Jason here, I thought it was my time to give you an update.
On Sunday we decided to go some of the biggest motorcycle shops in the area and it turns out we probably went to two of the biggest motorcycle shops in the Country.
Fist up we went to “Bert’s Motor Mall” it was about 40min away from where we are staying. As soon as we got close to the place my eyes lit up, It had a car park about the size if the Masterton Warehouse and it had the Factory Semi trucks and Trailers outside from the various brands, (Alpinestar, Yoshsimru, etc).
Rosie reckons I was out of the car and in the shop even before she got the seatbelt off. (After spending 40 min waiting outside a fitting room of a woman’s clothing store the previous day this was a welcome sight). We walked through the first doors and there were all these 4x4 beach buggy type vehicles, then through the next door was the main shop. We walked over to this caged area and there were two rows of pit tents from all the brands showing and demonstrating their products. Once we walked through there were two tables about 40 meters in length with box full’s of clothing and gear at ridiculously cheap prices. There was nothing there really suitable for me but I thought seriously hard about bringing some of it back to sell on trade me. Things like woman’s MX pants and top Fox brand for $40 (Selling in NZ for around $180-240) Fox raincoats $5, Jandals $1 Scott MX goggles $16 (Was supposed to get a couple of those but forgot).
We then walked in to the parts and clothing store which was the size of Carterton New world. They have every brand and colour of helmet/ pants etc.
They have tables of run out stock at cheap Prices, Like Pro Taper type (can’t remember the exact brand) Handle bars for $9.95 (I’ve paid up to $125 for these at home)
I ended up buying some Oakley sunglasses, Troy lee MX pant and top, Fox racing shirt, Tag handle bars, Tiedowns for $260 US. Could have cost me around $650 NZD at home.
As we walked out of the shop there was a Fast Food Semi setup giving away free meals (Hamburger, chips and drink).
We then made our way to another big shop in San Bernadino.
It is so unreal driving past such places as Irwindale speedway (Were Jessie James from monster garage tests some of the cars), Boyd Coddington, Pro Circuit factory.
Some of the Freeways are really rough, I pulled over once thinking I had a serious problem with the wheels but there are whoops or corrugations in the road (you can’t see them) and the car shudders like mad. I have come across this a few times now. Also there are big pot holes and bits missing out of the tar seal like they haven’t compacted it properly. I can see now why people drive 4x4, half of the 4x4 you see are like big foots. I will post a photo of Rosie standing by one.
We finally arrive at the 2nd MX shop Chaparrals. This made the previous shop look like a baby but they didn’t have the specials like the first one.
We made our way home after that for tea and then to get ready for Monday. (Disneyland).
Just a few things that are different over here.
The light switches and power switches are the opposite way (up is ON). When I first went to use the toilet I thought it was blocked so I went to another one and they are all the same, the water goes right up to the rim (That’s right it’s hitting the water as its still coming out). When you go somewhere to sit down and eat and you are finished they come to your table with the bill in a little leather folder. You either put your cash in that or leave or you put your credit card in it and they walk away with it and come back later. (They obviously don’t have a problem with credit card security!!!)
Today we went to Disneyland.
We didn’t think it was as good for us as Universal Studios. It would have been better if we had taken kids. The lines are ridiculous. It took the shine off the place for us. There are so many people and we went on a Monday which was supposed to be a quiet day. We waited over 4hrs in line to go on 3 different rides that are about 5 min long.
But the rides are so good you end up coming out with a smile on your face. The Themed rides are done so real. We were on the Indiana Jones ride going down this tunnel with a big stone ball coming towards us, at the last minute the road gives way and you go under the ball. You think you are in a real tomb with the walls and the ceiling.
We went to Theater and watched a show “A Bugs life”. You start off by walking underground into caves and end up in a big theatre. The walls and roof look as though you are in a cave. You put on the 3D glasses and watch the show. The 3D really makes the show. You have all these characters and objects flying around in front of you like they are in the room and not on a screen. You are ducking and diving in your seats and then laughing when you realise how much of a dick you must look. Also the special affects like one of the bugs spits at you and you get sprayed with water from the ceiling. Then a pile of spiders dropped down from the ceiling with red lights for eyes like they are going to attack you, also one sprays it smell on you and a real cloud comes toward you with some funny smell. When you are about to leave they tell you to sit back in your seat and let the bugs out first and the next thing you know it feels like there are bugs on your back and you’re sitting on them. They have little holes in the seats that are hard to see and they have things come out of them to make them feel like bugs. Very amusing show. Universal studios had a similar show the “Terminator” which I have ratted one of my highlights.
Gotta go will keep in touch
Jason and Rosie.
