An interesting run from the northshore to palmerston north around 600kms. The plan is to escort my daughter who will be riding my VL250 Cruiser, her second ride in her life.
Kim & Sarah came up a few weeks ago to visit and take a test ride of my LF250, they have only done one ride on anything before, a little 50cc scoot to do their learners licence on. Now they plan to sit their restricted bike licence so need a few weeks of road miles to hone a few basic skills, Both girls did extremely well considering their lack of past experience., anyhow after a couple few kms ridden around SH16 & 17 they drove on back to Palmy for work.
Couple of weeks later and Kim has flown up to borrow the LF for a few weeks so they can do the second stage licence. Now this is a pretty gutsy ride to do with little experience, so we set off early in the morning and head south. The weather is cool, and the roads are not bad, Kim leads the way for a time and we swap taking point here and there. Stopped just before Taupo for fuel as Kim is now on reserve, and stopped for a 30-40min break for lunch. The trip further south proves a lot more interesting, rainy squalls , muddy roadworks, slippery roads & windy around the Marton area, but Kim just flies on, arriving in Palmy just intime for some hot scones and a brew.
Man am I impressed, I know a lot of riders who couldnt handle such a trip, but She arrived relaxed and with a grin from ear to ear. After this run improved far beyond some much older riders Ive seen. she has put into practice all the things she has learn’t and is thinking and scanning surface conditions, Weather and anticipating challenges on the move very well. And importantly minimising risks every second.
She has also learnt that what gear looks warm cosy & dry at first glance is NOT nessesarily true when you are cruising at hiway speeds and windchill and rain can make for gear failure. So She has quickly got herself better boots etc.
God, only aother 6 months and she will be asking to take the Voyager for a spin… Bugger…..