the garments now created have remarkable
chill-fighting qualities.
When I took a wee ride down to Christchurch
back in the July of 1976 I had about three jerseys
under the modest vinyl-inspired wet-weather
two piece, a couple of pairs of socks and little
woolly gloves under the bulky leather jobs.
No head or face wrap… just the full-face
helmet.
The warmest part of the trip was standing
out on the deck of the ferry half-way across
Cook Strait because it got to about 6°C. The
light snow along the Kaikoura Coast was very
pretty though.
I rode through the winters because
motorcycles were my transport but mainly
because I was smitten by them.
However, I once contemplated heading off
to one of those mid-winter rallies where
bonfires warmed the air and extra layers were
essential at night but gave the notion away.
I’ll ride in the winter days... but tenting at
night?
Naaa.
But I take my helmet off to those who do
for they are stronger souls than I, and I have
nothing but awe and admiration for them.
I guess the evolution of materials has also
spread to tents and sleeping bags so that
would assist.
And so it came to pass the other morning
that after draining a jug of warm water over
the windows of the car in the wake of a frost
assault, I heard a very small motorcycle
coming along the street.
The rider appeared larger than the bike due
to the amount of kit he (or she) was wearing,
and the thing that got me was the rider also
had what appeared to be a generous rug
wrapped around the waist.
Cold?
Naaa.
Freezing?
Yeeeah.
But hey, it’ll soon be spring and they can put
the rug back into the cupboard… until next
June.
Like the old lad in black and white with the
Velo’... good on ya.
TREKKER OUTBACK
Alloy case set for the
serious adventure rider
TREKKER OUTBACK
Premium quality design and
construction with 18 mm Ø steel
mount frames with one key to lock
case and lock case to bike.
Less than 1.0 meter fitted width on
most bikes.
• Completely waterproof
• Built-in carry handles
• Beveled edges for no-catch damage
limitation
• Available in silver or black
Available now for all popular adventure
bikes. Go to www.givi.it for full
application details
Trekker Outback top cases.
42 L and 58 L (fits two full face helmets).
Attaches to standard Givi Monokey
top plates
$ 1,340
www.eurobike.co.nz
Complete three
case set including
mounting racks from
$ 2,085
Complete two
case set including
mounting rack from
Accessories available: inner soft bag and strap on top bag
KIWI RIDER 77