After registrations and receiving the official TT t-shirt we set off from Dunedin to the Cathlins for the first photo stop.

Then it was on to Riverton. A quick stop and some refreshments. The conversation was about the good weather. Our next stop was in Tuatapere at the Yesteryears cafe. This cafe combined with a museum has on display anything to everything old that belongs in a kitchen, even the food was exceptional good.

The next stop was Te Anau for a fuel stop and a snack. We were all geared up for the 2 hours ride to Milford Sound/Fiordland (as known by the locals “the Sounds”).

Catching up with other riders at the photo stop in the Sounds was good and all had only good things to say about the ride down so far. Excellent views, weather and a great road for motorcycling.

The 15 minute stop at the tunnel was a meeting point with other riders and a talk about the ride so far. 

A compulsory stop as the tunnel is wide enough for one vehicle only – no roadworks and a good excuse to enjoy beautiful  unspoiled scenery.

The overnight stop was at Alexandra with 995km done for the day. A nice steak, hot shower and a good sleep.

Up at 04h30 on Sunday morning. Still no rain and with a warm morning we set off to the next photo point in Poolburn with a quick stop at the pub.....  no, only for a photo as evidence as per TT rules!!!

Palmerston was the next stop and meeting point with the riders that slept in the motor camp (motel).

We were way too early for the locals in Oamaru so instead of a decent breakfast we had to settle for a coffee and pie.

The ride to Omarama was slow (yeah right!!) A quick photo with “Shrek” as this is merino country and off to Haast for an expensive fuel stop at $2.35 (R12.26) per litre and some lunch...... with the lunch cheaper than filling the bikes.

Our next stop was Hokitika at the Tambo. The hospitality of the West coast weather was great; same can’t be said for the roads....... too many road works and camper vans.

The road to Christchurch via Arthurs pass is a “bikers paradise” with the twisty’s.

The last stop for the day was at the Finish point – a pub in Christchurch – we arrived at 18:45 with 2,150km in the saddle.  Dinner, a chat and downloading of the photos as proof of the route.  Catching up with other riders talking about the ride and sharing stories.

A ride thru some affected areas in Christchurch after the quake..... then off to an early night for some of us.

Our thoughts are with the people of the city..........

Monday was 500km back home and the big clean started!!!!

The Beemer stats were 17.84 km/lt with 96 km/hr as average.

So in total there was:....

Total entries = 115

Total riders at Dunedin start = 87 (pre-withdrawals & most no-shows from Chch-domiciled riders)

Total riders completing TT = 79

Total “did not finishes” = 8 (3 = had to go home halfway round, 5 mechanical/accident)

Have a look at this YouTube clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z82WcahRKk0

Most popular bike brands:

 Suzuki 26

Honda 15

BMW 11

Triumph 9

Kawasaki 8