Heading north out of the capital I stopped in the see MD at Two Cats Garage in Raumati Beach, New Zealand’ s most knowledgeable BMW airhead mechanic, for some running repairs to the GS’ throttle. A couple of new bits and we were off again, stopping in at the Bus Stop Cafe in Te Horo. If you didn’ t know it was there you’ d never find it, but it’ s absolutely worth the visit, their coffee is excellent and the toasties next level. With a few hours to spare I took a Tiki-tour up the gravel of the Turakina Valley Road. This is a stunning part of New Zealand and worth the ride for anyone happy to be on dirt roads, it beats the shit out of riding up SH1.
everyone just having a bloody good time. Some beers, bourbon and cokes, fully-loaded fries and a burger from the excellent catering van, followed by catching up around the brazier( with enough provided firewood to keep everyone warm all night, which can’ t have been cheap to do) signed off the first night.
RALLY CAMARADERIE It got pretty breezy in the night. Breezy
COLD KIWI, WARM WELCOME It was the first Cold Kiwi for all three of us. Going through the gate at 3:30pm, we wound our way up to the camp site- where there were already a huge amount of tents. Clearly we didn’ t get the memo to get there early for a primo spot, with the pick of the best flat spots already gone, we made our way to the top of the hill and set up camp. Wandering through the campsite there were big smiles, laughter, piss-taking and banter. It was clear to see many were old friends, some who probably only meet up here once a year. And a huge variety of bikes from scooters to Hayabusas, trikes and everything in between. Kids riding dirt bikes, grown ups being kids and
26 KIWI RIDER