Rotorua circuit

My plan for the day was to take a trip to Taupo, and perhaps to do the loop around the lake. I was up fairly early, had some breakfast and then tried to get going. Somehow, as I was getting on my bike, it fell. I had taken it off the centre stand, then swung my leg over, and I think I caught the seat or perhaps a pannier. The bike thus fell away from me, and, as it weighs 240 kg, that is too much to pull back. It also turned out to be too much to lift, especially as it was wrapped in the tarpaulin that is the car port's side wall. I tried various methods involving brute strength and failed. I ended up with a sore lower back. Then I checked a few YouTube videos and got some good points, particularly about turning the front wheel to full lock. I managed to get the bike quite high up, but, by this time, my back and legs were sore. My neighbour came out, surprised and concerned, and it took us two seconds. I feel I should be able to pick up the bike, but need to be aware. First, switch off the engine. Then put the bike in first. Then put the side stand down. Turn the front wheel towards me, full lock. Then lift, with my back to the bike, one hand on the front handlebar, one on the sissy bar at the back.

I was still rather sore, and I know that this back pain will last a few days. I have often suffered lower disk problems but know that the cure is nurofen and deep heat. Lucky I live alone!

As you can imagine, I became quite hot, sweaty and bothered with the business of picking up the bike. I decided I did not need a jersey and that a waistcoat fleece (or 'vest' as some call it) would be enough for my trip. I headed south on State Highway One and soon realised that it was going to be colder than the weather forecast had suggested. I stopped in Tirau where I admired the sheep. There is also a sheepdog, but I did not take a photo. The corrugated iron sheep are quite lovely enough on their own.

I was feeling a little sore and cold, so opted to go to Rotorua instead of Taupo. I had some vague fantasy ideas about the thermal water creating warmth, but the temperature dropped steadily from 14 degrees C to 13, 11, 10 and then 9. The scenery, as I rode through the Kaimai-Mamaku Conservation Park, was beautiful with fine trees, views of fields and distant hills, and the very attractive Ferguson Creek. As always, the odours of nature are vivid on the motorbike, and entering Rotorua adds to the mix. I do not find the sulphur smell of the area disagreeable and the pungent aroma takes me back to Prince George, British Columbia, which I visited when tree planting in 1985. That was not so pleasant as the smell was related to the Canadian paper and pulping industry whereas Rotorua has its natural smell from the depths of the earth. I took a picture of the lake, which involved searching for a place with a view, as most of the lake-front seems to be under repair, with unsightly construction fences.

Then I wandered about trying to find somewhere to eat. I could not decide. A brunch? Eggs benedict? Something like a steak? I did not fancy a curry. The prices in Rotorua do seem exorbitant and I was just about to give up and go to McDonald's, where the food is a lot cheaper and there is no urge to be pretentious, when I decided to take the simple option of Nando's. Sort of Kentucky Fried Chicken but more expensive. My ex-wife liked Nando's due to her South Africa connection. I ate there with mixed feelings. I had to park in one of Rotorua's motorcycle parking slots. The word 'slot' is appropriate as you can see. There is no room for a friend.

I had hoped to do a circuit of the lake, anti-clockwise. However, I missed the turn west at the north end of the lake, and ended up riding to Tauranga. There was rain, it was still cold, and my back was sore. I was impressed by the sight of Mount Maunganui which I could see from 20 kilometers away, and I could see why it is named twice. Mountain in English, and Maunganui means 'big mountain' in Te Reo Maori. So the name is Mount Mountain Big. Or Monte Montaña Grande if translated into Spanish. There was then a cold, wet and tricky route back to Hamilton negotiating the Kaimai Range again. The temperature warmed up but I was glad to get home.

The trip made a good Sunday. It is back to work tomorrow.