PETE ’ S PEOPLE
motorcycles . “ But ”, says Mark , “ she is amazingly supportive of my passion for them , and I ’ m really grateful for that .” Mark explains that Stephanie has always been there for him . In the early years when finances were tight , Mark turned his artistic talents to making custom helmet artworks for customers . One of his first jobs was for the Formula Ford Team helmets , and they were so well received and popular that word of mouth soon had people beating a path to his door . It became his sideline business for more than 22 years , and helped cement his family ’ s future financial security . Mark ’ artworks did not go un-noticed in global circles either . His spray-painting and airbrushing techniques were in hot demand , and one of his biggest jobs was to decorate the famed kiwi catamaran ENZO , with apples and pears , for legendary skipper Peter Blake ’ s successful challenge on the Round the World record . That artwork stood up to the outrageous thrashing it received in the world ’ s toughest oceans . Something of which he can be justifiably proud . His countless hours of effort into the wee small hours for weeks at a time clearly show the character and heart of the man . whanau , and enjoying the most superb riding ever , with some of the best and like-minded people I ’ ve been lucky enough to meet .” How important is riding to Mark ? “ Well , the real value of riding is the access of true feelings . The thrill to the heart and soul that riding a bike brings , that ’ s first . Second is the people you meet on those trips , the shared experience builds your own wellbeing , and third is the wonder and discovery of the places you go . New Zealand is blessed with all of that – in spades . “ And we live in a country where the reality of camaraderie is still more prevalent than fear of strangers . Most bikers give you a wave , and if you ’ re pulled over on the side of the road most will stop and make sure you are ok .” Mark James is exactly the sort of chap who would stop and help , anywhere , anytime , and he ’ s definitely a Kiwi Rider kinda guy . If you see him on his bright red 888 , he ’ ll always wave and grin , it ’ s infectious , and he ’ s one of those rare chaps that everybody likes and respects – a top joker , and one who gives motorcyclists a better rep . Can ’ t say better than that .
WHY WE RIDE Mark himself is calm and understated , and in spite of world-beating ability says , “ I don ’ t really have a hero , but I do have an awful lot of people I admire .” One suspects that Sir Peter Blake would be on that list , and the feeling mutual . Nowadays , Mark has given the custom painted helmet work away , unless particularly inspired for a ‘ one off ’, but care for his family remains at the heart of everything he does . That and riding his Ducati with others . “ What I do now for riding , apart from all the great riding I ’ ve done over many years with my brother Paul , is the most enjoyable riding ever ; I ’ m part of the Every Sunday Motorcycle Club . The ESMC ethos is all about the people , our
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