DOWN UNDER #2

Here's the next installment of Ronnie New Zealand adventure...read on...



As mentioned in my previous letter to Frank, I did some exploring with Chris on his wife's Ninja 650.  That first afternoon we visited a scenic area about a 45 minutes ride from their home.  I was constantly amazed at the variations in the vegetation.  Open fields, lush jungle-like areas, magnificent lookouts over the numerous inlets. In New Zealand you're never far from the ocean with deep inlets on both sides of the country. Of course that means some spectacular riding areas. But, speeds are not too high for obvious reasons, and on a bike we rarely had traffic backed up behind us. Following that first afternoon trip, we headed back to 'home' and as jet lag set in, I was out like a light until morning.  Over the next few days Chris took me to meet some of his riding buddies.  They were a diverse lot, ranging from FAST, to ordinary.  Being new to the area, Chris kept an eye on me and made sure I didn't get in over my head on an unfamiliar machine on unfamiliar roads.

  

One trip we took was north to a place to where they used to have a summer home.  Once their kids were grown, and on their own, they found they weren't using it much so sold it.  In the last few days before I left for home, Chris purchased a Mercedes Camperized Van that they intend to use a lot.  On one ride up towards the north from 'home', the group passed through some scenic areas, with lots of twisties.  The group  strung out quickly as the fast guys hit the afterburner. We spent a lovely afternoon with his rider buddies in some rather quick runs from town to town.  A lunch stop across from an ocean view was lovely and made me appreciate what a unique country this is. 

  On the way back "Home" Chris and I split from the group part way back and he lead me on more spectacular roads.  Freeways are virtually unknown beyond the big cities, and that suited me just fine.  My next big adventure after the first week was to travel to the South Island in a rental car. I explored the idea of renting a bike, or borrowing Christine's Ninja.  the cost of renting a bike was close to the cost of a car, and the weather wasn't looking near as nice over the next week, and the southern island is known for it's wild weather. I chose discretion over valour and rented a little Suzuki car.  Good choice as it turned out.