Wheels member Michael is back from New Zealand
A few pictures from our intrepid traveller in the land of the white clouds;
Peter gets it all wrong on a bend.
Now let me think!
Riding the gold mine tunnel.
Michael and Paul.
Kiwi "National Monument" 'CHARLIE'S SHED' used by the Southern Man
whether you be a Trail rider, Shepherd, Gold Miner, Tramper, Pig Hunter
or just LOST!
Southern Man arrives at about 22.20.pm so l have to SLAVE over a MICRO WAVE COOKER & toaster and cook Bob BAKE BEANS on toast for his SUPPER.
Wednesday time to ride "Gentle Annie" (Old Stage Coach route) after this track we decided to ride north east because the weather forecast for the west coast was grim which took us via "The Desert Road” now time for sand storms/low clouds and rain/high wind a ideal training ground for the http://www.army.mil.nz/our-army/nzsas/default.htm
A little damp after this ride (my only rain for the trip) Bob found us a cheap/good motel in Rotorua & also a BELGIUM CAFE PUB http://www.belgian-beer-cafe.co.nz/
http://www.croucherbrewing.co.nz/
Next day found us riding the challenging Waikaremoana track in NZ largest pine forest with very large LOGGING TRUCKS! on entering Gisbourne we came across this event http://www.flickr.com/photos/raizernz/ Friday was to be our best track so for the North Island was the "MOTU a little used track & can be tortuous in places. Kiwi fish & chips was our diet for Friday night in http://www.bayofplentynz.com/
Next day we came across the http://www.beachhop.co.nz/ on our ride to the http://www.thecoromandel.com/ & our B&B was in Browns Bay with Paul & Jill.
Sunday we became TOURISTS for the day visiting the http://www.deus.com.au/gallery/indian/1/ (very up market bikers flat white watering hole!)
Monday time to ride again south west towards Raglan and King Country to New Plymouth http://www.windwand.co.nz/index.htm
That evening was able to make contact with Graham & Dianne of the NZ Sidecar Register & now paid my fees for the news letter. Tuesday it was time to say "haere ra" to Westy, he"s traveling south to Wellington and the ferry & l took off to find http://www.sidecarsnz.com/index.html
that evening l was once again in Browns Bay.
Wednesday was a visit "to the winterless north" Whangarei, Northland with Paul & Jill by this time l was looking a bit WOOLY on the face/head (like the Kiwi sheep!)
so l visited the local shearing/barbers shop for a number one all over, however l did not take up the" special" hair cut & tattoo! http://www.freetattoodesigns.org/maori-tattoos.html also chance to see Darryl at his hobby shop & purchase a model http://www.schuco.de/uk/news.htm R/80 G/S just like my real one.
Thursday was a time to CLEAN the Super Sherpa,ho yes it was very DIRTY! (did 5,000 kms this trip) Friday evening was the time to join NZ002 and return home, thank you Bob of Air New Zealand for finding me a young blond German fraulein from Hamburg for my traveling companion for the next 24 hours flying time to the UK however coming in over the Irish Sea a message from the Captain on the PA system, FIRE in CONTROL TOWER HEATHROW AIRPORT so may have to land in MANCHESTER ! (put the kettle on Phil) however low on FUEL we was able to land at Heathrow on time.
Bye for now. Michael
The weekend of the 13th March took time out to sample a few Kiwi delights, like http://www.shechocolate.com/ and a trip out to Oxford for another treat http://joseagar.com/
Monday was the time ride to Reefton http://www.reefton.co.nz/ & ride the old Gold Trails in this area "MAGIC"
Wednesday return to Christchurch again with Bob & Peter West, Thursday morning a quick tyre change, l had worn out my tyres on these trails, replacement 2 x GOLDEN BOY TYRES and still no POT OF GOLD IN REEFTON at the end of the trail, all spent in 1870!!
Thursday afternoon called into Kaikoura Ambulance Station to see Don & Tracey for chat & refreshments. http://www.stjohn.org.nz/
Early Friday a ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington to meet with Paul at BULLS
http://unforgetabull.co.nz/ we dined in the "Rat Hole" in Bulls!!
Saturday a ride to the BMW Rag Rally in the Tongariro National Park, which was a very friendly Kiwi Treffen with EXCELLENT HOME cooking for all the rallists.
Sunday rode to Taupo & Lake Taupo for next few days,Monday at midday met up with Pete/Jill Haynes & boys(Ex-IMTC members from the UK) at the Waikite Valley. Now been NZ for 14 years, great to see them at the farm/station, also took the chance to do a oil change on the Super Sherpa.
Tuesday Paul left for Auckland for his BIRTHDAY on the 24th March (wishing you a great day mate) now in Hasting waiting for the SOUTHERN MAN to arrive from Christchurch, then Wednesday we ride the "Gentle Annie Road/Track to the West.
Bye for now from the Kiwi Rider. Michael.
7th March l landed in Auckland NZ.weather sunny 25c ideal time for a barbeque with the friends of Paul & Gill of Browns Bay by the pool.
Monday help Paul with 2 x crates (2 x BMW motorcycles) for shipment to the USA.
Monday evening spent time with the http://www.bmwor.org.nz/ at the Vintage Car Club Rooms.
Tuesday another island! South Island & Christchurch stopping with the West family of St. Martins.
Tuesday evening was a grand evening at The Belgium Cafe & also chance to meet up with Anne & Dennis of Topcliffe.
Wednesday l again met up with ex-leading Aircraftman Dennis Greenwood & Anne at the http://www.airforcemuseum.co.nz/
Thursday was a time to ride the http://bankstrack.co.nz/ on my Super Sherpa, however the rider was no so SUPER because he put himself into a DITCH!! as you do!!
Rider & Kawasaki are AOK.
Friday was a trail ride to CHARLIE'S SHED along the Waimakariri River trail.
Saturday now in down town Christchurch, sun shining feeling very good, just the time for a http://www.newzealandcoffeeguide.co.nz/coffeeintro.htm & a cake.
Bye for now from South Island. Michael.