London to Auckland

On a global scale, few events are as eagerly anticipated as the annual Browns Bay Santa Parade so a few weeks ago we decided to put the first Seadoo and the sign written vehicle in the parade for some much needed hometown publicity. I’ve been to a few of these parades and Santa always ends up riding on a float or the Coastguard boat so I suggested we try and get Santa to ride on the Seadoo during the parade. So our people spoke to Santa’s people and Santa’s people spoke with the occupational health and safety people and it was decided by the human resources department that there was just too much risk involved and that Santa would not be able to ride on the ski.

If you think we were disappointed check out Santa’s subsequent press release and I quote: “Ho Ho Ho. Quite frankly I’m f…ing flabbergasted. I ride around in subzero temperatures at the speed of light in my pajamas in an open sleigh with no seat belts and no radios, but I’m not allowed to sit on a jet ski in a parade.” Then he went on to say: “I like those Ultimate Ride boys and what they stand for. Jeremy has mostly been a good boy, only missing out on presents a couple of years, so I’m proud to say that I’ve offered my services as a celebrity rider for one of the legs in Europe and perhaps one on the East Coast of Australia as well.”

That’s fantastic news isn’t it? Santa joining the Ultimate Ride. I tried to Skype Santa to confirm how pleased we are but only got an answer message but I know he’ll read this blog so here’s a direct message from me to Santa…….Santa. We are absolutely over the moon to have you on board but one thing that worries me is our healthy living message. To be perfectly frank, health wise you’re a disgrace Bro. lose some weight, get a colonoscopy and slap some sunscreen on that big red overexposed nose. Stop talking the talk and start walking the walk my man. And no socks or undies this year please. Bring us a cure for cancer.

In other news, our support boat, Domino is finished in Asuncion Paraguay and now JP and Marie and team are working to get her in the water. See a utube video of this here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWiqVL77XRc&feature=autoshare_twitter

And in more sobering news we were all saddened by the death from cancer of Josephine, the Mother of my riding buddy Barrie. R.I.P Josephine and our thoughts are with Barrie and his family.

So that’s it for now my friends. The countdown clock says 222 days to go so the New Year will be busy. Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year to you all and your families and don’t leave cookies out for Santa. Leave a piece of fruit and Santa has asked that if you must leave a tipple, a 1995 Grange Hermitage would be healthy and appreciated.

Cheers

Jeremy