Kiwi Rider July Vol.1 2023 | Page 67

PETE ’ S PEOPLE
Day 4 : Raglan - Waikato , Leonie at the back
magazines , advertising campaigns and editorial features , Tony is probably over-qualified for the NZ market , and over the pandemic years and subsequent slowdown , has diversified . He handbuilt a small fleet of make-up trucks specifically designed for use on shoots throughout the country . Riding with Tony demonstrates his talent , and his years of skateboarding , snowboarding and skiing have clearly taught him weighting and unweighting , skills that continue to give him the buzz and thrill in his motorcycling . The shared interest in riding is incredibly important to both Megan and Tony , and Tony is clear that it enhances the marriage , “ but ,” he says , “... it ’ s not a deal-breaker ” should one of them decide not to pursue it anymore . Travelling at the head of the pack , I often worried about the guys behind , particularly when I lost them for a few minutes and this was compounded by rain and the slippery state of the back roads out of Mangakino , and down the gorge into Lake Waipapa . But the combined care and collective consciousness of the double couple kept them safe and we completed the day ’ s run without major incident . There is a great joy in taking people on roads they haven ’ t travelled before , especially when the stop occurs , and over coffee , tea and a scone the talk is excited and happy in the recount . That night in Raglan ’ s ISO bar the talk was lively and the wet forgotten . It is clear that for
KIWI RIDER 67