‘ Jack’ loaded and ready to go
birthday, and the true adventure, could wait. Online, a friend advises that I should take only credit card and undies. That’ s a bit hardcore for me; I want to fish the rivers I pass, take the time to do so, and I make a minimal spin-fishing setup that will do the trick pretty much everywhere. I have a tent, a thin inflatable air pad, a sleeping bag, a minimal tool-kit with reversible screwdriver, gaffer tape wound on to the handle, Allen keys, a Leatherman and a crescent. I have two Triumph waxed-cotton panniers mounted on the bike, with t-shirts, undies and a pair of shoes in plastic bags, light wet weather gear, a mini towel, toiletry bag, first aid kit, and two grunty tie-downs for the ferry. I have a four-piece fishing rod, and a belt bag with lures, softbait heads, a reel, and tippet. I think I’ ve been pretty frugal, still, it’ s two full panniers and backpack, bungee’ d onto the seat. I decide at the last minute to carry a cable and lock, to at least deter‘ would be’ bike thieves. My gear I cannot secure or lock.‘ Good heart’ will have to be the guard.
JANUARY 2: AUCKLAND TO TURANGI It’ s hot, damn hot. It’ s 2pm. I’ ve been planning on getting on the road in two days time- the 4th- with a crossing booked for the 8th. I check the
Friends of Edd and Karen, Heath and Karen Botica, also took on the Adventure Rallye as a rider and pillion
The inevitable coffee stop
Norwegians; the most comprehensive worldwide weather site I’ ve ever found. www. yr. no gives a 10 day forecast, and has been uncannily accurate for years. Rain. Big Rain, for about three days, maybe a week. The NZ weather reports suggest that 50mm of rain an hour will make roads impassable, floods certain, and damage likely across the central North Island, tomorrow. It’ s now 3pm. Sunny. Damn it!
I tell the family, load the bike, say goodbye, hope like
34 KIWI RIDER