Nelson

The next day, we flew from Auckland down to Nelson to begin our tour.  We met the other people on the tour: Patrick, Steve, Mike, Lenny and Diane.  We also met Ian, one of the two brothers who own the motorcycle dealership and the tour company, who was also our chase van driver, guide, storyteller, mechanic, and sommelier.

Here are Diane and Lenny checking out their Triumph Trophy 1200 at Thunderbike (foreground), and Patrick doing the same for his Triumph Trophy 900 in the background:



After we picked up the bikes, we got tour books and maps from Ian, and set off.  Here's Alison on her way between Nelson and Westport on the first day of riding.
 
Alison taking a break on the first day Alison riding the BMW 850

 


Vernon next to the orange Triumph Sprint RS he rode.  In foreground is Alison's BMW 850.  This picture was taken in the amazingly cute little town of Granity.


 Karamea