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Reflections from the team:

Jason “Crash”

Jason "Crash"

Bitterly cold rain and driving head winds set the tone for the day…. everything and everyone was wet. We made good time out of Lake Hawea and had a fun drive through the Haast. Thanks to everyone who donated to KPH along the way.  Old faithful took a last gasp and is now permanently strapped to the truck which means that I was in the truck until Fox where we managed to get Simon’s bike working again – thanks to the guys at BP Fox for their help.

Another final downpour before making it to Franz and curry around the fire with some card playing afterwards.

Simon “Mad Max”

Simon "Mad Max"

Early & dark morning start as we exited Bluff poste haste screaming towards Invercargill for our first petrol stop. Great sunrise at Boggie Burn which is probably the first time that town has been mentioned in dispatches. We all rode very comfortably to Lumsden to meet the 4-wheel drive club who escorted us successfully to Old Man Range. Change to refuel and suss out how to attempt to take the small bikes on such a massive high climb. On reflection, this should never be attempted again!!! Whilst looking back 10 hours later with a Steinlagar in my hand, it cungered up feelings of elation – however, in the process, other emotions were forefront in my mind – tired, weary, frustrated at engine breakdowns, pushing of other people’s bikes, having to put bikes on the back of a truck (which was a very disappointing moment after completely drowning my scooter in a BIG puddle that rose over the seat) then to see the girls continue in their journey….. I made many attempts to procure the girls bikes, no surprises there, mate! Once back to the tarmac it was a big task to get the scooters rectified so we could get to our camp by 9.30pm. BIG 14-hour day.

Day 2 – was very excited to completely strip and repair bike so I was back on the road. It was a great team building day with a trip into Queenstown for the luge where everyone was more than competitive in their respective races. Motorbikes all working well into Arrowtown, fantastic climb over the Crown Range and even better screaming run down to Cadrona where we exceeded 70kms where possible and even passing the odd campervan – great times! However, all good things must come to an end as shortly after leaving Cadrona my scooter for the second day in a row failed to get me home and I once again resorted to the back-up scooter. Next came a very disappointing moment in the race when upon arriving at Lake Hawera, our finishing point for day 2, I was left behind, not knowing the address of our accommodation and left to circle the lake aimlessly for some time was not feeling the love. Upon Shaun discovering me, I arrived at the accommodation to realise no-one even missed me! Not happy.

Early start and bikes all humming – after late night repairs my bike back on the road. But it was short-lived as two hours into the day the carby gave up the ghost and I was back on the back-up scooter. At this point it was raining West Coast style but all good and it gave the day a real sense of adventure. It really has been Survivor Scooter. Made it to Fox Glacier where we replaced the fuel filter in my bike and she LIVES – so caned it to Franz Joseph as it absolutely bucketed down in torrential rain but a great day. Very sore bum today. You may have read in previous articles some disparaging remarks about me, however, I like to inform all you good readers it’s nothing but jealousy.

Special thanks to Shaun and Kim who have worked on my bikes with me – and it has been many times my companions have been utter muppets but what happens on Survivor Scooter, stays on Survivor Scooter.

Clemy “Road Poet”

Kim/Clemy "Road Poet"

This ride is too deep…. people won’t understand the emotion unless they experience it themselves. It’s like Nam, you just don’t know, man – you weren’t there.

Erin “Buzz Box”

Erin "Buzz Box"

I’ve come to the realisation that Kiwi lads are SOFT – and they should take a few tips from their Aussie sisters. Two chicks from Oz were the only survivors of the first day over the ranges – hard core 4-wheel drive track. We survived while the softies hictched a ride with a female 4-wheel driver! I’m really grateful for the 4-wheel drive clubs participation – they were our saving grace. They were all very keen to show off their territory and were proud of their playground. If it weren’t for them, there would be scooters strewn between Lumsden and Alexandra. A special thanks to Bert – mechanic extroadinaire. My only regret was that we didn’t have time to have drinks with them and find out more about their club. The glacier was awesome today and the high country over the ranges impressed me. I plan to come back to NZ to do some more travelling and all the tourist attractions. One thing that I can’t understand is why all my Kiwi co-workers have come to live in Aussie – your country is spectacular!

It surprised me how amazing the scooters have been and how up to the challenge they are. My scooter has been brilliant and was the only one to survive the first day. It took plenty of hits in the rocky ranges and I had to give it some rest due to a burning belt…. but it has seen me through till now and it ready to buzz tomorrow. It seems to be the only bike to have good low-down torque – although the others have more top-end speed.

My apologies to Jason for setting up a cracker-stack on the luge…. we are still giggling over that one. It appears that we have a new Lightweight today after Jason spent most of the day in the truck….. asleep!

Hi to Matt & all my friends following me on the Mad Dog Survivor Scooter website – I really appreciate your well-wishes and support, in fact, it’s been keeping me going and inspiring me on the long haul.

Bryan “Mr Business”

Bryan "Mr Business"

“Any sh*t – I’ll run you over!”

Shaun “CaveMan”

Shaun "Caveman"

I did not get lost – I was distracted by the great scenery! Oh, and thanks for the 4-wheel drive search party.

Caroline “Whippet”

Caroline "Whippet"

To be a survivor in this ride you have to always smile and keep pushing forward – even if it means pushing your bike! I also find eating at every opportunity is helpful. I want to thank Jason & Adrienne for being absolute superstars – Jason for organising & bike-swapping when necessary and Adrienne for the cooked breakfasts!

My highlights have been hooning through large mud bogs while the experts were looking on and debating how to get through. Coming down off the mountain on the offroad day was amazing too. I really enjoyed towing Jason on his bike up the hill – it was incredible to see how these scooters handle. As a tourist, I have really enjoyed all the scenery photos we’ve been taking… it almost looks like we’ve been photoshopped into them!