Day 12: Home

Our final day delivered the extremes that New Zealand weather gods are known for. A perfect still, cool departure from Foxton, breakfast at Taihape in lovely morning sun and off towards the desert road with Ruapehu showing of his or her full glory. Then, in the space of 5 minutes, from expecting a perfect ride across the desert we hit a wall of wind, low cloud and rain. Suddenly we were in the midst of this intense ride in wet slick roads, fogged visor and cloud visibility of 50 metres. It was hectic. 

Then we rode out of that into a progressively warmer and dryer afternoon to end in blazing sun with all the vents open. Summer. 

It felt strang riding the last bit home on my own. 

So, after 3800km, many at the magical 30km/hr of perfect off road motor biking, some slower, some faster. We would have crossed 100 rivers and streams, not sure how many mountain passes that varied from sealed roads to goat tracks. Lots of lakes, lots of coffee stops with glorious views. 

The bikes did well with ultimately just minor issues. No technical problem stopped us at any stage. They were the perfect bike for the job. 

Some thanks needed of course, apart from to the bikes. To my friends Bernie and Dave. It was great to have 3 of us together and sad to let Bernie go home. Thanks Bernie for organising and navigating such incredible days in the Clarence. Best accomodation of the trip, even though I froze!

Thanks Dave for all the organising. We made a great team, getting each other through some pretty intimidating situations. Your riding progressed incredibly through the trip. And you taught me how to get on the bike, do skiddies in the dirt and best of all, snuck into the adjacent motel room to steal me milk for my coffee. 👍

I look forward to the next one. 

Finally, and yet again, my thanks and love to Jennie and the boys for letting me go. I always look forward to coming home as much as I do to the leaving.