American wandering New Zealand

[the vet]

I'll arrive in Auckland on Dec 7 and 5 days later I'll be 43 years old. I was born in NY, but I've lived in 6 different states and in a few countries; mostly 20 years ago, and mostly for shorter periods of time. I first thought I'd come to NZ to just explore your beautiful country and meet New Zealanders, traveling by motorcycle, taking my time, fishing along the way, engaging the adventure and beauty your country is known for. Then I thought, if I can work along the way, all the better, and tomorrow I'll accept a 6 month position based in Wellington which should also get me a work permit good for 5 years. So the plan as it stands now.....travel for 2 months, work 6 months, travel and/or work for another 3-4. At that point I'll try and decide to stay, or return to the States; that is part of the adventure for me...the unknown.

This is my first attempt at a ride report. So bear with me until I can work out some 'flow', and a way to seamlessly attach pictures. I am starting early with this so that I can perfect the process before I actually arrive; at which time I imagine 'the process' will be more challenging. I have enthusiastically devoured some of the ride reports on ADVrider; there are some wonderfully talented storytelling motorcycle adventurers out there. Emails will be the best way to contact me directly. srndptee@gmail.com

I need a change in my life. What the heck...how can I pass on an opportunity like this?

[jrandom]

Welcome to the forum.

Plenty of commercial farming operations and suchlike in NZ, so as a vet I'd imagine that you'd have an easy time finding work here.



I guess you'll be stuck with small animal practice in Wellington, though?

[portokiwi]

Welcome mate. Kia ora. I hope you enjoy your stay here in NZ

[James Deuce]

Drop me a line when you get here and we'll sort out the beer thing.

I'm 43 on the day you arrive.

[the vet]

If Northern California didn't have some fantastic off road riding opportunity, I would have never stayed here the 9 years that I have been. But the 'good' riding season is short. It may not rain at all----zero----from March to October here. The terrain turns brown, fires are common, the riding areas become intolerably dusty....but when the rains do start, the ground becomes perfect. Quickly it can transform to a sloppy mess with area closures and deep muddy ruts, but when the rains first come Oct/Nov, or the mud starts to dry in March, the riding is magical...and here are some pics (hopefully) from riding after the first rains of the season....and maybe my last ride in California.

typical Northern California landscape; this about 2.5 hours drive north of San Francisco, entering into Mendocino National forest from the East side....otherwise known as Stonyford.

[the vet]

Still trying to work the photo attachments out....bear with me. Would be nicer if they were full size rather than thumbnails....any suggestions?

The riding terrain in Mendocino National forest. The pics are from more open areas, although you can get into some really nice narrow single track in thick conifer forest.

[the vet]

We camped at about 500 m elevation, and climbed up to the good riding at about 2700-3000 m where it began to rain and then got really cold. We were soaked through, but the conditions were epic.

I had to pour the water out of my boots before setting them next to the fire in an attempt to dry (not melt) them before morning

[the vet]

two more pics, then I'll wait for some attachment advice....

a photo from a trip to the Canyon Lands region of Utah----Moab area, and a picture of the tarmac half of my motorcycle persona; this pictured on the Northern California coast....Pt. Reyes Station.

Tomorrow I'm off to Colorado with nearly all of my belongings in my truck and a 14 ft. enclosed trailer....into storage with it all...indefinitely

[Subike]

All those pics came out 100% ok
Thats a very nice Yammy road bike you have, I like the color.
You are going to love the adventure riding here, if you ever get off our awsome touring roads.
might just meet you at a southern rally during those 5 years

[MIXONE]

Welcome mate and being based in Wellywood for a while you'll find plenty of like minded bikers within a 15 minute ride no matter what or how you ride it.

[Hitcher]

A Yamaha FJR1300! Obviously you are a man of taste and discernment.

[James Deuce]

He won't be that until we send him home in a Taxi from the Mac's Bar.

[vifferman]

I'm 43 on the day you arrive.

That's like... really old, Man!

[gijoe1313]

Thanks for sharing your rides in US of A, always room for more bikers out this ways ... I'm sure you'll find plenty of good roads, dodgy cagers and some great company among the bikers of this land!

Dang, it must be a great feeling to go riding on roads in different parts of the world! (gotta do that myself ASAP!)

[henry]

He won't be that until we send him home in a Taxi from the Mac's Bar.

Pfffftttttt. Malthouse mate. Get some real beer down him.