A BRILLIANT COUPLE OF DAYS

kiwi60 · Post by **kiwi60** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 3:31 pm

On Boxing Day, I set off to the Wanganui Cemetery Circuit 500km's away at 7.00am with my good friend John, me on the SV1000S and him on his BMW R1100S.

We headed down via the back roads, enjoying perfect riding weather and fantastic winding roads.
With a few stops for petrol and food we rolled into a blisteringly hot Wanganui at 12.30, and set about stowing our geat with the Triumph Owners Club - $10 well spent.

Seating arrangements are unique, but are part of the city's culture and no body means to offend, and no offence it taken.

The racing was intense - these guys have giant cahones to throw bikes around on a tight demanding circuit like this!!

A Britten was 'paraded' by Andrew Stroud, and it was great to see and hear it ripping around again.

Every wonder what came before John Britten built that iconic bike, well first there was the Aero De Zero - check out the suspension in the mirror floor - and this was the '80's!!

Then the Aero De One - check out the motor

Then the Aero De Two

It turns out kiwi's will race anything with two wheels including Harley SoftTails!!

This guy kicked some a$$, including an aggressivley ridden Guzzi, and he proceeded to take a few more scalps as well.

How about a VMax

IronHead Sportster

Triumph Bonnie

Following a day of great racing from all classes including Formula One, Formula 3, Sidecars, Super Motards, and pre 82 / 89, we headed over to the nearby city of Palmerston North and proceeded to attempt to wipe out the Bourbon & Coke supply (nope failed there).
Next day we went to a local bike show celebrating 100 years of bike racing in NZ.

The bike simulator was a real laugh, and after I thought I'd set a good time, an 8 year old absolutley blew me into the weeds...
When we came out there were a group of riders out putting some serious km's on their CB750's - there made to be ridden - not hidden.

We decided to head back to Auckland via the middle of the North Island, taking in beautiful scenery and fantastic roads

John and I swapped bikes for a while, and although the BM is a great touring bike, I far prefer the instant power and fast handling of my SV.
Going up the Desert Road, I was back on the SV and we were treated to more spectacular scenery and there's even still a bit of snow on the mountains

After an enjoyable couple of days away, the bike needs a wash, my clothes need a wash, and I need a wash, but what a great way to unwind.

Ride Safe Everyone

rush1 · Post by **rush1** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 5:26 pm

great pictures. The weather looks awsome. I'm glad you had a great time. I like the pictures of the older bikes. They are getting harder and harder to find. I see all that sunshine and then I look outside and all I see is snow, Maybe in a couple months I will be riding again.

stan · Post by **stan** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 5:34 pm

where is that emoticon for green with envy, that is almost a perfect getaway for me, and to see a Britten run would have been great, (i did see it run at a superbike meet at PI ridden by Andrew Stroud.)

what a way to spend a christmas, great pics, and here's me on night shifts

All the best to you and yours for the season Kiwi

stan

RUFtech · Post by **RUFtech** » Sun Dec 28, 2008 10:51 pm

Nice pics and amazing ride. I guess you guys could teach the Hardley riders over here a thing or two.

Hey Rush1, your avatar stops to soon. Lets see the rest.

hotcam · Post by **hotcam** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 12:58 am

exactly what all the previous guys said!

rush1 · Post by **rush1** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 5:40 pm

I wish she would go all the way.

Post by **Hooligan** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 11:14 pm

new zealand looks absolutely beautiful, i would love to spend some time there.

the bikes that came out of britten's shop are amazing. i have a recent bike mag with a great write-up on john's skills as a designer/fabricator/racer. incredible.