KIWI RIDERS
trips and there ’ s just so many good memories attached to it . So , I sold my V Star and bought dad ’ s ST . It ’ s a bit of a weird move in my head as I had my heart set on the Harley but I couldn ’ t afford two bikes .. and my wife would probably kill me !”
How is the Pan European ? “ I ’ ve been trying to ride it more , it ’ s a really nice touring bike . It ’ d done 5600km when I got it , and never been in the rain . Now it ’ s reading about 10,500km . I ’ m a bit gutted as recently a stone must have flicked up on a ride and I ’ ve now got a crack under one of the mirror housings . I just about cried . I ’ ll get it fixed , but I kind of felt like I ’ d broken dad a bit . But it ’ s better to be out there ridden . “ I ’ ve been taking my mum out on the bike quite a lot too . She ’ s only ever been out on the back of a bike with dad , so the first time was a bit emotional , as it was the first time riding without him and the first time riding on his old bike . We did a short 20 minute cruise on some back roads and I think she was a bit nervous but we ’ ve been riding together quite a bit now on longer trips . Sometimes my brother comes along on his Yamaha R3 . It ’ s a really nice connection to keep our family tradition going . In a weird way it feels like dad ’ s riding with us . I feel like it ’ s a sign of respect to someone who ’ s passed away to ride their bike .” My Uncle Richard , dad ’ s brother , has been coming with us too and helps fill that gap . He ’ s just bought a 1900cc Indian Scout . He and my dad used to ride together a lot , and my brother and I would often join them for a boys ’ ride .”
What are your riding plans ? “ Last Christmas was the first one without Dad and I rode it down to Christchurch on a long road trip . Now I ’ ve got the bug to do more ! I ’ m definitely riding it for life , and planning on going to Queenstown next .”
50 KIWI RIDER