- Everything has been busy. Crazily busy and as the ride is over this could be written anytime.
- I have had problems figuring out what to write. No need to regurgitate what I have already written. I wanted this to be more than that.
So am I now ready to do this? Not sure, but here goes before my crappy memory looses some of the bits in that black hole that is following me everywhere.
The first thing that comes to mind is that even if the distance we travelled daily was not even close to what I would do alone when out riding, it was a tiring schedule. Up early. ride, at event, ride, next event and so on. No time to our selves and no time to sort out issues at home, with bike, shopping for something that might have been needed etc. I was expecting a full on schedule but probably did not realise how taxing it all would be.
Thou I do not think it could be done in any other way really. It is a compressed schedule where we try to see as many places as possible. And so the ones who did the whole ride were guys and gals who can do this. But if you read this and think: "How cool is that, over a week of riding and meeting people, I want to do it next year!", we would love to have you with us next year. Just make sure you are mentally and physically ready for it. Me, I had had enough of people at the end. Might say more re me than the ride actually... But if you looked closely there was also small cracks starting to show all around.
However... I came away feeling that I had actually made a difference. We gave the organisations that tirelessly soldier on in their small communities a vitamin injection in the arm that hopefully keeps them going for a while. And really, as often we would see and talk to the already converted, this might be the most important part of it all; to tell them that they are doing a brilliant job and keep it up!
I also think that by riding around promoting the White Ribbon message we managed to draw some attention to this sad isssue. This can be seen from all the newspaper articles from around the country. If someone has missed what was going on then they most probably live in a cave. And perhaps that is the real meaning here; to draw attention to the sad fact that violence in homes is too common and we should never accept it. I did hear that the Families Commission was very happy with the ride. And that is cool. I have put my name forward to go to the debrief in January to add my bit in hope we next year can do even better.
Some other reflections in no particular order:
- Very few sports bikes were part of this. As the bike you ride has no bearing on anything here this surprised me. Over 80% would have been cruizers and only a few of them Japanese. Not sure what to make out of this. Could it be that we are not reaching all bikers? Could it be that the Super Maori Fullas and their Harley's keep the others away? Or can we read something else in to this?
- The Christian Camps we stopped for the nights at were of brilliant quality. I have never used them my self when travelling, but will do so next time. If there is one where you are planning to go, have a look and you most probably will be surprised.
- It was cool to arrive at a place where they had been waiting for us. It also put some pressure on us all to know what the White Ribbon message was. And perhaps all did not have that fully clear. I think a little booklet/a leaflet that all who come on the ride would get and that had some of the facts and information could be good.
- I enjoyed the riders who would join in at a site and ride for a while with us spending what time they could spare to support the ride and the message. I would have liked to make them more part of it all, but sadly there was never really any time for that. I just hope that it all was an positive experience and they come back next year.
- I admire Mahu and Roger (the two original Super Maori Fullas who did the whole ride) and their enthusiasm for the cause. Without them this would not be the same. I also enjoy their company and hope to get the opportunity to ride with the again!
- Thanks to the Patriots for keeping us safe on the road. They did a stellar job and that is also reflected in that nobody who was part of the ride had an accident. There was a couple of small misshaps (as per my blog) but nothing that could have been avoided. The rider who had the accident when riding up to Bream Bay had separated from the ride and was riding solo. (And the Patriots had relinquished the charge of the ride the day before) Plus from what I understand the fault lies with the milk tanker.
- My K1 performed brilliantly on the ride. I am growing quite fond of her actually. She is far from a bike many would ride. And that is something I like with her. I was reading that there is a turbo that has been developed for her that will add to the 100 horse powers. Apperently it fits inside the fairing and you would never know it is there. And adds a few more horses. Gives the owner 230 of them I hear...
- I will get me a netbook for next year as the laptop is too cumbersome! (Might talk to Santa actually...)
- As the K1 uses 4liters/100k's my petrol bill was manageable. (Approx $250) And as we were fed everywhere we went, the food bill was minimal. The accommodation was supposed to cost me, but in the end I only paid at one place. All up I think I spent around $400 (never really counted). So for over a week of riding not bad!
Most moving memory: Petrol station attendant in Pahiatua
Most enjoyable ride: Down the Waioeka Gorge
Most enjoyable event: Tokoroa
Best hospitality: Bream Bay/Maraeroa Marae Porirua
Most inspiring moment: Walking up to the Te Aute College Marae and hearing the haka from inside
Most humbling: Youth and Resource Centre in Waipukurau
Saddest moment: Seeing the bike against the milk tanker.
Most annoying moment: Getting the ticket on the way home!
Places to go for videos (Thanks Craig!), pictures and more info:
Video Day 1 (South Wind) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUjsEYNfQZI
Video Day 2 (South Wind) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHlNbA7joHU
Video Day 3 ( South Wind/West Wind) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrBjfbk74lc&feature=related
Video Day 4 (West Wind) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oLu_5oGzgI
Video Day 5 (West Wind) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTaYw2GmquQ
Video Day 6 (West Wind) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mamv-ZNYn4&feature=related
Video Day 7 (North Wind) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvKYrNEggPs
Video Day 8 (Bream Bay) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVryeLITnIw&feature=related
Here heaps more: http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=145588134920
The "I was there" pic
Super Maori Fullas on the steps of power
Mahu
Bro's
Nice!
My girl
And that bring to a conclusion my 2010 White Ribbon blog. Thanks to the ones who have had a read. Feel free to add a comment.
Follow me again in 2011.
Wishing you all a brilliant Christmas and an awsum New Year!
Pete
