The "Birds Galore" tour of the South Island

[Hammer]

You know my thoughts on this Malcom as I am turning traitor!!! (particularly now my hip has packed it in after I got home). Of course we won't be dragging the strom against a bird will we. Like I said next year we will make it Stoms & Others Tour - how would the guys react to that?

[Blackbird]

You know my thoughts on this Malcom as I am turning traitor!!! (particularly now my hip has packed it in after I got home). Of course we won't be dragging the strom against a bird will we. Like I said next year we will make it Stoms & Others Tour - how would the guys react to that?

As long as Gixxer 1000's are excluded Mind you, they self-exclude by crashing and range considerations

[Alice]

Glad you all made it home safe and sound. Twas good to meet ye 3.

I rode over the Rimutukas not up the Coast as we had taked about earlier, had the pleasure of an Aprilia and human for company on the way home. It was pissing down and blooowinggg over the Takas, but once we reached Greytown it stopped raining. We had food there then continued, it absolutely hosed down and blew like crazy until Eketahuna, the weather improved from there, once we hit SH50 you felt the rise in temperature and it was a very pleasant ride back to the Bay with a beer stop at the Tikokino Pub. The weather certainly looked meanacing towards the Coast as we rode in the dry before Greytown and I thought of you 3 and wondered what conditions you struck.

I had a great time on my trip also, and fortunately experienced brilliant weather as well as shitty cold rain and snow. It was an interesting experience to ride with snow on the ground and not at all expected. I would love to know how the guy that came into Mauria Hot Springs as I tryed to thaw out by the fire faired on the rest of his trip through the pass, he was not clothed at all for the conditions, I was and was still felt as warm as an iceblock.

[Blackbird]

Hi Alice! Great to meet you and hear that you got back ok. Sincere respect to you for undertaking the trip and riding through those conditions So what comes next, a 900 Hornet to keep those lovely naked Honda looks?

Yep , I was wondering about that guy you described too. What a fool. Don't forget to look us up in Tokoroa or Coromandel if you're passing through.

All the best.

Geoff

[Alice]

Hi Geoff,

Still deciding on my next bike, perhaps a Suzuki SV 650 with a few modifications. Still on a learners license so it won't be for awhile yet unfortunately. Lucky a cop didn't pull me over as I cruised along at 150k across the Mckenzie country, (well the VTR was screaning its little ring out really, but it loves it ) I'd have to be at my most charming to try to minimise the consequenses of that one.

If your ever down this way drop me a line, would be only to pleases to show you some of our lovely countryside.

[Jantar]

Some pics that Blackbird may not have.

1. Blackbird arriving at Wanaka (in a cage) with Dave dancing in delight.
2. Overlooking Lake Wakatipu on the Glenorchy road.
3. Bikey Cop by his BlackBird in the Eglington Valley.

[Blackbird]

Some pics that Blackbird may not have.

1. Blackbird arriving at Wanaka (in a cage) with Dave dancing in delight.
2. Overlooking Lake Wakatipu on the Glenorchy road.
3. Bikey Cop by his BlackBird in the Eglington Valley.

Stunning photos Malcolm but you're still a complete bastard The story of the gutless 4x4 will come out when the uncensored version of our ridereport gets written up!

[Highlander]

Stunning photos Malcolm

That goes for all the photos in this thread to date.

Looking forward to a trip down that way myself

[peasea]

"For those who haven't seen the South Island by bike, you really need to do it!"

Amen to that! I've toured there several times and like it so much we're moving there at the end of the year. The roads, the scenery, the people and the general feel of the place make for a great place to be, not just visit. The greater Nelson/Richmond area appeals.

Our plan is to have a biker-friendly sleepout for kickstarting other's Mainland adventures. We'll keep you posted via Bike Rider Magazine and NZ Petrolhead.

[Clive]

Great write up Geoff, love the shot of you in shorts in the snow

Rekindled my enthusiasm to get back out to NZ again, but this time definitely do the South Island.

Hope you get the stator problem sorted, and the bike recovered without upset - bloody unreliable those blue 'Birds. I kept telling you but you wouldn't listen

[Blackbird]

Hahaha - wasn't that cold either mate! Keen to have you and Kit here as soon as!

Davey has a red one so he'll keep us honest - if he can keep up