South Auckland Thursday Night Ride

[scottjpalmer]

Where do the rides start from? I'd be interested once my arm is sufficiently healed. If there is a TEC then I'd be happy to come along, but not sure about being left to fend for myself just cos I might be slower than others!

Meet 6-6:30pm at the AutoBahn Cafe southbound at Drury - between Papakura and Drury offramps where the BP etc is.

Definately come along, we will get this minor speed-bump sorted real soon and the good times will continue to roll for everyone involved

[Thani-B]

From my extensive experience (2.5 weeks) I have made the following observations . . .

There are 2 reasonably distinct groups
The experienced riders on the big bikes = the ones that usually go at the front
The inexperienced riders on the small bikes = the ones that usually go at the back.

I've found myself pushing myself pretty hard and sitting in between, I really should be taking a chill pill or I am going to end up like Clinton and Gummie :-(

I am also almost certain it must be bloody frustrating for the "front group" to have to sit and wait at every corner but we do really apprecaite the gesture.

I propose we run 2 groups and we have 2 options to facilitate this
- Both run the same route. I have a pretty good knowledge of the roads our side of Auckland so provided I talk to the leader of the front group before we leave we will catch up to you at your final resting errr socialising place eventually.
- Each group plans it's own route to reflect the time, speed and skill level - the slower group avoiding the darker, trickier roads. The 2 routes can end up at the final destination at a similar time with some very basic planning.

I think the fact we have had 2 bins in a month is really saying something.

I have been really impressed with the camaraderie (sp?) in the group in my short time in it, we can't have that trashed by those that want to go faster (and totally understandably so, it will be me one day) getting itchy feet and us slower folk pushing too hard and breaking ourselves.

I think thats a good idea for when there is learner riders in the group. How was the pace the week monkeymsea and I came on the ride? I know I was struggling a bit and he usually stuggles to keep up with me so he really must have been pushing himself. I like the idea of a fast group and a slow group and then meeting up at the same point later in the night.

[scottjpalmer]

I think thats a good idea for when there is learner riders in the group. How was the pace the week monkeymsea and I came on the ride? I know I was struggling a bit and he usually stuggles to keep up with me so he really must have been pushing himself. I like the idea of a fast group and a slow group and then meeting up at the same point later in the night.

From the last 2.5 weeks - me, you, monkeymsea, prettybillie, clinton, etc are similarly paced - we can do our own thing as long as we know where the others are going.

There is also a possibility that based on my/our local knowledge we set off behind them but take a few shortcuts and then they will catch us up again etc.

[Thani-B]

From the last 2.5 weeks - me, you, monkeymsea, prettybillie, clinton, etc are similarly paced - we can do our own thing as long as we know where the others are going.

There is also a possibility that based on my/our local knowledge we set off behind them but take a few shortcuts and then they will catch us up again etc.

Sounds good to me. Im not a fan of wet and cold though so not sure how often I'll be coming out in winter.

[BarBender]

Ended up in the A&E with fractured ribs on my right side and massive brusing all down my right side ( arm, leg, knee, ankle). My bike is f@#%ed, all bent and broken ( kinda like me). Don't know when I will be riding again

Sorry to hear and an unfortunate way to end your night. I hope you're ok and on the mend.

First time with the SATNR crew. Thanks for letting me ride along. Im looking to do a few more in the lead up to the GC. ( eh Patrick...)
so plenty of time for introductions as the weeks and miles roll by.

Gwinch you slim shady - you should have introduced yourself and your skipping rope.

Bit shorter than what I expected but IMO knowing and agreeing the destination and route at the start is a key element. Also bad weather on b roads will always spread the skill level and kill the 'fun' factor. But hey - we ride, learn and when conditions allow we ride our own race. Im not sure what happened with Lonewolf but I did think the group was well led once we got going. Normally there's enough inflated ego on group rides to raise the Titanic and not many would think to do a group count or ride to the conditions.

And besides the old fella and I managed to have a play on the run home. Still got it eh John?

See you all in a couple of weeks time and happy to be TEC on that run.

[caseye]

What the bloody hell are you guys and girls playing at?
No one is ever expected to ride as hard or as fast as the lead bikes.
The lead bikes have and always will, stop and wait at major intersections if required.
Speed is not the reason they're the lead bikes, their skills and proficency mean they' are simply quicker and as safe as they can be doing it, than new riders with no experience.
Night riding is a skill that needs to be practiced, how fast is entirely up to the individual riders concerened.
If SATNR has a or any rule , it's essentially that!
"Individuals ride at their own pace and no one is left behind".
I've ridden behind the main bunch for almost a year now and never had any problems with how fast or slow the riders in front were going.As the last one to the next major intersection, when I roll in it's usually taken as read that everyone is present.
The system (loose as it is) works, it has as long as I've ridden with SATNR.
The bins that have happened lately are reminders that inattention and inexperience will get you, so watch what you are doing,(this includes speed if it worries you) watch the road in front, the oncoming cars and look! hard for centre lines wet bits etc.
This is probably one of the more important reasons why we still ride at the same time on a Thursday night.
So those who feel they want to get better and more proficient at night riding can, in as safe an environment as possible.
Certainly it's why I'm never worried about taking the tail end charlie role, to see the newbies who arrive and ride and do it thier way and improve outa sight is awesome.
We ride together, we foster the youngsters and the newbies and if advice is sought we offer it to the best of our abilities.
So come on you lot, lets try and make sure that the riding experience is good for all and that as we always try to achive, we all get home safe and sound with some more experience and after having a damn fine time riding/socialising with our friends.

[Gwinch]

Gwinch you slim shady - you should have introduced yourself and your skipping rope.

I had no idea it was you! I would've introduced myself if I had known there was another prolific member of the "Get In Shape" KB group there. Will have a good chinwag when you come along next time. I'm mixing it up a bit these days anyway, the jump rope gets slightly less use as I'm making good use of the freeweights I have at home... but that's another conversation entirely.

[BarBender]

I had no idea it was you! I would've introduced myself if I had known there was another prolific member of the "Get In Shape" KB group there. Will have a good chinwag when you come along next time. I'm mixing it up a bit these days anyway, the jump rope gets slightly less use as I'm making good use of the freeweights I have at home... but that's another conversation entirely.

haha Awesome bro - Better watch out those Quasi leathers will end up being too big for you.

[Ragingrob]

Yep everyone riding at their own pace is what's definitely needed, but having a TEC definitely takes the pressure of those who don't wanna be left behind especially on night rides. When I pop along I'll be all good to be TEC and cruise along. Though if it's as cold as it has been then I'll probably freeze if my body ain't forced to be throwing the bike here and there!

[puddy]

I agree with idle.... As long as you know where you are going and don't feel pressured ....all good! Never had anybody moaning about being held up by slower riders ..... don't know if we need two groups though. If there's only one 250/slower bike, what do you do? Go back home?
If we rode the same route EVERY week, and had, for example, caseye as the Grand Poobah, that nobody was allowed to pass, or even look sideways at. And maybe if the second rider (obviously the GP would be there first!) was to wait at each intersection until everybody (up to appointed TEC) had passed.... sound good?



To those that just said yes, GO WEST, that would be best!

[puddy]

I had no idea it was you! I would've introduced myself if I had known there was another prolific member of the "Get In Shape" KB group there. Will have a good chinwag when you come along next time. I'm mixing it up a bit these days anyway, the jump rope gets slightly less use as I'm making good use of the freeweights I have at home... but that's another conversation entirely.

He used to be a BIG POWERlifting guy, now he's no bigger than Lance Armstrong (albeit better looking)! At least he's not shaving his legs! (You're not are you BRO?)

[Thani-B]

I think the same route every week would get boring fairly quickly. I think my main reason for riding as I did was because I had no clue where we were going. Maybe making sure that everyone knows where the stopping point of the ride is would be a good idea as well. I dont know the way that we went last week but I could have found my own way to Patty if I had got separated from the group.

[puddy]

I think the same route every week would get boring fairly quickly.

I think that you are spot on! But apparently SOME PEOPLE find the certainty very reassuring (I know the Police do!)......

[idleidolidyll]

I think that you are spot on! But apparently SOME PEOPLE find the certainty very reassuring (I know the Police do!)......

and that's part of the issue with the northern crew: the coppers know where they are likely to go.

in Sarf Orklind there are many more choices and we should take advantage of that.

As for you slower folk: I don't care how slow you are, I'll always wait at intersections so you don't get lost (not completely guaranteed though).

You don't bore me, I enjoy everyones' company.

Tell ya what though; I'd like to see a SATNR ride on a sunny day on the weekend some time. I reckon a few could help others sort out their bikes, riding, group skills (it's an art) and confidence if we didn't have night-time, wet roads and glare to cope with.

That way my wife could come too (she has almost zero night vision).

I think her Buell is deregistered for the next few months though.

[scottjpalmer]

I'm definately keen for us as a group to do some daytime stuff too.

Weekends are good, I'm a shift worker so week days work for me sometimes too, anyone else?

Ignore my speil above if the faster guys are happy to wait for the slower ones at every intersection but on the nights where there are 2 distinct groups some sort of split could be achieved quite easily.