Sunday, January 26, 2014

Crossing the Ditch

It's been a long time in the planning, about 18 years if I remember rightly since my brother and I had been talking of riding around New Zealand. To be honest I didn't think it was ever going to happen since we'd now both moved apart and have families of our own with our own busy lives, but one day early last year I received an email which started the ball rolling. It seemed like a long way off way back on that April day to even dream of this but finally after months of planning its finally only a couple of short weeks off now. To say I'm looking forward to this would be the understatement of the year.

I've spent quite a bit of time looking at maps, studying the motorcycle atlas, remembering places I've already been to, searching google up and down for all sorts of things and spending hours looking at various accommodation options. I've finalised the route plan which looks something like the map below and all is now in readiness for the coming race, er tour.

I must also mention here a big 




to my fantastic, beautiful, wonderful gorgeous wife for allowing me to do this.







16 comments:

  1. I hope you enjoy your visit - I know you'll enjoy the riding! Let me know if you need any help.

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    1. I'm really looking forward to it. I've been to NZ twice before but never on the bike. During our first trip in 2007 I said to my wife that one day I will 'HAVE' to come back and ride NZ. It's one of those bucket list things to do.

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  2. Awesome! Don't forget to enjoy the scenery, too… and bring back lots of pics. When will you be going, and for how long?

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    1. I'm sure we will take lots and lots of pics, you'll be able to read about it here when I get back and get some time to put it all together. We go in 2 weeks for 10 days, I'm sure that will be not enough though.

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  3. Good stuff Steve. Hope you guys have a ball. Looks like you have all the passes covered.

    As always, ride safe.

    Cheers

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    1. Hi Jules
      Yes I made sure that we do the 4 iconic passes plus some of the other great bike roads. I got some good info from your blog so thanks for that too mate.

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  4. He needs help...the rest of us will be ok though..!! Woo Hoo. 2 weeks to go!!

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    1. Normally I'd take offense to that but, yes maybe I do need help!

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  5. 10 days is a great start! The families are to allow the time. Have a great time! I look forward to the tales and pictures. :)

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    1. Thanks Beemer girl, there should be lots of piccies.

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  6. waiting in the wings for the report and pics
    how many sleeps to go
    am sure you will enjoy the trip

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    1. Not many to go now, better keep it on the quiet or Rogey might alert customs we are coming over and we will get locked up or something.

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  7. Whoohoo!!

    Good onya for getting to swipe one off the bucket list!! Have a ball and dont forget about us poor slobs back home riding the same old backroads :)

    Cant wait to see the write ups!!

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  8. Woo hoo indeed. I'll bring you back plenty of pics of mountains and twisty roads just so you can think about it all day when your at work. You'll want to be out on the bike.

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  9. Woohoo!! Give Rogey a hug for me on the way by, but beware if he offers you Saki or vodka - it's a trap :-)

    Have fun you two and take lots of pictures.

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    1. Unfortunately Rogey, Geoff and Andrew all live on the North Island and we are visiting the main land.

      Vodka, mmmm not really my cup of tea, we shall plunder the pubs and drink all their beer until the last drop.

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