Greetings, it's now around 4 months to what is, in my rarely humble opinion, one of the highlights of the motorcycling calendar - the Greymouth Street Races. If you haven't been, book Labour Weekend now. Street races are a fantastic spectator event because you can watch the whole race from everywhere on the track - sick of one corner? Simple, walk to the next, or a straight or a chicane; and if you find that thirst has got the better of you there are several pubs staffed by experts in saving people from the ravages of thirst. And the ride to Greymouth beats the ride to Ruapuna hands down (unless you're a Coaster).
Last year a dozen or so of us rode across together, installed ourselves in a motel and had one of those legendary weekends that life should be filled with. We're doing it again this year and if you'd like to be part of the fun I need to know before the end of the month so I can book motel accommodation. As always it doesn't matter what you ride or how you ride (or even if you ride - support vehicles are always welcome), just as long as you love bikes and want to have a great weekend. If you want to know what it's like at Greymouth check out our website - in the Across the Divide section there are some photos I took, and for a full experience don't forget we're selling our DVD of the event - normally $34.95 but you can have it for $29.95.
This Sunday we're having our monthly RAT ride and I'm planning a ride to Kaikoura up through the Hundalees and am intending to leave from behind the shop at 10.30 and I'll be riding regardless of weather (unless it's snowing). If you're interested, I have put together an article on winter riding which is available if you want - just reply back to this email with "article" in the subject line and I'll send it to you.
Finally, I was musing in my philosophical peregrinations (my jeans were in the wash) on the truly sensual experience that is motorcycling. People often comment that sound and looks are an important factor in their bike choice, something they're sometimes a little embarrassed to admit. Personally I think how a bike looks and sounds is as important as the horsepower, the suspension and the comfort. When I walk out to the shed, open the door and look at The Beloved, the first thing that pops into my head is "damn that's a beautiful looking motorcycle". When I go to the pub or a cafe I like to park her where I can see her because she is such a stunning example of motorcycle art, and I love the sound of that triple when I wind her out - there is no sound that sends tingles up the spine like an angry triple. Our most popular accessories are aftermarket pipes because not only do they give more power but they release the note that Euro 3 noise restrictions have imprisoned in red tape and paranoia.
I once heard riding a bike described as perfect dancing, and that's an analogy I can agree with. When you watch expert dancers, they share an intuitive connection where both partners know exactly what their partner is going to do, seemingly before they do it, as they respond, flow and move together with a grace that is crafted by the music. Dancing is not something I do very often (much to the relief of potential dance partners), but when I ride, my bike and I flow together in a unity that shaped by the curves and corners of the road. I don't need to dance, riding is much better.
Maybe that's why bikes are so addictive? They sound good, look good and feel amazing; there really is nothing that compares. And on that note, I have work to do so I'm outta here. As usual, if you don't want to get any more emails, reply with "unsubscribe" in the subject line, and this email has been posted on my Blog which can be found on our website www.streetandsport.co.nz for those who want to make comments.
David.
Street and Sport Motorcycles, 03 366 2201
Last year a dozen or so of us rode across together, installed ourselves in a motel and had one of those legendary weekends that life should be filled with. We're doing it again this year and if you'd like to be part of the fun I need to know before the end of the month so I can book motel accommodation. As always it doesn't matter what you ride or how you ride (or even if you ride - support vehicles are always welcome), just as long as you love bikes and want to have a great weekend. If you want to know what it's like at Greymouth check out our website - in the Across the Divide section there are some photos I took, and for a full experience don't forget we're selling our DVD of the event - normally $34.95 but you can have it for $29.95.
This Sunday we're having our monthly RAT ride and I'm planning a ride to Kaikoura up through the Hundalees and am intending to leave from behind the shop at 10.30 and I'll be riding regardless of weather (unless it's snowing). If you're interested, I have put together an article on winter riding which is available if you want - just reply back to this email with "article" in the subject line and I'll send it to you.
Finally, I was musing in my philosophical peregrinations (my jeans were in the wash) on the truly sensual experience that is motorcycling. People often comment that sound and looks are an important factor in their bike choice, something they're sometimes a little embarrassed to admit. Personally I think how a bike looks and sounds is as important as the horsepower, the suspension and the comfort. When I walk out to the shed, open the door and look at The Beloved, the first thing that pops into my head is "damn that's a beautiful looking motorcycle". When I go to the pub or a cafe I like to park her where I can see her because she is such a stunning example of motorcycle art, and I love the sound of that triple when I wind her out - there is no sound that sends tingles up the spine like an angry triple. Our most popular accessories are aftermarket pipes because not only do they give more power but they release the note that Euro 3 noise restrictions have imprisoned in red tape and paranoia.
I once heard riding a bike described as perfect dancing, and that's an analogy I can agree with. When you watch expert dancers, they share an intuitive connection where both partners know exactly what their partner is going to do, seemingly before they do it, as they respond, flow and move together with a grace that is crafted by the music. Dancing is not something I do very often (much to the relief of potential dance partners), but when I ride, my bike and I flow together in a unity that shaped by the curves and corners of the road. I don't need to dance, riding is much better.
Maybe that's why bikes are so addictive? They sound good, look good and feel amazing; there really is nothing that compares. And on that note, I have work to do so I'm outta here. As usual, if you don't want to get any more emails, reply with "unsubscribe" in the subject line, and this email has been posted on my Blog which can be found on our website www.streetandsport.co.nz for those who want to make comments.
David.
Street and Sport Motorcycles, 03 366 2201
Peregrination indeed! Usually refers to a journey to foreign countries - suppose that could include the coast - and is usually on foot! Still I admire your use of English! Have a look at http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-Gov07_09Rail-t1-body-d4-d8.html for a 1933 poem on the topic.
ReplyDeleteMoby
That is one meaning, but it is often taken to mean a philosophical journey, and in fact the term "philosophical peregrinations" is stolen from the title of an excellent book by Rainer Zimmerman where he examines how "thoughts lead to answers to the questions that prompt people to embark on a quest for the meaning of life. They encounter interpretations that trigger new thoughts and reflection."
ReplyDeleteThe root word is peregrine, which means roving, foreign or migratory, and when used in the context of thought is taken to mean the free flow of ideas that build and develop on each other and in so doing explore new concepts.