Like-minded People

New Zealand, South Island - Photo: courtesy Gorgeous Stella

Did I fool you? No it's not us on Bella and Alonzo. When browsing the Modern Vespa Forum I came across a posting from a Kiwi couple from Napier (North Island) who lived a Vespista's dream… (for insiders: they run under the aliases Owie and Gorgeous Stella). Here is their ride report from their Christmas trip to the South Island:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Please take a closer look at the scooter's colour scheme. The couple certainly has a very specific taste, quite similar to our own. I wish we could travel down under, and take with Alonzo and Bella for an extended visit of both, the North and the South island. Wouldn't that be something? One can dream…

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Doppelgänger

Na, konnte ich Euch in die Irre führen? Im Modern Vespa Forum fand ich neulich ein Posting von einem Paar Vespa Reitern aus Neuseeland, die genau die gleichen Rollerfarben fahren, wie wir. Ein Zeichen guten Geschmacks! Es hätte schon etwas, mit Bella und Alonzo auf den Straßen auf der anderen Seite der Welt zu fahren… der Mensch muss ja Träume haben.

2012 - The Final Year (Part 8 of the 'Magers in Canada' Miniseries)

This will be the final installation of the 'Magers in Canada' Miniseries.

After having run into unspecific health issues Sonja had decided to change her diet, and went (mostly) vegan. We also concluded that with all this beautiful scenery at our doorsteps taking up hiking and kayaking was in order. 2012 certainly became the most outdoor active year in our Canadian records. 

In spring we visited our families in Germany again, and of course we also paid our dear friends in California another visit, and how could we not, as their weather turned out to be splendid and mild, contrary to the chilly dampness of the we(s)t coast. 

Burg, Germany

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Also, as one of the perks of working in a New Zealand company Sonja got sent off to Kiwiland again, where new (moto-blogger) friends were made, and more of the beauty of this country was discovered. 

Kiwi Scenery

Auckland, New Zealand

Street Tripling on Coromandel Island (Photo: Geoff James)

After many miles on his Vespa Roland was ready to take the next step and procured himself a maxi scooter. There were two-wheeled road-trips around the Lillooet Loop, along the Sunshine Coast, and down to Washington and Oregon to meet our moto-blogger friends at the IMBC2012. 

Later the year we had another stopover in Europe with Norway, Sweden and Germany on our list. While Norway was a rather spontaneous decision, our business in Sweden was of more 'serious' matter, as a good friends of Roland's got married. Norway had impressed us, and reminded us dearly of the landscape of Newfoundland, while Sweden seemed to be more like Ontario. Contrary to our previous years in Canada we seemed to become quite the world travelers in 2012.  

Somewhere in Norway

Norway Fjord

Norway Scenery

Sweden

A bit unexpected (for Sonja), homesickness had kicked in for Roland after so many fantastic years in our dreamland. So, on the verge of the new year, the decision to return to Germany had been firm, and we prepared for the move, sold Paolo (Sonja's Vespa) and Whitey (Roland's Maxi Scoot), and got rid of furniture and other items we didn't want to (or couldn't - such as electrical stuff) take with.

View on Downtown Vancouver

Howe Sound

A last ride to Buntzen Lake

Sunset at Burrard Inlet, a five minute walk from home

At Duffey Lake

We said our goodbyes to our friends and the country we had called home for eight years, packed up our belongings, sold some of the vehicles (the red Vespa and the Sportster stayed with us), put the condo up for sale… the rest is history. Will we ever come back? Or settle down somewhere else? In Europe? In Canada? We don't know yet. But we are sure about this:

Found in a bookstore in North Vancouver

2010 - Going Coastal. (Part 6 of the 'Magers in Canada' Miniseries)

Having friends in California certainly has its advantages. It was good that we had started the new year with sun and warmth instead of wintery prairies because on her new project Sonja got thrown into a cold and dark place in the province of Manitoba. Winnipeg, or Winterpeg as the natives call it. Need we say more?

At the University of Manitoba

The job was alright but there were limits to what one could mentally endure wheather-wise. The seemingly endless winter, the constant black and white, and minus 40C plus windchill made her back out of her contract, and escape to the west coast of Canada only a few months later.

North Vancouver

By March she had lined up new employment at a New Zealand based start-up company, with a ticket in her pocket to actually visit down under, where it happened to be warm and sunny.

Downtown Auckland

After her return to BC a car was bought, and an apartment set up, and while Roland packed up the condo in Calgary and organized the move, Sonja had set up their future life in Port Moody, British Columbia.

Reunited in Vancouver

New friends were made easily, especially with that revived hobby of Sonja's. By May she had a new (used) motorcycle, and ventured off to explore the coast and the lower Mainland.

While Roland spent his summer vacation with his best friend at the jazz festival in Montreal, Sonja and a certain moto-blogger buddy of hers went on a motorcycle trip through Washington and Oregon.

Downtown Montreal

Yakima Canyon with Bob - on our way to IMBC2010

In fall we had the opportunity to visit Vancouver Island again. It was another exciting and busy year, but all went well and we had finally arrived where we always wanted to be: At Canada's We(s)t Coast!

On the Island

Pitt Lake (Lower Mainland)

Triple Fun: Beaches, Bikes and scenic Byways

A room with a view. Despite certain spirits consumed the night before I woke up reasonably early to enjoy a wonderful sunrise.

We all seem to look a little hangover in that picture but that changed (somewhat) during breakfast.

After tea Geoff showed us his backyard, the views, where he launches the boat... I can assure you there was no bragging involved.

Roger and me. Honey, I can explain everything. The mate in his Sunday's best, all stripes and fluffy slippers.

Ok, that was too much information. Moving on, and coming to the absolute highlight of this weekend, and the posting that my dear readers are probably waiting for. Thank you for your patience!

There were two pairs of shiny keys waiting for me. One belonged to a Triumph Street Triple 675, the other one to Jennie's Mazda convertible.

(All moto-pics courtesy of Geoff)

Oh yeah, baby!

 Rogey in action!

 I can't believe it. That's not real. I am not here, it's all a dream.

 No, it's not. Pinch me again, and I'll kill you dead.

 Geoff taking close ups from the seat of the Mazda.

 Watching Roger, and mimicking his line.

 I was doing pretty well (or so I tend to believe).

22km of pure bliss.

This bike is incredible. (And I hear both guys say in sync: I told you so!) Nimble 170kg, a perfect seating position, anticipating every move, forgiving when taking it a bit too hot. Oh, it was GOOD. It was AWESOME. It was... better than... SEX even. Oh, well close enough, anyway. Yet again I am at a loss of words. It can't get any better than this.

Note to self: Need to ask Bobskoot, if we should go buy Street Triples. I know he loves them, too. Maybe we can cut a deal, if we were to buy two?

We stopped for coffee at the Whangapoua Store, where we chatted along with Steve Ferguson, store owner, rider (on motorized and pedal bikes) and avid blogger himself, who made the poor choice to live here all year round (that is when he isn't riding the Tour de France or the likes).

 Two like-minded spirits

Meanwhile, unnoticed by Geoff, I checked out the Mazda, and made myself again familiar with driving stick. Not only that I hadn't had a manual gearshift car in decades, it was also all on the wrong left side. However, I must be a natural (and a lefty anyway), because not once did I stall the engine.

 Looking good!

Geoff was back on his bike faster than I could say 'Let's Go', assuming lead position with Roger following closely. They were a great team! I bet, they made it back to Coromandel Town in under ten minutes, while I took the time to snap some pics of the vistas. If you ever come to New Zealand, these roads are a must, see for yourselves.

Feeding time was near, and we were all in the mood for some smoked delicacies. Roger picked up some goodies for Terry, and soon we had to part, this time for good.

It was tough to see him ride away on his red lightning. I will dearly miss his company.

 Good bye, Rogey and ride safely!

Meanwhile, my Tour de Coromandel wasn't finished yet, Geoff had some more seeing, and sighting in store for me. This is Coromandel Town Center.

 

 And its police station.

Another view from the James' house.

We visited Mike Cogswell, a friend of Geoff's and local potter. Here, we admire his artwork.

 Meet the artist.

 Share his view.

 Where the master must get his inspiration.

The road took us further up north, where it gives way to gravel, and the people are... well, different.

 Here you will find serenity in a Buddhist convent, if you like. Or live a hippie life.

 Or buy supplies in the last store before Nowhere.

Jennie and I were bathing in the late afternoon light before we turned around to have a final cup of tea at the James' house.

My heart is overflowing with joy and sadness at the same time as I have to leave those wonderful people and this miracle place. My head is still full of impressions from the people I met, and the land I have traveled, the roads, the green, the water, the beaches and the weather playing along so well.

And to make it extra hard on me, Coromandel says its own goodbyes to me in paramount pictures.

I make a vow to myself, that I will return one fine day. It has happened before, it will happen again.

Thank you Roger and family. Thank you, Geoff and Jennie. Thanks to the colleagues, bosses and coworkers, and all those wonderful people I had the pleasure and the fortune to meet on my journey.