PETE ’ S PEOPLE
Day 3 : Waimarino , John in front of Leonie
these two couples riding together is something of major benefit , mentally , physically and spiritually . I simply don ’ t believe the same outcome would be achieved in pillion mode . There ’ s a freedom to fail that adds richness to experience , and I believe the removal of any risk at all from modern life is becoming something of a problem . To grow we need to pit ourselves against forces that may be larger than we are , this does not mean you take unnecessary risks , but that you learn through experience to modify them . That ’ s winning in my book .
DAY FOUR - RAGLAN TO AUCKLAND It dawned grey , wet and looming , but there were brighter patches northwards , home the destination , via the Nikau Caves Café for breakfast , with the best potato bread bacon butties in the free world .
John and Leonie are ready as we return from the café . John ’ s big Rocket III is already purring and his brilliant , bearded grin greets me . He adores that huge Triumph . John is a staunch fella , bald as a coot , white bearded and bright eyed like a twenty year old . He ’ s an enthusiast , still not fifty ; I think he ’ s possibly the youngest in the group , but sort of ageless too . I asked him what his favourite thing about riding was and he said three things . One , riding with his best friend - his wife , Leonie . Fullstop . Two , riding alone . Just him the bike and the road . I certainly get that . Three , riding with a group . He ’ d also love to ride with his sons , but he has real safety concerns around all of them out on bikes , and John has witnessed some road tragedies in the
KIWI RIDER 69