RIDE to FLY story PDF Print E-mail
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The DOT Story

The story behind "RIDEtoFLY"

 
In 1959, while living in Napier, New Zealand, Frank Carter purchased a DOT (Devoid of Trouble) motorcycle. This 1955 “Scrambler” model was powered with a 197cc Villiers engine and 4-speed gearbox.
 
The bike was fully restored and, early in 1961, shipped to Papua New Guinea where Frank, his wife Ruth, and their 18-month-old Judith, were heading for missionary service. alt

The DOT was ideal for the conditions the Carters encountered in the remote Western Highlands District of PNG, and they relied on it as their only form of transport for 7½ years. Not only was the motorbike faithful in providing transport for the missionary family, it also served in critical situations with the local people and other missionaries.
 
Frank and Ruth returned to New Zealand in 1968 with their two daughters, Judith and Sandra who was born in PNG. The faithful DOT was sold to a mission.
 
36 years later . . .
 
2004 found Frank Carter retired and living in Auckland. He had a keen desire to find another motorcycle – a DOT, of course; a 1955 Scrambler. But Frank’s dedicated search was not encouraging: “You’ll never find one of them, mate. Only 6 ever came to New Zealand.” Frank refused to give up, and finally, after following various leads and making numerous phone calls, Frank found a DOT owner in Titirangi.
 
Frank immediately followed this up, and went to view the DOT. When he saw it, there was no doubt – this was his 1955 DOT Scrambler! Frank was hit with a wave of emotions and images; the memories of what had been achieved and the lives that had been changed during their sojourn in PNG with the DOT. alt
 
The DOT Scrambler is now completely re-built and in Frank's garage. The sparkling green painted frame, bright chrome accessories and polished engine parts make it appear to have been "born again". Frank is convinced that God was a part of the “DOT story,” and the decision has been made to ride the DOT from Cape Reinga to Bluff, as a fundraising venture for Mission Aviation Fellowship.
 
RIDEtoFLY is a MAFNZ awareness and fundraising event taking place from 13-26 November this year. The trip will begin in Cape Reinga and finish in Invercargill – a journey of just over 2,000km.
 For more details regarding RIDEtoFLY, and/or to obtain a digital copy of
"The End of the Road", contact Frank: frcarter@ihug.co.nz