Sarahtvets White Ribbon Experience

[sarahtvet]

Day One

Well the first days ride was awesome. I was blown away by the reception I received at the stadium despite arriving 'just' on time after some seriously worrying lane splitting. Riders from all over NZ had come to join one of the winds blowing change through the country. Cheryl had ridden her big block Harley from Invercargill and came straight over for a chat, looking forward to meeting up with her tomorrow. Brian was inspiring with his sharing of how his mates had told him to sort his life and how that had lifted a weight from him, he cycles at the moment but we challenged him to riding with us on a motorbike by next year

Mainly cruisers but some sport bikes and a Triumph fan who is off to the UK tomorrow and to Hinkley in 2 weeks, he has my shopping list

We au revouired the East and West wind riders then in close formation with the Patriots led by Shane and SMF Roger - we were off in the glorious Wellington sunshine.

First to the Porirua Marae and then to the shopping centre where we had some heart-stirring speeches from men, women and children as well as huge support from the mayor, police and womens groups and the community.

Never expected to be encouraged to make as much noise as possible with the bike in a crowded street, the kids loved it and the youngest to try out the Daytona was less than 6months old.

Handprints and messages on the banner, live music and a constant flow of supporters keen to talk about what the white ribbon and the ride means to them and to see the bikes of course. We were well entertained and sad to leave the fun and positive celebration of the committment to the 'end to silence and the end to violence' in our communities.

Also met the local 'tallest cop' - see pics

A short run Paraparaumu to meet support groups there (and a gorgeous Great Dane). It was here that the incident for my nickname occured but my lips are sealed

On to Levin and gave the bikes a little stretch on the way. Winny managed to lose his bag this time, not just the contents fortunately he found it and caught us up.

More riders had joined us here including Rabbi from the central districts HOG group and we lined the bikes up on the grass and enjoyed a warm welcome and some refreshment at the memorial hall.

Got caught by the Beemer and would love to know what she was telling Shane and Roger, something about me being trouble but they had sussed that ages ago and the nickname was chosen by the time we left Levin.

Off to Highbury to meet and greet some of the community and the little kids got on as many bikes as possible, good sign for the future :
Most impressed by the lad of about 6 who worked out the Daytona was the fastest, he is in my good books, as is Nixy for admitting it.

We then went to the Te Hotu Manawa Rangitaane Marae on Maxwell line and after Shane and Roger did their interviews I had the priveledge of being asked to lead the riders into the Marae where we had the traditonal powhiri greeting.

My first visit to a marae and it was a honour to be part of this special occasion. The orator explained all the carvings in the Marae to us in english so we could all understand. This marae was built to house and welcome all tribes and those without a tribe so very fitting for an event that affects every NZ community.

Got home totally buzzing and after a catch up with Horse to discuss plans for the morning I grabbed my spare leathers and met Nixey at BP FH.
I packed, repacked, sorted the animals out and generally buggered about until 1am and then was still so excited about the up-coming ride I didn’t get to sleep until 2!!

[sarahtvet]

Day 2
The alarm went off at 530am and for a moment bed seemed the better option then I remembered why I had set an alarm and shot up like a scalded cat.

I employed the feminine art of multi-tasking and time management to the full and had everything sorted at home and the Blue Beast ready for the off by 620am. Filled up at BP rangatikei where I was warned of heavy rain out west so opted for wets. Horse had been up all night working so decided to catch me up later.

The roads were dry and pretty quiet so a spirited run to the west was in order; I am pleased to say not a spot of rain enroute

Refuelled in New Plymouth at 0930 and, despite traffic and road works as I headed out of town, I made Mokau in good time. It was great to see the bikes pulled up opposite the cafe and to have time for a cuppa and brekkie with the Westies.

Cool to catch up with Sheryl again and meet the rest of the group, Rizzo seemed pleased that another sport bike was in the crowd. Walrus gave us a short brief and we set off at a good pace through the twisties of Mount Messenger with a brief stop at the Awakino river to admire the whitebait huts and hear some info on this local pastime.

Just before the tunnel in Awakino gorge I did not employ my eagle-eye and by the time I saw the pothole it was swerve and hit the oncoming truck or ride through it. My gluteals got their monthly work-out all in one hit and I waited for the loss of control as the front tyre blew. Fortunately that didn’t happen and I rode cautiously into PioPio convincing myself that the front end didn’t feel odd , I was just being a girl.

In hindsight I should trust that I know the bike and if I think it feels odd there is a reason. The force of the impact had not only shot my headlight protector off somewhere but had dented my rim. King Country Honda was over the road so I popped over and Ian had a go at straightening the dent. However as we looked closer at the rim and checked the pressure it was clear that there was a serious leak and that the rim was no longer circular :bugger:

I had the option of putting the bike on the support truck to see if we could find a rim in Auckland but checked with Kerry (Triplefourensics) who said I would be unlikely to get one.

This is when I started to feel the force of kindness from strangers that was a mark of the people I cam e across on this ride :

Ian at King Country Honda kindly offered to store the bike there until Kerry could pick it up. I reluctantly handed over my keys and grabbed my gear to go sit in the truck.

At this point we were late for the community events in Te Kuiti but my ride hadn’t left me behind but had waited to see the outcome

I had barely even started to take the gear off my bike when Hayden, the driver of the support truck came running over. ‘Not as much fun pillioning or riding in the truck as on a bike’ he said ‘ I have my bike in the truck to ride on saturday, I will unload it and you can ride that’. I was gobsmacked at his generosity, here was a young man I barely knew offering me his bike to ride when I had just done $2,000 damage to mine. Before I knew it I was on a 2008 VTR 1000 and we were off, the whole situation lasted about 15minutes

As an aside, I am pretty sure that I would have binned the Daytona if not for the awesome training session we had with Greg Thomas from the police the previous weekend. The police waived the fees and when we asked them to choose a charity for us to donate to they said ‘Palmerston North Womens Refuge’, perfect.

The police paraded us through Te Kuiti and we all parked up and Sheryl and I led the boys into the community centre where we were formally welcome and treated to a fantastic Hakka from the local children. I was so proud of them, clapping was not appropriate as part of the ceremony but we all caught up for a chat later :

Heartfelt speeches on the subject of domestic violence and the commitment to addressing it were made by the local community leaders and Roger explained the mission of the Supa Maori Fullas and the Patriots. The formalities closed with everybody singing.

(I was embarrassed to hear mention of the ‘bent rim’ too).

The ladies had produced a lovely lunch for us and we made the most of our time mingling with the local community, including chatting to those cool kids.

All too soon we were off heading to refuel and the next meet n greet. Again the cops looked after us well and took as the long route through town so we had maximum exposure.

At the garage there was a plethora of bikes and somehow in all the fun Walrus filled his bike with diesel. He rode out of the garage in a huge puff of blue smoke and immediately sussed the problem so straight back in to drain it. ops:

We waited for a while but even when drained and refilled the bike refused to start so, due to time constraints Rizzo took on the mantel of ride leader. Walrus (new nickname Wiesel) was left for Hayden to go back and rescue. We headed to Te Awuaramutu where we did a ride through the town with a police escort and then on towards Hamilton. It was lovely to go in and see Rizzo’s sister and her family and relax on the grass for a few minutes respite. Unfortunately she was not up to a blatt around the block but the surprise of her little brother bringing the whole ride to her door seemed to give her a buzz :sunnny:

Next stop was the community centre in Hamilton where we spent a couple of hours talking to people and taking the kids for rides around the playing field on the bikes. Many cheesy grins from all, Rizzo was particularly pleased with being able to get the back seat out on the VTR so he could go give some rides. The Goldwing and Sheryl’s softtail were the top of the popularity stakes.

Crofty came from this area and was pleased that some Black Power gang members had attended and were chatting to some of the riders.

Cold drinks and 5 minutes rest at the garage then into the HAIP the Hamilton Abuse Intervention Project. Here we were to meet about 40 men on the stopping violence programme and I admit to feeling some trepidation about entering the situation. I knew I would be physically safe I just wasn’t sure how I would react. It was an awesome experience.

This was my first exposure to the situations some of the riders had been through and why they were committed to the cause. The men at HAIP appeared a bit reticent initially and I suspect they thought it was going to be a lecture on how they should behave and what they should do. Instead they got to hear how other men who had been violent had chosen a different path, or how men had been children in abusive families and the effect it had had on them and also how the Supa Maori Fullas had decided on this Kaupapa. Not because their family was violent, quite the opposite in fact. They had grown up in a loving supportive family and had seen how others had not had that chance, they also all have raised CYPS kids and heard their stories.

I was humbled by what these brothers are doing and have done for their community and felt honoured to be riding with them. After the formal sharing Horse had found us and we all mingled and had an opportunity to talk to the men on the programme.

As always the bikes broke the ice and were being admired and discussed at length. By now I was getting quite attached the VTR though missed the Blue Beast

This evening in particular was a defining time for me. I could see hope in the future of these and other abusive men and for abused women and children. The facilities and support are available and with role models such as the Supa Maori Fullas and the Patriots men can feel encouraged to lay down the burden of violence that is destroying lives, families, communities and the social structure in this country

Meeting men who have chosen to and are choosing to give up violence as well as those who have not been directly affected by it but see it for the scourge it is in our lives and are making a stand for people to be free from violence was an uplifting experience. I thank all of those people for the hope they give to all.

Russell Richie and some of his whanau had come to join in this and then to take us out to the Marae where we were to spend the night. One of his whanau shared with everybody how he had been a gang member and abused his wife, he explained how he had Iearnt to control his violence and had then gone on to volunteer and work in helping others do the same. You could see his hope and passion for the cause echoed in the eyes of the listeners.

We left HAIP in a roar of bikes and headed to the Waikato Tainui Marae ,it was getting late when we arrived, with rather an interesting braking moment. We were joined by the North wind and fortunately were given special permission to enter the Marae after dark, this is not normally allowed. Sheryl quickly slipped into a dress and led The West and North proudly on to the Marae with Russell.

The powhiri was short and to the point with humour and singing along with respect for the reasons behind the ride. After the formalities we were served copious amounts of food and good strong tea so I was very happy. We were given special permission to bring the bikes into the Marae and line them up in front of the marae atea (the area/ground in front of the meeting house)and Sheryl rode the softtail on in her dress, good on ya girl.

A hot shower and then collapse onto the mattresses already laid out for us. No surprise that the night was interspersed with phone calls, text messages and a cacophony of tuneful snores

[sarahtvet]

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/saraht...iteRibbonRide#

[sarahtvet]

Day 3
Crofty is obviously a morning man I still don’t quite understand why we need to be up 1 ½ hours before we leave but I suspect that it is a forces thing

The array of bikes on the lawn in the dawn was a sight to cherish. Good to see all the guys polishing the chrome at 7am too!!!

Due to the multiple places who wanted us to visit and a 1pm appointment at ASB Auckland we split into two groups. The first group went into Hamilton and with the local Womens Refuge handed out white ribbons and displayed placards at the major intersection used by drivers going to work to highlight the Kaupapa :

I was in the second group and we had the honour of attending Hopuhopu where we had speeches from Russell Richie, minister against family violence and members of the Tainui Whanau. Tainui had moved an important meeting that they were having to Hopuhopu to combine it with our visit and the launch of the Tainui CD against family violence.

The artists played One Heart, One Voice, One Freedom for us and we also received CD’s that we were encouraged to rip and distribute to spread the message. We talked to people here then regrouped and rode to Meremere for another brakes test, a short meet and greet and a drive through.

On to Bombay to meet the other two winds and the riders they had collected on the way. Gleaming bikes filled the car parks 2-3 deep in the motorway services and everywhere was a mass of leather or cordura clad bikers. The Auckland chapter of the Patriots, the Redeemed, The Four Winds and bikers from far and wide massed eager for the ride into town

It was great to meet up with the band of brothers from the South Wind again. Shane gave us a quick brief and then it was on to the motorway and in to town. Why Auckland police did not lead us in I shall never understand but with the Redeemed on our side it was a moot point. Never ignored so many red lights in my life and it was cool to see all the people along the route in shops and offices coming out to wave as we rumbled into town. JSUZ 1 is seriously awesome rider and sorted the route for us in total style.:

Into the ASB stadium where we were treated to a speech by Sir Paul Reeve former Governor General and patron of the SMF. Shane shared his childhood experiences with us and then we all sang waiata.

I really need to get some practice and learn the appropriate songs. Lovey recommends the China Garden on a Friday ....

It was here that Horse and I had to briefly leave the ride

I handed the VTR back to Hayden and hopped on the back of the Rocket III to head to Mount Smart. Pillioning a cruiser without a back rest is interesting for sure and I had to really pay attention and hold on, something I rarely do on the back of a sportsbike. We made good time and went to Sylvia park for a light brunch and relax before joining the throngs at the stadium, not a single white ribbon in sight I am disappointed to report.

The security on the Mount Smart stadium gate kindly let us park in the reserved area right by the stadium and we were able to check in our helmets and my leather pants. Some amusement to see that Eagle-eye were one of the security firms, guess that is prophetic.

Music began at 5:30pm and with 2 half hour breaks for set changes went until 10pm. What a fab time. My favourite was Ben Harper, not that Pearl Jam weren’t great too. Met a lovely bunch on the barrier and when we had a drunken idiot get annoying our security guard was very effective. Made for a relaxed fun evening with lots of shouting and dancing

Loads of traffic leaving and we were both knackered from the early start, excitement and emotion of the day both as part of the ride and at the concert so the pootle to Ruakaka was slow and involved many stops. Arrived at Takahiwai Marae and fell into our sleeping bags on the floor of the truck at about 2am, too tired to go mattress hunting.

[sarahtvet]

Day 4
No surprise that Crofty was up bright, early and loudly

Merv help me snuggle into his sleeping bag for an extra 30min whilst all went for brekkie . Walrus n Crofty weren’t going to stand for that insubordination. A sportster with the loudest custom pipes ever was started up not 10 feet from the stretcher bed and , as I was being lulled to sleep by the roar of the engine , a large cow bell was rung vigorously over my head. Eventually their stomachs got the better of them and I had a lovely half an hour dozing surrounded by a mass of gleaming motorcycles under the dawn, what a way to start the day.

Boys came back so I sprinted to the shower and was prepared for my pillion position by 7am, today on the back with Walrus. We headed to Ruakaka and the start of the Bream Bay White Ribbon ride which involved hot rods too. Lots of bikes and gang members who removed their patches to participate, an inspiring level of commitment. Cruisers to dirt bikes, tourers and sporties. All sizes and hues with some really interesting paint jobs. We even had a car to match the Padres bike :


Phil and the local Police gave us a briefing and we headed into Whangarei in close formation, Walrus and I up the near the front with Lovey and Shelly, keeping a watch on the newbies. Sunshine and an impressive turnout at Whangarei, for the hand- over of van full of food for Womens Refuge.s Speeches and singing, prize giving from ACC and the Police offering free extra rider training places added to the event.

We then headed out of town to Moerewa where there were heaps of people keen to admire the bikes and listen to them roar, more local talent getting the message across in song and local community leaders and ride organisers getting the message out that violence in not acceptable and that there are other options. Here Merv left us, but only until next time!!!

The sun, fresh air and lack of sleep were taking their toll so being pillon with the gentle cornering of the bike and the hum of the engine it was hard to keep awake. When we arrived in Kaikohe after the speeches and socializing a short snooze in the sunshine was in order. A slight mechanical hitch with Ash’s bike had 4 guys whip out their tool kits and get their hands greasy in a flash.

From here we rode to Opononi which was stunning. Masses of chrome and gleaming paintwork on the sea front and a gorgeous seascape. Added bonus was ice-cream and Rueben Wiki going for an impromptu swim. The Pantene girls need to look out, he did a lovely impression of a shampoo commercial as he climbed out. Great ambassador for the cause and good all round fun bloke. : The water was tempting but not the thought of climbing back into my leathers sodden.

Great twisties through the Waipoua forest caught a Harley unawares but no injuries and a rescue vehicle was on hand to help out. Can’t wait to take the Blue Beast up there again soon, I shall go all the way to the top next time via the SMF Marae of course.

Dargaville had laid on good strong cuppa and afternoon tea, our bikes were groaning under the added kilos all had amassed as a result of the community generosity at every point. The kids were resplendent in traditional costumes and danced and narrated their stories for us.

We spoke to other riders and local community members for a few hours then headed back to the Takahiwai Marae for a post ride dinner and celebration. We had Sue from ACC handing out the raffle prizes and xx from human rights, who had joined us on the ride, giving us her impression of the ride, the Kaupapa and the domestic violence situation. Lots of singing and celebration to mark a momentous occasion, the increased strength of the winds of change blowing through domestic violence in New Zealand.

The Winds freshened up and went via the ‘posh bus’ to the local for a celebratory drink or two, a round -up of the week’s events and to discuss plans and ideas for continuing the Kaupapa. Everybody was buzzing from the experiences and feed-back on the week and eager to plan the next ride.

South Island had been asking for a visit so Feb 2010 looks to be set for a Southern Tornado. Keep an eye out for the dates and come join the ride for as long as you can, this affects your communities and your country so say NO!

[sarahtvet]

Day 5
Awake bright and early, for no reason other than Crofty (we just love him). Brekkie and the traditional farewell brought home that this part of the Kaupapa was drawing to a close and everybody felt the sorrow of fare -welling good companions.

Final pics of the Bream Bay overnighters and then the Winds and the SMF said their private goodbyes and made promises to catch up again soon.

We left Takahiwai Marae together (Wrestler kindly volunteered to be my rider for this section), as we moved down the country groups and individuals headed off

It was as dull and sightly drizzly start which seemed appropriate. As we rode through Auckland tunnel the bikes ahead going into the sunshine seemed prophetic, an image of the ride taking the community into the light and fun world that is free of violence

Just the other side there was the Padre and family positioned to wave us on our way.

The Hauraki Patriots stayed together until just before Matamata where the Tauranga group turned left and we continued on south. Bombay to Matamata on the Rocket was challenging without a back rest so I hopped on with Moose until we got to Taupo. Here a few had organised to overnight so we were now down to the hardcore palmie lot

Great blast over the desert road and managed a few good snaps of the other riders. A brief stop at Taihape where I realised my mobile was in Taupo and swapped into a car for the last leg. I must admit I was ready for a break, I really am built for a sports bike

Home to a raucous welcome from the dogs who had apparently been looking out for vehicles all day and were very pleased to hear a triple coming up the drive.

A week of inspiration and great riding. I got to experience a huge amount of local culture and community and to meet and ride with many inspiring people and to try a fair few bikes into the bargain. A life-changing experience I was privileged to be a part of and I am greatful for those that gave me the opportunity

I exhort those of you that haven’t joined this Kaupapa to look out for your first opportunity to make a difference. You love riding and what better way to combine what you love with an important message. Violence happens every day not just once a year. So say NO TO VIOLENCE every day.

[shafty]

Great write and heaps of good pics there Girl - bummer about your rim did you get it sorted? Get stuck in to Transit!

[mowgli]

Great read Sarah. Your guardian angel must have been working overtime near Awakino. Heaven forbid there might be a next time, but if there is give it the gas before you hit the pot hole. Lighten the front so the larger rear can take the hit. Even if the worst happens it's easier stopping with a burst rear than it is with a burst front

[sarahtvet]

Great write and heaps of good pics there Girl - bummer about your rim did you get it sorted? Get stuck in to Transit!

Thanks, hard to convey how awesome it was on all levels

Looking forward to a southern trip with the team in February so keep your eyes out for the dates. Something really worth doing for the community and yourself :

Just written letter for Transit
I have been told the pothole is still unmarked and unrepaired even though police reported it at the time.
Wish I had thought to photograph it at the time No bike to pootle out there and rectify that at the moment

[sarahtvet]

Great read Sarah. Your guardian angel must have been working overtime near Awakino. Heaven forbid there might be a next time, but if there is give it the gas before you hit the pot hole. Lighten the front so the larger rear can take the hit. Even if the worst happens it's easier stopping with a burst rear than it is with a burst front

Thanks mate, great trip for sure :

My guardian angel was riding with me the whole way I reckon. I did stay on the gas and ended up with dents in both rims. Front is 'toast' according to Kerry.
Apart from flying over it I was up for some damage so thankful it wasn't any worse

Itching to get the bike back I get real withdrawal symptoms as I am sure you are too......

[Conquiztador]

Thanks for cool writeup! I am sitting here at home with my boys at their mums for the w/e and it is now dark outside, I have a long day of work (budgets...) planned for tomorrow, and I am now planning to go for a few hours ride in the dark as a result of your writing! The pull...

[sarahtvet]

Thanks for cool writeup! I am sitting here at home with my boys at their mums for the w/e and it is now dark outside, I have a long day of work (budgets...) planned for tomorrow, and I am now planning to go for a few hours ride in the dark as a result of your writing! The pull...

If you had an awesome ride is was all due to me and any time on the bike is good time


The rim is in NZ so I may get the beast back before xmas :2thumbs up:
Getting a blast on the Rocket III on saturday with some of the patriots so that will be cool. I can pretend to ride a cruiser

[boyscout]

Hey sister. Great write up on an awesome week on the bikes. Cant wait for the next on :-) Lovey

[sarahtvet]

Hey sister. Great write up on an awesome week on the bikes. Cant wait for the next on :-) Lovey

Thanks mate roll on February :