A long time on two wheels....

[Blackbird]

There have been lots of great posts on KiwiBiker about what bikes people have owned over the years and the rides they’ve done which have been fascinating and on occasions, utterly inspiring. However, they rarely covered what must have been equally fascinating tales – how people got into bikes and how bikes have been a part of their lives.

I’m 58 next month and with a gap of around 10 years, have been riding for nearly 42 years. I have attempted to chronicle the significant bike events in my life in a light-hearted way, purely for the enjoyment of remembering the good and the bad events over the last 4 decades and how they might have influenced me. Even managed to find some ancient photos to go with the tale!

At the very least, when our kids have children of their own, they can use the write-up to frighten their own kids…… “If you don’t behave, you’ll grow up just like Granddad!”

Hope it isn’t too boring…..

Geoff

[Sniper]

How can you call that boring geoff? That was fantastic, thanks

[titus]

Great story, enjoyed it. You should flick it on to Kiwirider or Bike Trader mags...you might just get it printed. These stories need to be told!

[Ixion]

A very good read.

What is it with wives and the "five year old bit" You get told you have the mind of a five year old, I get told I get into more trouble than a five year old . Why a five year old ?

One day I must do a similar recording for posterity. Though I'm afraid mine would be a much less socially responsible history - I'd have to make sure that Mrs Ixion never saw it ! I suspect that NZ bikers were a more unrestrained lot than their British counterparts - something to do with our wild colonial history.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I enjoyed it a lot also.

I get told I have the mind of a 12 year old. Perhaps its true, 12 year olds like smut a bit more than 5 y-o's...

meh, whatever. so long as she doesnt freak out when the new bike arrives, I'll be happy.

[Blackbird]

Thanks for the nice words guys, it was fun writing it. Les, just to prove that ex-Poms can be ummmm... slightly less restrained, I'll re-edit it and put in a bit about getting airborne at over 200 k's a couple of years ago hehe.

With respect to our wive's low opinion of us, I have no idea why 5 either. Would have thought it would have been at least 10.

[Ixion]

I enjoyed it a lot also.

I get told I have the mind of a 12 year old. Perhaps its true, 12 year olds like smut a bit more than 5 y-o's...

meh, whatever. so long as she doesnt freak out when the new bike arrives, I'll be happy.

This is true. 12 year old, yes I'd admit to that.

[calmone]

A great read Geoff,we are close in age and I can certainly relate to your experiences. I have a business in Barrys Point Road and chuckle every time I see Husbands and Wives looking at Bikes and guessing who is trying to convince the other that " We must get one" we have all done it. Keep up the writing its great.

[TerminalAddict]

top marks !!! an excellent read

[louisb]

Excellent. Very enjoyable read.

Thank you Geoff.

[Marknz]

Great ditty, thanks for that.

[strayjuliet]

An excellent read, I'm sorry to admit I did laugh my self sick in places. But a great story, thanks for sharing the memories with us, Geoff.
Now I'm left wanting more stories like this.

[Wolf]

Excellent, Geoff. It was an immensely enjoyable read. Loved the anecdote about the "ripples in the road" - reminds me of riding down Whakahoro Road between Morrinsville and Springdale and discovering what it feels like to take an RD350 (with a twisted) frame airborne. Wasn't going anywhere near as fast as you and it was still a serious "brown-trouser" time...

[LB]

Excellent, Geoff. It was an immensely enjoyable read. Loved the anecdote about the "ripples in the road" - reminds me of riding down Whakahoro Road between Morrinsville and Springdale and discovering what it feels like to take an RD350 (with a twisted) frame airborne. Wasn't going anywhere near as fast as you and it was still a serious "brown-trouser" time...

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My old territory....I was brought up on dairy farms in the Waikato and my Dad still lives in Morrinsville so we go back up there a number of times a year.

Are you from there Wolf?
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[LB]

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BB: my PC won't open the .pdf at the moment, will have to try next time. I know from reading some of your other writings that it will be a very good read.
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