapapa Based, and looks set to be g r e a t !!!

http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/from-taumarunui.html

Adventures to Come, and Where Are We Headed??: -    

http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/big-overland-adventure-taupo.html

IN THE EARLY DAYS OF NGARNZ -  and a little over a YEAR AGO now, WE were solely focused on the riding of Gravel/SEal combinations and our AWAY organised trips were minimal.  TODAY, and looking back on the UNIQUE areas we have been fortunate to have explored,  this has been the catalyst of the growth factor to our membership base.    It is an extremely difficult task, to continually look to source and seek out all of the available free-to-access public gravel roads in the near vicinity of most of our Members,  not to mention quite un-exciting when riding these on a very frequent basis.   Ride Attendance was declining on this basis.  "NOW", as our membership is on the increase, so the expectations and "HUNGER" for the exploration of "NEW" and Interesting areas burgeons.  "TAPPING" into and "FEEDING" this "LUST" for adventure, has meant that we must look to add into our routes more than the gravel/sealed combination offers, in order to produce that unique experience we have all come to "CRAVE".  WE MUST evolve to meet the needs of our membership base.  WE have always catered for all levels of ability in attendance at our rides,  and don't see this focus changing.  Our ride terrain has also been well suited for Big Adventure Bike Riding.

THE SUMMER OF 2012/2013 - "OVERLAND ADVENTURES WAS BORN": - We have been able to enjoy many hard-packed farm surfaces,  these have been immensely enjoyed by our vast number of growing ride attendees, and WELL SUITED to our big adventure bikes.    Wonderful, and the blossoming numbers in attendance at these NEW and VARIED adventures True testament in itself as to the vast enjoyment factor for us personally,  that we are indeed headed in the correct directional pathway.   Our summation is that - "HAD WE ONLY been producing adventures based on the combination of gravel/sealed routes,  we don't believe NGARNZ would be in existence now.   Keeping things  NEW,  VARIED,  and always looking to produce that little something different is the makings of "ADVENTURES" in its own right.....  We know that we are on the right track with what we do.  Jim and I will continue to look for more NEW Areas and bring more adventures to our fellow adventurers.

WINTER, AND THE WET AND COOL CLIMES will soon be bestowed unwantingly upon us.  This in mind, our format will alter once again.   The cooler climes will see the return of gravel/seal mix combinations, with the occasional "NEW SURF and TURF" runs, these will rear themselves from slumber.    As a "Mid Ranger Professionale",  I can personally vouch for the ethics of rolling my dual purpose bike over those harder-packed sand tracks and trails.  In fact,  I am quite looking forwards to it.  The heavy roil of the surf smashing down upon the deserted beaches we have around us will be very enticing indeed.  Mixing it up with the occasional seals on our beaches,  simply the most fantastic experience.  More adventures to be had. 

ROUTE SHEET ADVENTURES: -   NEW AND COMING FOR WINTER:  -  We will run our very FIRST in a series of OUR Map Adventure Themes as Team Events. 

FOREST EXPLORATIONS RETURN: -   Just PERFECT once again for BIG BIKE FRIENDLY riding - New areas to explore and to enjoy, along with weekends AWAY to take advantage of Those More Out Of The Way Places we all know about,  (and want to find out about).  THESE, just some of the "MANY NEW" and "VARIED" Concepts we have planned.   RUG UP EVERYONE,   ADVENTURES AWAIT...........  Winter is looking set to be equally as enticing!!!!!  Adventures don't stop here.......  

Xmas came and went far tooo quickly, and below we have a compilation of pics from some of our NGARNZ members, as adventures were planned and visited upon the deep South: -

 

  Our Crew have enjoyed their many adventures - the pics say it all: -

Boys BIG Adventure Down South

http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/the-boys-big-adventure-down-south.html



FOR SALE: -
Ride Group Member Malcom leaves us and has his Suzuki DR650 for Sale:  If interested here is the link below: -
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=552231738


2013 SEASON RIDE CALENDAR:

http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/index.html

New Supporter to NGARNZ now joins us here in New Zealand

PSSST!!!!!!!!!!!     If you are a regular reader of Gravel Newz Issues,  You will now notice that we have another "NEW Supporter" that has just joined us,     "TOURATECH NEW ZEALAND"   is Now Here, and will be seen featured upon the pages alongside of our Supporters.  "Another NEW and ADDITIONAL" benefit to becoming a Ride Group Member to NGARNZ,  you will now receive 10% discount when placing orders on the wide range of Touratech products.  All PAID Members will receive a code that will be issued upon payment of Membership fees.   NGARNZ offers interesting and varied rides to those seeking a wide range of riding adventures,  and we have to date taken you to many NEW areas NOT previously explored.  Membership offers further discounted rides on our already extremely good value adventures that we have been providing.  

http://www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com/index.html