“Lord of the Rings really put a lot of pressure on New Zealand.”
Justin Bradshaw didn’t hold his punches when asked about his expectations of adventure riding in New Zealand.
Along with co-founding partner Mark Roebke, the duo behind ride-sharing and navigational app REVER were invited to the inaugural KTM New Zealand Adventure Rallye to assist riders with route navigation.
Having connected at the KTM USA Adventure Rider Rally in Deadwood, South Dakota earlier this year (read about that adventure here), KTM NZ Rallye organisers were excited to kick start a partnership with this dynamic company.
REVER is a smartphone app that allows riders to discover, share and map motorcycle rides. Which meant that Justin and Mark would be the go-to guys for all GPS questions on the Rallye, assisting riders with their navigational units or smartphones to follow the route. Our very own GPS experts to answer all the tech questions. Perfect!
But KTM is a “hands-on” company. Justin and Mark weren’t just traversing half way across the globe to sit behind their Macs for 5 days. No way- if they were to be part of this adventure, they were expected to take part in the full experience!
Mounted aboard KTM 1190 Adventure’s (and a 690 Enduro R when Mark could kick Rosie off it!), they partook in the inaugural “Coast to Coast” Adventure Rallye, crossing New Zealand’s North Island from East to West. There were spills, thrills and everything in between! With their can-do attitudes and ever-present smiles, Justin and Mark were a great addition to an already unique event.
So back to Justin’s opening statement . . .
“Lord of the Rings really put a lot of pressure on New Zealand.
It totally lived up to it.
What we weren’t expecting was Jurassic Park and Caddyshack too. We have a lot of incredible riding in the U.S. but shy of poaching the local links, there is nothing like ripping a motorcycle across the groomed farm lands of New Zealand.
Toss in twisting gravel roads and sloppy single-track through stunning Jurassic Park jungle and you pretty much have the best Adventure riding you can imagine. The KTM staff know how to put on an incredible event. We can’t wait to come back and help support the next edition of the KTM Rallye.”
Event videographer Dave Darcy from MAD TV was able to ride with The Yanks and witness first hand some of their epic moments – watch below!