Bike collection and first ride

Today went quite well.  Got up, did all the business and went and picked bike up from Kiwi Shipping.  Got ripped off by the Indian cab driver as he went past his house to pick up his lunch but we got there.

Service was great at Kiwi Shipping - Craig and the guys had everything ready for us.  After giving my bike a hug and introducing myself to her then had to ask where does the key go and how do you start the bike up we were on the way. At the first intersection we lost mark so Dave and myself carried on not a clue where to go,.  All I knew was we had to hit the Santa Fe road then turn on to Pacific Highway.  Luckily found Santa Fe then got some gas.

Bloody hell what a mission, pump wouldn’t work till some one told us pay first so I did that.  Paid $25.00 and started to fill.  Back in NZ that would fill the tank so wasn't watching the fuel tank was watching the pump next thing the guy knocking on the window pointing at the bike so looked down, gas everywhere. Tank was full, found some towels and had a clean up and got my change $11.90 and got out of there.  Mental note "gas cheap here watch the fuel tank.  Anyway came to Pacific Highway turned left and away we went.  BIG MISTAKE!!!  When we saw the ocean knew we went wrong way so turned around and 45 minutes later back at motel.

Meanwhile Mark was back at depot had run out of gas then bike wouldn't start so Kiwi Shipping took him to a shop to get new battery.  3 hours later he was back at motel.

Have now given the bike another hug just let her know she is appreciated and a bit of a pep talk just letting her know she will have to carry me about 8500 km over the next few weeks.  Mark wanted to go and have a look at Walmart so away we went and got lost again.  Still haven't seen it but managed to get back to hotel. 

Anyway its  hot and sticky so time for a swim and a few buds. To all Jan's friends I will post tomorrow where we are going and anyone else reading this apologies now most of these blogs will be done after a few beers at the end of the day so might be a load of rubbish.

One thing I will say is the people here are great.