One step closer...vroom vroom

Plans are underway for a few land-based travels in the future...on two wheels. That's right, motorcycles! However, I (Sarah) wasn't content to be a pillion passenger, so it was time for me to learn to ride a bike for myself. I got my learner's license and bought a trusty 2008 Honda CBF 250...the biggest size permitted for learner riders in NZ. Mike got a (slightly!) bigger bike, a Yamaha XJR 1200, to keep me company. We've had fun touring around here in New Zealand (at, er, up to 70 km/h, the speed limit for NZ learner riders).

We went down to Queenstown to meet up with some friends and got a day of dirt biking in.

Getting suited up...

 Sarah learning to ride dirt...

While Mike heads up into the hills...

For Mike's birthday we headed up around the Kauri Forest and along the Waihi coast with Xen and Shelaine.

Gearing up...

On the road again after a quick coffee break...

Stopping for a quick walk in the forest...

And admiring the big kauri tree...

Taking in some spectacular views...

Enjoying the coastal route home...

I also had some biking practice in North America thanks to Ken, who let me ride his "little red devil" (a Honda CRF 230L).

A scenic Orcas Island tour (with only one small misadventure)...

Heading out for my first real dirt biking session, at Walker Valley...

Where some of us had skill...

And some of us had a lot of learning to do (taking a bow after conquering a trail, despite a rather wet crash halfway through!)...

It's been a few months and yesterday marked a major milestone, because I took my practical test for my restricted license...and passed! "Momentous" is a bit of adjectival overkill, but it certainly felt that way with the nerves that made me nauseous and sleepless for the last week in anticipation!

Hooray, no more L plate.

Bring on phase 2... And big thanks to patient Mike for putting up with my pre-test jitters!