Helpful, friendly Kiwi Bikers needed

**Beemer** · 17th October 2005, 11:03

How did Mac's weekend go? Here's hoping he had a great few days riding and is keen to explore some more. Don't forget to let us know when he's heading down our way, the beer's already in the fridge and I'm sure we could fire the barbecue up one fine evening for any relatively local KBers!

**vifferman** · 17th October 2005, 11:22

Originally Posted by Beemer

How did Mac's weekend go?

He spent a couple of days riding down to Rotorua then up to Coromandel on Friday night - see the bottom of this: http://www.b4time.net/rtw/diary16.html
then all weekend riding around Coro, drinking alcomahol, and talking nonsense.

The BMW he rented was just mental, but he enjoyed it, as did I when he chucked me the keys after I commented that although my bike was the smallest and least grunty, I'd had the easiest time throwing it around in the twisties.
"Not so. Here - take this, and find some corners."
Hmmmm... corners... corners..

....

(where's the friggin lightbulb-going-on smilie?)
Ah yes - we just rode some corners! So, back up to the lookout, and return, and it was just like this:

(except more mental, of course).

**b4time** · 17th October 2005, 15:30

Twas great to be on a bike again.

Got rained on every day - but I have waterproofs and it wasn't cold enough to be nasty.

Great roads, great people, wondeful hospitality, excelent beer, did I mention the roads

It's looking like I might not my bike today ...
Bummer.

From various chats with people I have decided to go down the West coast this week. Head across to the South Island early next week for 5 weeks.
I'll decide my S. Island route later.
When I come back to the North Island I'll come up the East coast.

Mac

**b4time** · 18th October 2005, 13:51

Finally I have a delivery date for the bike.

It will be dropped at Motohaus tomorrow, mid morning.
19 days since I dropped it off. I hope I can remember what it looks like.
I'm real glad that this is not a 2 week holiday - then I'd be really buggered.

Mac

**DemonWolf** · 18th October 2005, 14:30

Excellent... hope ya bike gets here hassle-free! =)

**Beemer** · 20th October 2005, 17:14

Phew, been without a phone line (and therefore without an internet connection) since 10am Wednesday! Just got online now, so if Mac is still heading down our way, both phone numbers are now operational! I did ask a fellow-KBer (thanks for nothing Busted!) to post a note on here this morning to let everyone know we were out of action, but he must have forgotten.

We had three glorious days but now it is raining, but if Mac is still coming down this way, the welcome at least will be warm!

**Beemer** · 25th October 2005, 09:27

Well, Mac arrived at our place on Friday afternoon and left about an hour ago to head for Wellington to catch the ferry this afternoon.

Thankfully we had a gorgeous weekend weather-wise, so on Saturday Andy took him up to PN to buy some waterproof gloves (insurance for good weather!) and on Sunday they popped up to Manfeild to watch the Vic Club open day. Following that they joined a BMWOR ride to Wimbledon, so Mac got to try a few good roads.

Yesterday we just blobbed out and enjoyed the sunshine, so he was ready to hop on the bike and head off for some more adventures today.

Look out for him in the South Island - he's headed your way!

**b4time** · 25th October 2005, 10:23

A major thanks to Beemer for putting up with me for the weekend.
Great folks, great weather & great roads.

Mac

**Beemer** · 25th October 2005, 10:38

I just got a message from Vifferman, asking if you were still alive - I think he's feeling a little neglected!

You obviously found somewhere with wireless internet - have fun in Wellington and enjoy the sailing this afternoon - looks like it should be a calm one.

**Lias** · 25th October 2005, 14:36

Man I found this thread late in the piece!

Hopefully I'll get a chance to consume a beverage or three with Mac if hes coming back up this way later in his travels.

Great writeup on your website dude, my boss probably hates you thou because I've spent half the day reading it instead of working

Good luck on your travels!

**Wolf** · 25th October 2005, 14:45

Originally Posted by b4time

I've landed & have been semi-de-jetlagged.

Plans ?

2 weeks heading south down the North Island, 5 weeks in the South Island then 2 weeks back up the North Island to drop the bike off in Auckland around the 9th December.

Thanks for all the offers.
I do however have no idea where any of you guys are - ain't been here before & don't know the geography. I'll have a chat with Vifferman & a map.

If you want a laugh the story of the trip so far is here
http://www.b4time.net/rtw/index.html

Quick summary - left the UK mid June for Canada.
Three and a half months in North America
Now here

Welcome to NZ and the KB gargre, O way-faring one. All the best on your travels and if you do come back up to Hamilton area, I'll join with LiasTZ in having some beverages with you.