Coming to New Zealand for a 6 week tour (Jan-Feb 2011)

**2wheeldrifter** · 1st March 2011, 22:36

Yes.. yes was a good chicken,
Just tell em at home we have the best 4 legged chickens around!!

thats way we ate outside in the dark

**ducatigirl** · 2nd March 2011, 19:42

I still enjoy reading all about your adventures Joe. Keep safe ok.
Bi

**olegeezer** · 3rd March 2011, 06:27

Originally Posted by ducatigirl

I still enjoy reading all about your adventures Joe. Keep safe ok.
Bi

It's been a good ride. I enjoyed the company of all the riders I met. Fly home Sunday. New Zealand truly is a great travel destination! I got my molded ear plugs made here in Rotoroa and my possum wool sweater is about all the goods I will be exporting.
Ride Safe and thanks for waiting on the "Tank".

**Quasi** · 3rd March 2011, 06:37

Hey Joe,
it was lovely to meet with you and be able to share some of our gorgeous roads and country with you. The "Tank" held its on, and more importantly saw you safely on your travels
You are an inspiration to us all and a reminder that life is about living and giving

There are many roads to travel and you are doing an outstanding job of travelling them and making new friends.
See you on your roads next time
Take care - Q
xx

**BMWST?** · 3rd March 2011, 19:24

seems like you been more places in my country than i have myself!Like your straightforward way of telling your story Joe.I hope we may meet again

**Hawkeye** · 3rd March 2011, 20:31

Originally Posted by olegeezer

It's been a good ride. I enjoyed the company of all the riders I met. Fly home Sunday. New Zealand truly is a great travel destination! I got my molded ear plugs made here in Rotoroa and my possum wool sweater is about all the goods I will be exporting.
Ride Safe and thanks for waiting on the "Tank".

Glad you managed to get the plugs Joe. Stick them in your pocket for the flight home. You have inspired so many people on here. I hope we meet again. And next time, it's your turn to be the guide.
And remember.... Keep the rubber side down and the shiney side up. Safe journey and take care.

Kenny

**Highlander** · 3rd March 2011, 20:40

I'm sure you'll go home with good things to say about Kiwis and our little spot in the South Pacific, you relly sound like you have had a ball. Please be selective about who you tell, we don't want just anyone coming here and stuffing it up for us.

I was telling a friend about the bike swap thing, how did you and Shafty hook up? - Is there a bike swap type web site or was it a ST forum or something?

**olegeezer** · 4th March 2011, 14:26

Originally Posted by Highlander

I'm sure you'll go home with good things to say about Kiwis and our little spot in the South Pacific, you relly sound like you have had a ball. Please be selective about who you tell, we don't want just anyone coming here and stuffing it up for us.

I was telling a friend about the bike swap thing, how did you and Shafty hook up? - Is there a bike swap type web site or was it a ST forum or something?

Jym, I know what you mean about keeping NZ a secret! But I know you don't want me to lie....... Shafty and I met after I posted my desire to swap. I posted on several rider forums, not sure which he responded to? You gotta figure anyone in the market for a rental would be interested if they don't mind pimping their bike......... I also know there are a lot of "garage queens" out there that need to be ridden and some people have them just sitting there and don't ride them for one reason or another. It boils down to a big trust issue and you can usually buy enough insurance to help with the event of an accident. I have done this twice (last year toured Europe on a similar thing). I want to make sure it works well so I can keep doing it, at least until some of the bucket list is satisfied.

Hawkeye, I would be honored to guide you around my neck of the woods, you just have to catch me at home. Thanks, again.

BMWST, really it's the same way back home. Sometimes we travel half way around the globe seeking something without fully exploring our own backyard.
You folks sure do have a beautiful backyard though.

Carla, thanks again for sharing your friends and home. It twas a pleasure.

I'm back in Taumarunui after a couple of good days coming from Rotoroa. More nice roads and good vibrations from the Orient Express/Sherman Tank.....
I camped last evening near Te Kuiti. The sky was clear and and I rolled the rain fly back on the tent so I could look up at the southern sky. It was nice to be able to see the stars with little back light. Who knows when or if ever, I will see it again? I did have the presence of mind to put the fly back on and at 3:18 am I woke up to a hard rain. It wasn't raining when I got up, so I packed the camp stuff and rode to breakfast in Te Kuiti. The ride down to Taumarunui was pleasant, good road, little traffic and you could ride with whatever amount of throttle you so chose. Then 5 km from town it started to rain again. I found a roof to park under and stepped inside a motorcycle dealership and began to lust over a new Yamaha Super Tenere they were preparing for some lucky owner. It makes you want to build a big garage and start a collection... The trip is done but will provide a lot of good memories until "oletimerz" sets in. How's that saying, "adventure before dementure"?

**nadroj** · 4th March 2011, 16:19

I bet that new Yamaha Super Tenere was for Geoff, the owner of the Whangamomona pub. We met him test riding one in the Tangarakau gorge a couple of weeks ago.

**2wheeldrifter** · 4th March 2011, 16:58

Oh well Joe... near home time, be good to get home where you can say the place names with ease... lol you did very well though.
All the best for your return home trip, keep us posted with your you tube vids.. boy you must have some hours worth there

wont give you a x like the girls did, but a hand shake dude

Take care Olegeezr

Glen

**carver** · 22nd May 2011, 09:52

Originally Posted by Quasi

Ther are some great rides through the Hawkes baya nd Wairarapa that will take you on your way to Wellington. I have spare beds if you need to rest your weary head for the night on route

got a bed for me??