Any fun ideas or advice for this Canadian chica?

[roadtripdiva]

Hey there everybody,

Happy New Year!! I've been traveling around New Zealand since early december on my bike....just escaped Canada before the snow came. Northland was beautiful as is Coromandel, such great windy roads with stellar lookouts. It is such a rush riding on these roads here...I've got a perma grin going on. :)
Met up with a super nice kiwi biker today who said I had to get on this site 'cause you guys would have great ideas of fun roads for this chica to ride for the next couple of months. If anybody knows of any good biking events that are a must, I would love to hear about them.

Thanks guys!
ciao,
Rayne

[FJRider]

In the north island ... go east (coast)... when you get to the south island ... go west (coast).


Can't go wrong. :banana:

[Subike]

welcome to our mad house.
This is the right place to find heaps of people who will point you in the right directions, and lots of them will even ride with you.
Keep us updated on you journey in this thread,
Tell us short little storeis of your travels.S
Soon you will have KBers wheel spinning out of their garages to join into your adventure.
You will make lots of new friends, and be offered some great information.
Make sure you come down to the South Island by the last weekend of January, attend the Woodstock Ralley in Hokatika, join in with the KB crew there.
One the bests road in the country to ride is from Nelson to Hokatika along the west coast
I will garrentee you will have a weekend you will never forget!

[FJRider]

I will guarantee you will have a weekend you will never forget!

No matter how hard you try .... :2thumbsup

[george formby]

Patrick & Eamon say high from Kerikeri. :clap:Enjoy your trip!

[Taz]

Patrick & Eamon say high from Kerikeri. :clap:Enjoy your trip!

Good crop this year?? :lol:

[george formby]

Good crop this year?? :lol:

Oyl ask them for ya:apint:

[Blatman]

Aha! There you are Rayne - I just posted a thread about you! :
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/116430-Crazy-Canadian?p=1129599955#post1129599955
Guys - this is an awesome lady, what a character

[triple-bee]

give us a shout if u get anywhere near christchurch we have a spare bed and a garage

[old fartz]

make sure your in paeroa on 21st feb for the street racing it never rains on that day there are a collection of bikes that make you drool for days the smells and the sounds a bikers heaven

[p.dath]

Try checking out the site Wiki for some rids and general info about riding in NZ:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/wiki/Main_Page
Check out the "Riding New Zealand" section.

[roadtripdiva]

Hey there,
Thanks for the heads up...so woodstock, aye? I'll have to look that up. Had a blast out the cruising the last couple of days. Something about mixing hitting the road, feeling that adrenaline rush turn into euphoria and then chilling out on a beach. That's where its at for this girly. :)

[roadtripdiva]

Thanks for that. I'm gonna head down the east coast of the north island soon. Looking forward to getting into some more remote parts with more Maori culture. So the west coast of the south island....does it rain all the time there...people keep on telling me how wet it is, but you say its a good ride?

[roadtripdiva]

hey there,
kerikeri was such a beautiful town...made this little gardenener feel t\right at home. Loved checking out a really neat palmtree garden centre that had some nice gardens set up that you could stroll through. Such nice motorcycle mechanics there...really took care of me well!

[roadtripdiva]

Hey there,
Wow, what a sweet offer. Yeah, I am totally heading down your way. I will be starting my trip down to the south island over the next couple of weeks. Hope to be in your neck of the woods late january. I would love to take you up on your offer when I get there. Here's my email.
wildplantchild@yahoo.ca
Thanks again guys,
rayne

[roadtripdiva]

What a coinicidence, I just picked up a flyer for that event yesterday in a bike shop in Thames...was wondering what the deal was...if it was a good scene. I haev no idea where I'll be late feb...so far I have until late january sort of figured out with lots of room for change as I like to be able to go where the wind blows me. So fun meeting people who tell you about something great you absolutely must do and then being able to change plans on the spot to check it out. If I end up around there at that time I'll try to let you know, would lvoe to meet you, see what you're ridding...hear your stories. you know, the good stuff life is made of.
Ciao,
rayne

[roadtripdiva]

Thanks man,
I am slowly finding my way around this site...I actually couldn't find this thread for a few days.....ahhh...wow, I am SUCH a techie. :) I have some 19 year olds around me schooling me in the ways of forums and blogs presently. :)

[Dean]

Another Gn250 owner kewl, here's a pic of one Im making up to be the ultimate tourer :http://i48.tinypic.com/2ylwzg9.jpg

And the video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTReO-A0VOE

Just thought you might be interested, good luck with the trip.

[Maha]

Thanks man,
I am slowly finding my way around this site...I actually couldn't find this thread for a few days.....ahhh...wow, I am SUCH a techie. :) I have some 19 year olds around me schooling me in the ways of forums and blogs presently. :)

Hey roadtripdiva, it reads like you are have a conversation with you good ole' self....
Try quoting the member you are directing yourself at, just like I did with this post.
Hit 'reply with quote'.

Enjoy the rest of your stay in NZ.....:2thumbsup

[CookMySock]

I'm gonna head down the east coast of the north island soon. Looking forward to getting into some more remote parts with more Maori culture.You should definitely take your time between Opotiki and Gisborne then.

Steve

[cave weta]

Its Rayned here since Tuesday
- we have had a blast!

[Tink]

Its Rayned here since Tuesday- luvverly!
<a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i45.tinypic.com/qqtkpw.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

And whats the weather doing today Mr Weta lol... fantastic here... I thought you would have given RTD some tips on this site btw... :P

[Tink]

Thanks man,
I am slowly finding my way around this site...I actually couldn't find this thread for a few days.....ahhh...wow, I am SUCH a techie. :) I have some 19 year olds around me schooling me in the ways of forums and blogs presently. :)

To find your posts go to your profile, left hand side and click on posts!!! bla bla etc etc... if you haven't already.... envy my middle name yesterday today and tomorrow...glad to see your having a blast!!!!

[cave weta]

And whats the weather doing today Mr lol... fantastic here... I thought you would have given RTD some tips on this site btw... :P

Rayne's just piled all her gear back onto her little GN250 and she is off to Desert Storm! volunteering with marshalling.
we did talk about getting her all KB site savvy- but we had sooo much other stuff to do! we rode dirtbikes, cooked fab meals, watched the movie Avatar, laughed, visited cool peeps, laughed , drank, rode Harleys, laughed cooked, ate, slept, ate, slept, cooked walked, explored, lazed, - lost keys -smashed windows, found keys! laughed some more! what a week!

[Tink]

Rayne's just folded her lanky frame back onto her little GN and she is off to Desert Storm! volunteering with admin.
we did talk about getting her all KB site savvy- but we had sooo much other stuff to do! we rode dirtbikes, cooked fab meals, laughed, visited cool peeps, laughed ,drank, rode Harleys, laughed cooked, ate, slept, ate, slept, cooked walked, explored, lazed, - lost keys -smashed windows, found keys! laughed some more! what a week!

You have been busy... lol .. slept ... now would that not have been a waste of the precious bike time... ;) and whats with keys, windows etc?

[crazyhorse]

Hey there everybody,

Happy New Year!! I've been traveling around New Zealand since early december on my bike....just escaped Canada before the snow came. Northland was beautiful as is Coromandel, such great windy roads with stellar lookouts. It is such a rush riding on these roads here...I've got a perma grin going on. :)
Met up with a super nice kiwi biker today who said I had to get on this site 'cause you guys would have great ideas of fun roads for this chica to ride for the next couple of months. If anybody knows of any good biking events that are a must, I would love to hear about them.

Thanks guys!
ciao,
Rayne

HI Rayne

Welcome to NZ and this crazy site, KB.

If you are up in the North Island. There is a great bike rally on. Just a one nighter - called the "One Night Stand" Out the back of Havelock North. Heaps of fun and good excuse to ride over this way too. :sunny:

[Firestormer]

Hi Rayne

We've just started a blog with info about NZ bike rides we've enjoyed. There are a few rides listed so far, mostly in the South Island - more to come. Have a look at www.motorcycling-nz.blogspot.com (http://www.motorcycling-nz.blogspot.com). We've ridden most of NZ over the past 4 years - give us a call at (027) 222 7866 if you'd like to chat.
Cheers.
John

[roadtripdiva]

Another Gn250 owner kewl, here's a pic of one Im making up to be the ultimate tourer :http://i48.tinypic.com/2ylwzg9.jpg

And the video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTReO-A0VOE

Just thought you might be interested, good luck with the trip.

Hey Dean,

Nice work man...my little bike would be quite jealous if she saw how you have souped yours up. ;) Ohhh the joys of not having to cruise with a backpack on. You gonna hit the roads soon?

[roadtripdiva]

Hi Rayne

We've just started a blog with info about NZ bike rides we've enjoyed. There are a few rides listed so far, mostly in the South Island - more to come. Have a look at www.motorcycling-nz.blogspot.com (http://www.motorcycling-nz.blogspot.com). We've ridden most of NZ over the past 4 years - give us a call at (027) 222 7866 if you'd like to chat.
Cheers.
John

Thanks John...it's nice to get road advice. Honestly though, my little GN doesn't love the dirt roads all that much with her tires not being all that suitable for it. I've done a wee bit, but I gotta take it real slow with her, so for the most part I am aiming for tarmack seal...maybe next time I'll have enough coin to do it on a Kawaski KLR or the likes....

[roadtripdiva]

Hey roadtripdiva, it reads like you are have a conversation with you good ole' self....
Try quoting the member you are directing yourself at, just like I did with this post.
Hit 'reply with quote'.

Enjoy the rest of your stay in NZ.....:2thumbsup

Thanks for that. Yeah....I'm getting used to talking to myself on my bike as I tour around.. guess it's transfering into other parts of my life. ;) hahaha I'll become a techie yet, just wait and see......

[Dean]

Hey Dean,

Nice work man...my little bike would be quite jealous if she saw how you have souped yours up. ;) Ohhh the joys of not having to cruise with a backpack on. You gonna hit the roads soon?
Hiya, Cheers yer the gn has got a few more things to be done to it. Yeah most def Im out on the road most days.

[R6_kid]

I hope you got to ride through the Waipoua Forrest, Three Bridges and Twin Bridges!

[roadtripdiva]

Hey there,

Thanks for the heads up about the one night stand...a few people I've met have said it's a good time. I just finally made it to the south isl;and and I'm gonna tour around here for a little while...let me know how it goes. I'm heading out to the woodstock rally this weekend in hokitita...should be a hoot. I'll probably head back up north for the street races in Paeroa...we shall see where the wind blows me. :)
cheers,
rayne
HI Rayne

Welcome to NZ and this crazy site, KB.

If you are up in the North Island. There is a great bike rally on. Just a one nighter - called the "One Night Stand" Out the back of Havelock North. Heaps of fun and good excuse to ride over this way too. :sunny:

[Str8 Jacket]

Hey chick, Hels here. I met you at the pub last night and invited you home cause my man was at ACDC.... :whistle:

I hope that your ferry ride was good. The South Island is beautiful, enjoy!!

[duckonin]

Thanks for that. I'm gonna head down the east coast of the north island soon. Looking forward to getting into some more remote parts with more Maori culture. So the west coast of the south island....does it rain all the time there...people keep on telling me how wet it is, but you say its a good ride?

The west coast is a great ride, but yes a mite wet at times, worth it though....

[Tink]

Hey there,

Thanks for the heads up about the one night stand...a few people I've met have said it's a good time. I just finally made it to the south isl;and and I'm gonna tour around here for a little while...let me know how it goes. I'm heading out to the woodstock rally this weekend in hokitita...should be a hoot. I'll probably head back up north for the street races in Paeroa...we shall see where the wind blows me. :)
cheers,
rayne

Good call... Paeroa!

[SDU]

Head to Gallowway just out off Alexander for the Vincent county Rally 5th-7th Feb. Heaps from here going down, keep an eye out for a kb or southern rider flag, go introduce yourself. Always a good rally & usually hot. Great roads around the area to do & getting there.

There is another Canadian gal touring nz on an Beemer, we bumped into her in springs junction just after new years she was on her way up north. Keep an eye out for her -good lady

[roadtripdiva]

Hey Hels,
it was great to meet you. Good thing you came to the rescue of your mate mat there. Had a good time downtown with the guys...sure was crazy with the whole acdc thang. hope your man stumbled home alright after the festivities. Woodstock rally was stellar...lot of great people and a fun party. Got out to Arthurs pass as well.......damn it was beautiful there.
cheers,
rayne

Hey chick, Hels here. I met you at the pub last night and invited you home cause my man was at ACDC.... :whistle:

I hope that your ferry ride was good. The South Island is beautiful, enjoy!!

[kwaka_crasher]

Looking forward to getting into some more remote parts with more Maori culture.

TABs, KFCs and WINZ offices aren't really worth seeing.


You should definitely take your time between Opotiki and Gisborne then.

And you should definitely take your bike locks.

[woodybee]

Hey there Rayne's

Hows the rest of the trip going mate, was good fun to run into you at the Hoky rally and then down in Queenstown, glad you enjoyed my mates company and the BBQ just before I left for the land of Blighty........no doubt our paths will cross again......what a blast......flick us an emaiil when you get time mate, let me know how the rest of the trip panned out for you......Ciao4now Woodybee.....Jan

[Ratti]

if you need a stop in Welly on your way past, pm me and you'll be welcome to a bed/coffee/shower here

[2wheeldrifter]

if you need a stop in Welly on your way past, pm me and you'll be welcome to a bed/coffee/shower here




betcha she won't have to get down on her hands and kness and scrub the bloody floor in a g-string !

mmm interesting images flooding my head now lol

[Ratti]

'drift...get over it man. It was a one off, no-one made you do it. You had the opion to back out at any time

The discussion is here somewhere http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/117959-For-women-of-a-certain-age if anyone has missed it.

[charlymelon]

Hi Rayne and everybody,

I am gonna do this kinda thing as soon as I can find a bike to buy (and I don't really know how to do this but will sure manage^^). Hope to be on the roads till july or august.
Do you have any tips for me considering where NOT to go, what NOT to dop, what NOT to take with me? Any solutions for the baggage 'problem"? I think I should be fine with 2 sets of clothes, sleeping bag and sun glasses^^
Only take the essentials. What do you think?
I am in Auckland right now... Anyone who knows about a simple reliable 250 somewhere in the area?

Appreciate any help,
Charly


PS: Please don't even tell me to look on tradeMe, would have to have a NZ residential adress to sign on there...

[Ratti]

pm Frosty here. He has bikes in his yard and will help noobs get onto something suitable. he's a nice chap, Ive known him for 20+ years.

[charlymelon]

I will, thanks a lot.
It's not hard to rip off someone who doesn't know shit about bikes, so I definitely need help if I don't wanna end up fu**ed...

[Ratti]

yup, I know what you mean. Frosty wouldnt do that tho. It's just not in him to be a prick.

[2wheeldrifter]

yup, I know what you mean. Frosty wouldnt do that tho. It's just not in him to be a prick.

Betcha he's glad too Ratti that he's got no prick in him... aye!:yes:

[Bikemad]

Hi Charly.........if you need a hand to look at a bike or pick one up in the greater Auckland area im happy to help...........also i think you can browse trade me without an address so have a look and if you see something you like im registered with them so can help out there too if need be

[roadtripdiva]

Hi Rayne and everybody,

I am gonna do this kinda thing as soon as I can find a bike to buy (and I don't really know how to do this but will sure manage^^). Hope to be on the roads till july or august.
Do you have any tips for me considering where NOT to go, what NOT to dop, what NOT to take with me? Any solutions for the baggage 'problem"? I think I should be fine with 2 sets of clothes, sleeping bag and sun glasses^^
Only take the essentials. What do you think?
I am in Auckland right now... Anyone who knows about a simple reliable 250 somewhere in the area?

Appreciate any help,
Charly


PS: Please don't even tell me to look on tradeMe, would have to have a NZ residential adress to sign on there...

Hey Charly,

I am going to take my cousin out on the bike today as she may want to but it from me. If for some reason she decides that she doesn't want to learn to ride a motorcycle afterall, then I will be selling my GN250 up in Auckland this coming week...I will let you know what happens with it.
As far as what to bring....definitely a set of tools (my bike has one on it) oil, chain lube, map/tank bag, wet weather gear...computer time is up...I'll be in touch.
cheers
rayne

[charlymelon]

Hey everyone,
thanks for the answers! Thankfully, Danchop made good on his promise to help me find a bike, so we will cruise around some shops tomorrow and I will have another close look on trademe. Yeah, if you wanna sell your bike Rayne, please get back to me, I am open for everything at the moment.

I will let you guts know what happens to me^^

[charlymelon]

Bought a Honda CBF 250 today, so thank you, Rayne, but I dont need a GN =)
So happy, and so excited!

[roadtripdiva]

Bought a Honda CBF 250 today, so thank you, Rayne, but I dont need a GN =)
So happy, and so excited!

Cheers mate.....happy to hear you found something...have a wonderful trrip. My cousin is buying my bike, so it's all working out just wonderfully.

[roadtripdiva]

Bought a Honda CBF 250 today, so thank you, Rayne, but I dont need a GN =)
So happy, and so excited!

Cheers mate.....happy to hear you found something...have a wonderful trrip. My cousin is buying my bike, so it's all working out just wonderfully.

[roadtripdiva]

I will, thanks a lot.
It's not hard to rip off someone who doesn't know shit about bikes, so I definitely need help if I don't wanna end up fu**ed...

Hey there,

So, I am flying out of Auckland on monday. If you want to hook up on sunday or monday in the morning somewhere in Auckland I can show you some great roads to take, answer any questions you may have....no stress either way...just let me know whatcha think. We could hook up somewhere more central at a cafe or a pub perhaps as I am bikeless as of tomorrow afternoon...sob....gonna miss that wee little 250... :)

cheers,
rayne

[roadtripdiva]

To all of you lovely KIWIBIKERS,

I just want to thank all of you who have given me advice, let me crash at your places, gone for drinks or a ride, extended friendship and a helping hand.....you have made my trip such an incredible experience. I have loved getting to know the wonderful people in this country and getting to ride on some of the most incredible roads. I am heading back to Canada on monday...the snow there is gonna melt soon, so I gotta get back to make peoples' gardens beautiful again. Don't be strangers...I would love to hear about the adventures and misadventures you guys get up to...and if any of you ever make it over to Canada drop by and we'll go for a ride...and this time I'll be on a 650cc...so nobody will have to babysit me. hahaha ;) I raise my beer to you all and wish you a wonderful fall and lots more great rides.

cheers,
rayne

[cave weta]

I enjoyed our little adventures together Rayne- Guess Ive been luckier than most to monopolise you so much. I have such respect for Chicas on GN twofiddys now!
You had balls on the dessert road- (she was the last vehicle through before they closed the road because of high winds!)
You had determination climbing over the southern alps- (twice with 30kgs of pack hangin on your back)
You showed zen-like patience as you beetled along the endless Rye Valley- 80km of fuck all in a long straight with no hills
You travelled the length and width of our country with no more than the tools that came with the bike and an infectious smile!
You conquered the Infamous Neavesville Bluff track on your first ever ride on an off road bike.
You experienced Paeroa street races, Bikers rallies and Dessert Storm -all from the hot seat.
Everyone who has shared your company has been infected with your STELLAR SMILE and kindness xx

[cave weta]

Hey! RoadtripDiva is in print! go get the laters issue of Bike Rider Magazine to read the Day by Day, blow by blow account of Rayne's New Zealand trip last summer!
The magazine has devoted 6 pages to her story! http://www.bikerider.co.nz/Default.aspx