gijoe1313's Blogs

Well it has been a wee whiles my dear reader where I have made an entry into my daily riding log.

Forgive my trespass as an itinerant mendicant of motorisation!

After the tremulous discord that is known as Christmas, the pall of the seasons festivities had passed as a dark cloud of rain upon a lovely patch of road you are riding.

Boxing day I was free to embark on anything I cared to do after the repast of leftovers was consumed at lunch. I geared up, patted my dear Big Ol'Hornet and just for fecal and humourous exclamations, I threw a touring bag on my much despised pack rack (those who know me well, know my views on such evil contrivances that restricts one ninja leg sweep over the saddle area, resulting in an undignified ninja stomp to seat oneself).

Somehow I found myself heading to Otorohanga and off to New Plymouth! It has been awhile since I pirated my way through the gorgeous silken curves of the Awakino gorge. The roads were spun like a gossamer spider's thread, the cagers polite and the weather was like the caress of a lover that gently entreats you to spend more time in their lap.

By the time New Plymouth came, I had made a new biking friend with the appellation of Steve. I had noticed him ahead having problems with his DR650 and when he pulled over near a Caltex, I halted my forward velocity to politely inquire whether he needed assistance. It merely transpired he had to switch to reserve and his glove got stuck operating the petcock! As we got chatting as you do, it turns out that he too, rode down from Auckland to go to Wellington to catch the ferry to his brother's place in the SI. As we wound down our convivial repartee, the time was a passing and I refueled to consider my next options.

I recalled that the erstwhile fellowship of Gremlin and TOTO were enjoying the brazen hospitality of Whanganui and I decided to fire off a missive via my electrical portable contraption of communication to enjoin them at their assignation!

A quick pootle via the surf highway towards Whanganui allowed a majestic and panoramic view of the the lovely mountain that graces the green and verdant lands of Taranaki. The clouds parted their veil so I could revel in the sight of its ice cream studded crest and the aether of the mighty sea and ocean that surrounds our fair isles. The roads graced me with gentle undulations and most pleasant of corners to send me into that nirvana of biking bliss.

The small townships came and went, the bygone relics of another age were trenchant in their reminders of past glories where they were valued and helped build our country's wealth. Open vistas, sweeping views ... and the company of many bikes returning from the festivities of the races at Whanganui were like a drink of water to a desert parched traveller.

The comings and goings of my time in Whanganui is aptly covered by this thread started by TOTO http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...d.php?t=115805.

And as the time waxed and waned, I took my leave of my colleagues and proceeded on my merry way back to Auckland, somehow I resisted the siren call of Wellington to go visit her again!

So, my dear and gentle reader, I have come to the end of my tale for Boxing day. I do so hope you have not wasted your time on my musings and hopefully found some small refrain to touch upon your own valued musings and travels on your own, much lauded iron horse of lifestyle and freedom!

Your humble pardon and grace,
gijoe1313