VTR is for sale

It's been in our family for 18 months, a benevolent teacher for our sons and a commuter for Andrew. On the weekend I listed the VTR on trademe. It's like preparing to say goodbye to a friend which is very weird, this propensity I have to personify motorbikes I have ridden.
Here's the link http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?permanent=0&id=326908910

One hour to go!

Its torture, with just one hour until we leave for the airport. Andrew is very relaxed playing World of Warcraft while I try to keep busy. I am very anxious to be on my way, I love the journey and am looking forward to whatever adventures may come along.
The planning and the packing are one of my favourite things, along with the anticipation comes the pleasure of getting everything I need into one suitcase. Even though I travel with one of the smaller, 55cm, cases I always take too much stuff. What does that say about how we collect "things" and "stuff" around us.  Motorcycle trips are similar because there is only so much you can take on a bike.
Whats in the suitcase?

• sleeping bag for camping
• travel hairdryer
• 1 pair jeans
• 1 pair hiking pants
• 1 skirt
• 2 pairs sandals, 1 dressy & 1 hiking
• raincoat
• underwear and socks
• togs & travel towel
• complete set of merinos for hiking/canoeing
• 3 t-shirts
• toilet bag
• stuff for Alan & Kallan (mostly sweets)
• crochet hooks, scissors, needles

and in my cabin bag:

• laptop
• iPad
• iPhone
• cords & connectors for above
• wool & plastic crochet hooks
• passport (ha! got it)
• tickety wickety
• sweets & almonds
• glasses
• wool
• empty bottle for water

Alan has set of already to Toronto where him & Kallan will stay overnight and spend the day sightseeing before they pick me up.

11 sleeps to go

Last night the booking was made and in just 11 sleeps I will be going to see Alan. He is in Kingston, Ontario - there are some mean looking motorbike shops on Ontario and lots of places to hire a Harley!
Being away for 3 weeks means working while I am away, unless I want to come back to an horrendous backlog of work that is. The logistics of any number of our team working remotely at any time are interesting.
We are not one of those companies that shunts you around with voice messages when you call. We are very proud of the feedback we get from customers about our friendliness, responsiveness and that we answer the phone. Here's what we do.
The team mainly talk to each other by Skype when working remotely.
We have two team meetings, called scrums, each week via Skype video calling.
The phone line has call transfer on it so we can transfer any incoming customer call to the person they want to speak to.
Working from Ontario looks very do-able. The next step is to manage the costs as I have read stories in the press about some poor sucker that got a bill for thousands while overseas working, I don't want to be that person.
Right, now where was that Honda shop in Toronto?

The Aftermath

Three months on from my crash at Manfeild. The summer is fading and the shed has a space where my motorbike should stand. Time to meet my next bike.
Whats it to be? Replace my darling baby blade with another (can there be another so sweet to ride?) or go for the same motor in another guise - a naked bike? - a Hornet?
So, if God looked down and said "Audrey, you can only ever ride in one place forever", I'd choose the track and my CBR600RR. If I want to get out and have fun with hubby, who likes the open road, wind in his face and a bed of grass (well, tent nylon) at the end of the day then maybe a Hornet will do both the open road and the track.  If anyone has the direct comparison and has ridden both I'd be keen to hear what you think?
Ok, Ive been waiting to build up the cash reserves too. Crashing on the track means a hefty excess of $2,500 along with new helmet. Oldest son sold me his 250cc Honda before going abroad and doting mother that I am, I bought a lemon. I nearly turned it into marmelade in a ride over the Tuka's but with a few parts and the loving care of the wizards at Motomart it will soon be a gem , hopefully sold and a gem in someone elses crown. Then, with a pocket full of cash (only a small pocket) I will be looking for a great deal and a sweet bike.

Dance Battle in Wellington

Awesome dance battles in Wellington this evening - these guys were truly amazing.

Why have I posted this photo? Apart from this being the first time I've seen a dance battle, it has been a most welcome diversion from the reality of having my bike listed on Trademe. There is pain but maybe it is time to tell the story....

it ends here
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=272122877