Happy Birthday! 20 Sept 2006

Well, I almost forgot it myself. Having been on the road all last week I completely lost track of the days let alone the dates. I am another year older sooner that I should be (time difference means it is still yesterday at home!) I am feeling every bit alive as ever and hopeful in the abundance of what God has in store for me here.

I have had such a blessed time here already, meeting such friendly people and seeing one of the most beautiful places on earth. I am told that the scenery in the south island is even more impressive which is hard to comprehend given the awesome volcanic landscapes already seen.

I have been facinated by the history of New Zealand, the Te Papa museum has some excellent exhibitions including the fastest motorcycle ever made, built here by a Kiwi, called the Britten V-1000.



"Engine: 985cc, 60-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled four-stroke with eight valves and belt-driven double overhead cams.

Special features: Rigid engine block serves as the main frame. Rear swing arm and girder fork constructed of super-light kevlar and carbon fiber. Rear shock mounts in front of the engine.

This is almost certainly the fastest home-built road racer ever, and it successfully challenged Japanese and Italian marques in the British, European and American Racing Series, and twins events worldwide. Amazingly, the V1000 was engineered and completely hand made by John Britten’s small team in New Zealand. The organically sculpted, way-outside-the-box design not only looked great, it ran great, at speeds over 180 mph. Sadly, the V1000 is the last of its kind as John Britten died of cancer at age 45." (www.motorcycles.org)