Hamilton Circuit

It is the first of August. Since January I have set myself a monthly target of 1000 kilometres with the motorbike and I have easily exceeded that, and was at 12,209 km on the 31st July. To self-justify; I sold my Kawasaki ZZR 400 in May 2007, and then lived in England and New Zealand. I had no motorbike until I sold my house to move to Hamilton and to be closer to my little son. I am not poor, but my teacher salary is laughable when compared to the price of housing. (I live in hope of either a 50 or 75% housing price fall or a 50% to 75% salary rise for teachers!) I invested my money, which has not been such a great decision, but used some to buy a motorbike, a Suzuki 650cc V-Strom.

Since December I have been improving my biking skills, enjoying my rides out, and frequently taking the long way home just so that I can have the pleasure of riding some more.

Today, 1st of August, a circuit of Hamilton. Although I had been to the town of Ngaruawahia in the morning, to support my school football team (which means trying to encourage them to keep battling despite losing 11-2 to some tough farming lads), I took a spin out north from my house. I stopped for a lovely cup of coffee at Woodville Old Home, or something like that. As this is New Zealand, I was not expecting a National Trust ancient 'home', but it was pretty enjoyable.

There was a cafe next to a cricket pitch. The cynic in me wonders how often the pitch is used, but this was winter. It was a little odd that the stumps were out but they did create a lovely sight. The staff were friendly. I only asked for a long black coffee but frankly, I am a little overweight and hardly need extra food. I took a wander through the gardens and enjoyed the views, before taking a quick tour in the house. As New Zealand is not very old, it is hard to be impressed with items that are 100 years old.

The house and gardens are lovely though, and I recommend them.

I then rode north, to Ngaruawahia, and then turned south to take a route through to Te Awamutu, then via Hamilton Airport back to Hillcrest, in Hamilton. I filled up with petrol. This was not as obviously easily as it should be because I pulled up at the Mobil pump, entered my card, entered my details, entered my "Mobil Saver Con" card, and then discovered that the 91-Octane was not working. I then had to move to another pump and start all over again. There was a sign, a label, attached to the 91-Octane hose, but it was small and only visible when I picked up the pump.

Still, I enjoyed 120+ km of riding, despite a late start. I have not yet decided where I will head off to tomorrow.

I also had to resurrect and recreate a Facebook page. There is no way around it, sadly.

Woodville, New Zealand.