Radioman Rides the World.......

[Radioman]

Originally Posted by SavannahCapt

Beautiful beach photo. Hairy legs..... Not so much.

[Radioman]

The Endless Summer hostel is a great place. Has a great kitchen



Was good to be able to get up and cook myself and Omelet for breakfast. Most of the hostels have limited pans and cooking gear.



But one of the best parts is the large Kauri Tree Table under the grape vine arbor. A place where everyone gathers to eat, get to meet each other. Also a great part of travel is to meet others and share their stories!



As I rode south through the Semi Tropical forests know for the large Kauri trees, I got to enjoy the wonderful twisty roads



Had to take a 10 minute car ferry



Then was looking for the largest Kauri Tree in NZ

Here it is



Hard to show how big it is, and the great sweet smell of the forest



But here are the specifications



When I came back to my bike, a couple of old Bentley's were waiting. HAd a great chat with the driver and his wife of this car.







Had to chuckle as I was looking at this car, people were checking out my bike




The ride along the west coast sweeps along sections of ocean, with the cool Blue waters.





Really great riding with nice roads, and great people. Lots of places to explore. I did not plan where I will stay as usual, just looking for someplace nice. Rode out to Baylis Beach. Always love the water, waves, sunshine of the beach.



Took a short ride up the beach, but the sand was soft, so I did not venture too far, as the bike fully loaded, and I am on my own.





Decided to spend a bit more and stay here. A place to relax, swim in the heated pool, listen to the waves crash the beach, and watch sunset over the ocean.



Had a nice meal in town



Enjoyed sitting on the deck near the pool watching the sunset into the ocean. No green flash.... But it was great.





There are times on this adventure that I am alone with my thoughts. It's not a bad thing as I journey throughout the globe. Many things I would love to share with a special woman by my side, knowing I did this once and it was a great time in my life. But this time has been good also, as I try to take it all in. Breathe, relax and appreciate the moments that I have, as this chapter unfolds these are lessons to be learned.

[clintnz]

Nice! The Kauri Museum at Matakohe on your way south is well worth a look.

Cheers
Clint

[Radioman]

Originally Posted by clintnz

The Kauri Museum at Matakohe on your way south is well worth a look.

Thanks Clint. Packing up and riding to Museum next

[Revs47]

Originally Posted by Radioman

Thanks Clint. Packing up and riding to Museum next

A good source of information on good off road routes is:

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz

I trust your aware of the DOC huts that are very cheap to use in the more remote areas.

[Radioman]

Originally Posted by Revs47

A good source of information on good off road routes is:

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz

I trust your aware of the DOC huts that are very cheap to use in the more remote areas.

Hope to try out a few

[beechum1]

You barely made the cut into another RR I'm following:

http://advrider.com/forums/showpost....postcount=1324

[Idahosam]

............ That is just damn funny; that arrow keeps you in the right, umm, I mean left. What ever it takes to keep you out of harms way..

Just got home from Death valley and trying to catch up. Wonderful pictures Mark.... Dang NZ :.................... Go Mark Go.

[beechum1]

Originally Posted by Idahosam

............ That is just damn funny; that arrow keeps you in the right, umm, I mean left. What ever it takes to keep you out of harms way..

That's funny, I didn't notice that. Great idea though!!

[Radioman]

Originally Posted by Idahosam

Dang NZ :.................... Go Mark Go.

Howdy Sam

[Radioman]

As I rode around the northland I stopped to see the Kauri Museum in Matakohe
It is a great museum that shared the history of this area, the Large Kauri tree and it's uses, and the Gum that the tree produced and the Gumdiggers who harvested it. Great way to spend a few hours!





The Kauri trees are huge, have straight grain and good for building ships, furniture, etc. They cut most of them down during this time in history as they provided jobs and industry until they were gone.



The museum had excellent exhibits on the lumbering process, Pioneer living conditions, industries and the people.



I took a lunch stop in Muriwal Beach



It has been in the news lately as they had a fatal Shark attack of a local man. The beach was closed because of it. Really friendly locals!



Really enjoyed the northland coastline!



I rode into Auckland Friday night and stayed with Dick and Diana again!! Like home base. So thankful for their generosity, help and friendship while in NZ! They had a dinner party with some of their neighbors, so that was fun to be included! Had some great conversations!!

Then I continued south toward Wellington. Met Ken and his mate Warwick in Taumarunui. Remember Ken from my last few Weeks riding to Ushuaia!
He is still carrying his KIWI stuff animal!!



They met me and showed me some of the areas back roads ! The sign says Gravel roads but in KIWI is is called "metal roads" (got it's name because the gravel was created while mining for Metal).... Lots of expressions that I am learning here in NZ!



Was really great for them to meet me and show me a but of the area. It included riding the forgotten world hwy to Whanfgamommona (pronounced Fangamomona)



There is a history here, as the town was to be removed from the maps, and so they declared themselves a free republic....



We stayed in the Hotel/Pub roadhouse for the evening with lots of other motorbikes. It is sort of a destination for weekend travelers. The pub was full of riders from all over the area. Was fun to hang out and chat with them. These Pubs /Hotels are farily common as part of the New Zealand history as workers needed places to stay.



Of course I need to sort out all the new words including Bloke, Jugs (pitchers of beer) , dear, Love, metal roads, Grouse, Bewdy, shout, tea, Cheers, or chuurs, Mate, chunder, loo, slash, How you going young fella, to name a few.

after dinner we were sitting in the dining area, and there were a table of 3 riders, and then 4-5 woman who were with there husband/Boyfriends (the guys had already gone to the bar)..... We look out the window and some young guy was standing out across the street "breaking the seal" one of the woman got up knocked on the window and motioned her disgust, and assaulted his manhood with a hand gesture, as we all laughed very hard!



Then another young guy did the same.... The woman did the same.... Was really funny.

Then the guy at the table next to our took it a bit too far....



Crazy KIWI experiences!

[DAKEZ]

Originally Posted by Radioman

And there were three total.


Was such a great opportunity for so many to join in the fun !! I will say it again. I am going to get this started again when I return!

Anything I can help with when you do... Let me know.

[soph9]

Hi Mark...just featured your RR and KLIM video on our BLOG....you are amazing and LOVE the fact you are still on the road. What gear did KLIM give you?

RADIOMAN on advgrrls BLOG

[Johnny Dakar]

[Radioman]

Originally Posted by soph9

What gear did KLIM give you?

Thanks! Leslie, I am using a product that Klim is still in development. I think it will be called Adventure Mesh Air when it comes out in 2014.