First of all ,you all are the best hosts and hostesses. My wife and I had a wonderful time in NZ and can’t wait to return. My riding was short but sweet, even if it was in a city. [Christchurch]
Wednesday, 10/05 we picked up a late model 650GS from KEA. Took an afternoon ride through Christchurch and then out to Sumner Head. Just beautiful to look at and tremendous surf from the Pacific that afternoon. Took the long way back to motel with all the working people!!!
Thursday, 11/05. We did manage to get to Akaroa. Leaving from the Burnside area of Christchurch at about 8:30,our morning started out in a light drizzle. After negotiating the rush hour traffic through the city on SH73 onto SH75 the suburbs and the country started to appear. And less traffic. And clearing skies. A riders dream. Winding our way along with just beautiful scenery unfolding in front of us we continued to be in awe of your country. We had seen the dramatic heights of Mt. Cook and the Southen Alps, but Banks Peninsula has its own beauty. Nice roads with twistys thrown in here and there, along with steep inclines and dramatic drops in elevation. After numerous stops for photos and oohs and aahs, we arrived in Akaroa. What a picture perfect little town. I can see why it is a popular weekend spot for the for residents of Christchurch. We both enjoyed tea and pasteries at a nice waterfront bakery. After strolling about we mounted up on our peppy 650GS. Sweet bike to riding on for these roads. For the road back to the city, we chose one that said scenic tourist route. Well we were tourists. Hell with tourists, that is a nice bike road. Full of twists and turns. And rises and falls. Once again beautiful overlooks towards Akaroa and the Pacific. After stopping again in Little River for tea and pastries[what can I say , I like to eat and tip a few handles when done for the day!!] we headed up the Gebbies Pass road. Once again nice roads filled with twistys and great views. And a giant wind turbine. One of the first in NZ I was told?!? We stopped at the Allandale Reserve for a bit to read about the local history and check our maps. I did have Peter Mitchell's "Great Escape" book along with us and I could see we heading for Governors Bay and the Lyttleton area. Having been to Sumners Head the day before, I was wee bit familar with area. And the tunnel. This time through it I did take off the sunglasses. Much better visibility.This time after exiting the tunnel I used my sense of direction instead of following a map to get back to Burnside area. Christchurch is a pretty easy city navigate. But it is a city none the less.
12/05,Friday we awoke to a torrential rain. Didn't even try to convince my better half to ride. Took bus into city and did the cultural things. I did enjoy your museums and old buildings. By dinner time the skies had cleared and we rode off for our evening meal. It was cool but comfortable.
13/05 Saturday. Oh we have to head for home today. BUMMER!! But the bike doesn't have to be back till 1PM and we don't fly until 4PM. That will be enough time to ride to Arthurs Pass. After I scrape a HEAVY frost of our seat. Ivan our innkeeper, just stands there shaking his head in disblief, that we are actually going. He tells me I will be just as cool as that seat after about an hour of riding. I told him I will watch the roads carefully and turn the HEAT on HIGH!!! So off we go onto SH75 towards Arthurs Pass. And are the mountains ever coverd in snow. All the rain day before ended up as the white stuff in the higher elevations. But the sign in Springfield said all the roads were open and passable. Well we got just several kilometers beyond Porters Pass and into the clouds. Made a swipe on my face shield and it was FROSTY. Pulled to the side of the road and cupped some water with my riding boot and it didn't roll down the pavement to fast. I told my wife we didn't come all the way around the world to crash and burn. So even though we didn't get to the Pass, we tried. Maybe next time. Returning to KEA by 12:30 and turning the bike in, we still had ridden over 330K in just over two and a half days. I was just hungry for more. Arrgh. But my honey says when we come back,not if, she will take a car with all our gear and I can hopefully meet up with some BMWOR riders and REALLY see your country. I just salivate when I look at some of the photos posted by your members.
And lastly, if any of you ever come to Maine, any or all of you[just don't come all together if possible] have a place to bunk[we have big barn]. I do have an extra bike to lend. After the GS is fixed that is. I also have a "92 R100RS. After my wife was told they are airheads, so told me that was appropiate for me. Well I hope I didn't bore you too much with our travel tales and we can't wait to return!!!
