Hi there, glad you could make it along for the ride, It's a real big bike, so you can bring your friends if you like! Get your helmets on and jump aboard, we are going to stick within 100 mile radius of the OLD Majestic Quartz Headquarters, Lets go, Hold on tight!

This is Parematta, see where the sun is shining on those hills?

That's where we are going, tally ho!

Well, we made it to the top of the Piekak hill, what a view eh! down there is the Kapiti coast, that where I was born and bought up. People often hand glide or parapent of this spot, just below where we are standing, it goes straight dooooowwwwwnnnnnnnnn! New Zealand, small as it is, has more coastline than the USA! See that road over there, well be heading down there shortly before turning right and heading through a pass called the Akataruras, Just look to the left before we go.

This is Kapiti Island, It is a natural bird sanctuary, you have to get a permit to visit, I've been there, it is Amazing, largely untouched by man, it is truly a paradise on earth.

Welcome to the err, USA! the camera does not quite show the full line up here, it goes like this...Burger King, McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza hut! Can you hear the song playing on your helmet headphones,"Born in the USA, Born in the USA" Go Bruce :-)

This is looking down into a favorite swimming spot, As it's Autumn here, it could be cold! It's fun in summer to come here get out of those hot bike leathers and jump in from this very spot, It's only 40 foot down and most refreshing!

Well we are climbing up into the Akataruras now, check out how dense the bush is here. There are parts of New Zealand that have never had anybody set foot on it, the bush is just impenetrable!

We are at the top now, we head down that road there. Yes it is as narrow as it looks, only one car wide! You could describe it as 20 miles of windy driveway! Lets go!

Well, just let these people and Donkeys through! We exchange greetings and are on our way again.

We are out of that valley now and are heading for the Rimitaka Ranges. Well just stop here for a while and enjoy the view of the reservoirs. Right We are off again!

There's the Entrance to the Rimituka ranges, we are going to the top then down the other side, lets go, this road is fun, It is described in many motorcycle publications as the best road of it's type for motorcycles! Don't worry, I know it like the back of my hand, lets go!

This is looking back down from whence we came. I came up here with friends to see Haley's comet since there is no light pollution up here, It, well.....still looked like a very small fuzz ball!

Right, we are going down into the Waiarapa plains now, Lets get a move on!

Look at that red rock down there under that branch and in the river. That's cutting grade Jasper. Hey I have a great idea, Why don't you put a big 100 LB one in your bag and carry it back for me. What? ....NO! Shucks, where is your commitment, I don't know!

Moooving right along!

Rumors that New Zealand is full of farm animals! well it's not true I tell you, it's not! ohhh, you can see those sheep over my shoulder, heyyy, your sharp for a foreigner, no pulling the wool over your eyes! now, that's enough of me being a Baaaad boy, were off again!

Check out the color of these trees, this site is everywhere at this time of year!

Typical rural New Zealand outlook

Here we are at Admiral road, when we get to the end, we will turn around and take off for home. They hold motorcycle hill climbs further up, The road is very winding. I wanted to do it for years, but it always rained or I was away at big national racing meetings. I did make it one year, I really like this kind of road, they all laughed when I wheeled my Yamaha FZR1000 I owned then out the van, they said I would never get out of 2nd gear. They were right, didn't stop me from cleaning them all up by over 3.5 seconds! That was summer 1992, the record still stands! Now lets see if I can get this helmet back on my head!!!!!

 

I'm disappointed with this pic, you being here of course can see the awesome definition of this landscape. This view is museum grade ;-) Actually, I talked to the charming farming couple who are retiring and have put the farm, including the view up for sale.

Here's another view of the farm. We had better head away back to Majestic now, well stop and small a few roses on the way back.

Hey what are those, hehehe someone has been very creative with 2 fridges and 2 hot water cylinders, these are out in the middle of nowhere! Cool!

Now we are down on the plains, here is one of the many vineyards in the area, they are really making a name for them selves overseas now.

Brrrr we are back at the bottom of the Rimitakas again, look at that cloud curling over and seeping down the ranges, I smell rain in the air, did you bring your wet weather gear? Neither did I, we better get moving, You might want to close your eyes for this part!

Whew, made it back to the sunshine, How much do New Zealanders like stones and crystals? We name streets after them, other examples are Agate grove, Ruby Grove and emerald grove, crystal way and many others!, lets get going again, the next stop is home, lets go!

Time sit down an grab a favorite crystal, to charge up the batteries before going to conquer Mount E-mail! I hope you enjoyed your virtual tour with me, You are a very good pillion passenger, I hardly noticed you at all ;-)

Bye!