It is a month since Sabrina was returned to Auckland on the back of a transporter, an ignominious end to our labour Weekend ride. The good people at Auckland Harley spent a huge amount of time firstly diagnosing the problem, then working through the necessary bureaucracy (with Harley Australia) so they could effect repairs under warranty.
Service manager Tony kept an impatient and anxious owner (me) in the loop, trying to put a positive spin on what appeared to be a problem with no apparent answer. The end result was to ensure this repair didn't end badly, and I have every confidence that this will be the case. Tony phoned me on Tuesday with the good news that Sabrina was about to be road tested, and even rushed out side with his phone so I could hear for myself as the mechanic rode out of the workshop- Sabrina's familiar roar nearly (actually, more than probably) brought a tear to my eye - having said that, Tony had very diligently called me first thing in the morning, unaware that I was Brisbane, the 3 hour time difference (5am my time) was a small price to pay. I persuaded Linda to drop me across to collect Sabrina this morning, (a very happy reunion), although I was surprised that it took a few kilometres before the familiarity returned. Jeff and Mickey were roped into a ride, and a couple of hours later we departed for the Kaiaua Pub. Whitford then Clevedon quickly passed, and the slow traffic with them as we opened up, enjoying what had turned into a very nice Saturday afternoon, the tight twistys between Kawakawa and Orere Point a special bonus, the usual damp moss road surface uncharacteristically clean and dry, inviting an extra few km per hour... A few other bikers had made the pilgrimage to the pub, some on Harleys (one with ape hangers more suited to an Orangutan), some on sexy crotch rockets that go far too fast, and even a tricycle (one of those silly jet ski things on wheels). Pub food rarely disappoints, and our cheeseburgers, snapper and chips were just what the doctor ordered, accompanied by a couple of beers, Bundaburg Ginger beer a favourite once the obligatory Speights had washed away the road dust. Back on the road, this time headed inland, with more fast straights and even faster corners adding to the thrill factor, my radar detector being tested to its limits, although with hindsight, unnecessarily. Throughout it all Sabrina performed magnificently, undemanding of anything other than my best, eager to be pushed hard into every corner, and never faltering in any way. I'm a very happy fella! Our arrival at the Air NZ lounge saw an inauspicious start to our Fijian vacation. There was a problem with my Koru membership (a foundation member) and we were refused admittance, being handed a strip of paper with a handwritten phone number. The two attendants refused my request to assistance, more concerned with their own issues - very disappointing. That followed by 20 minutes on hold and innumerable "we'll be with you shortly", a patient and courteous woman named Rose listened to my problems and regretfully explained that the two "ditzy" attendants had given me the wrong number, and that she'd try and transfer me... After a further delay I decided to go on line and with 60 seconds had solved my own problem. Back to the lounge to voice my disappointment (without the anger and rage that had been my companion for the previous 40 minutes. Grrrr. The rudeness of Affluent Aussies (and others) is apparent again this morning. It is requested that as a matter of courtesy to others the dining room remain free of computers, i pads and cell phones. When we left 5 minutes ago at least one person at every other occupied table was going flat out. The Yasawa Resort certainly is very beautiful, only 18 bures and a maximum of 36 guests at any time - a pleasant change to the crowds and squealing kids at the mainland resorts. Beauty aside there have been a couple of "moments". Because it is a private island, guests are required to book air travel from the mainland via the resort. 45 minutes in an old and well used Brittan Norman Islander costs just under F$2500 (NZ$1660). It was annoying to find our flight delayed by several hours, ostensibly due to technical issues, soon proven a lie as one of the airline staff mentioned we were actually waiting for other travellers. Not good that our first dealing with them started this way, and after a few minutes of Angry Don, the resort manager has gone out of his way to avoid me. Small comfort that the late arrivals were a Portuguese couple (he was actually Macau - Portuguese), she without a word of English, he decked out in a Safari Suit, the full monty, including knee length socks and genuine Pith helmet - outrageous. Anyway, too much grumbling. We've enjoyed doing very little at all other than enjoying the lovely beach and pool, reading and eating, and lots of cruising, eyes closed, the days whiling away. Our package includes daily massage (the resort people forgot to mention that until day 3 when we enquired), and apparently we are due for facials today - hmmm. We've resisted socialising with others, avoiding unnecessary and shallow conversations with people we really have no interest in (which makes me a rude bugger). Anyway, a few minutes beside the pool, perhaps a quick swim, then the massage - phew, busy Don |
Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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