sign we just passed , is not joking . In the middle of the road stand six cattle-beasts , fences long fallen into disuse ; easier to warn us than fix the fences perhaps . We wait . They pass , and soon so do we , cautiously . Too soon we arrive at the end of the road , the junction point with SH1 at Whakapara . From this point our idyll of empty roads and calm travelling , good humour and amusing anecdotes is largely at an end . From here , it ’ s basically survival , on congested workaday roads . We wind south , in traffic , and decide to take 16 back to Auckland , and again , briefly we are on less busy roads . A reprise of glorious rural views to sea-filled coves , and the Kaipara whispering a welcome home .
THE NATURE OF SCOOTER TOURING I ’ m sad , but happy too , the journey has been one of discovery - the new Vespa 300 Racing Sixties HPE is a terrific scooter – touring it is as good as it gets . I have learnt more about my compadrés ; they have turned into friends , and I value that highly . There is something about Vespa touring that cannot be replicated with any other machine ; perhaps because it ’ s not a race , they are all evenly matched , and it ’ s not a
competition , they all handle the same . That , plus , the nature of the scooter behaviour means rider care , and sanity , is required . You are not travelling so fast that you miss the unfolding vista , and life , around you . Those who witness your passing seem compelled to say hello , smile or just wave . I don ’ t think there is another form of transport that so endears itself to all . If you think a Northland tour on Vespas may be of interest to you , Kiwi Rider is looking at putting something together for 2021 , so drop us a note at pete @ kiwirider . co . nz to register your interest with the KR team .
THANKS I would particularly like to thank my two travelling companions , Cameron Bennett and Wayne Gillies , gentlemen of the highest order both , but also to acknowledge the very generous contribution from Michael Beckhaus , of Solero Holdings , and the trust he placed in me to ride and return the new Vespa in perfect order . Thanks also for encouragement from Pete and Ben at Kiwi Rider , and of course my wonderful wife and family , who allow me such freedom to have this life , in this time , in the greatest little touring country on our green earth .
54 KIWI RIDER