oh man, this better work out...

[Matt K]

So a friend of mine is doing a semester in New Zealand from like mid feb. through august. Which means, if I can arrange a few things, that I may be spending 2 weeks in march riding a rented bike around New Zealand. Just try and tell me that won't be awesome...

Oh, and I THINK I can get my dad to cover the airfare with stocked up airline miles (he flies to california almost weekly on business) as my 21st b-day present (I turn 21 mar. 11).

So, for once in my life, you all wish you were me

[benVFR]

If indeed they won't let you rent a motorcycle since you're under 25, and you are at all inclined too, get your butt in excellent shape and take a mountain bike. I'm sure there are some "epic" rides in the dirt in New Zealand.

http://www.photo.net/nz/nz-mtn-bike.html
http://www.mountainbike.co.nz/

Ben

[Degsy]

OK Matt, 2 things.

1. You are a very lucky man if you get this trip. NZ is a trip I have dreamed about for 20 years. I hope to retire there.

2. Seeing as you will still only be twenty for another 2 days, NO BEER FOR YOU AT THE DAYTONA PARTY!!!

Degs

[stoinkythepig]

Sounds like a great time. Long ass flight though. Get your dad to put you in Business Class if you can. I had to fly to Australia (by way of New Zealand) and back home twice one month and even in business class it was a killer.

[Matt K]

Valid concern, the being 25 thing, but the place I was looking into (and most places, I think) will rent 600cc and below to anybody over 18. You need to be 25 to get anything bigger, but that cholsn't be a problem. As far as the flight, yeah, it's a 20 hour deal. I've been across the pond (the smaller one) a couple times, and that wasn't too bad (like 8+ hours)( but this 20 hours deal is gonna be an adventure all by itself

[RandyO]

Originally posted by Degsy
OK Matt, 2 things.

1. You are a very lucky man if you get this trip. NZ is a trip I have dreamed about for 20 years. I hope to retire there.

2. Seeing as you will still only be twenty for another 2 days, NO BEER FOR YOU AT THE DAYTONA PARTY!!!

Degs

Wait a minute, Degs, I thought you were a devout Buddist and didn't allow that sort of thing

[twrayinma]

my parents did that trip (on a beemer) last summer.

i got some great wool socks out of it.

[benVFR]

Originally posted by twrayinma
my parents did that trip (on a beemer) last summer.

i got some great wool socks out of it.

Isn't it amusing having parent[s] who ride?

Ben