Another big tour of the north and south island is now complete, 5600 odd kilometers in 14 days and some of the best touring Ive done anywhere.
We started on the 12th Feburary, the plan being that all riders would meet at nights at fixed overnight stops, make their own changes to routes to suit themselves, dive off here, join up there, whatever, if they wished to visit specific places, or to travel as a group, riders choice,  Id made requests during the year for any specific spots people wanted included, without a lot of response I might add, so I set a basic route seemed popular. I had assumed other riders would at least load the route into thier satelite navigations or at least take a map, but it seems only some did. So off we set riding from the north shore to our over night stop in Wellington.  Two routes in mind, depending on the weather either a straight SH1 run or basically zig zagging down the western side of the north island, no particular destinations in mind but rather to catch some roads I havent done for some time. its the ride thats important rather than the destination as they say  We stopped every 160 odd kms for fuel and Taumaranui for a refuel of riders and headed on to National Park and Ohakune, on to Waiouru.

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The DV’s emmigrate about as far south as one can go, by Mark & Jo (DV)

After being made redundant from work on the 6th of April and unsuccessfully looking in the North Island for another job, the decision was made to accept our sons invitation to stay with him and look for work in Southland. The only issue being getting everything down there, furniture, car, bike etc. A small logistical nightmare.

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Our first Public Blog
Pre run.
12th March 2009, took the bike in for its 6000km service a little early (4500) because I plan to be mid south island when its required, 13th and the bike is being loaded, both Panniers chokka block full of wet gear, Cables Chargers and plugs for electronics, Caps and Wet Weather Gloves, then add a huge pack on the rear shelf, plus another full size bag, Lo has everything minus the kitchen sink, and as usual we are well over catered for, winter woollies, and even a pair of Shoes/dress/etc etc. Filled the tank to brimming and we are set to hit the road.

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