[Geoff]

For all the non-Kiwis on this forum, you might be interested in what it's like to ride in NZ as I've uploaded a whole load of photos of a recent 2000 km short tour to my blog with a bit of narrative.

There's nothing like NZ's south island for touring by bike but some mates and I were due to attend a conference in the lower north island late last month and decided to turn it into a tour of some of the north island's back roads whilst we were at it. I haven't toured for over 5 years and it was genuinely good for the soul. We had an absolute ball and were amazed just how little traffic there was on the roads in late summer if you pick the route with a bit of care. We also met some awesome people all the way round, from gas station attendants to cafe and motel staff and so on.

https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-green-badge-tour-part-1.html

https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-green-badge-tour-pt-2.html

https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-green-badge-tour-pt3.html

My Duke 790 turned out to be a really competent touring machine, travelling light. Have owned it for just on a year and it's turned out to be the perfect choice for this old fella - makes me laugh every time I throw a leg over it!

Cheers,

Geoff

 

[YoungLion]

Great job on all 3 parts Geoff - easy writing style and other than my fumbling to understand some Kiwi phrases it was an enjoyable read - you boys know how to tour!

 

[Geoff]

Great job on all 3 parts Geoff - easy writing style and other than my fumbling to understand some Kiwi phrases it was an enjoyable read - you boys know how to tour!

Thanks YL, it was great that the conference fitted in nicely. Next year, it's in the south island so I think a lengthy tour down south has to be on the cards before I get too old! :grin:

 

[airfingy]

Looks like you had fun.

 

[Geoff]

Looks like you had fun.

Sure did! NZ is a fantastic place to ride motorcycles. Small population, not much traffic and plenty of twisty roads :grin:

 

[Booney]

Hi Geoff
Love NZ, especially the North Island. We were back packing/woofing there back in the mid nineties and had a whale of a time! Many fond memories and we met the nicest people too.
And John Britten what a man and what a bike - the story just took our breath away!
All the best
B

 

[Geoff]

Hi Booney,
Glad you enjoyed your time in NZ. One of my friends here on the Coromandel Peninsula has woofers on his organic farm. I've seen the Britten race on many occasions including earlier this year. You can actually stay at John Britten's amazing house as part of it is open for bed and breakfast. A friend has stayed there and it has a lot of memorabilia of John.
Thanks for your reply!