IF the general manager of the Holiday Inn Harbour View in Tsim Sha Tsui East, Gerhard Hecker, looks a little distracted of late, it is probably because he is suffering post-holiday blues.
The tall Rhinelander has just returned from the holiday of a lifetime - touring New Zealand's southern island on his beloved 1350cc Harley Davidson with 30-odd other Hong Kong fans of the ultimate motorcycle. 'It was absolutely fantastic,' he enthused.
'It's inexpensive, the people are friendly, the roads are so clear you only see six or seven cars every 100 kilometres, everywhere is clean, the scenery is wonderful - it's ideal for thrill-seekers.' Gerhard, who denies he was being paid by the NZ tourist board to speak, is a keen member of the Hong Kong Harley Owners' Group (HOG for short). He and fellow enthusiasts shipped their machines to the island for the holiday while Mrs Hecker and the two children enjoyed a quieter time in the Philippines.
Dressed in leathers, they travelled from Christchurch to Nelson, Greymouth, Fox Glacier, Queenstown, Te Anau, Oamaru, Mount Cook, back to Christchurch and then to Auckland.
Gerhard, who owns a $260,000 Fatboy Harley, celebrated his 40th birthday during the break.
'We were like big boys with big toys. We had a bloody ball down there,' he said.
