poEm

By JanE gray

He even offered to give us a bed

Back past Auckland - cities aren’t our thing

Then the Desert Road again for another drenching

Cyclone damage in the East kept us well away

So we had a great night at an old Farmstay

David & Sue were our generous hosts

Tales of their world travels with great wine toasts

We caught up with Chris, the BMWNZ Pres

He’s a great guy just like everyone says

We stayed with friends, Grant & Jane, in Upper Hutt

With plans to sail south in the morning, BUT!

The ferry was delayed yet again, of course

Both ferry companies seemed to have no remorse

We got into Picton in the rain late that night

And rode past Blenheim where we snuggled up tight

In a shipping container which was one of a kind

Accommodation was scarce, it was all we could find

Hanmer Springs, Arthur’s Pass with its viaduct

For one litre of fuel it cost over 3 bucks!

Just near Greymouth was our night’s abode

Then north to Karamea at the end of the road

At Denniston Historic Coal Mining Town

The coal train rode 600 metres down Westport, Buller Gorge & Lake Rotoiti

The sand-flies were savage although itty bitty

Back through the vineyards of Wairau Valley & Marlborough

To Kaikoura & our friends, Grahame & Gloria

Snowcapped mountains behind & seals everywhere

Then rode back to Christchurch with not a day to spare Gray Ghost was left gleaming to sail back to Oz

While we said thanks for the wonderful trip that was

Chargentina

By Duncan Bennett Member #4171

Chile & Argentina – the start of the riding!

Flights mainly on time and efficient baggage and pick-up at Santiago – tick. The big onecollecting the bikes from a customs facility near Valparaiso, tick. Four of us did the trip; we handed over documents, stood around for a couple of hours whinging about the cold and getting acquainted, then were escorted into the facility to get the bikes. Reasonably seamless after nearly 3 months; connected the batteries and Cindy’s Tigressa started first try, Storm Boy followed after a few more starter button pushes. Paperwork handed to someone who looked a bit confused, maybe actually a member of the cleaning staff, and it was off to find fuel. Remembering to ride on the right-hand side of the road we made it safely back in Santiago, an initial observation being that unlike South-East QLD drivers, Chilean drivers and riders stay in the correct lane for their speed and use their hazard lights to warn those behind that traffic is slowing down.

day involved no riding but had been given the honour of being Day 1 due to the official welcome dinner and expedition briefing.

The much-anticipated reunion

When staring at the map of South America, one can see that there are only 2 directions in the lower third one can seriously engage in –up, or down. Starting from the Intercontinental Hotel in Santiago, we chose down through Chile and Argentina, hence Chargentina. It was official Ultimate South America Day 2, the gathering

The Chargentina Route

So, who are our companions for the next 100 days?

Tour Leaders Juan Carlos (Ride Leader on a BMW F850GS) and Juan Ignatio (Support Vehicle Driver) Juan Carlos is henceforth known as JC to avoid the obvious confusion.

The rest of the group in no particular order:

• Peter, Suzuki 650 V-Strom, QLD

• Mick, BMW R1250GS Bumblebee edition, Tassie

• David and Roisin, BMW R1250GSA HP edition, FNQ

• Paul and Allana (joining him in Buenos Aires), BMW R1200GS, VIC

• Scott and Gina, BMW 1200GS hire bike due to major shipment dramas, USA

• Rex and Sally, Triumph Tiger 800XC, Tassie

• Gabrielle, VIC (support vehicle passenger) And of course….

• Cindy, Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro Tigressa edition