Retro-Rockers Nostalgic Chopper Group

These guys are an awesome bunch that restore and ride old school choppers & bobbers from the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s using engines larger than 500cc. Their main base is called "chopper central" and is located in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

Check out their website at www.retro-rockers.co.nz

cityfitness - new plymouth gym news

I went to City Fitness in New Plymouth today. 2 out of the 3 drink fountains were out of order and there was a sign saying it would be 2 weeks before they would be fixed! WTF!!!

Is business that bad that it takes 2 weeks to fix a fountain?

Once again it proves what a slack ass organisation this place is. I know it's only drinking fountains but if you're charging $18 for a casual session at least have the basics working properly.

City Fitness is a scam with weight equipment from the 1980's still being passed off as "state of the art!"

Unfortunately I'm locked into a 2 year contract which runs out in 2 months which can't come soon enough. Why did I join for a 2 year deal? I got sucked in by the then managers bullshit about how great the gym was going to be as they offered everyone from my old gym "special deals" because our gym was closing down and city fitness was not up and running at that stage. It was crap then crap now and crap going forward into the future.

Dominic who owns it is a complete toss pot.

cheers

The Hubless Chopper

I have no idea how it works but it sure looks CRAZY!!!



Here's a video of it on youtube.

XT600 XT 600 hardtail chopper

I came across this today, it's a XT600 chopper and yet another from Brazil.

Check the long springer front end and the overall length of the bike is unreal.



To think that this bikes motor etc started life out like the bike in the video below.



Give me a chopper anyday

Choppers in Brazil

What is it about Brazilians and there chopping up of motorcycles?

That do some awesome jobs especially cutting up the old school cb honda's as such. Youtube is full of there crazy get up builds and I must say they do awesome work with what looks like limited budgets.

Here are a few classic chopper/bobbers I have seen on youtube lately.

Here's what looks like a 400cc twin Honda (could even be a 250cc???)



and more...



Check out this cb400 build, the swing arm is crazy!!!

CHiPs Kawasaki Police Specials in New Zealand

Here is a picture of a guy called Mike who owns a classic 2001 Kawasaki Police Special. He imported the bike directly from the USA in 2007 along with the uniform he is seen wearing. The bike and uniform are both from the Ventura County Sheriff's Dept. You may see this bike around New Zealand at an American Car and/or Bike show if you're lucky enough.

Below is also a classic example of an early Kawasaki Police Special and it's currently listed on Trade Me. It is a 1982 1000cc Kawasaki Police Special and was retired from the force 20 years ago and is probably the only one of three Kawasaki Police Specials in New Zealand that I know of.



This bike is discribed as "Great to ride ,with great low speed control . Which is why the Police loved them. Been in storage 20 years ., Has brand new battery runs great . Sold with all the paper work to put it on the road, including new Brake cert. only 50,500 miles on the clock Police serviced its whole life." So grab yourself a piece of history today - Kawasaki Police Special

It truely is a collectors piece and a prime example of an Early Americian Police bike reministant of the CHiPs era although it is slighlt different to the actual Kawasaki Police specials used in the TV Show. The bikes pictured above are the P series where the CHiPs Kawasaki's were the C series bikes which were earlier released models and had the oval windshield rather than the later model's fiberglass fairing. (see below)Although the CHiPs TV Show ran from 1977-1983they stuck with the C Series throughout.



I came across this video on youtube of some Japanese CHiPs fans. They are club members dressed up as Jon,Ponch and Grossman "patrolling" the highways of Japan.

cb250t project bobber cb250 chopper

I came across this yesterday. It's a cb250t project bobber chopper. Looks pretty cool for a 250cc bike



It's had added to it the following things

Peanut tank
Old chrome twisted 8" or 9" hardtail struts
single seat with springs
sissybar
added a wider back tire - 130
highway bar which has the neccessary parts to have forward controls but i need to sort out linkage
chrome headlight from an old xs400
chrome headlight brackets
17 inch apes
turn out short mufflers
pod filters
side mounted number plate
and mini indicators



It's on a New Zealand forum called Rattlers, here's the link cb250t project bobber chopper - cb250t chopper cb 250t bobber

The Rattlers website is a great New Zealand website dedicated to old school style choppers and bobbers.

*RETRO 70's-80's CLASSICS * SKELLERUP ALL STARS

These are New Zealand classics and very rare and hard to find especially in as good condition. These fantastic shoes are from the same era as the classic Bata Bullets, these shoes are a must for anyone who loves the classic eras of the 70's and 80's and for those who love to wear clothes and outfits from that mega cool time. Stubbies with Skellerup All Stars - s classic combination!

Remember Tennis Great Chris Lewis and even 80's icon Russel Simpson. Nearly every kid from this era had or wanted a pair of these shoes.



There is a pair on Trade Me at the moment http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=210363912 and should be snapped up in the flash. How about a classic Beige Brigade cricket outfit with Skellerup All Stars to finish it off, now that's Old School Sheik!

Lance Cairns - New Zealand Cricket Great

Bernard Lance Cairns was born on 10/10/49 in Picton, New Zealan and is the former all-rounder great who played for both the New Zealand Test cricket team and One day cricket team between 1974 and 1985. He also is the father of another great New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns.

He was also known for the unusual bat he wielded throughout much of his outstanding career. His bat was known as "Excalibur", the shoulders of the bat were planed down to form a conical rather than rectangular shape and resemble a club. It was heavy and when he connected with the ball, the ball was never seen again as it was hit out of the ground.

Cairns was also a swing bowler with a very unorthodox 'front on' action. He took 130 Test Match wickets and a further 89 ODI wickets. He even took ten wickets in New Zealand's first ever win on English soil, at Headingley in 1983.

Lance Cairns is one of the great figures of New zealand cricket, he is famous for his innings in Australia where he hit 6 sixes in 10 balls - see here Lance Cairns 6 sixes Beige Brigade

Do you remember when Lance Cairns hit 6 sixes in 10 balls?

Enjoy...

Part 1



Part 2



I've been watching the latest Chappell/Hadlee series between New Zealand and Australia and I remembered that great innings in the early 80's by Lance Carins. I went looking for the video of it and found it on youtube.

It was a classic era for cricket, one day cricket back then was regarded then as the 20/20 version is today. The birth of those classic one day uniforms. The beige and brown of New Zealand, the green and gold of Australia. Who'll ever forget the underarm?



Anyway, back to the story at hand...

After a rain affected 1st Final in Sydney, NZ went to Melbourne down one-nil in a best of three final series. Hadlee was injured and did not play the finals and NZ really missed him.

Now comes the story of Lance Carins, NZ had collapsed to be 44-6, chasing Australia's huge score of 302-8. Dennis Lillee had just waved off New Zealand's last recognised batsman and awaited the arrival and "easy scalp" of Cairns.

Lillee's first ball was an all out bouncer that hit Cairns square on the helmet, you can clealy hear the impact on the video. Cairns just laughed and ran through for a leg bye. When his turn came to face, his response was to hit 2 sixes in 3 balls off Ken MacLeay, before hitting 2 consecutive sixes off Rodney Hogg the following over, and in the next over, doing the same to Lillee. The crowd went wild, everyone in NZ watching on TV couldn't believe what they were seeing and have never forgotten it! The highlight was undoubtedly The one-handed shot off Lillee, which soared over the fine leg fence for 6. Cairns' dismissal was an anti-climax; out for 52, offering a simple catch to Steve Smith at cover off the bowling of Geoff Lawson.

New Zealand of course lost the match by 149 runs and the Finals series 2-0, but Lance Cairns became a New Zealand icon and legend for life.

City Fitness Gym New Plymouth New Zealand

I would like to share my experience with being a member of the City Fitness Gym and Health Center in New Plymouth, NZ - IT SUCKS! Firstly when I signed up to join this gym, I was told that I wouldn't be disappointed with the equipment and that there would be enough weight for everyone. The promotional material said no waiting times for equipment and that the equipment was brand new.

What I found was that a lot of the equipment was not new and was old and even some machines had paint brush strokes still showing from where they had been touched up! The weight area was small and cramped and there was a lot of waiting to use stuff. There wasn't enough weights and some of the machines were so old that they should have been in a museum.

When signing up, the staff are really friendly and accommodating and will tell you anything to get you to sign up. Once you are signed up, it all changes. No help unless you pay extra for personal trainers. I'm fortunate that i don't need help but every now and then it would be good to get a "spot" but I either wouldn't trust anyone there to help or people working there are too busy talking amongst themselves at the counter to help. I see so many people there doing things wrong but no one there seems to give a shit unless you pay them extra dollars for help. Most of the trainers there have no idea what they're doing and the worse one of all, a guy named Simon, steals peoples equipment from them so that his clients can have it to use. People go for a drink and bang! this dickhead called Simon takes their bench, weights or whatever else he needs. What a asshole!

The guy that owns it is called Dominic and he's a real jerk! He'll reprimand his staff in front of members and he thinks he's the greatest thing out in the fitness industry.

anyway I recommend anyone contemplating joining this gym to consider very carefully their options and to not sign on for anything longer than a year.

The best place to stay when visiting the Cook Islands is Rarotonga. This island offers guests the chance to explore a rare cloud forest, which is a rainforest that literally touches the heavens. Many of the plants you will see on Rarotonga are unique to the Cook Islands, so be sure to take plenty of pictures. You can explore the interior of the island by a guided cross-country hike or four-wheel drive safari. There are ten luxury resorts to choose from on Rarotonga. All have their own restaurants and access to a private beach. Many of the beaches are open for swimming, and those hotels that have swimming beaches offer snorkeling equipment for rent.

For a bicycling adventure, head to Mauke, an island that is half the size of Rarotonga at only just over eleven miles in circumference. The avid bicycler can span the island in one day, and explore raised coral reefs, swamps, forests, and a wild world that is untouched by the resort crowd. There are no paved roads on the island, making it a rustic paradise. Keep your eyes open for wild pigs that inhabit the island!

For a vacation that is miles away from the tourist traps of many Pacific islands, head to the Cook Islands. Base your trip out of Rarotonga, and explore as many islands as you can. You never know what tropical secrets you will discover!

Information on the Cook Islands as a tourist destination

There is a place in the South Pacific that is basically untouched by modern life and that is the Cook Islands and it's the perfect destination. The Cook Islands or Rarotonga as it is also known as is a group of 15 islands spread out across the Pacific Ocean and has only around 14,000 people populating it's shores. Each island in this group is a very unique experience that can offer you a culture and friendliness that you will not find anywhere else in the world. If you want a truly rewarding experience with the native people of Polynesia then this is the place for you!



A good idea on your first stop in this island paradise might be the island of Aitutaki. This island offers an untouched movie like experience paradise surrounded by a sparkling turquoise lagoon that is full of colourful fish and sea life. There is also shopping in the main village in Arutanga where you can buy locally made goods without the huge crowds of tourists that you may face at the more popular tourist island destinations. One definite must do while visiting Aitutaki is to take a cruise of the island’s lagoon and a place called One Foot Island is a great spot for a picnic and some snorkeling. For the scuba or snorkle diving enthusiast, the seas and reefs around Aitutaki are full of excellent dive spots and are abound with bright coral reefs and beautiful fish and sea life.

If you are looking for an even better and more remote island to visit then Atiu is for you. There aren't as many beaches on Atiu, but the ones it does have are especially quiet, really clean, and so beautiful. This is where you can go to find the best place to find a deserted tropical island beach! A coral reef is nearby, so swimmers need to take care and avoid being scratched by living coral so a first aid kit would be best to have on hand. The road that runs around this island is framed in thick native brush of the forest and provides stunning views of the island and it's surrounding seas. You will also see native Cook Island craftsmen making Tapa into flowers and designing their own tapestries which they will gladly sell them to waiting tourists for the right price which will still be very cheap for the kind of quality you will find.

Attractions to explore in Guam - from surfing to diving

One of the most impressive locations to be found in Guam is Two Lover’s Point. There is a local legend that says that 2 Chamorro lovers jumped to their demise from this point when they were forbidden to get married. Putting this sad love story line aside, this point offers some of the best views that the island’s shoreline has to offer. For the braver traveler, look straight down the point for a simply awesome view of the waves crashing into the rocks at the base of the mountain. It’s something you’ll never forget.

See the video below.



The Island of Guam was a sort after island for both the Americans and Japanese in World War II and there are many wrecks scattered throughout the island. If you like scuba diving, the bomb craters left from World War 2 are now home to some of the most colourful species of underwater life found anywhere in the world. However, if you’re more of a land lover, the water is so crisp and clear that you can see the colourful fish without even getting into any diving gear!

Last but not least, Guam’s inland has some of the most stunningly beautiful waterfalls. Talofofo Falls is a thirty-foot waterfall that drops into a deep pool that is open for swimming. Here you can even explore the cave where a Japanese sergeant inhabited for thirty years, still thinking World War II was being fought. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sh%C5%8Dichi_Yokoi

Guam is a island paradise that is worlds away from the mainland of the United States and yet is still a part of America. To experience the friendliness and tranquility of Pacific life, you must visit this emerald island gem!

Information on Guam: The Undiscovered American Island Paradise

Guam is located in the Pacific Ocean south of Japan, in the group of islands known as Micronesia. In Guam, one can experience all the ambiance and beauty that a tropical paradise has to offer all the while enjoying the intrigue and mystery that is Asia.

What many people are unaware of is that Guam is a territory of the
United States. So this makes this island paradise the perfect holiday destination for Americans because there is no language barrier or money to exchange.

Guam is not a big island and is only thirty miles long at its widest point so you can very easily circle the island in a day. It is said that driving the circumference of Guam is the besy way to get your bearings as you spend your first day here. You will also be surprised by the very sharp contrast between the tourist side of the island, which is located in the Northwest around Tumon Bay , and the southern side of the island which is the native side. It is recommended to start your tour in the south because there is a restricted Air Force Base in the north.

While visiting Guam, you’ll probably end up staying in one of the torist resorts in Tumon Bay. Here luxury resorts will provide every amenity you could ever desire from private spas to water parks for the kids. Once you’ve settled in, you could spend your very first evening in Chamorro Village which is next to Paseo de Susana. This public market is a fantastic way to experience the awesome culture and traditions of the native Chamorro people - from crafts to local cuisine and clothing.

Features at the Palau Pacific Resort

Once done with all the things to be found through exploration, get back to the Palau Pacific Resort which offers a huge range of fun activities to help you relax, rest and unwind. Why not bask in the glow of the tropical sun all the while you could enjoy the delightful services found at the Elilai Spa. This spa offers private villas for either 1 or 2 guests. There is nothing that can compare to this that is as relaxing as receiving spa treatments in the privacy of your very own room all the while being surrounded by this lush beauty of a tropical rain forest. This wonderful resort also offers fully equipped exercise facilities found in the up to date gym and is even complete with outdoor Jacuzzis to help you relax after a taxing workout. If you prefer to play a round of tennis, they have courts as well here at the resort and they are open for not just in the daytime but the nighttime as well.



One thing that is a must do while staying in Palau and that is the native culture nd history that can be found in the island paradise. There are many tors to be found yet the resort also offers several tours that you can take to explore this historic place. Kayaking is still one of the best ways to really get a feel for the area and truely lap up the experience and history especially that on the World War 2 era where you can see find and see wrecks of both planes and ships and also not forgetting some of the world’s most beautiful tropical foliage when you take a paddle around Palau and the surrounding islands.



The Palau Pacific Resort also has its very own tropical fish pond where here you can see over 200 fish species in a life like reproduction of a coral reef environment. After your visit to the aquarium you can then go and enjoy the luxury of a freshwater beachside swimming pool. No trip to Palau is complete without the magical dolphin encounter. “Dolphins Pacific” is a dolphin research facility that is open to the general public and visitors here are allowed to get an up close and personal to experience some of the ocean’s most intelligent and loveable creatures that are the dolphins. Is there a better way to end your experience in this island paradise.

Micronesia - Holiday Information on Palau

If you are looking for a magical getaway that is so far away from modern civilization then maybe you should consider a holiday to the fantastic islands of Micronesia. One of the most highly recommended resorts to stay in Micronesia is the Palau Pacific Resort. It has been said that this is the best place to go when looking to explore the sights and attractions of this untouched island paradise!

The Palau Pacific Resort can offer you all of the amenities that you would expect from any luxury resort found anywhere in the world. It is situated on its own private white sand beach and has 64 acres of tropical gardens for you to explore and lose yourself in. This resort boasts only 160 rooms so you are guaranteed excellent service from any of the resort staff. There are a few choices of rooms from suites that overlook the beautiful blue waters of the Pacific or you could choose a garden terraced room that faces the gardens. The Palau Pacific Resort offers both standard rooms and luxury suites and therefore is very budget friendly. Every view is breathtaking and each room has its own terrace for you to enjoy the extremely warm tropical sea and air!

If you are a scuba diver then you will love this resort because it is located on some of Palau’s best diving sites and reefs. Check this out, the Palau Pacific Resort has its very own diving school that offers all kinds of classes and for all skill levels! The waters of Palau offer virtually unlimited visibility and is home to 1000's of species of fish and sea life, therefore making Palau one of the world’s most sort after scuba diving locations.

Scuba divers will love this resort because it is located on some of Palau’s best diving sites. In fact, Palau Pacific Resort has its own diving school that offers classes for all skill levels. The waters off the private beach offer nearly unlimited visibility and are home to thousands of species of fish, making Palau one of the world’s greatest locations for scuba diving.

Things to Do with Kids in Hawaii

Most people think that Hawaii only offers sun, surf and sand and they couldn’t be further from the truth. There is so much more for a family to do when visiting the islands of Hawaii and this could include taking advantage of some world-class skiing!

Hawaii is home to Mauna Kea which when it is measured from the depts of its undersea base to the top of its 13,000-foot summit, it is indeed the tallest mountain in the world! So if you are visiting Hawaii in the winter, did you know that you can actually ski on Mauna Kea! However, skiing and snowboarding are not the draws that brings most tourists and locals alike to the summit. At the top of this awe inspiring mountain is the sunrise, sunset and stargazing tours. This experience, which starts at the base of the Mauna Kea is where professionally trained guides who take guests in luxurious ATV's to the mountain’s summit where there is an astronomy observortory located. Here, guests can view the sky, stars and planets from the mega-sized telescope found in the observatory. A dinner is also included, aslo coats for each guest because it can be surprisingly cool at the top of this mountain. This adventure is a great family activity that many people do not get to experience on the island of Hawaii. This trip lasts around 8hrs, so you must plan on spending the whole day at this excellent adventure. Please keep in mind, however, that young children (5 and under) are not advised to participate as the extreme height can lead to altitude sickness.



There is one problem the world over that many kids experience on vacation, and that is boredom! Parents only look forward to spending time unwinding and relaxing but kids crave action 24/7! There's one way to visit remote areas of the Hawaii while helping kids use up all their energy and that is taking a bicycle tour. There are many tour companies who rent bicycles, so if you and your family want some unique action, why not take a two-wheeled tour of parts of the island you'd never other wise visit. Pack a big picnic lunch and spend a day exploring the Hawaiian island beauty paradise!

Information on Fiji and the Mamanuca islands holiday tours

To get a bird’s eye view of the many islands in the Fijian, you could charter a helicopter or seaplane from one of the many helicopter and aeroplane charter companies in Fiji. Soar above the beautiful Mamanuca islands and enjoy the breathtaking contrast of lilley snow white sands set against the beautiful turquoise blue Pacific Ocean. May, June and December are the best months to take one of these extensive tours because the waterfalls are particularly full and can be seen clearly from high above in the air.

Fiji is home to the world’s most beautiful soft coral reefs, and you must experience the beauty of this underwater world. Plan on taking scuba diving or snorkeling lessons to get you up close and personal with the sea’s most colorful characters. There are thousands of dive sites throughout the island chain, and the outer reef provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling for the less adventurous traveler. Do not miss the opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of Fiji’s coral reef world.

Finally, no trip to Fiji would be complete without a must include visit to Navala Village. This Fijian village features homes that are cast from traditional materials that the native peoples used for centuries before any European contact. Their houses are known as bures and they are made traditionaly from bamboo and thatch. It's a great way to get a sample and taste of the rich customs of the native Fijian people and a chance to step back in time in this outstanding historic village.

A vacation or a holiday to Fiji is a opportunity to rest and unwind from the hustle and bustle that in today’s Western world. Why not give yourself what you deserve and bask in the friendly warmth of local Fijian customs and the amazing beauty of tropical rainforests and vast ocean reefs. Start planning your next getaway to this jewel in the Pacific and getaway to this enriching island chain.

Are you thinking about visiting Fiji? Don’t Miss These Awesome Attractions!

For those lucky enough to be visiting Fiji, there are a huge number of activities available that it's crazy to comprehend. However, with most travelers who do not have an unlimited budget or for that matter an unlimited amount of time to spend exploring the islands, one has to plan very carefully. When thinking about taking a trip to these beautiful islands in the Pacific, you must carefully plan what you are going to see and do and it is very important to include a list of your itinerary.

Firstly, any trip to Fiji must include a day cruise amongst the beautiful Mamanuca Islands. This chain of islands has over 30 tiny islands that can be found just off the Nadi coast. Some of these islands are uninhabited but they all provide a calm retreat from the active and busy main islands. Many cruise companies will offer a day trip that will hop around several of these islands. You will come face to face with magical dolphins, have the fantastic opportunity to enjoy fishing and snorkeling on the reefs and even enjoy a barbeque and a beer on the beach with your fellow cruise mates. This is the way to experience the vast culture and beauty of theses well known islands.

To experience the true beauty of Fiji, you must consider visiting the Bouma National Park which can be found on the island of Taveuni. This area is a protected tropical rain forest that has volcanoes, mountains and ranges, cliffs, beautiful blue waterfalls and a vast array of tropical flora and fauna. Enjoy hiking through the bush under the careful watch of your local guide or visit the Tavoro Falls which is a group of three waterfalls deep in the vast green jungle. Please make sure that you bring your camera or video equipment because you will want to capture the emerald beauty of a Fijian rain forest.