Matt Huckstep
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a world-wide self-described “celebration of the art of being dapper, and classic and vintage style motorcycles” which takes place on 29 September this year. In addition to being a great day out for bike enthusiasts, it raises funds for prostate cancer research and men's mental health, supporting the Movember Foundation. Christine Young talked to one of this year’s riders Matt Huckstep, who has a passion for both motorbikes and electric bikes.
Christine Young: Tell us a bit about yourself and your interest in motorbikes - and electric bikes.
Matt Huckstep: My father - being British - always had Triumph, Norton and BSA motorcycles. My hero in the ’70s was Evil Knievel, who was known for riding a Harley-Davidson, performing ramp-to -ramp jumps and breaking heaps of bones. Someone once told me that if my BMX had a motor, it could be a Harley-Davidson for sure. I guess from that moment on and given my role models, motorbikes were in the blood. My first motorbike at age nine was a Suzuki 110cc farm bike. To me, I was Evil Knievel on a Harley. I now have a Harley-Davidson Sportster and also an electric bike. I love them both to bits. A group of friends meets most Sundays for coffee and a ride, plus we also support and raise funds for charity rides like the up and coming 'Distinguished Gentleman's Ride'. It is great to do something you love with mates and provide to a great cause at the same time.
CY: What is your favourite make or model of bike, and why do you like it?
MH: I love all bikes, as it is an individual experience. Like surfing, if you have a smile when riding your ride, then you are a winner and your bike or board is the best in the world.
CY: What is your earliest memory of riding a Harley-Davidson?
MH: My BMX that I thought was Evil’s Harley.
CY: What’s your favourite public transport option and how often do you use it?
MH: I don't use public transport, as most of my day is in Milford or Takapuna and I ride my Harley, my e-bike or walk everywhere with our dog Ernie.
CY: If you could travel anywhere on any stretch of road in the world, how would you travel and where?
MH: I loved the documentary that David Beckham did with his mates on motorbikes through the back tracks of Brazil. I would do that.
Gary Gordon
Takapuna resident Gary Gordon is managing director of Legacy Property, based in Takapuna. He regularly commutes on his electric scooter, and told Christine Young about his rationale for doing so.
Christine Young: Tell us about your interest in scooters as a transport option?
Gary Gordon: Auckland is finally getting public transport that is regular and reliable. I think the e-scooter assists with the link between home and public transport. We always like to test things before we suggest them to our customers. We are including scooters with our apartments, and we wanted to make sure this was a viable solution.
CY: Do you have a favourite make or model of scooter, and why do you like it?
GG: I don’t have a favourite model, but as I am just commuting from home to work, I had the chance to get something a bit larger as I don’t take it on the bus or train.
CY: What is your earliest memory of riding a scooter?
GG: I never had a scooter as a child that I can remember, but my first ride on an e-scooter was on a Lime last year.
CY: What’s your favourite public transport option and how often do you use it?
GG: I regularly use the bus to get to meetings in the city from our office in Takapuna. With the regular times there is no need to even plan; you can just turn up. I would use it probably once a fortnight on average. Often I then use a Lime scooter in the city to get to my meeting location. I also find the Skybus to the airport very effective also.
CY: If you could travel anywhere on any stretch of road/path in the world, how would you travel and where?
GG: In Singapore, adjacent to the Gardens by the Bay, I have seen a great walking/cycling path around the harbour I would love to scooter around on.
Matt Turnwald
Matt Turnwald is the organiser of the inaugural Takapuna Rocks, a celebration of classic cars, complete with vintage market, pin-up competition and live rock ‘n’ roll music taking place in Takapuna at Labour Weekend. Who better to ask a few questions about his passion for cars:
Christine Young: Tell us a bit about your love of cars. What is your favourite make or model of car, and why do you like it?
Matt Turnwald: I’ve always been a classic car man I guess and I have a passion for all classic cars but my favourites are definitely Fords with a real soft spot for the model As. I currently own a Galaxie 63.5 called Maria and love this as it is a great car for the whole family, rides well, is stylish, solid and is easy to work on should the need arise. My love of cars has driven me to get involved in classic car shows with my new show, Repco Takapuna Rocks 2019, on this Labour Weekend Saturday in The Strand in Takapuna.
CY: What is your earliest memory of driving this, or of a car that inspired your love of classic cars?
MT: From the time I had my first car, a Ford Escort panel van, and even back as far as I can remember I’ve had a love affair with Fords and all pre-‘72 American classics.
CY: What’s your favourite public transport option and how often do you use it?
MT: I love to travel and spent almost seven years in the UK on my OE, so I would say flying is my favourite form of public transport as I associate it with taking me to amazing places and with wonderful holidays I have had with family and friends.
CY: If you could travel anywhere on any stretch of road in the world, how would you travel and where?
MT: I would love to travel Route 66 in an old American Classic or visit the Boneville salt flats with friends and family. One thing I love about my interest in classics is that it is a social sport and encourages bringing people together, and I love to involve friends and family whenever I can.
