Bikers Rule The Roads & Trails

22 April 2022

Well, it’s aviation history, great vintage rail, ‘Bad Santa’ Christmas parades and Southland’s special snacks 

Camping and caravanning is such an important part of so many people’s lives that the impact of, and memories from, camping trips away as kids remain some of our most treasured as adults. In our village of Martinborough, we meet people regularly around the ‘Great Table of Knowledge’ in the local café and often hear about recent trips away from various people.

Recently we caught up with friends who moved to Martinborough from Wellington around 20 years ago, Veronica and Kevin Lund. The couple ran a building business, and as keen motorcycle riders were inspired by many trips across the Remutakas to cruise the Wairarapa roads, while a drop of two of wine saw them buy a section where Kevin built them a home. Their lives then and for the next 10 years saw them happily ensconced in working while taking multiple trips overseas to join motorbike tours around the USA, mainly with others but also by themselves – living the biker’s dream some would say.

Their early years together as a young couple saw them often out camping, then a big upgrade to a camp trailer got them exploring New Zealand even further. When their kids arrived they eventually splurged on a ‘real’ caravan complete with a bedroom, full-length windows and everything. Veronica was most impressed to have a kitchen inside. Many years were spent taking the kids all over the country creating many everlasting memories. During their mid-life crisis years, with the kids having left home, the bikes once again took over – good times.

Friends in the village then got a caravan and raved about how great it was, and this got Kev and Veronica excited all over again. 

They had been enjoying overseas jaunts for a few years but with retirement, nearly upon them four wheels now had more appeal, so they popped across to Wellington and ended up buying a Jayco Starcraft with a slide-out, so they could hook up and join their mates going away. Some great trips ensued, until an accident not of their doing resulted in the caravan being smacked into, hauled away and written off. Disappointed but hooked on the RV lifestyle, it took no time at all for the insurance cheque to clear and they soon found their next home on the road, a Bailey Rangefinder. Lighter in weight than the Jayco and no slide-out this time, but they love the new layout with its separate shower and toilet spaces.

A few adjustments needed to be made, including fitting bigger water tanks, the washing machine and microwave removed, extra drawers for storage plus a TV installed in the bedroom, and they were away laughing.

Cycle trails have taken over from riding the white line in the middle of the road. Kevin didn’t like the bike rack on the back of the caravan, feeling that the weight bouncing away on the back was none too good. Instead, he elected to make an adaptation to the towbar on the back of his ute, giving him the ability to load the bikes there instead. A great idea and easier to load.

We appreciate Veronica and Kev sharing their RV lifestyle story with readers. Look out for them around the country this summer.

Check out the short video of their caravan’s interior if you are interested in this make and model. 

Story and images supplied by NZToday-RVLifestyle magazine. 
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