South Island ride report

[Blackbird]

Well at last we've got off our butts and done a proper write-up of the South Island tour that four of us KB'ers did in March with a couple of our partners. Jantar thought that we should post it on KB as it might have wider interest than just us reading it on cold nights through the winter! For anyone who hasn't toured down south yet, perhaps the ride report will encourage others to get down there. It's hard to think of a finer place in the world to ride a bike with the stunning scenery, empty roads and friendly locals. Mind you, with the often long distances between population centres, it can be a scary place to strike trouble - as I did!

It was also great to meet up with other well-known KB'ers en route.

It's a fairly big file because of all the photos so I've broken it into 3 sections.

Cheers

Geoff

[Blackbird]

and part 2 of the story....

[Blackbird]

And the final part.......

[Kinje]

Awesome write up. I've only read the 1st piece so far and looking forward to taking some time to read the rest.

Spectacular scenery and roads down there. I recently spent a couple of weeks down there cruising around, so reading your report is refreshing my memories.

Going to have to do it again in the summer so hopefully can have clearer weather, and get through the Haast Pass and see the glaciers.

Cheers

[janno]

Thanks for the write up guys - that was very inspiring to read, must have been fun.

Now to find out more about returning one-way hire bikes . . .

[Jantar]

A great report Geoff, I loved reading it. And some nice pics as well.

[merv]

Yeah great write up and isn't the South Island so fantastic for riding and great for KBer's to get together.

[Blackbird]

Thanks for the kind words everyone. I think we all appreciate the south island and its people for what it is, but it's still a huge buzz to see the place through the eyes of overseas tourists. The UK Blackbird rider we met in Picton made a glowing report on their website. The thing that got to me most was his comment that he found Kiwis incredibly friendly and generous with their help, but that he didn't realise just how good they were until he arrived back in the UK and got hit with the contrast! I agree with his sentiments.

[shafty]

Gidday Geoff, - a great story, really well written, thanks for sharing! What a great way to see the SI, - in a group like that, and getting amongst the touristy stuff too, makes me most envious as we descend in to winter! Saw your article in Red Riders, along side my leaky ST1300 tale, good to see you still had a blast

Well done

Pete

[Blackbird]

Gidday Pete and thanks for the compliment!

I wondered if that was a KB'er in Red Riders! What a small world and what fantastic service you got with your problems down south too. They really are top people down there. Winter is right, 6 degrees in Tokoroa today Writing the story to re-read through winter with a glass of port in front of the fire was one of the main reasons!

Don't suppose it was you at the recent Okoroire Pub ride-in wearing the '07 Southern Cross shirt was it?

Cheers

Geoff

[shafty]

Gidday Pete and thanks for the compliment!

I wondered if that was a KB'er in Red Riders! What a small world and what fantastic service you got with your problems down south too. They really are top people down there. Winter is right, 6 degrees in Tokoroa today Writing the story to re-read through winter with a glass of port in front of the fire was one of the main reasons!

Don't suppose it was you at the recent Okoroire Pub ride-in wearing the '07 Southern Cross shirt was it?

Cheers

Geoff

No it wasn't me Mate, I was hoping to get there on the ride Cajun organised but I got way laid. Next time you are riding that way let me know, it is a fav ride for us. I spent some riding and imbibing time in Jantars company on the SX this year, an added point of interest in your article.

[oldrider]

Great write-up Geoff, hey do you realise that you were only twenty five minutes away from my place when you broke down at Twizel!

I may have been able to save you a lot of bother. Cheers John.

[Blackbird]

Great write-up Geoff, hey do you realise that you were only twenty five minutes away from my place when you broke down at Twizel!

I may have been able to save you a lot of bother. Cheers John.

Dang! It would have been great to meet you at long last. You ought to give Malcolm a kick up the bum for not mentioning it

G

[k14]

Woah now that is what I call a writeup.

I crossed over (going south) lindis pass the same day you went over haast and up the west coast. Needless to say there was a good 3 or 4cm of snow on the road. It was consistently snowing from Tekapo right down to the southern side of Lindis.

[Swoop]

What an absolutely wonderful writeup Geoff!
Thanks for taking the time to put it together, so the rest of us can enjoy your trip.
I am guessing the car was used for carrying a fair few souveniers!!!

Great stuff.