tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85453324385271001992024-03-13T21:40:50.318-07:00All Things Rogey!The ramblings of a 40 something motorcyclist. My trips,opinions, needs, views and anything I think important written here. Hopefully inspiring some along the way.
Now including my "Rogeys Gravel Rash Adventures"......as I embark on a new journey off road...Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-78929493844373219702014-09-15T18:15:00.000-07:002014-09-17T01:12:09.539-07:00Bloody Hell Bob!Bloody hell Bob you've gone.<br />
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You are going to be missed by many in the blogosphere! .You were a good guy mate, Any one that that travels from Vancouver to San Francisco just to see me will always be held in high regard in my books.<br />
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You were a interesting guy! Once I managed to get you to stop taking my photo and could get to know you, you had a interesting story to tell. You had a heart of gold, loved motorcycling..and gadgets.....god did you love gadgets. <br />
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You never did make in it down under, but I am sure that where you are now the scenery is better!<br />
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You were the cornerstone of motor blogger world, and every one knew Bob.<br />
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Will miss you mate, and your blogs about bloody crocs...pink ones at that.<br />
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Where ever you are Bob, I hope that your camera is always charged, the road always windy and the gas tank always full! <br />
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My Aroha goes out to Yvonne and your family.<br />
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Roger. <br />
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<br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-30224188362936684562013-08-13T17:38:00.001-07:002013-08-13T17:38:34.520-07:00Wonderful Achievement.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here is a link to a nice little article about Taylor's school team winning the Counties Manukau Schools title. It was a wonderful achievement</div>
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You can read it <a href="http://www.times.co.nz/sport/three-year-spring-into-nz-team.html">here</a>.</div>
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The final game they played was an absolute cracker and Taylor was the Captain for the day. She is normally Vice Captain anyway but there captain was off injured. Man I was (as most parents were) a wee bit vocal. It was seriously thrilling and one of the games of the year for me personally, and trust me I have sat through a few!.</div>
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As anything with sports there are ups and downs and the following week with Taylor taking part in Auckland Trials she injured her leg in the game the day before and couldn't partake. Thankfully she gets another chance next Monday.</div>
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It is great to see Taylor be a part of some great teams, creating memories for the future. Knowing what it feels like to be apart t of a team spirit, as well as accepting the good, and the some times heart breaking experiences. She is developing life long friends. And a passion for excellence. </div>
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Of course the upside for me is that while she is busy with football she has no time for boy friends...which is good cause I haven't got around to getting my gun license yet.</div>
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<br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-73032224940278902852013-08-09T13:42:00.002-07:002013-08-09T13:42:58.321-07:00A view point.I tend to keep my social commentary and personal points of view on sensitive topic to myself.<br />
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But a few days ago I found this open letter to the IOC penned by Stephen Fry. It is well written and I think it is true.<br />
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I found it touched a relevant nerve.<br />
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There is an element of truth to what he says.<br />
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You can read his brilliant article here..<a href="http://www.stephenfry.com/2013/08/07/an-open-letter-to-david-cameron-and-the-ioc/">Stephen Fry</a><br />
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I hope he does not mind me posting it!<br />
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Personally though, the only effect a boycott would have, would be to punish the athletes who have worked so hard to get there. <br />
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It is ironic when I think back to the Moscow boycott of 1980.....initiated by the USA opposing the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan...<br />
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Overall, as much as I agreee with his thoughts, I would rather see sports and politcis not mixing.<br />
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Feel freee to voice an opinion..<br />
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<br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-84825821561081459762013-08-07T13:41:00.000-07:002013-08-07T13:41:25.566-07:00The Perfect Corner.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sunday once again was a wonderful day. With winter all but non existent it was decided that a few of us would go for a social ride. Andy on his k1300 r (affectionately called Brutus), Bruce on his VFR 800 ( affectionately called ..."underpowered"), a couple of other guys from IAM and Myself. Andy is an observer and Bruce is all but, Brett and Peter, although yet to pass there test are both excellent riders. </div>
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So all of us are heavily influenced by our IAM training, or more specifically "Road craft".</div>
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It was a day for just riding, no observing or debriefs, just a good ole fashion ride around some of the wonderful roads the west coast has to offer. </div>
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It was while we were riding , and while I was following Bruce that we began to discuss the perfect corner. The beauty of intercoms allowed us to discuss a few things while riding.</div>
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Bruce is a very talented rider, who demonstrates the art of cornering so precisely and elegantly it is a pleasure to watch. Of course it is a continuing process for all of us. But from where I looked, when it is done well, it is a pure art form and a beautiful thing to behold. Bruce is very very precise and carries excellent corner speed. </div>
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It got me to thinking how much my riding has changed over the last few years. How my desire for smoothness, precision and perfection seems to encompass my riding so much now. And I don't just mean when the roads are dry and the camber perfect. </div>
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I mean when you come into a off camber, wet, shiny corner and and yet put your bike around it perfectly, exiting under throttle and feeling the bike drive out. It is a wonderful feeling. More importantly knowing why it felt good and being able to rinse and repeat at will.</div>
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Cornering on a bike, is one of my life's greatest pleasures. It is why I ride. I never perfect every corner exactly as I would like all the time, ...but that doesn't stop me from trying. </div>
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On our way back Bruce was leading with me tucked in behind. We managed to put a bit of distance between us and the others, but i warned Bruce that Andy loves a challenge and would only give us a few minutes before he would attempt to chase us down.....six minutes later Andy 's light appears in our mirrors....I love motorbikes. </div>
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Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-75213386586669471812013-07-27T23:46:00.001-07:002013-07-27T23:46:44.933-07:00Winter? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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July, supposedly one of our wettest and coldest months down under has been any thing but.<br />
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Warm, mild temperatures in the mid teens (Celsius). And dry, with nothing but the odd shower. <br />
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Of course this has meant some decent weather for riding, nothing big. No big tours but good riding weather none the less.<br />
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Sunday was to be no different. <br />
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The IAM Sunday ride falls on the last Sunday of the month, but I decided to play hooky today and go for a ride with Nathan. I have done a lot of IAM stuff of late, as well as running around after Taylor and her endless football demands. All of that is good, but it was time for me to do some thing with my son.<br />
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So with Taylor at her game, I headed out with Nat on the back. To be honest I wasn't sure where we were going to go, but it occurred to me as we were leaving that I had never taken him to Muriwai. I have taken Taylor before but not Nat. <br />
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We are so blessed here in this country to have easy access to some wonderful marine parks, beaches and reserves. All with easy access and a short ride. Muriwai is one of Auckland's wonderful West coach beaches. In New Zealand the West coast is considered the rougher side. But that has its advantages and disadvantages....surfers love it...but dangerous swimming.<br />
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As u can see it was a lovely ride. With some great pic's of a guy paragliding by the gannet colony, as well as great views. Coffee was brilliant and the food from the local cafe exceptional. So we were only out for a few hours but it was just a great day.<br />
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<br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-52693180406108449842013-06-28T21:46:00.001-07:002013-06-28T21:46:22.673-07:00Meanwhile downunder....It has been raining a lot. Did I say a lot? Yes a lot. I don't think I have ever seen it as wet as it has been the last couple of months, we may have had an awesome summer but we are making up for it now.<br />
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Normally our winters aren't to bad. Certainly motorbike riding is not out of the question. But the roads have not had a chance to dry out and it is evident by some slippery and slimy roads. Geoff was talking the other day about taking a couple of associates out for IAM and both had traction issues. <br />
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So apart from a few IAM runs my motorbiking has been limited. This has of course given me the opportunity to settle into the new house, set up my we man cave and do a few things to the bikes. Finally getting around to setting up the GPS on the 650 and other electrical gadgets on the k1200.....u know what I mean, fish finders and the like! It is also a good time to sit down and start planning a few bike trips. Very keen to hit the South Island again this year on the 650 so I can explore some of the great back road leading up to the high country. Roads like the <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/media-releases/2011/molesworth-station-road-to-open-for-25th-season/">Molesworth</a> road are places I haven't seen or ridden. I want to concentrate on the upper South Island taking in the Nelson lakes etc.<br />
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There is something to be said for a small home. Easy to manage and run. Very happy I must say.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Captain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0V65xO_u3XEcGy5GohzWjE48jSnWsUZc-Oc1xADHHkOLUOQSXknAX3tuaeHkDcXyXycg3zgEHTecN1-2WNlBKyoMhxsCFuBJzFmf2_b_dcKESzFqj97qy5yTh6ZiVt3KK0NOsdCIJMmY/s1280/IMG_0180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0V65xO_u3XEcGy5GohzWjE48jSnWsUZc-Oc1xADHHkOLUOQSXknAX3tuaeHkDcXyXycg3zgEHTecN1-2WNlBKyoMhxsCFuBJzFmf2_b_dcKESzFqj97qy5yTh6ZiVt3KK0NOsdCIJMmY/s320/IMG_0180.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the Team oreon cap....xx</td></tr>
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With the soccer season in full swing, the week with the kids is taken up with endless football training's and games for Taylor. Meanwhile Nat has joined the sea scouts and decided mountain biking is what he wants to do...which means Dad has to do it to....shit. Should be fun I suppose and we do have some decent tracks close by. I just do prefer an engine when sitting on two wheels.<br />
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Hopefully some decent motorbike blods to follow soon.....as soon as spring gets here!<br />
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<br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-49534404350985693622013-06-15T21:31:00.000-07:002013-06-15T21:31:06.154-07:00The K1200s<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42_xunGSKbPFht5GWaUabfJvsNrudNmdMKJ9gvzlh346Mo8gk9KItKcklGDwvrg6mnPpP9ezU7-OTnORvex6TyyxkpW4wC9TZ1vEy4R_bOFOeBHGv4OXKuW_KWD9kTgrE1K0NvhFJ_14/s1600/P1000636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42_xunGSKbPFht5GWaUabfJvsNrudNmdMKJ9gvzlh346Mo8gk9KItKcklGDwvrg6mnPpP9ezU7-OTnORvex6TyyxkpW4wC9TZ1vEy4R_bOFOeBHGv4OXKuW_KWD9kTgrE1K0NvhFJ_14/s320/P1000636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since I have got back into bikes there have been only one that really touched my soul. It was my Daytona 955i. It had a beauty of a engine, sounded like it was on steroids and handled well. It just has some thing. There has been nothing wrong with any of the other bikes I have owned, but none of them moved me the way the 955 did. The sprint was great did every thing right..but it never really stirred me.</div>
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So along comes this BMW K1200s. Splendid in black with an aftermarket exhaust, and I knew the instant I started it up that we were going to have a beautiful relationship. The throaty growl from the twin brothers aftermarket exhaust just enhances the thrill of the in line four, it really does sound like a turbine engine eating cocaine. </div>
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Like most BMW's it came pretty specked up. Heated grips, Electronic Suspension adjustment, traction control, luggage...and attitude, and did I say it looks good!</div>
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The biggest bonus of this bike is it's handling. The ESA has an arrange of options which are easily adjusted by the button on the bars. Stroll through I can adjust when I have a pillion, or carrying luggage, or if I just want a "quick" bit of fun.</div>
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Which brings me to the word quick.......</div>
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<h2 class="me" style="color: black; display: inline; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
quick</h2>
<sup style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.75em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"></sup> <span class="pronset" style="color: #333333;"><span audio="http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/audio/luna/Q00/Q0037100.mp3" default="http://dictionary.reference.com/audio.html/lunaWAV/Q00/Q0037100"><embed align="texttop" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" flashvars="soundUrl=http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/audio/luna/Q00/Q0037100.mp3" height="15" id="speaker" loop="false" menu="false" quality="high" salign="t" src="http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/d/g/speaker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="17" wmode="transparent"></embed></span> <span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><span class="prondelim" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[</span><span class="pron" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">kwik</span><span class="prondelim" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">]</span> <a class="questionmark" href="http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/Spell_pron_key.html" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: url(http://static.sfdict.com/en/i/dictionary/newserp/Sprite_New.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: -176px -215px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; height: 16px; position: relative; text-decoration: underline; top: 2px; width: 16px;" target="_blank"></a> <span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"><a alt="Toggle for IPA" class="pronlink" href="" style="color: #999999; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-left: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to show IPA">Show IPA</a> </span></span></span><span class="pg" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 3px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">adjective,</span> </span></span><span class="secondary-bf" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333;">quick·er,</span> </span></span><span class="secondary-bf" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">quick·est,</span> </span></span><span class="pg" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 3px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">noun,</span> </span></span><span class="pg" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 3px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">adverb,</span> </span></span><span class="secondary-bf" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333;">quick·er,</span> </span></span><span class="secondary-bf" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333;">quick·est.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="body" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="pbk" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="pg" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 3px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">adjective</span></span></span><div class="luna-Ent" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">1.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">done,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">proceeding,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">occurring</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">promptness</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">rapidity,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">action,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">process,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">etc.;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">prompt;</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword">immediate:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">quick</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">response.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">2.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">that</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">over</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">completed</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">within</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">short</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">interval</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">time:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">quick</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">shower.</span></span></span></div>
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<div class="luna-Ent" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">3.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">moving,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">able</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">move,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">speed:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">quick</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">fox;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">quick</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">train.</span></span></span></div>
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<div class="luna-Ent" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">4.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">swift</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">rapid,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">motion:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">quick</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">flick</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">wrist.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">5.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">easily</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">provoked</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">excited;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">hasty:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">quick</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">temper.</span></span></span></div>
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For me...point number four seems the correct definition.</div>
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This bike is an absolute weapon to ride. It is incredible responsive and has far more usable power than I think I will be ever able to use, saying that though I am keen to at least try. 0-100kms in 2.8secs....big grin factor, just need to remind my pillion before I open the throttle. </div>
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The biggest surprise for me was how comfy the bike is to ride, it's barely different to the Sprint. I think its title of hyper sports tourer seems pretty correct. I am not a small guy and it is very comfy for me. European bike built for Europeans...best sums it up.</div>
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Of course with any new bike purchase, it is essential that 'we'personlise it...bling bling bling..</div>
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So I have added a carbon fibre centre piece and battery cover, have to say looks the shits! whooo</div>
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Also, have added a tank bag which just clicks to the fuel tank, no straps, tidy and simple. Never been a fan of tank bags as a rule but pretty impressed with this one I got from <a href="http://pirateslair.net/intro.htm">Pirates Lair</a> in the states. While I am at it, Can't speak highly enough of these guys an girls, very helpful and a delight to deal with. Always scary when buying stuff from over seas but extremely happy with the result and service. </div>
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Having just moved into a new smaller home I have created a nice little man cave for me and the bikes, I even have a wee work bench, and I feel like quite the straight guy. So to help move the bikes around I purchased a Motorcycle trolley dolly, just flick the bike on to it with the centre stand and presto, piece of piss to move stuff around. I can more the bikes over to the corners and move them around depending on which one I am playing with. brilliant....now just looking for a nice little beer fridge to fit under my table and I have a place of refuge.</div>
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Sorry about he pics, camera was flat so just used my phone.</div>
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Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-73360098698096299362013-04-23T19:25:00.002-07:002013-04-23T19:25:23.845-07:00Here it tis.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OK, will put you all out of your misery, besides I am so excited I got to tell people.</div>
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I have to say I don't think the pics do it justice, it is a stunning bike in the flesh. </div>
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These are not my pics but ones taken from the advertisement I will post some of my own up when I get the bike in the garage, picking it up tomorrow.</div>
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This bike is going to be soooooooooooooooooooo much fun! Welcome to the world of hyper sports touring....</div>
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<b>2008 K1200 S</b></div>
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Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-2624669689372204022013-04-22T20:45:00.002-07:002013-04-22T20:45:39.026-07:00All good things...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1IoeLxlenG3G2OUSePBq2v9JsGYKyhKcVjgzp9Kx7ecbejl3WVdRllNtzMVF6ufF8nYoNhLWSPtt1skek1woytsmyZiVJ65-OkejoqNT6p-jK4r_gp82dZ5iWQRlLTYrGnjPOqLHUtE/s1600/P1000054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1IoeLxlenG3G2OUSePBq2v9JsGYKyhKcVjgzp9Kx7ecbejl3WVdRllNtzMVF6ufF8nYoNhLWSPtt1skek1woytsmyZiVJ65-OkejoqNT6p-jK4r_gp82dZ5iWQRlLTYrGnjPOqLHUtE/s320/P1000054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My all time favourite pic of the Sprint.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpJZ-JCUyEG8B9zjuSSi5OQOIIsd13TPV1J35r42sRRGSxclroyrXPlmntmSfjkQfOGHI-XWO2U_uUT07ATdXRMGDpze2nAmBsfjg8zdawFqF59dnx_kEc2QBDcdOM_P6x8xZn1TeeTk/s1600/P1010798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpJZ-JCUyEG8B9zjuSSi5OQOIIsd13TPV1J35r42sRRGSxclroyrXPlmntmSfjkQfOGHI-XWO2U_uUT07ATdXRMGDpze2nAmBsfjg8zdawFqF59dnx_kEc2QBDcdOM_P6x8xZn1TeeTk/s320/P1010798.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worlds longest place name.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuX9-aWCSxA7PAYaT1dNviTOfKSFkEB_ptucbhsqK4q-BIFoXFkWr5-w5g08jzMZ1Uaf9ZlC2ic5ptolnOmkwTo0W_dKCmwzPgtkuJMDntJJ3vj77WVrRdL16jfR-uGL-cVfc9CR-KNvs/s1600/P1000051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuX9-aWCSxA7PAYaT1dNviTOfKSFkEB_ptucbhsqK4q-BIFoXFkWr5-w5g08jzMZ1Uaf9ZlC2ic5ptolnOmkwTo0W_dKCmwzPgtkuJMDntJJ3vj77WVrRdL16jfR-uGL-cVfc9CR-KNvs/s320/P1000051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamiIGVF7mKPBgOe5SgfSBZEZr89PoVtU637_JPhpUtLOee7q3xx9oCVhGFTSVPbY7ha1lyddicp96Y9h2wDcdg8kywcOrEVD0ZmEutmuJQXJnIXq7lAKDhtfDpMTLWB9vbfCCYk5hSmg/s1600/P1000055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamiIGVF7mKPBgOe5SgfSBZEZr89PoVtU637_JPhpUtLOee7q3xx9oCVhGFTSVPbY7ha1lyddicp96Y9h2wDcdg8kywcOrEVD0ZmEutmuJQXJnIXq7lAKDhtfDpMTLWB9vbfCCYk5hSmg/s320/P1000055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arty pic....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor..</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCr7C5G7kHXw4XxwIQMlszhd-uhga2toVuLtLCPpRm0oFrBoixFjxQthn6aGXZcobEwBPlEvYEy_a04WtH1LRXNah9h7hqn-McFcW4wxDflIpFe3UjGI1N7G4UckFbmMxD6aiupmBOYlo/s1600/P1000295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCr7C5G7kHXw4XxwIQMlszhd-uhga2toVuLtLCPpRm0oFrBoixFjxQthn6aGXZcobEwBPlEvYEy_a04WtH1LRXNah9h7hqn-McFcW4wxDflIpFe3UjGI1N7G4UckFbmMxD6aiupmBOYlo/s320/P1000295.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzshnJiDzChJJlvTSLooDsY8nOH9Foa9Td_rII0V1ykSFvuIPDvroxNJOT_ikAuKW49pJck_D9dIi7t5ZiurziRVJMpAb3bezeo11cFs4kA4l0m6JU-3wGOLZHbuF-HXHiAb0aux__nk/s1600/P1000879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzshnJiDzChJJlvTSLooDsY8nOH9Foa9Td_rII0V1ykSFvuIPDvroxNJOT_ikAuKW49pJck_D9dIi7t5ZiurziRVJMpAb3bezeo11cFs4kA4l0m6JU-3wGOLZHbuF-HXHiAb0aux__nk/s320/P1000879.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off Road Adventures</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrJmF9SFRF5ySAe2jCY1RulJRgCupNy1MmG0f2YF4jl05wIrRaalB1htEXBJAl22oRBmZgSEsW4FYfvSrLqr1W1eKqKuzUnD0d842FAlJSGWkncvcr-8JxczOFwivx0C9eGqpOMHBNKs/s1600/P1000902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrJmF9SFRF5ySAe2jCY1RulJRgCupNy1MmG0f2YF4jl05wIrRaalB1htEXBJAl22oRBmZgSEsW4FYfvSrLqr1W1eKqKuzUnD0d842FAlJSGWkncvcr-8JxczOFwivx0C9eGqpOMHBNKs/s320/P1000902.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Island</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
must come to an end.<br />
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And so it is, that I bid farewell to my beloved Sprint. Sold in the flash of an eye.<br />
<br />
58000kms of happiness together has come to an end. Time to move on. Time for change. It is the most mileage I have ever done on a bike I owned. It has always been a good and reliable bike. BUT..<br />
<br />
Time for new bike......WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO<br />
<br />
I love bike shopping.<br />
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No sooner had the casket been lowered, the dirt piled high, was I out searching for the next thing to float my boat...<br />
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Actually motorbikes seem a bit like my relationships...they last about five years! (actually some only lasted five days but that is a drinking story, and don't get me started on the five hour ones). Buy me a bottle of Vodka and I will tell you all about it. <br />
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Anyway I digress..<br />
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I just felt it was time for a change, the sprint has been a great bike for me. But while I still can I want some thing with a little bit more sports than touring, a bit of grunt, and it needs to be sexy....besides I need to keep up with that <a href="http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2013/03/not-about-bikes-but-way-cool-ford-model.html">old bastard</a> from Coromandel.<br />
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So my lovelies watch this space....<br />
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I Will give you a hint though...it's black!<br />
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(hope you enjoyed some of my favourite pics with my bike)<br />
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<br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-71645360765989257072013-03-24T20:41:00.000-07:002013-03-24T20:41:59.149-07:00Pro Rider Training.<br />
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On Sunday I attended the Pro Rider training course in Albany. This course is run by Pro rider who is the designated provider of subsidized training here in Auckland. This is done through ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) and Auckland Transport. The cost to me personally was $50 with the remaining amount of $200 being subsidised.</div>
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Although I have done a lot of training over the last few years and have become an Observer for IAM, I am always open to learn more and improve my skills. </div>
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I registered for the course a couple of weeks before the day and the returning email told me I would be sent an email out the week before confirming venue etc. I did end up chasing up the information and eventually got it five days before. I was surprised to see that even though I put done my level as "Experienced"..this course catered to all levels. I really wondered how they were going to manage this.</div>
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When I arrived on Sunday I was again surprised to see just 4 instructors for 16 riders. I had expected a better ratio of instructors to riders .</div>
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The debrief consisted of a brief discussion on shoulder checks and road rules, before we were shown pictures of where to position our bike on corners. There was no mention of the widely accepted I.P.S.G.A system of motorcycle roadcraft and control (Information, Position, Speed, Gear and Acceleration). This surprised me as it is one of the fundamentals of road-craft training. TUG was only briefly mentioned. (<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">TUG is Take (information), Use (information), Give (information)</span>. </div>
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The five learners went off by themselves with another instructor and someone else to assist who had no qualifications to be teaching. (I know the person and skill level) This now left three instructors and 11 riders. </div>
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We initially rode out west where we would complete several circuits of the same road during the course of the day. My previous doubts as to the level and skill of the instructors began to be raised when I witnessed one of them continually fail to indicate through three roundabouts then ride through roadworks with a designated 30 km/hr speed limit at 70 km/hr . I questioned him and he said that he was doing 50 kms per hour...moot point really. Speed signs at road works are there for a reason.... didn't appreciate my bike getting showered with new gravel either.</div>
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I was beginning to get the impression that the level of training I have been getting and was expecting was not going to happen today. In fact, it appeared that the more numbers that were being pushed through the better, with no real consideration of the training quality provided. Important topics were ignored or simple brushed over.Braking was covered with a three minute video at lunch as well as counter steering. No demonstration was given. </div>
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The day dragged on with very little feed back to riders. Roadside debriefs consisted of short videos and more pictures to look at. It was one thing to talk about stuff, it is another thing to be taught it, showed it, and given time to put it into practise.</div>
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I was further alarmed when being overtaken buy a guy on a 250cc motorbike through the same 30 km/hr work zone I have just mentioned, showering my bike with stones and showing a blatant disregard for other road users. To rub salt in to the wound, none of the instructors mentioned it to him or confronted him about it. </div>
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Further frustration arose when I saw that the Pro rider leader was riding a bike that was not registered to be on the road. I was informed that it was, but again it is a moot point. The bike as it stood is illegal for not displaying a current registration and should not be ridden on the road until it does. This all coming from some one who is supposed to be setting an example and teaching safer road craft.</div>
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I was certainly getting frustrated at the amount of stuff that was not getting taught, or simply glossed over. And this is because the ratio of instructors to riders is too low and no proper training was ever going to happen. The majority of the day was spent practicing on the same piece of road going around corners. As the day drew to a close, I was disheartened to see three riders in front of me run compulsory stops signs. Again I think it reflects on a lack of proper instruction and a glossing over of the road rules at the beginning of the day. How after 5 1/2 hours of so called training are riders still running stop signs....something seriously is lacking in the approach taken to this training. </div>
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By three o'clock I still had yet to receive any feedback on my riding, when<span style="color: #ff6666;"> </span>I questioned this, I was told I was smooth but probably travelling too close to the centre <span style="color: red;"> </span>line on left hand bends. I did mention that I get excellent visibility through the corner from there, and always give up the position for safety .....oh good he says. End of conversation.</div>
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At the end of the ride I was given a certificate of completion, a smiley sticker on my dashboard to remind to to smile, relax and enjoy the ride, and a photocopied picture of the vanishing point.....the first time it was mentioned during the whole day. How the hell do you teach cornering with no emphasis on the vanishing point? I was also given a book on other reading material and encouraged to check out You Tube videos.</div>
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My honest opinion is that the level of training was poor, too many riders, unskilled instructors, not enough attention given to individual riders, all the time making a lot of money....taxpayer<span style="color: #ff6666;"> </span> funded money. To properly teach, demonstrate and assess someone's riding, one-on-one, or one-on-two coaching is the maximum you should expect. The old adage "People don't know what they don't know"..certainly rings true with me today.</div>
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I make no apologies for the bluntness of this blog, I have stood beside too many graves of dead bikers to stand by and see sub-standard training become the norm Regular readers will know that I am unashamedly passionate about motorcycle safety. Who is auditing these trainers, who is checking that what is being taught is of a high standard? Who is checking that tax money and ACC levies is being spent wisely?</div>
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ACC and Auckland Transport seriously need to assess where they are going with motorcycle training which measurably delivers value and high quality outcomes. It makes me thankful of the training path which I embarked upon nearly 2 years ago.</div>
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<br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-66873115220415050642013-02-15T21:46:00.001-08:002013-02-15T21:46:29.873-08:00I like this...I saw this pic on Face book, considering my last post, it touched a nerve.<br />
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It is Saturday night here, a hard day of house cleaning in prep for the sale..time for a Vodka..whoooRogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-57361755602292881402013-02-12T15:27:00.002-08:002013-02-12T15:27:25.586-08:00Dreaming of Jupiter?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNO7swXzXXkPVRFObfRPTu9gGhLcTaMooJPCrkKFjjhk93Dgj9mC2ZiC2xFEGR1vR20mCoaZh9KCWLkJGWzJd5HKp_dffwXw6AHULxggWHjxa1PeDL0Lvm_3p8ZsnG_n17hT4WzhNKMo/s1600/Peru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNO7swXzXXkPVRFObfRPTu9gGhLcTaMooJPCrkKFjjhk93Dgj9mC2ZiC2xFEGR1vR20mCoaZh9KCWLkJGWzJd5HKp_dffwXw6AHULxggWHjxa1PeDL0Lvm_3p8ZsnG_n17hT4WzhNKMo/s1600/Peru.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Simon">Dreaming of Jupiter.</a></b><br />
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I left school at 16. Went straight into an apprenticeship I brought a house, got married, had two fantastic kids, started a business, got divorced and had to rebuild financially again. Worked long hours and weekends. I have always done what was expected of me, what is right. I have always walked the well trodden path that lies before me. I have sought to "improve" myself through material gains. I have brought into the material side of life. </div>
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My travel has been limited to a few weeks every three or four years travelling some where. I never did a "BIG OE", which here in NZ is almost a right of passage. I have for a few years wanted to do a big trip, a trip that would define me. A trip which will keep me awake at night, not only from the excitement but also from fear. You could say I have been dreaming.</div>
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One day I would like to ship my bike to the states, ride to the top of Alaska, criss cross Canada and America, through Mexico then to the bottom of Argentina, cross the Andes a couple of times. Will I ever do it? Honestly , I don't know. </div>
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But, I can begin to prepare for just such a trip. It might not happen for a while, but there is no harm in continuing to dream. I have read many inspiring stories of average people, men and women, who have done this trip. There is nothing special about them, except an adventurous spirit and a love of life. The only difference is they have acted on there dreams. </div>
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So I have begun to make some changes, to UN clutter my life. To simplify things. I have a big mortgage and a big house, I don't need either. So next week the house goes on the market. I want to down size. Some thing easy to manage, and easy to rent out.</div>
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Time to get rid of two lounge sweets, and dinner sets and cutlery sets and stuff...just stuff, stuff I will probably never use...just stuff. I am over stuff...where the hell did it all this stuff come from.</div>
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I have enrolled in Spanish classes, winging it on kiwi probably not a good idea when trying to cross into Bolivia with a grumpy boarder guard! Languages, how I wish I was gifted with that skill. It will be hard work , but at the same time I am having fun.</div>
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Next is a mechanics course. My bike maintenance skills are severely lacking. It has always been easier to give to the expert and say "fix it". Time to learn a few basics. </div>
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So I am beginning to dream, to plan. Will it ever happen? I really don't know. It is still not the right time. The kids are still to young and in there early teens. Although they would not hesitate to support me if I did decide to go sooner rather than later. But plans are forming in my mind. If a window of opportunity presents it self, then who knows. In the meant time I shall continue to plan, scheme, and dream..</div>
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Until then, Bonjour! oh Shit...hang on ....... I mean Adios!</div>
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<br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-63115917414320952532013-02-09T13:52:00.002-08:002013-02-09T13:52:33.974-08:00Barber MusumnWhen I was in Atlanta living off Lori and Chris for free, they mentioned the world famous <a href="http://www.barbermuseum.org/">Barber Vintage Motorcycle Museum</a>, which is located a couple of hours north of where they live. I jumped at the opportunity to visit. It is not every day you get to see such an amazing collection of rare and vintage bikes. It is truly an astounding place that every biker should try to visit at least once. It is considered the largest motorcycle display any where in the world.<br />
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On the way there we go past the famous <a href="http://www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/?homepage=true">talladega superspeedway</a>, which is also bloody impressive and just mind boggling, there is one thing you go to say for the Americans, they never do anything in small sizes!<br />
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Of course it meant I got to tick of another state I have visited, which now makes 4!<br />
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Many thanks to Lori for providing most of these pics....I am a crap photographer, mainly cause I am a lazy bugger....<br />
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As usual click on the pictures for full size.<br />
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My favourite is the white BMW with side car, such a classic.<br />
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So <a href="http://www.riding-the-usa.com/2013/01/day-14-skagway-and-4th-of-july-part-2.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RidingTheUsa+%28Riding+the+USA%29">George</a> and <a href="http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/sometimes-tough-days-are-best.html">Geoff</a>, here are a few pics for you....<br />
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<span id="goog_445560461"></span><span id="goog_445560462"></span><span id="goog_796062692"></span><span id="goog_796062693"></span><br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-48569109919652464272013-01-31T23:01:00.001-08:002013-01-31T23:07:21.772-08:00San Francisco or bust...<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eOE5kDdxEp7aq4ZFrlFPYw5Wi-Z4xtPwDXfY-mRt0I4YGSjEiNt0vSg8ek4PAe9iQrAj_0G-e4siSq0iPRE0ia-aX5qYWpNJjAY-fKhsK3Z4KZR8qef59_gCDbtxIxylDdc0MLFd4gw/s1600/P1000462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eOE5kDdxEp7aq4ZFrlFPYw5Wi-Z4xtPwDXfY-mRt0I4YGSjEiNt0vSg8ek4PAe9iQrAj_0G-e4siSq0iPRE0ia-aX5qYWpNJjAY-fKhsK3Z4KZR8qef59_gCDbtxIxylDdc0MLFd4gw/s320/P1000462.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice's Restaurant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEYGzbODQmgCFN1NbgTyYy3V7q20cEPZN2f5EvNzJCBVwvB6zdc6gNA51PI0DtMfyp7Hqfcx0vRBkzfENXPT5fVXyYiKtR_9uSRscEM2fzFY3ieOR8_GNW1DS3r1I1m36_l-DoQUdhF0/s1600/P1000468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEYGzbODQmgCFN1NbgTyYy3V7q20cEPZN2f5EvNzJCBVwvB6zdc6gNA51PI0DtMfyp7Hqfcx0vRBkzfENXPT5fVXyYiKtR_9uSRscEM2fzFY3ieOR8_GNW1DS3r1I1m36_l-DoQUdhF0/s320/P1000468.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a blue pussy....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">China town......Tacky personified!</td></tr>
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So I flew out of Atlanta leaving a trail of destruction and broken hearts behind me,</div>
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Well not quite, but I did think it was a great opening line. I had thoroughly enjoyed meeting Lori and Chris but it was now time to hit San Francisco and I was excited about the prospect of meeting a bunch of new people.</div>
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But hang on, before I go further, can some one tell me what it is with the US airlines that they take so long to board, and seriously some of the so called hand luggage wont fit in the over head locker, how do they get away with that?</div>
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Anyway, arrived in San Francisco and was meet buy the world famous <a href="http://wetcoastscootin.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/sometimes-less-is-more.html">Bob</a> ..so after introductions and discovering I don't have an Aussie accent, Bob was good enough to take me to Alice's Cafe, where I enjoyed a free lunch and a free T-Shirt..thanks Bob! The drive up there is pretty cool as well, and low and behold found dear in the middle of the road......mmmm.... venison.....and thanks for the gift Bob, I am looking forward to trying it out when I finally get of my arse and go camping.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geoff James Wannabe.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margarita for breakfast....Si...Senor..(wonderful Lady's who I wished I had been able to spend more time with Marianne and Katy.</td></tr>
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Bob dropped me at my hotel, and as it is 2 stars I was not to be disappointed!</div>
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Brad and Brandy the lovely and famous bloggers from Oregon arrived and it was like a meeting of old friends, we headed for lunch and it was just fantastic to chat and talk with people who I felt I all ready knew.</div>
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You can read there reports <a href="http://trobairitztablet.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/look-out-left-captain-said.html">here</a> and <a href="http://troubadourtriumph.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/monday-monday.html">here</a></div>
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I could do a report on about the Golden Gate bridge, and Alcatraz, China town, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square etc etc... and I am sure that is all very interesting and no doubt those who have never seen those places would enjoy it. But for me it was not the places I went, but it was the people I met.</div>
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The Sunday morning breakfast in Alchemedia was awesome and again another opportunity to meet great people of like mind. I think to be honest we could of spent the entire day sitting around the table chatting.</div>
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You put together a bunch of people from different parts of the country and the world, with a common interest...namely motorbikes....and you get a lot of laughter, fun ..and friendship which will last a life time.</div>
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That really sums me up. I love hanging with people, I am a crap tourist. But I so enjoy talking and meeting others.</div>
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<i>The Sunday Night Incident... </i>Some times the best nights are the ones not planned. After the great brunch and hours of walking around the Aircraft Carrier Hornet, Brandy, Brad and myself went back into San Francisco. A Brief rest before agreeing to meet for some dinner....it gets very murky from here. </div>
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I do know the beer tasted really nice, Sake became a life time friend...who I hope I never meet ever again...The three of us are permanently banned from a certain Sushi restaurant....and unbeknown to me, there is a pub next door that actually makes screw drivers. I have never laughed so much for ages, and I am buggered if I can remember what we were actually laughing about! Who cares, great friendships are built on such occasions...</div>
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It was a wonderful experience for me, the whole trip was above my expectations. Lori, Chris, Bob, Brandy, Brad, Marianne, Guido (His lovely life) and Katy...I feel so very privileged to have meet you all. I feel very blessed, humbled and honoured to have met you all, the fact so many of you tavelled so far to see me and make my visit special will remain a wonder memory forever.</div>
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My Next blog will be dedicated to pictures from the Barber musumn...most of which Lori took....</div>
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<br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-22632954974057034232013-01-18T19:48:00.000-08:002013-01-18T19:48:21.968-08:00Dear Lance....Dear Lance,<br />
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Since you have a lot more time on your hands now I thought I would take this opportunity to drop you a line.<br />
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I was wondering if you would be so kind as to reimburse me the $39.95 that I paid for your book. If you care to have a look at the bottom of this blog you will find my email address. I can send you my account details from there. <br />
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And after watching your interview last night with the big O, I though I was gonna have to ask you for a refund on my Chicken curry as well....I almost deposited that in the same place I have now put your book. Seriously...what the hell....<br />
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Alternatively I could "tweet" you on your "twat" account. Or is that "Twat"you on your "Tweet" account.......Twat seems like a relevant word today. You know the one, the one where you posted the picture of you lying under your seven Tour De France victory shirts, you know, the ones you have to give back....<br />
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Just on the book thing, I can't decide weather to leave it next to the fire place, or hang it from the bathroom door in case of emergency's. After discussing it with the kids we decided that the toilet would be a great idea...good toilet paper to wipe ones arse with is not always easy to find. Although having just tried it, the paper is all ready full of shit so not sure it is going to work anyway. </div>
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You see, I am not sure weather I should feel sorry for you, or just slap you. I mean come on mate, don't you think you should of come out of the closet at the beginning instead of all these lies when it first came out. I could probably forgive you for the drug taking, but the orchestrated litany of lies that you continued with defies belief.</div>
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Have you considered moving to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belarus">Belarus</a>, where another famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadzeya_Ostapchuk">drug cheat</a> resides. The good thing about that is that you would lift the average IQ of both the USA and Belarus...</div>
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You see , here in good ole NZ we really hate cheats, fair play is ingrained in our culture. Our "winners" win because they train hard, because they are talented, because they are proud, because money does not mean FUCKING everything! Most of our athletes never get rich from the sport they love, but are willing to put endless time into it. </div>
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When I was young I tried many times to get into the New Zealand swimming team, I was never quite good enough..but who cares, I still have what you don't...integrity. Anything that I have achieved in my life, weather it be playing guitar, swimming or learning to ride a bike , I had to work bloody hard to get good at.....that makes me proud, it makes my kids proud. </div>
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I believed in you you right till the end, I defended you to my friends and held you up as an inspiration to my children....it really pisses me off now that I look like a plonker, that you made me look like a plonker.</div>
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Please feel free to look me up if you ever down under, but as New Zealand immigration wouldn't let Mike Tyson into the country I fear there is little hope you will be welcome also..</div>
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Kind Regards</div>
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Roger Fleming</div>
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<br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-852566096417354212013-01-13T20:30:00.001-08:002013-01-13T20:30:44.868-08:00Atlanta or bust!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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New Zealand is famous for its explorers and adventurous spirit. There was Sir Ed Hillary, Sir Peter Blake, Kate Shepard and ....Wogey!</div>
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So off I went to visit some fellow bloggers in the land of the heart Attack burger, the big gulp, (really is big) up sizing and and the 2nd amendment. </div>
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So the evening of the 27th Dec, I left NZ. In just a short 21 hours I would be drinking Loris alcohol and discussing great biking stories. Ironic then that I arrived just two hours after I left. As fresh as a daisy, or at least one that was picked a day before. The 13 hour direct flight from NZ is made all the more cherry by the very friendly guys at US immigration! Welcoming arms is the only way to describe them.... A few hours rest in LA, before a direct flight to Atlanta.</div>
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Lori and I greeted each other as if old friends. In a sense we were, and even though I had travelled half way around the world it is as if we had been drinking buddies since our youth, not to mention conaciers of MM's and its assorted varieties.</div>
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You can read Loris version of events <a href="http://loveofamotorbike.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/visitor-from-afar.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+ForLoveOfAMotorbike+(For+Love+of+a+Motorbike)">here</a>. </div>
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I have never been a great tourist, preferring to immerse myself in the culture of any country I visit. Enjoying the opportunities to meet people, to talk, to discuss differences and to generally see how anther country does things as opposed to NZ. </div>
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This was the great thing about meeting Lori and Mr Oil burner. We spent many hours discussing biking stuff, New Zealand, Blogging, guns, driving on the right, all sorts of stuff. Yet we were comfortable enough to sit in each others company in the evening and just read. Comfortable silence whilst amongst friends is a wonderful feeling.</div>
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The highlights for me..</div>
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A few nights in Savannah, wonderful place, fill of character. The little cottage we stayed in even had it's own ghost. It is actually part of the ghost night tours, and the vans would park out the front and the tourists would take a few pics....this of course presented a opportunity for me to have some fun, which I of course did, much to the amusement of Lori and Chris. All I can say is, there is one bus load of tourists that are absolutely convinced a ghost exist! </div>
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On My last day there Lori threw me the keys to her loved BMW R1200. Some juggling with gear and we were off. I admit I was nervous, after all I had been threatened with death in the event of a we off. So the first 20 Min's I was dealing with the intricacies of a bike I was not familiar with and riding on the wrong side of the road, while under the watchful gaze of Lori.. But in no time at all I was feeling comfortable. With Chris leading and Lori behind I was like a rose between two thorns! Great fun and fulfilled a wish to do some riding while I was there. </div>
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The Barber Motorcycle museum in Alabama must be one of the most amazing bike museums anywhere in the world. Five stories high of just about every bike every made. To properly go through it and read every single thing about every bike would take days. I loved the experience and was just in awe of the place. Every biker at some stage should make a pilgrimage to this place and visit.</div>
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We had many a discussing on gun laws and gun control, being in the South I was in doubt as to what the local views are on this topic. During the discussions I had mentioned that I had never even fired a hand gun, and this was all the encouragement needed for us and Loris neighbour Mark to head off to the firing range and let go a few shots...heaps of fun, in fact....it was a real hoot..or should I say shoot!</div>
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All too soon it had to end, San Francisco was beckoning and I had to leave. A special thanks to Lori and Chris for making my time in Atlanta very special. I look forward to repaying there generous hospitality and frindship when the visit NZ.<br />
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<br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-24226530216274603752013-01-07T17:15:00.001-08:002013-01-07T17:15:09.859-08:00Just to clarify 1). There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that Brad, aka..Troubadour on a Triumph, and I we're seen staggering up hills in San Francisco in the early hours of Monday morning.<br/><br/>2) There is also no truth, regardless what Brandy , aka..Trobaritz Tablet, may say, that we will never be able to go back to the best sushi place in sf.<br/><br/>3) What ever Brandy says about the night, it will be full of half truths, and lies.<br/><br/>4) It is true it was a great night, but I am in doubt I will ever remember all the details.<br/><br/>5) Apparently, Stella, Sake, and screw drivers don't mix well.....<br/><br/>6) There is absolutely no truth a supposedly incoherent phone being made to Lori, aka Beemer girl late Sunday night....although there may be a recording that proves me wrong on this.<br/><br/>7) right, now that I have cleared that up, I am off to get some more aspirin and several bottles of water...the best nights are the ones that are never planned.<br/><br/>Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-81936423230728468792013-01-05T09:16:00.001-08:002013-01-05T09:16:04.783-08:00A brief update.I am now sitting in a very cute cafe in San Francisco just across the road form my dumpy motel! Well I suppose you get what you pay for....<br/><br/>Lori looked after me wonderfully well in Atlanta, from going down to Savannah, shooting guns at a firing range, and racking up a few miles on her lovely r1200 r, And a visit to the world famous Barber museum in Alabama. It was a great time, and just a real pleasure to be so well looked after. We had many laughs.<br/><br/>Bob picked me up from the airport when I arrived in San Fran yesterday and we went and had a look at the world famous Alice's cafe. Now I am just awaiting brad and brandy to arrive before we embark on more advenpiture<br/><br/>I will of course post for pics and blogs when I get back to the land of the log white cloud..<br/><br/>Until then everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful new year and are enjoying your holidays.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-68367620769968428682012-12-23T22:09:00.002-08:002012-12-23T22:09:22.433-08:00Merry Christmas..Well it is Christmas eve here in the land of the long white cloud, in just a few hours Christmas day will be upon us. <br />
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I made fudge for you all......but I ate it before I could post it.<br />
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So this short blog is just to say I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas, and some special times with your loved ones....because that is what is important....not the fudge! <br />
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So all the best my lovelies! <br />
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Roger.<br />
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<br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-21871212753526517002012-12-17T17:19:00.002-08:002012-12-17T17:19:18.081-08:00The Observer TestA couple of weeks ago I completed the last of the requirements for me to move ahead and sit the observer test. Morne has proven to be an excellent teacher and was brilliant to work with. I had set myself a goal to complete the Observer training and do the test before Christmas. December 17th was to be the day.<br />
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I organised to set the test with Phillip yesterday at 4:00. Work suddenly decided to get busy the week before christmas which required a four Am start. I was determined not to cancel my test appointment though. <br />
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We actually started a little bit later than that. First part was to complete the theory questions on Road-craft as well as the New Zealand road code. I was pleased to get past this point with 100% right.<br />
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Next an associate from the club arrived and he was to be my test victim. Ian, who rides a very cool 800 tiger is a great bloke, a very smooth and accomplished open road rider I knew I would have my work cut out keeping tabs on him. This part of the ride was about 45 mins and and then a debrief on the side of the road. To be fair to Ian he didn't do much wrong but I managed t scrape up a few things for him to look at.<br />
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Then it was my turn to be "Re-Checked"..to ensure I am still riding to a high standard.<br />
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With that complete and some more roadside discussions I was delighted to be informed that I had passed, and had officially become an observer. I actually don't think I rode my best, in fact I know I can and have ridden better. Still I was very pleased to have passed.<br />
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It has been 18 months from when I went on my first Observed ride with Phillip. There has been many ups and a few downs. A few times I had wanted to give up. But I do believe that what we learn, and now teach, saves lives. The skills learnt are a necessity to stay alive on our roads. It is great to feel that finally I am able to put some thing back into a sport and hobbie I so love. <br />
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Through all this I become a better rider, but even better than that, I actually enjoy my riding so much more. I now feel like I control the bike. I am where I want to be on the road..and better still I have reasons for being there. I have learnt restraint, patience, understanding of motorcycle control...the list is endless.<br />
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Phillip, Morne, Simon have all played a big part in helping through this journey. To the two coolest kids in the world, for letting me "abandon" them while I went t out training. <a href="http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/not-bad-day-at-office.html">Geoff</a>, Andy, Richard, and Bruce have been great friends, believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. Encouraging me every step of the way and riding the waves of self doubt that came with it. I am very very grateful to all of these people and others who I have not mentioned for there time. I look forward now to paying it forward.<br />
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I still believe I have a lot of skills to learn and sharpen up on, so time now to consolidate where I am at. Then it will be time to set new goals and continue to challenge myself. <br />
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Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-33143727111489944982012-12-09T14:35:00.001-08:002012-12-09T14:35:14.195-08:00In Shape...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have never been the fittest of people, there have been lucid moments of physical activity and where weight loss has come easy...Although I had to get divorced for that to happen.</div>
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So I thought to myself that since I am heading to the states at christmas and would like to explore the taste of "BBQ"..that I should at least make some attempt at dropping a few pounds. So I took myself off to "my" gym. You know, the place I have been a member of for the last 8 years and been to twice. (Once was Christmas day..and unbelievably it was closed)</div>
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Thankfully the car park is close to the front door so I am not completely buggered before I actually get in. Of course once inside I can feel the nausea starting as I peruse the mass of hot sweaty, and in most cases great bodies. You see, I am the before photo..I am the inspiration that keeps all the other gym goers working so hard. As I walk pass one of the trainers I casually mention if they know where the defibrillator is, just in case the 19 year old cheer leader that walked in the same time as me requires it.</div>
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This is where I start coming up with the excuses. I mean if some one says the inevitable "we haven't seen you for a while", I need to be prepared with an excuse. Of course theses excuses can vary from the sublime to the unbelievable. My favorite of course is that I have been on work transfer to the forests of Borneo and was unable to join the local gym due to it''s "Anti chubby white guy "policy. I also consider that my unofficial job as "Vodka Reviewer" can have a detrimental effect on my physique, although from experience this particular excuse is met with disdain.</div>
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Once in the gym I am all ready sweating, not from actually doing anything but from knowing that I am about to torture myself. The treadmill is my tool for warm up, but often my heart rate is all ready above 95 the time I get to it and I consider that the walk alone is adequate. (Actually playing Sudoku on my IPAD can see my heart rate above 110) After all I don't want to be completely exhausted before I try the circuit. I have splashed water on my face before leaving the mens room as this gives gives me that sweaty look...( I also find standing in the means steam room fully clothed has the same desired effect).</div>
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And then there is the circuit, thoughtfully invented by a torture specialist during the middle ages. Here I am put through a series of tortures especially designed to ensure I never walk like a normal human being again and that when I try to drink my afternoon vodka that I spill most of it from muscle spasms and shaking hand syndrome.</div>
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After all the torture is complete I crawl awkwardly back to the changing room, where I slip into the handicapped shower as I find this is a great place to shower while lying down.</div>
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As I leave I am disillusioned to discover that I am actually a kilo heavier than what I was when I walked in. Oh well, I can only hope next months work out has a better result....</div>
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<br />Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-74998807126026570472012-11-18T16:01:00.001-08:002012-11-18T16:01:12.437-08:00Update Observer Training<div style="text-align: justify;">
It has been a while since I updated my progress on my observer training with IAM.</div>
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I think it is important at this stage to remember why I wanted to do all this in the first place. I know for <a href="http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2012/11/fun-on-land-and-in-air.html">Geoff</a> it was to up skill, as well as continuing his riding years. For me it was a bit of that , but the over riding factor was a desire to put some thing back into motorcycling, and to be in a position where I could offer advice on being a safer and better biker. IAM is the perfect platform for me to do that. If I was ever in situation like <a href="http://rogerfleming-raftnn.blogspot.co.nz/2010/10/emotion-vs-logick.html">this</a> again I would like to think I can be pro active and not passive about motorbike safety.<br />
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Since our training weekend back in late July (read about it <a href="http://rogerfleming-raftnn.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/iam-observer-training-weekend.html">here</a>) , I am been trying to get out with Morne for some regular training and feedback Back in March I met a young fellow who came around to see my BMW, we got to talking and he showed an interest in IAM. Long story short, he joined up and became the perfect guinea pig for me to practice on. So I have been able to get out with Jarrod, and Morne following me, it has proved to be very beneficial to all concerned. Morne has been brilliant in making himself available to me for training. I considered it important that I take control of my training and push on, not leaving it to others to organize It is my responsibility to organize it and get it completed and Morne has been very willing and giving of his time unconditionally. At times I have had to go to great depths to get to the monthly Sunday rides and fit other training in between.</div>
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I have spent a lot of time on my own as well, riding along practicing my commentary skills has been a fun exercise. (Although do feel like a bit of a loony talking to myself inside my helmet).</div>
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At first I found it all very hard, following and observing an associate as well as concentrating on my own riding and safety. But the stuff I learnt to become a member in the first place is now well ingrained in my riding and I don't really have to think about it as much as I first did. Safety still remains an over riding factor in all we do. Being an observer is not just about watching the rider in front, you are thinking of his safety too and this reflects on how you follow and where I position my bike.</div>
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One of the biggest things I have had to struggle with is my 'recall", so when debriefing and going back through the ride and remembering the very things that are important and that I want to relay. This skill has slowly been developing and I think will continue to improve as I progress.</div>
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I have managed to get most of my "Training card" signed off, just a couple more to complete and I think I will be getting very close to sitting the observer test. Personally and with out sounding like I am tooting my own horn, but I think I will make a great observer. I am relaxed, I think I make my associate feel at ease, I am seeing stuff that once upon a time I wouldn't have even noticed. I think my commentary and observation skills are really good, and I am relating well what I have seen back to the associate. It is of course not for me to say. It is important to me to maintain the standards that are all ready set. But I have thoroughly enjoyed all the observer training, and certainly haven't found it as stressful as going from associate to full member. <br />
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IAM provides the perfect opportunity to those that want to up skill and I have found those that come along to learn are a pleasure to teach and impart knowledge to. The first chapter of Motorcycle road craft covers the mental aspects and I have become a firm believer that if you don't have the right attitude you wont get to chapter two. What we learn and teach saves lives and promotes safer riding, this still remain's my driving force behind all the hard work. <br />
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It is not always easy to get to the Sunday rides, I have my kids every second week and for the last few months there weekend falls on the same weekend as the rides. But I am lucky that I have two great kids who see what I am doing as beneficial and continue to support me, as well as my sister who watches them for me. <br />
I hope that in the years to come they will see me as a roll model, and that doing stuff voluntarily and with out payment for a cause you believe in is a rewarding and productive use of time. Life is not always about what you get..it is about what you give.</div>
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Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-64117994101644642052012-11-07T22:34:00.000-08:002013-04-11T20:51:17.815-07:00Cape Reinga...Part 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
We left Opononi, but not before enjoying a great breakfast. I really do love those continental hotel brekkies, not great for the waste line but who cares when you are away. A short drive to Rawene where we caught the ferry over to Kohukohu. I think Fei was really enjoying seeing some scenery and generally having a good time. </div>
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Although we had got up to the sun shining it was evident that we were going to get a mixed bag all day. Standing in the sun waiting for the ferry, next minute sitting in the car while it poured with rain. Still I am in a car..and the harley riders in there lovely leather gear looked really well prepared for the conditions, (cough cough.) As it turns it there was a massive bike gathering just north of Kaitaia where there were hundreds of bikes, mainly cruises , needless to say I didn't stop. On the way to the Cape many overtook us, often in dubious circumstances, and I watched as they wobbled around the corners. I seriously despair at the skill level of some of these guys sometimes. One guy cut in front of us with only inches between his rear tyre and my front bumper.</div>
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We encountered fierce winds, and torrential rain on the way up. When we go to the cape you could not see your hand infront of your face. And it was raining And I felt the need for a snooze. Typical really, drive all the way the and I want to nap. Jase headed off towards the light house while I looked at the inside of my eye lids. When he came back he did say it wasn't as bad down by the lighthouse as what it was here. And then it started to rain again. I made the decision to wait it out for a while and see what happens. 15 minutes later the fog had cleared and we were able to walk down and take better and clearer pics. Just goes to show. Being the point where the Pacific ocean and the Tasman sea collide you never really know what weather pattern you will get.<br />
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We left the cape andheaded towards our destination for the night, Kerikeri. A lovely little town and a place I have stayed at often.<br />
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I had booked us into a Bread and Breakfast. I have stayed in a few BB's but this one would have to be one of the best ever. <a href="http://www.moongatevilla.com/">Moongate Villa</a> A beautiful home run by two very friendly guys. Beautiful gardens, lovely rooms, where the attention to detail was evident where ever you looked. And as for the breakfast...holy shit it was good. This place is well worth staying at if ever you vistit Kerikeri.....it was worth every penny. I could not find fault. I am sure Fei and I wont hesitate to go back there again.<br />
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Normally I am always in a rush to leave any motel and hit the road....not the case Sunday morning, eventially leaving just before 11. Just goes to show what a wonderful relaxing pace it is.<br />
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We took the old coast road from Russell back to Auckland....and as a testiment to the weekend felt I had been away for a week.<br />
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It was the weekend I needed.....that we both needed .</div>
Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-56905400473702764542012-11-05T01:08:00.000-08:002013-04-11T20:46:41.563-07:00Cape Reinga...Part 1.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now here is one for the books.....I did it in a car, yep....My partner Fei had never been there,so I offered to take him on the bike but considering he had actually never been on a bike I thought the prospect of 16 hours riding over three days may have been a bit much. So being the nice guy I am, and the fact I had no plans (interpret that as crap social life) I decided we would go in the car.</div>
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We left Friday and our first place to stay for the night would be Opononi on the Hokianga harbour. We bailed out of work just after three and headed north. Sitting in the passenger seat and actually looking at the scenery was a bit of a shock, I am normally focused on my next corner, vanishing point, while exiting under controlled throttle before the rinse and repeat process begins....</div>
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In Dargiville we stopped and had a look at th the wood turner there that uses old kauri and turns the wood into the most beautiful items. Many years ago Northland was covered in giant Kauri, very few remain. Most of the Kauri now comes from the swamps where over 4000 years a go a giant Tsunami buried the Forrest. The kauri is preserved and is now dug up and used. No more standing kauris are allowed to be cut down. It is a beautiful wood, and I personally love it. </div>
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On the road again we stopped at Tana Mahuta...of King of the Forrest. I have shown pics of this before, but thought it wouldn't hurt to show some more. It really is a big bloody tree and the pics just don't do it justice.</div>
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We were almost at our destination for the night. I was so enjoying being in the car for a change and noticed stuff I had just never seen before. Although it never compares to road trips on the bike it was a pleasant change. As the sun set we were greeted to a magic sunset Opononi is only a small town but being located right on the harbour it has it s own magic about it. My friend Jase went wild with the camera and I have stolen a few of the best to post here....I think the pics says it all...</div>
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I think these pictures say more than I can, as usual click on them to enlarge them....they are brilliant.<br />
We stayed in the Copthorn Hotel. Loved it, and the food and the cooked brekkie...,man I love hotel cooked brekkies...and then we headed north...<br />
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Part 2 looked some thing like this.........<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Auckland&daddr=Opononi,+New+Zealand&hl=en&geocode=FbS8zf0dRK1qCin75pxa-0cNbTEXmaJDYe8ABQ%3BFUM84v0d8LtVCintO4ALtEQJbTEAtaJDYe8ABQ&aq=0&oq=op&sll=-35.131141,173.318253&sspn=0.171277,0.352936&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=8&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Auckland&daddr=Opononi,+New+Zealand&hl=en&geocode=FbS8zf0dRK1qCin75pxa-0cNbTEXmaJDYe8ABQ%3BFUM84v0d8LtVCintO4ALtEQJbTEAtaJDYe8ABQ&aq=0&oq=op&sll=-35.131141,173.318253&sspn=0.171277,0.352936&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=8" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small>Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8545332438527100199.post-15729569194258996492012-10-28T12:34:00.000-07:002012-10-28T12:34:08.121-07:00Summer?After reading <a href="http://blog.machida.us/2012/10/frozen-lake-view.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RichardsPage+%28Richard%27s+Page%29">this</a> from <a href="http://blog.machida.us/2012/10/frozen-lake-view.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RichardsPage+%28Richard%27s+Page%29">Richard</a> I felt it was my turn to share our season..<br />
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Apparently summer arrived on the weekend....<br />
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The kids had friends over and spent Saturday afternoon in the pool..I knew it was hot because the ice melted very quickly in my Vodka.<br />
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Sunday was also the monthly IAM ride and the great weather stayed for the day. 9 Associates/ 9 observers and it was a great day. Took a guy called Peter out who I had taken out last month. and it was great to see a improvement in his riding from last month. Had a couple of great discussions on the side of the road and just really enjoyed the riding. Feels great to be able to put something back into a sport that I have enjoyed so much.Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.com22