Here We Go Again ...

Its a holiday weekend in NZ.

Despite a lousy weather forecast the traffic is pouring out of the cities.

We have been getting our stretch of road ready for the rush.

By early afternoon we were forced off the road by steadily increasing traffic.

About lunchtime I noticed a trio of bikes heading north.

They weren't wasting any time.

I don't think they made it...

"Three motorcyclists collided with a truck in an accident this afternoon which left one of them dead. The other two motorcyclists suffered minor injuries in the crash on State Highway 3, near Eight Mile Junction, just south of Te Kuiti, at around 1pm. "The motorbike has appeared to have driven into the rear of the truck, both of which were heading north at the time," Senior Sergeant Rob Van Kalken said. The motorbike rider who died was a 40-year-old man. He died at the scene and his name and details were being verified by police. Traffic was being diverted from State Highway 3 around Te Kuiti via Troopers Road until about 6pm. Specialist Police Crash Investigators were examining the crash scene to establish the cause." NZH

The Eight Mile Junction marks the northern boundary for our crew.
The accident happening on Meads Hill.
The truck driver apparently didn't even know it had happened till one following called him on the CB.

Our Te Kuiti mates handled this one, diverting traffic & closing the road.

May the phone not ring ...