EASY RETURN TRIP
Another cold early start saw -3 degrees
being shown as I headed up the valley towards
Cromwell. With little traffic and warming skies,
Cromwell signalled the return to familiar ground.
With the wind behind me, the Lindis Pass and
the Otago valley offered a completely different
experience to the shear hell of the journey down.
I found myself in Tekapo by 1pm. A dip in the
pools was called for to soak away a few aches
and pains. Another 1.5 hours and I was back
in Fairlie.
The last day seemed to fly past, as I whistled
through Geraldine and across the open Canterbury
plains. Even the Rakaia Gorge, which had been so
daunting on my first day, held no real challenge
to me. As Oxford came and went the realisation
32 KIWI RIDER
of the journey’s end brought thoughts of both
sadness and joy. Reaching my front gate I
reflected on my journey. An overloaded 40-year-
old scooter costing just $100, and which had
been held together by nothing more than hope,
had not missed a beat, never needed a push and
had stood up to all that Southland had to offer.
1450km over six eight-hour days at an average
of 30.2km/h.
I have done the same trip many times on larger
machines but in this world of huge horsepower,
multiple rider aided, traction controlled, ABS’d,
self-riding computers on wheels, are we losing
the joy of actually having to ride a motorcycle?
For once I can say that I have experienced a true
motorcycle adventure and this is one ride I will
truly remember.