Ride to Fly

REMEMBERING - 12 months ago

2010-11-11T22:33:00.000-08:00

On 11th November, 12 months ago, we were just commencing the Ride to Fly Journey and departed Cape Reinga that day - 11 November 2009.

How quickly time goes by.

We had been asked to participate in the MAF Queensland Discovery Day event which was to take place on 11 September 2010. With this in mind, we planned a visit to Cairns and Brisbane in June this year, to catch a bit of sun and to connect with MAF Head Office. While in Cairns, we drove up to see the Mareeba airport where MAF operations centre is located. Unfortunately, while we were in Cairns, there was a death in our family in NZ and it required that we return home urgently. Therefore, we were unable to continue with our visit to Brisbane, which included meeting up with MAF Queensland representatives to discuss our involvement in this event.

In July/August we were advised by Queensland MAF that, owing to circumstances, they were not able to proceed with their Ride2Fly 2010 as originally planned, but were downsizing the event for this year and hence our attendance was not required.

You can check the website http://www.maf.org.au/ - see Ride2Fly for photos of their September event.

Also see http://www.maf.org.nz/ for the latest news and final update on the NZ 2009 Ride to Fly

Donations continued to come in some 6 - 8 weeks after the NZ event finished and in total reached just over the NZD52,000.00.

We continue to thank God for all the happenings of the DOT and the New Guinea connections through the Ride to Fly event. We are still amazed at the way He continues to bring together new contacts.

DOT is still looking good - "all dressed up and nowhere to go".

Any suggestions?

DON'T FORGET TO BUY THE 'LATITUDE SIX COFFEE'.
10% of sales go towards community projects benefitting the coffee growers in PNG.
New distributors for this coffee with contact details as below:

Marketplacers International Limited
Phone (09) 9 526 6363
Email: sales@marketplacers.co.nz or order on line http://www.latitudesix.org.nz/
Attn: Anne Sheddan

PS - Good Keen Motorcyclists - Check out
Deus Ex Machina, Custom motorcycles, coffee, cafe, clothes
Shed 5, Upper Deck, 90 Wellesley St, Auckland
Good food and atmosphere!

God Bless you all. Frank

RIDE TO FLY - 23 April 2010

2010-04-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

On the road. "Do you know the way to .........." Which way did you say?
4 gray heads, so much wisdom!

"Doubtless" this was the right way to go - Doubtless Bay seafood heaven. Thanks for a great night and a great response.

Helene Conway from Shine TV, filmed much of the northern part of the journey. Here is Frank, Helene and her husband Dean, with Mike Romkes (Christian Motorcycle Association) in Tauranga. We are so grateful to Anthony Wright fom Drury Tires (and The Redeemed motorcycle group) for the donations raised as a result of this leg of the journey. It was quite a sight to see approx. 80 bikes following the little DOT on the highway.

Two DOTS meet. Dennis Turnbull of Turnbull's Furniture in Palmerston North, who also owns the same model DOT.

Made it to Parliament, but they wouldn't let us in. The Security guard on his way to put an end to our hopes of directing the political scene.
Sorry Richard Seddon...... we didn't mean to disturb you!

And on and on and on we go... Christchurch all in the Countdown mode.

Mosgiel airport. A similar photo with write up, made the Otago Daily Times front page. This was picked up by the New Guinea "National" newspaper which then did a 3-page feature in their "Weekender" with a view to raising awareness of the need for another plane in PNG.

Nearly there. Invercargill with blue sky for a few minutes. Over 7,000 bikes were in the area for the Burt Munro Challenge weekend.

Next stop Teretonga Racing and Andrew Stroud (NZ Superbike Champion), who continues his winning ways in 2010. Thanks Andrew, for your support and encouragement.

Peter Hansen, the man who found the bike in pieces in Tari, PNG, crated it up and shipped it to NZ in 1978, where it sat untouched for many years.

"The Icing on the Cake"
Original 1965, pre-independence, Territory of Papua New Guinea, registration number plate. This was presented to Frank by Peter Hansen. Peter (a pilot in PNG) had brought the dissasembled bike, in crates, from PNG to NZ in 1978. He had kept the number plate as a memento when he sold the bike, until he met Frank in Blenheim on completion of the 'Ride to Fly' in 2009.

Inspection after the Ride, showed evidence of the engine having 'seized' a number of times during the Ride which should have prevented the bike completing the 2,200 kms journey. But it made the distance. (God's provision!)

"What's it all about". The eagerly awaited 'life-line' for many people and situations.

GA8 AirVan. (P2-MFL is the PNG registration for the NEW GA8 AirVan)

Logo for the NZ "Ride to Fly, November 2009

Here is the suggested change of logo with colours to be representative of the colour scheme of the current MAF aircraft.

NOW WHAT?

11th September 2010, is "Discovery Day" for MAF Queensland. Frank has been asked to present the DOT story. At this stage, it is planned for us both to attend this event and it would be great to take DOT with us! We are still working on that possibility.

RIDE TO FLY - 23 April 2010

2010-04-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

It is now nearly 6 months since our journey from Cape Reinga to Bluff began. Little did we know some of the hiccups ahead of us, but neither did we know the great things that we would witness. First of all, we want to thank you each one for the part you played. Without your support and promotion, the Ride would never have taken place.

In a letter from MAF Asia Pacific, the Executive Officer, Vaughan Woodward, writes :
The MAF New Zealand contribution of NZ$49,079.58 in 2010 toward the purchase of a turbo-charged GA8, is valued and much appreciated.

Following fundraising, manufacture and delivery, the aircraft was deployed to Wewak on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea in October 2009. In the last two months of 2009, the MAF New Zealand funded aircraft, P2-MFL, made a significant contribution in the delivery of aid and development capacity, flying a total of 9.5% of the Wewak base total work.
(P2-MFL is the PNG registration for the new GA8 AirVan).

The aircraft is used to fly from the coastal township into the mountainous interior of PNG providing many remote communities with access to the essentials of life. Here, the turbo-charged engine delivers the performance necessary for operations into short airstrips at high altitude.

During the two months of its operational flying in 2009 the MAF New Zealand funded aircraft has:

• Flown 11 patients and their carers on emergency medical evacuation flights
• Flown 167 hours over 278 flights, the majority of which were visits to remote communities (averaging over 5 flights per day)
• Carried over 490 passengers in and out of remote communities facilitating both government services and business development
• Carried nearly 9,100 kgs of freight (such as food, building materials, medical and educational supplies) to remote communities
• Moved over 30 teachers and education workers (and their families)
• Transported 6 health care workers and 383 kg of health care materials

Since this transfer was made some weeks ago, further donations for the Ride to Fly event, have come in, bringing the latest total in excess of $50,000.

Further presentations have been made at St Peter's Anglican Church, Katikati, Greenwood Park Retirement Village Tauranga, with plans for another at Omokoroa Baptist (2nd May), and The Orchard - Te Puke (June/July).

Following on from these, MAF in Queensland, have requested that we attend a “Ride To Fly” event which they are promoting in Brisbane, on 11th September. This is to be a Discovery Day for folk interested in MAF generally, or for those with a view to serving with MAF. Frank has been asked for a presentation at the end of the ride, telling the story of the DOT and to encourage those who are interested in flying and support services.

If possible, they would like to have the DOT bike there to take part, but this will depend on costs. For this event MAF Queensland have asked to use the Ride To Fly logo with a change of colours, from the old Yellow and Black, to Red and Blue which would then be in line with the current MAF colours. We have agreed to this and MAF NZ will now Trade Mark this logo.

RIDE TO FLY - 07 December 2009

2009-12-06T19:58:00.000-08:00

We are home again! After 4,598 kilometres, it is good to be back in our own surroundings. We are sorting through photos and will have some for you to see shortly along with stories. What a journey and so many people to thank. So watch this space.

Ride to Fly - Update Tuesday 1st December 2009

2009-11-30T21:49:00.000-08:00

Here we are in Picton. We had a good but long trip from Christchurch and were able to visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum. We have other interesting things to tell you, but will leave them until we get back to "civilisation" and get a good night's sleep or two.

A text message received from Helene - Shine TV.
"You are on Shine TV news again this Thursday at 8.30 pm"

You might like to check this out. Please let your friends and family know too. Thanks.

Ride to Fly update - 30 November 2009

2009-11-29T15:41:00.000-08:00

Monday night, 30th November 2009 - In Christchurch
A very long drive and again enjoying great hospitality for the night.
Here are the photos we lost last night.

WE MADE IT !!
Left to Right:
Emma McGeorge (MAF Auckland office), Frank and Ruth Carter, Ruth and Jim Mc Bride,
Peter Carter, Noel Stevens, Mark Fox (CEO MAF), Geoff Given

Alongside the Signposts, there is a rock with inscriptions as follows:

Monday 30th November 2009

This morning we left Invercargill. The weather is better, however still pretty cold with a high of 12 degrees. We heard there may be snow on the Canterbury foothills! We are heading for Christchurch where we will stay for the night and hopefully update the blog with some more photos. We hear there is better weather up North so that is where we are heading!

At this stage, we plan to be back in Tauranga late Wednesday afternoon. Once we are up and running there we will send an email out to everyone and update you all on everything to date.

A huge thanks again to everyone for their generosity, hospitality and support since we embarked on our journey on the 10th of November, which now seems like a lifetime ago!

Ride to Fly - update 29 November 2009

2009-11-28T23:50:00.000-08:00

We made it! On Friday 27th November 2009, just after 11.00 am, we arrived in style at the Bluff signpost.

We were escorted by 3 or 4 other motorbikes from Invercargill and on arrival, there were a number of other bikes already there - albeit not to greet us particularly. There are an estimated 7000 bikes in the area this weekend coming and going, so it is not surprising that some were at Bluff.

By the time we had left Invercargill, we were in driving rain and wind coming off the Antarctic apparently. However, we managed to stand upright long enough to take a group photo as follows. (Unfortunately at the time of writing this blog we lost our internet connection so were not able to upload the group photo. We will endeavour to do this shortly.)

Even admist the terrible weather, we were interviewed by both Southern Cue TV and Shine TV, both of which were great interviews - thanks again to Southern Cue TV and Shine TV for their interest and support.

The Burt Munro Challenge was great, including the beach racing! We have had the DOT on display throughout the weekend at the Challenge and there has been tremendous interest. We have also managed to continue to distribute our flyers and have continued on with the donation buckets!

Andrew Stroud spent the day on Friday at the E Hayes shop signing autographs and he asked Frank to join him and they had a great day together.

Ride to Fly - SPECIAL UPDATE 23rd November 2009

2009-11-22T12:54:00.000-08:00

ALL BIKE RIDERS, PLEASE NOTE:

Our departure time from Christchurch will be 8.00 am on Tuesday morning , 24th November, FROM 436b Harewood Road, Bishopdale and NOT from Avonhead Baptist Church as previously posted.
This is a change to our original stated departure time due to the distance we have to travel on this stage to Oamaru.

If you wish to accompany or meet up with us, please contact by cellphone 027 240 1934.

Ride to Fly - update 21st November 2009

2009-11-20T22:57:00.000-08:00

Angels again - with wheels, not wings! Bob from Napier Ulysses club, escorted DOT to
Palmerston North and returned to Napier again. Then David and Des had an early start
from Wellington and arrived in Palmerston North to lead us through to Wellington.
This was much appreciated as David had a GPS system and was able to escort us
through the traffiic to Parliament Buildings in Wellington.

Arrival at the Beehive Friday 20th November 2009
DOT (or maybe it was Frank) attracted 3 security guards in a very short time!

Some of the 'Ride to Fly' Team at the Beehive.

Unfortunately, Helen was in New York at UN HQ

The Harris's Cruiser (Tiger) with DOT's house

Frank with DOT, giving our Sponsors some exposure.

RIDE TO FLY - 19 November 2009

2009-11-19T00:22:00.000-08:00

Well, we left Tauranga on Tuesday heading for Taupo. We had a great ride - the bike performed superbly and the weather was fantastic. The meeting in Taupo went really well and it was great to see and meet those that came out to hear our story.

Wednesday the 18th saw us wake up to bad weather. As Frank had travelled the Taupo to Napier road many, many times over the years he decided to ride the whole leg himself. The rain fell from the heavens and continued to do so the whole way. The bike performed well again which was a blessing and apart from being soaked to the skin, the team arrived in Napier in one piece. Needless to say, we spent the first couple of hours at the local laundromat trying to dry out Franks riding gear! It was great to see old friends and catch up and again, the meeting was a success. A good night's sleep was needed by all!

Thursday the 20th found us on the road again, this time heading for Palmerston North. Radio Rhema had made contact with us and we stopped for a while so Frank could do a live interview. Unfortunately we were unable to hear this first-hand, but we have heard through family that the interview was great and Radio Rhema are really enthusiastic about our journey and what we are accomplishing.

At this point, we would like to extend a huge 'thank you' to the team at Radio Rhema and Shine TV for all their support, interest and what they are doing for us.

The weather was great again today and the bike continued to perform without a hitch - the only repairs required today were to the Motorhome with a flat tyre! Amazing how the new technology is struggling to keep up with the old!

We received a fantastic reception in Palmerston North and we would like to thank Turnbull Furnishings for the great opportunity to 'meet' another DOT and their generous contribution.

The meeting tonight was great, again catching up with old friends and the arrangements superb! Heading for Wellington tomorrow and looks like good weather again - Praise the Lord!

We have had problems with internet connections so will update again shortly with photos. Thanks to you all for your interest and support.

RIDE TO FLY - 16/11/09

2009-11-15T17:51:00.001-08:00

We departed the Cape at 11.30 am Thursday 12th November, for Doubtless Bay.

Geoff Given talking to some of the local residents who were very interested in what we were doing.

Peter handing over the DOT to Andrew Stroud at Waihi.
Thank you Shine TV! Helene (from Shine TV) and her husband, with Mike Romkes on the right, all from CMA. Helene met us at the Brynderwyn turnoff and accompanied us all the way to Tauranga, filming along the way.

Amos handing over the donations from the "Make my Day" ride, organised by "The Redeemed" motorcycle group. Anthony Wright, "the driver" of the event, in the centre.
80 plus bikes were involved in the ride from Drury (Tires of course!). Riders came from Dargaville, Hamilton, Thames, Tauranga, Taupo, Hibiscus Coast and other places.

The DOT now safely back at Tauranga, after 405 real miles.

We leave Tauranga for Taupo tomorrow, Tuesday 17th at 9.30 am from
our address - 26 Contour Ave., Pyes Pa, Tauranga.

Please remember, that anyone who wishes to join the ride, should contact us by cellphone (027 240 1934) to advise us of their intentions. This is in case of any last minute, unexpected changes.

RIDE TO FLY - 09/11/09

2009-11-08T20:24:00.000-08:00

RIDE TO FLY STOPOVER MEETING DETAILS

For any information/help
Contact : Frank Carter - Cell Phone : 027 240 1934
Email (Mobile Broadband) frcarter@ihug.co.nz

Doubtless Bay Thursday 12th 6.30 pm
Doubtless Bay Christian Centre, SH10, opposite the fire station in Mangonui

Whangarei Friday 13th 7.30 pm
Clark Road Chapel, 4 - 6 Clark Road, Kamo.

Auckland Saturday 14th 3.30 pm
Venue : Greenlane Christian Centre
17 Marewa Road, Greenlane, Auckland

Auckland Sunday 15th 9.30 am for Registration
at Drury Performance Centre
Bike convoy to Tauranga Arrive 2.00 pm

Tauranga Monday 16th 7.00 pm
Bethlehem Baptist Church
90 Bethlehem Road, Bethlehem, Tauranga

Taupo Tuesday 17th 7.00 pm
Taupo Baptist Church, 139 Rifle Range Road, Taupo

Napier / Hastings Wednesday 18th 7.30 pm
Pirimai Baptist Church (Cnr Bill Hercock Street & Allan Berry Ave)
69 Bill Hercock Street., Pirimai, Napier 4112

Palmerston North Thursday 19th 7.30 pm
Crossroads Bible Centre, 220 Church Street,
Palmerston North.

Wellington Friday 20th 7.30 pm
Salvation Army, 125 Johnsonville RoadJohnsonville 6037, Wellington.

Christchurch Sunday 22nd 7.00 pm
Avonhead Baptist Church (Hall), 102 Avonhead Rd., Christchurch

Oamaru Tuesday 24th 7.30 pm
28 Orwell Street Chapel, Orwell Street, Oamaru

Gore Wednesday 25th 7.30 pm
Calvin Community Church, 25 Robertson Street, Gore

Invercargill Thursday 26th 7.30 pm
Rosedale Bible Chapel
Cnr of Bourke and Exmouth Streets, Invercargill

Invercargill Friday, Saturday, Sunday 27-29th Burt Munro Challenge

Thanks to our sponsors:
Interislander, Drury Tires (Anthony Wright), TrueColours the Signtists-Tauranga,
Bayride Motorcycles, Bike Rider magazine, Bethlehem Baptist
Warburton Tags and Labels, Telecom, 12-Acre Wood
Salvation Army Employment Plus, The Redeemed Motor Cycle Group
Andrew Stroud, the Harris family for the use of their 4WD, those who have paid for
Road User charges, posters, WOF, and others who have generously contributed
to the expenses.

RIDE TO FLY - 3 November 2009

2009-11-02T16:24:00.000-08:00

DETAILS OF AUCKLAND to TAURANGA LEG
- SUNDAY 15TH NOVEMBER

Ride with THE REDEEMED Motor Cycle group

9.00am Gates open and Registration

Wayne Anderson from Glory Days TV Series performs various songs with a comedy slot

during BBQ and cold drinks being sold.

9.45am Briefing

9.50am Classics leave
10:15am Depart Dury Performance Centre
11:30am Main group arrive @ BP Waihi
11:30am Classics arrive @ BP Waihi

2:00pm Depart for Bethlehem
1:00pm Arrive approximately @ Bethlehem
1:15pm free BBQ/DRINKS Averil to sing/prize giving
Cheque hand over to MAF
2:00pm Leave Bethlehem approximately (everyone makes their own way home)

RIDE TO FLY - 28 October 2009

2009-10-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

We have heard from Shine TV and the filmed interview with Alan Lee, will be shown on the Nzone Focus programme this week on Thursday night at 2030 (8.30 pm), Saturday 2130 (9.30 pm) and Sunday 1900 (7.00 pm).. (These are all New Zealand Daylight Savings Times)

RIDE TO FLY update 28th October 2009

2009-10-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

DETAILS FOR BIKE RIDERS WHO WISH TO JOIN THE "RIDE to FLY" AT VARIOUS PLACES

NOVEMBER 2009

Please note: Anyone who wishes to join in the ride, should contact Frank directly on (027) 240 1934, for any more specific details.

Thursday 12th 12.00 noon Depart Cape Reinga
for ride to Doubtless Bay Christian Centre, SH10, opposite the fire station in Mangonui,

Friday 13th 9.30 am Depart Doubtless Bay Christian Centre, opposite the fire station in Mangonui, SH10, for ride to Clark Road Chapel, 4 - 6 Clark Road, Kamo, Whangarei

Saturday 14th 9.30 am Depart Clark Road Chapel, Kamo for ride to Greenlane Christian Centre, Marewa Road, Greenlane, Auckland

Sunday 15th 9.30 am Meet at Drury Performance Centre, 257 Great South Road, Drury, Auckland to register for the Bike Convoy to Bethlehem Baptist, Tauranga. Bike convoy returns late Sunday afternoon.

Monday 16th 9.30 am In Tauranga

Tuesday 17th 9.30 am Depart 26 Contour Ave, Pyes Pa, Tauranga (off Pyes Pa Road,) for ride to Taupo City Centre

Wednesday 18th 9.30 am Depart Taupo City Centre for ride to Napier, Pirimai Baptist, 69 Bill Hercock Street, Pirimai, Napier

Thursday 19th 9.30 am Depart Pirimai Baptist, 69 Bill Hercock Street, Pirimai, Napier for ride to Crossroads Bible Centre, 220 Church Street, Palmerston North

Friday 20th 9.30 am Depart Crossroads Bible Centre, 220 Church Street, Palmerston North for ride to Salvation Army, 125 Johnsonville Road, Johnsonville, Wellington

Saturday 21st 8.25 am Ferry Sailing on Interislander
then continuing ride to Kaikoura, overnighting for R/R

Sunday 22nd 9.30 am Depart Kaikoura for Avonhead Baptist Church Hall, 102 Avonhead Road, Christchurch

Monday 23rd in Christchurch

Tuesday 24th 9.30 am Depart Avonhead Baptist Church Hall, 102 Avonhead Road, Christchurch for ride to Temuka - stopover for an hour or so, then ride on to Orwell Chapel, 28 Orwell Street, Oamaru

Wednesday 25th 9.30 am Depart Orwell Chapel, 28 Orwell Street, Oamaru for ride to Dunedin - stopover for short interview, then ride on to Calvin Community Church, 25 Robertson Street, Gore

Thursday 26th 9.30 am Depart Calvin Community Church, 25 Robertson Street, Gore for ride to Wachner Place, Invercargill City Centre (12.00 - 2pm).

The time of the ride from Invercargill to Bluff, to officially finish the Ride to Fly, is yet to be decided. Updates will be posted later.

The Weekend will be spent attending Burt Munro Challenge events.

RIDE TO FLY - Meet our Riders

2009-10-08T01:38:00.001-07:00

Frank Carter and Peter Carter

Franks now lives in Tauranga and is busy completing preparations for the Ride to Fly. Peter is located in Auckland and was involved in set-making for the movie, "The World's Fastest Indian". He is taking time off work to take part in this Ride.

Geoff Given and Noel Stevens

It is interesting to know that Geoff and Noel used to race DOT's together many years ago in Auckland. Geoff (who spent some years in Papua New Guinea), is coming from Brisbane for the event. Noel comes from Tauranga where he is a member of the Classic Motor Cycle Club.

These four make up the team who will be riding the "DOT".

On a recent visit to Auckland, we made approaches to TVNZ, TV3 and NewztalkZB. We are waiting on their replies. Still no word from Shine TV yet, as to when the already filmed interview will be shown.

Check out the Movie Clip below, this is now being shown on Shine TV as an advertisement for MAFNZ.

We want to acknowledge and thank Richard Clarke for the photo of the assembled bike before restoration. It was Richard who put the bike together after its journey back to NZ and who graciously agreed to the trade so that we could once again own the DOT. We apologise for not having a caption on the photo crediting him for this.

RIDE TO FLY

2009-09-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

Last update sent out by email 23 August 2009.

We have just returned home after an interesting and profitable trip to Auckland. RGB (Rhema Broadcasting Group) invited us to go for interviews with Radio Rhema and for filming with Shine TV.

Our new bike trailer was finished, complete with PAINT JOB per kind favour of the SALVATION ARMY training centre in Maleme street, Tauranga. The LOGO and signage was generously donated by TRU COLOURS THE SIGNTISTS OF TAURANGA. It looks magnificent!! Thanks to all who were involved in making this possible.

We decided to take the bike and trailer with us, I guess as a "test run", but also for those who had not seen the DOT previously

All at RGB were very friendly and helpful leading up to and including the interviews/filming. Because the weather was kind it was decided that the filming with interviews for Shine TV, should be done outside in the car park and adjacent street. "Do you want us to get the bike out of the trailer?" Silly question! Mark Fox was with me so together we unloaded the DOT. "Can you start it for us?" Now this I hadn't anticipated and the bike had not been run for about 3 months. The fuel was old having been in the tank for two and a half years. I won't say it started first kick!! Thankfully it soon burst into life amid clouds of smoke and of course accompanied with that all familiar, loud, two-stroke "cackle" which drew many enquiring faces to the windows of RBG.

The interview, with Mark and I together, was taken by Andrew Urquhart and will be broadcast on Radio Rhema tomorrow Monday 24th between 10 and 10.45am. The Shine TV "filmed interview" is to be shown in approx. two weeks, on SHINE TV NZONE Focus program. We will advise the times of that in due course. Allan Lee will make copies of the finished film available to us for further promotion of RIDE TO FLY. Sincere thanks to Pene, Andrew, Allan and the "crew" at RBG for their friendly hospitality. May God continue to bless their ministry.

Anthony Wright at DRURY TIRES welcomed us, taking photos and talking about the possibilities of organizing a group of "bikies", including “The Redeemed" and CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) to accompany the DOT on the Auckland to Tauranga leg.

Peter our son, was working on the Movie set of the new "Legend of the Seeker" TV series, and we were able to visit him there. Set-makers and stunt doubles were impressed with the bike and so the word was spread further. Peter will be one of our 4 official volunteer riders for the DOT.

Our Toyota Spacio felt the extra load but it was ok for this trip and we have now been offered the use of a LandCruiser to be the Ride to Fly towing-support vehicle. Also with this came an offer to cover the Road User charges for it.

So time is passing with now less than 3 months to start from Cape Reinga.

RIDE TO FLY - 09/09/09

2009-09-09T00:53:00.000-07:00

In the previous Blog, you will see the route, stopover points and dates for the Ride.

If you wish to accompany us at any stage, please contact us at our email address : frcarter@ihug.co.nz

For those of you who wish to share in the Ride being organised by THE REDEEMED Motor Cycle Group, please check out their web site http://www.theredeemed.org/ Text or phone, Anthony Wright on
021 225 2142.

RIDE TO FLY Stopover Dates

2009-09-09T00:38:00.000-07:00

NOVEMBER 2009

Whangarei Friday 13th
Auckland Saturday 14th
Auckland Sunday 15th
Bike convoy to Tauranga
Tauranga Monday 16th
Taupo Tuesday 17th
Napier / Hastings Wednesday 18th
Palmerston North Thursday 19th
Wellington Friday 20th
Proposed visit Parliament buildings
Evening meeting
Cross the Straits
Kaikoura Saturday 21st
Christchurch Sunday 22nd
Oamaru Tuesday 24th
Gore Wednesday 25th
Invercargill Thursday 26th
Burt Munro Challenge 27-29th

RIDE TO FLY update 24th August 2009

2009-08-23T15:55:00.001-07:00

Did you know???
"Every three minutes a MAF plane is taking off or landing on a mission of mercy somewhere in the world.
Every day, around 300 MAF flights take people and vital supplies into remote communities.
Every year our flights save God's workers a huge amount of time. 300 years of travel time is saved every year because missionaries, evangelists, doctors, nurses, emergency staff and critically ill people can travel by air.
MAF flies to more destinations than any airline: over 2,500 places in 30 countries across the developing world. Our people and planes enable over 1,000 organisations to do God's vital work in the world's most remote places."

(Copied from one of MAF's recent brochures)

Can RIDE TO FLY event raise enough money to purchase another much needed aircraft for the work in Papua New Guinea?

RIDE TO FLY update 17th August 2009

2009-08-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

You can check out the route that the ride will follow and the timing of the stages by going to MAFNZ's webpage. www.mafnz.org.nz

Here are a couple of photos of MAF aircraft. The yellow Cessna was taken in PNG in the 1960's and the GA8 Airvan is a new aircraft in Melbourne before delivery to MAF.

Update 16th August 2009

2009-08-15T22:10:00.000-07:00

Hi again

It's now just under 3 months until Departure on 12th November from Cape Reinga. Plans are proceeding nicely and our new bike-trailer is now painted and heads off for signage tomorrow, Monday 17th. On Wednesday we head up to Auckland for interviews with Shine TV, Radio Rhema and Challenge Weekly.

The DOT will accompany us in it's trailer home, so it will be available for any "filming".

TRAILER : For photo, watch this space

Still working on details of "happenings" for each of our stage stopping points, and these will be forthcoming as they are finalised. Numbers of bikers are making contact and advising their interest in joining the ride at different points.

Spread the word
Spring is near!
Stay Safe

RIDE TO FLY update 5th August 2009

2009-08-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

Greetings, Hey, Hi, Hello, Mambo!

You have probably guessed we are new oldies (but goodies), when it comes to 'blogging'.

We'll want to keep updating with comments, hopefully each week. There has been a request for more information on the restoration of the DOT so here are a few pictures showing some of that process.

It's a bit like letting God come into our lives and "all things change and become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

With the 2,000-plus kilometres to cover, I decided it was necessary to restore spare engines and

gearboxes (thanks to Noel Stephens for his help with Villiers parts). We now have 2 complete engines with gearbox, 1 complete except for primary drive case and 1 separate gearbox. Just a thought…. is there anyone out there with parts for a 1955 Mark 8E 197cc Villiers Primary Chain case in good condition?

Preparations are coming along steadily as we plan for the launch from the Cape on November 13th. Don't forget to check out the MAF website www.mafnz.org.nz We will advise in the near future what the fund raising PROJECT for MAFNZ will be.

After seeing the sale of an old Gentle Annie washing machine selling on Trademe, for $5,500, I thought - "What a good idea for fund raising". It could be a good deal to auction of "stuff" as a charity auction, with the proceeds going to MAFNZ. Also an opportunity to get exposure for the Ride to Fly Event.

I'm planning to set up a Trademe auction for one of the completely re-built engines, with the auction ending on the Saturday 28th November, in Invercargill.

Here is a great opportunity for you too, to raise funds for MAFNZ, by auctioning off "stuff" you might have and at the same time promoting the Ride to Fly Event. Let's know if you would be prepared to set up a CHARITY auction something like this.

See Bike Rider magazine - August issue. Pages 23, 108-109

Suggestions and comments re this BLOG are welcome.

RIDE TO FLY

2009-06-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

BACKGROUND DETAILS

Frank Carter writes:

In 1959, while living in Napier, I purchased a DOT motorcycle. This was a 1955 "Scrambler" model and powered with a 197cc Villiers engine and 4-speed gearbox.
Once in my possession, the bike was fully restored, crated up and early in 1961, shipped to Papua New Guinea where my wife and I, with our 18 month old daughter, were heading for missionary service.
The DOT was ideal for the conditions to be encountered in the remote Western Highlands District of PNG and was our only form of "road" transport for approximately 7-1/2 years. On our return to New Zealand, the faithful DOT was left in PNG with the mission.
In 2004, now retired and residing in Auckland, I had the desire to find another motorcycle - must be a 1955 DOT, of course.
Believe it or not, I eventually found one in Titirangi, Auckland. This was actually the same DOT we had left in PNG some 35 years before. (See the story – "The End of the Road". A digital copy is available on request. Email to : frcarter@ihug.co.nz). I am convinced that God was part of this whole "happening".

Now the bike is restored and looking as new. If God was in it – "What Now"…
The decision has been made to attempt to ride our bike from Cape Reinga

to Bluff in November 2009, as a fund-raising venture to benefit Mission Aviation Fellowship NZ.

What is MAFNZ?

Every three minutes, an MAF plane is taking off or landing somewhere in the world. These flights enable crucial work by many development and aid agencies, missions, local churches and other national groups. Medical care, adequate food, clean water and Christian hope are reaching countless thousands of men, women and children.
Over 130 aircraft operate in more than 30 countries.
MAF enables the work of over 1,000 missions in their outreach to isolated communities in developing nations.
MAF flies to more destinations than any airline – over 2,500 worldwide.
More than 1,000 professional staff serve with MAF to enable work in the developing world
On a typical day's flying, MAF aircraft make 300 flights, taking people and vital supplies into remote communities.

Without MAF's supporters, many organisations could not do God's work in remote and inhospitable places. Your gifts will help mission organisations and relief & development agencies to provide medical care, adequate food, clean water and Christian hope. Medair, TEAR Fund, World Vision, UNICEF, Samaritan's Purse, World Relief, UN WFP, have all acknowledged the help MAF provides.

For more information on MAFNZ, go to http://www.mafnz.org.nz/