Brit Bikers

**koba** · 15th January 2008, 14:26

I seems sooo many riders on New Zealand roads are from old blighty, how do the numbers stack up here?
British born, Kiwi or other?

I absolutley love some of you guys, that guy at the las manfield track day in his kombi van with his homemade big single racebike was a prime example of very cool pommie stuff! (yes I know VW is german, but they are embraced in the UK)

I am finding myself getting a bit ratty at some of the "fresher" poms on here as they come and "whinge" (my words) that things are generally done differently! (what did you/they expect?)
Although I usually hold back as it is hyocritical to whinge about whinging really inn'it.

Conversley Most of you guys have a great attitude and I can be very refreshing to relate to people who don't take the great positive side of our country for granted.

yeah, yeah may be a repost and if it is I'm sure it will die a natural death.

**koba** · 15th January 2008, 14:29

Kiwi here btw, born and bred in Upper Hutt.

**bugjuice** · 15th January 2008, 15:14

I admit to being a pom.. been here since Feb 01

**White trash** · 15th January 2008, 15:31

Porthedland, Western Australia.

You're welcome.

**car** · 15th January 2008, 15:32

Originally Posted by koba

(yes I know VW is german, but they are embraced in the UK)

(Speaking of which, if a Type I engine in decent nick passes your way, give me a shout, eh? Those two floorpans *are* still in my back yard under a tarp, but I'm slowly accruing plans and books, and I'm on the lookout for the tools I'm going to need. Roll on winter!)

I am finding myself getting a bit ratty at some of the "fresher" poms on here as they come and "whinge" (my words) that things are generally done differently! (what did you/they expect?)

I find myself very aware of starting half of my sentences "when I was in the UK..." Unfortunately, that's where most of the first 32 years of my life were spent -- much of what I know and understand is based on that part of my life. For some years to come I'll still perceive some part of what I see and do in terms of the gap between the society that I call home and the society that I grew up in. There's no getting past it, except with time.

So, are they really whinging? Or are they just experiencing the differences? If they are whinging then, oh dear, it sucks to be them, because coming over here can be a costly and and troublesome exercise, and all for naught. But, maybe they're not; could be that they're cringing at the phrase "in the UK" every time they use it, but they can't really contribute much to the conversation without using what they learned elsewhere.

As far as actually missing the UK goes... not here, mate. I went back once, for two days, and that was enough for me. I'm here until you guys deport me.

**skelstar** · 15th January 2008, 15:32

Originally Posted by koba

I am finding myself getting a bit ratty at some of the "fresher" poms on here as they come and "whinge" (my words) that things are generally done differently! (what did you/they expect?)

You're talking about Jimbo600 eh?

Blenheim SI NZ

**Hitcher** · 15th January 2008, 15:32

Point of clarification please: How can somebody be a "British" rider if they were born and raised in New Zealand? How does that work?

**007XX** · 15th January 2008, 15:33

Noumea, New Caledonia.

And before anyone says it: no it is not the paradise it seems to be. I will never go back to living there, as NZ is the place I am happiest.

**spookytooth** · 15th January 2008, 15:35

born in pomglier olds decided the place sucked when i was 1 did the decent thing when i was 38 and became a kiwi

**mstriumph** · 15th January 2008, 15:48

born a brit
ritually dipped a kiwi
currently living in exile ....

**Usarka** · 15th January 2008, 16:29

Originally Posted by White trash

Porthedland, Western Australia.

You're welcome.

Wow, and I thought it was just a nick-name

**White trash** · 15th January 2008, 16:33

Originally Posted by Usarka

Wow, and I thought it was just a nick-name

It's a lifestyle sonny.

**ceebie13** · 15th January 2008, 16:42

Uncle Pom Cobbley, that's me!

I don't understand Brits who come here and whinge about all things Kiwi, but I guess that some do arrive here and find it's not for them.

I haven't been back (yet), and although I miss certain aspects of the UK (my daughters for two), in general I'm just as happy here.

I didn't even bother with a recce. Just turned up...four years ago to this day to be precise...and still lovin' it! Just as well, cos it's a one-way trip financially.

So cheers to all you Kiwis who have made me feel so welcome. And a huge thank you to the special Kiwi chick who got me in the back door! Good on ya...sweet as...awesome...good as gold...no worries.

Riccardo

**Ixion** · 15th January 2008, 16:46

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Point of clarification please: How can somebody be a "British" rider if they were born and raised in New Zealand? How does that work?

Well, I was born (and raised) in New Zealand, a British subject of His Imperial Majesty. And still consider myself a Kiwi and a subject of Her Most Britannic Majesty.

So I don't see your problem.