South Island bikers just a rumour?

**pritch** · 18th August 2005, 12:51

G'day y'all

Yesterday I rode from Picton to Christchurch. (And you do still need your own tie-downs on the ferry.) Wonderfull stuff. All those winding unfamiliar roads and bugger-all traffic, the scenery was a bonus. I had a great big grin inside the helmet. It occurred to me that this was the sort of thing that we have in mind when perusing the new bike brochures but that we all too seldom actually get around to doing.

One thing I did notice though. I did not see one single solitary motorcycle (or scooter) from the time I left Picton until I arrived in Christchurch. Then I saw two scooters and a one bike in what was probably rush hour traffic.
The thought is starting to occur to me that the other biker, (a blue Suzuki Papanui, 4:30PM ish) was probably another North Islander.

I have been walking around today and have so far not seen one single solitary biker.

Am I missing something? Do South Islanders only ride on Sunny Sundays or what? Or do they actually exist at all?

Guess I had better go for a ride in the intrerests of research...

**Sniper** · 18th August 2005, 12:53

We heard you were coming to town, and we know how bad North Island bikers are that we stay off the road

**TonyB** · 18th August 2005, 12:55

Damn- the secrets out! Oh well, we might as well come clean. There are no bikers in the South Island, we're all just pretending. There I said it! Ahhh, I feel so much better, like a giant weight has been lifted from my shoulders....

**Sniper** · 18th August 2005, 12:57

Originally Posted by TonyB

Damn- the secrets out! Oh well, we might as well come clean. There are no bikers in the South Island, we're all just pretending. There I said it! Ahhh, I feel so much better, like a giant weight has been lifted from my shoulders....

Lier, where are you, what do you look like, I'll beat some sense into you

**Aaron** · 18th August 2005, 13:07

Of late, I've see just as many, (or more), Police bikes on my commute through town than civi bikes, (and there's only two Partol bikes in Christchurch!).

They're good chaps though and always give or acknowledge the 'ol head nod.

I ride a blue Suzuki and live in Papanui, but was at work so t'was not I.

If Saturday is like today you'll see a heap more bikes on the road.

**T.I.E** · 18th August 2005, 13:13

so what the hell kind tie downs do you need for the ferry? anyone got any good ides how too tie a bike down to a ferry? have not done it yet will soon and want some good pointers from those whom have done it. riding a 94cbr1000f fully faired.

i don't think the old bungy cord tie downs will cutt it.
allthought the warehouse have them on special.

**Wolf** · 18th August 2005, 13:16

Originally Posted by T.I.E

so what the hell kind tie downs do you need for the ferry? anyone got any good ides how too tie a bike down to a ferry? have not done it yet will soon and want some good pointers from those whom have done it. riding a 94cbr1000f fully faired.

i don't think the old bungy cord tie downs will cutt it.
allthought the warehouse have them on special.

If the ferry crossing is like other ferries I've experienced, best plan is to take the rubber off your wheels and weld the rims to the desk...

Edit: DECK! Deck, not desk... Need more caffeine!

**Sniper** · 18th August 2005, 13:20

Originally Posted by Wolf

If the ferry crossing is like other ferries I've experienced, best plan is to take the rubber off your wheels and weld the rims to the desk...

Amen to that

**Flyingpony** · 18th August 2005, 13:39

There's Bikerless days in the South Island.
We're trying to save fuel...

**Big Dave** · 18th August 2005, 13:45

>>so what the hell kind tie downs do you need for the ferry? <<

If you have good relations with your bike shop - just ask them for some - most have some in the bike packaging - they are light weight but good for touring.

There are anchor points on the floor of the ship. Put it on the stand - One tiedown around each footpeg and one over the lower triple clamp and all you have to worry about is someone elses falling on it.

Alternately Motomail sell some heavier duty units.

**Beemer** · 18th August 2005, 13:50

Originally Posted by pritch008

Am I missing something? Do South Islanders only ride on Sunny Sundays or what? Or do they actually exist at all?

Nah, they're all hard men (and women) and you'll only find them if you are heading off road to places like Molesworth Station, Black Forest Station, etc. They breed 'em tough in the South Island!