ATTN: Waikato, Auckland and Bay of Plenty riders.

**MidnightMike** · 27th August 2011, 11:13

UPDATE: First images are up: http://michaelgordonphotography.word...rojects/nzmcc/

Hi all,

Its been quite a while since I last posted on these forums, but with what I'm currently working on I knew that Kiwibiker would be a great resource to go back to.

I'm currently doing a BMA majoring in Photography in Hamilton, and for one of my papers I need to produce a narrative series based around the photographic representation of people, specifically a particular culture.

I've decided to do this assignment on the New Zealand motorcycle culture, specifically the road riders. It will encompass all aspects, from the riders and groups, to the meetings and the experience of the rides themselves. I also want to focus on eliminating common stereotypes that surround the motorcycle culture, and present a series that gives an insiders view into the world of Kiwi bikers!

I'm yet to come across a documentary series of this nature in New Zealand, and it does have a lot of potential, but what I need is to be notified of as many events, rides and meetings as possible that are happening nearby. I'll be mainly looking at the Waikato region since its closest, sometimes the Bay of Plenty, and there will be two or three occassions where I will be up in Auckland (This weekend for example)

In terms of where these images are going to be used, primarily it will be for this assignment, which requires two photography books to be printed. Secondary to that a small selection will be added to my portfolio, provided the series does well, and I may consider turning this into a long term personal project.

For anyone interested in seeing some of my previous work, they can check out my Blog/Website which does have a small selection of my automotive work. There is also a Michael Gordon Photography Facebook page which is a great way to keep up to date.

I'll try and keep an eye on the Meetings and Events forum, but it would great if people could contact me via email - Michael.Gordon@msn.com - or TXT: 0211235480 - about any rides or events that are coming up, even if they are coming from other areas and stopping in the Waikato.

Hopefully near the end of the project (which runs until early November) I'll be able to tag along for a Coro loop which to me stands as a bit of a motorcycling mecca.

Cheers,
Michael

**slofox** · 27th August 2011, 11:19

You might subscribe to "laxed out rides" - get most of the organimised Waikato rides there...

**Hortz** · 28th August 2011, 00:11

Do you ride?

**DMNTD:Me** · 28th August 2011, 07:05

Good shit Mike...happy to give you a perspective from the other side of the counter too if you want.

**MidnightMike** · 28th August 2011, 08:10

Originally Posted by Hortz

Do you ride?

I haven't since I sold my bike last year - that only happened because I got too much camera gear to be able to carry it on a bike.
But I was riding for 5+ yrs before that, ever since I could get my license.
I'm picking up all my bike gear today so I can pillion with people if possible.

Cheers,
Mike

**MidnightMike** · 28th August 2011, 08:14

Originally Posted by slofox

You might subscribe to "laxed out rides" - get most of the organimised Waikato rides there...

Yep, did that. I went and had a chat with some of the Waikato crew on Wednesday.

I've also been round to a few of the bike shops, and had a chat with one of the Ulysses members.

**MidnightMike** · 28th August 2011, 12:11

Originally Posted by DMNTD

Good shit Mike...happy to give you a perspective from the other side of the counter too if you want.

Thanks Chris. Where are you working at the moment?

**DMNTD:Me** · 28th August 2011, 15:34

Originally Posted by MidnightMike

Thanks Chris. Where are you working at the moment?

Heh! Fair comment...Bay City Motorcycles, Tauranga

**MidnightMike** · 30th August 2011, 18:19

Heres the images from the first shoot for those interested.

http://michaelgordonphotography.word...rojects/nzmcc/

**Little Miss Trouble** · 30th August 2011, 18:53

Not sure if this is what you're after but WIMA's pink ribbon ride takes place on the 2nd of October this year http://www.wima.org.nz/pages/Pink_Ribbon.php

**bucket boy** · 30th August 2011, 19:53

Originally Posted by DMNTD

Heh! Fair comment...Bay City Motorcycles, Tauranga

thats this week

**Banditbandit** · 31st August 2011, 10:16

have you madde contact with Ulysses ? They have organised runs all the time ...

**BAY CITY MOTORCYCLES** · 31st August 2011, 10:22

Originally Posted by bucket boy

thats this week

Bubby....be still!

**wysper** · 31st August 2011, 12:18

Originally Posted by MidnightMike

I've decided to do this assignment on the New Zealand motorcycle culture, specifically the road riders. It will encompass all aspects, from the riders and groups, to the meetings and the experience of the rides themselves. I also want to focus on eliminating common stereotypes that surround the motorcycle culture, and present a series that gives an insiders view into the world of Kiwi bikers!

Hi Mike.

That sounds really interesting, does your study branch out from the rides and the bikes etc to the life and family of the riders. I reckon that would do more to breaking down stereotypes of riders. It might also be an interesting snapshot of who/what is a NZ motorcyclist.

**Bounce001** · 31st August 2011, 12:20

Don't forget it's the Cold Kiwi this weekend too. Random Riders (tokoroa) - 2nd weekend October. Sulphur City (Rotorua) 28/29th October.

Would be a good chance for you to get some good shots.