KB kms.. for da nubeeess

[surfchick]

was thinkin bout how the new riders/group rides could strees less people out as i like dem.

may-be KB could have a kind of Km's thing going on- like go out on group rides simply with the idea of getting more and more open road km's under your belt- keep the speed pretty mellow. teach the group dynamics of passing/ or as the case my be letting traffic through behind you when you cause a que. (cuase it's not just other motorbikes that tear up behind you..) keep track of your KB km's kind of thing till you hit 3 or 4 or 10 thousand. you faster riders just gotta remember dat the 250cc dudes in your groups- some of them have less than 1000 kms experience. that means the no. of open road 60-100 kph turns these people have done might be UNDER 100!! i done about 4000km in just under 2 months- it's a scary amount of inexperience..but only way to get better is to go for km's not kph. i took a run up to wellsfod today by myself - was pretty much having to concentrate on every turn the way there, then on the way back something just clicked and the whole return run flowed nice and easy. LOVELY... i got a crick in my neck from nodding hello to all the other bikers going the other way...LOVELY. cept for da coppers. not lovely. anyway just a tossin it out there. i'm a fan of the idea of time in ze saddle...how old school of me...

[FEINT]

There were 1 newbie ride organised for the newbies. That was last week, in my opinion it went well. Wouldn't mind doing another one.

I think newbies just have to go out and ride by yourselves to get more experience. Then when you come on the newbie ride, ask questions and that should help even more.


Newbies, you know that you can organise a ride for yourselves right?

[Sheep Dags]

i took a run up to wellsfod today by myself - was pretty much having to concentrate on every turn the way there, then on the way back something just clicked and the whole return run flowed nice and easy. LOVELY


yea that's part of the fun of riding bikes, every now and then, you feel as though you've learnt something new, and it's a real buzz - as you say it's all about the KM's not the KPH. without knowing it, you're gradually getting more experienced without having to do anything silly

[surfchick]

yeah missed dat one-sounded like ti was a funski. i got so much work on i got to sneak out when i can in the weekends, but can't wait till 10 to go... i just reckon the group rides are cool. nu riders should be sweet if dey just chill out a bit & put more and more kms up in between them. hopefully get to meet you in person... KMs KMs KMs corners corners straights straights....candy

[Hitcher]

I don't like the use of the word "newbies". The context implies slower riders are somehow inferior citizens who should be mollycoddled until they see the light and feel like they can ride at a gazillion-km-an-hour like "real" riders. However, unlike the "Joe Squid" and his ilk, they will probably get to wherever they want to go alive, and have really enjoyed the sights, smells and sounds along the way.

Riding a motorbike isn't about going somewhere. It's about enjoying the ride.

[ManDownUnder]

There were 1 newbie ride organised for the newbies. That was last week, in my opinion it went well. Wouldn't mind doing another one.

I think newbies just have to go out and ride by yourselves to get more experience. Then when you come on the newbie ride, ask questions and that should help even more.


Newbies, you know that you can organise a ride for yourselves right?

I'm lucky enough to have experienced two discreet sets of training... an apprenticeship and a degree and I can tell you that for practical skills... nothing, but NOTHING beats time on the bike. I can understand why pilots log hours - they're important.

Newbies getting together are going to learn lots for sure - but the old hands need to be there to pass on some of the secrets of the ages... ride, tyre, suspensions, handling when you're two up, cornering, etc... how many of you (us?) long timers worked all that out for ourselves?

I worked out a bit, I found out some the hard way (gravel rash and a broken foot thrown into the package) and I learned from some pointers of others I was sensible enough to keep my ears open to.

I met a guy years ago who, to be blunt, impressed to hell out of me. A really (REALLY) intelligent guy, hard core programmers and he and I get on quite well. He had a problem and, assuming nothing, asked me if I knew anything about it.

I'm JUNIOR in terms of coding ability alongside this guy... but he taught me there and then not to assume you know it all - ALWAYS be on the lookout, always learning...

I've kept doing that and it's getting me places. Biking included...

So all you newbies out there - bring it on - tell us what you know... chances are we'll all learn something.
MDU rave over...

[FROSTY]

I agree with Hitcher. Perhaps the rides need to be pace indicitive again..
Slow,midpaced and fast.
A slow ride needs to be a slow ride and stay that way.
I think less experienced riders can gain a lot by watching more experienced riders at slow pace and by being watched/advised by them.

[Hitcher]

I make no claim to being a "fast" rider. In fact I really enjoy riding slowly at times. It allows me to think about that perfect entry to the corner, cresting the apex at exactly the right time and taking the perfect line out. When slow riding through twisties I mentally score myself out of 10 on each corner or series of corners. I've done many thousands of km now at a comparatively sedate pace. I've learned a lot about me and, more importantly, my bike. What I've learned means that if I need to hustle, I can, with a high degree of confidence.

I agree wholeheartedly with other comments about there being no substitute for km ridden. In all conditions. Mrs H and I do a lot of km on bikes each year -- about 30,000km on average, and we don't commute to work on bikes. An average outing is generally about 200km. I'm certain that this has given us the confidence to tackle long touring holidays and such things as the Grand Challenge.

[FEINT]

I don't like the use of the word "newbies". The context implies slower riders are somehow inferior citizens who should be mollycoddled until they see the light and feel like they can ride at a gazillion-km-an-hour like "real" riders. However, unlike the "Joe Squid" and his ilk, they will probably get to wherever they want to go alive, and have really enjoyed the sights, smells and sounds along the way.

Riding a motorbike isn't about going somewhere. It's about enjoying the ride.

wow, I didn't know what I required a perfect command of english to post on this forum.

I formally apologise to all those that I have offended when I used the word "Newbie".

I will now also change my ways and rename "newbie rides" to "slow paced rides". I hope that it will now cause no more offence. For you all that don't know what a ****bie ride is, here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=229758&postcount=1)

I don't know why I bother, just organising a ride to give "slow paced riders" a chance to ride is so difficult isn't it? However, I am sure they enjoyed the ride. :ride: :msn-wink:


I agree with Hitcher. Perhaps the rides need to be pace indicitive again..
Slow,midpaced and fast.
A slow ride needs to be a slow ride and stay that way.
I think less experienced riders can gain a lot by watching more experienced riders at slow pace and by being watched/advised by them.

????? newbie ride (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=229758&postcount=1)

[aff-man]

true but then again if there is just 1 newby then i would say make the pace a facor. I mean i am starting to keep up (somewhat) with the faster boys but if for some reason a newby wanted to learn what meager knowledge i could pass on all they would have to do is ask. I've done it before just take a nice relaxing ride trying to perfect my lines and stuff like that...

The think i found when i started is ask and ye shall recieve. It does seem a bit intimidating asking guys/gals on 600's or 1000's to you know slow down a bit and show you the ropes but i am sure that there are others like me out there who don't mind. Also it can be like a tag team so you follow a variety of "more skilled" riders. That way you can see different riding styles and see what works for you and the faster guys can have a bit of a go as well. :Punk:

[Hitcher]

wow, I didn't know what I required a perfect command of english to post on this forum.

I formally apologise to all those that I have offended when I used the word "Newbie".

I will now also change my ways and rename "newbie rides" to "slow paced rides". I hope that it will now cause no more offence. For you all that don't know what a ****bie ride is, here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=229758&postcount=1)

I don't know why I bother, just organising a ride to give "slow paced riders" a chance to ride is so difficult isn't it? However, I am sure they enjoyed the ride.
Don't be so tucking fouchy!

It wasn't the use of language I was having a go at, it was the patronising nature of some "experienced" riders to those less experienced.

[FROSTY]

Is there summat in the air??
Feight -ya organised a ride and all was good on it -fantastic.
My somment is simply that rather than having a focus on experience level the emphasis of the ride invite be the sort of speed we'd be doing.

[Will]

Is there summat in the air??
Feight -ya organised a ride and all was good on it -fantastic.
My somment is simply that rather than having a focus on experience level the emphasis of the ride invite be the sort of speed we'd be doing.



This is sounding more and more like Ulysses every day.


In other words experience counts!

[Jeremy]

How about when starting a ride thread, that you post the minimum number of kms you expect someone to have covered before they attempt the ride?

Because as I'm sure you all know it's nearly impossible to work out what your current level of riding skill. Am I really inexperienced, moderately experienced or experienced? Who knows? Certainly not me and that's for sure. However I can say for certain that I've done 4000km.

[justsomeguy]

Just shut up and go ride.......

You bunch of oversentive grandmamas....

:wait:

[250learna]

i have riden some bikes in the past prior to getting my own, then got my bike bout 6 weeks ago and had a licence for the past 4 of thouse 6. I didnt have much road experiance but was capable of riding fine when i got the bike, but i didnt hop on the first group ride that came up, or second for that matter.
I started riding by myself, so that when i do go for a ride with someone else i will "know" my limits to some extent, not find them while trying to keep up with someone with more experiance.
It worked for me so far, as i have yet to fall... i can only hope it stays that way

[erik]

How about when starting a ride thread, that you post the minimum number of kms you expect someone to have covered before they attempt the ride?

Because as I'm sure you all know it's nearly impossible to work out what your current level of riding skill. Am I really inexperienced, moderately experienced or experienced? Who knows? Certainly not me and that's for sure. However I can say for certain that I've done 4000km.
But I think the number of km's you've done can be fairly vague as to what your skill level is too. Someone that's done 15,000km of commuting may not be as competent on the open road as someone that's done 7,000kms of riding through the twisties.
I think the descriptors used already such as "fast" "medium" "slow" etc are about as accurate as they can practically get.

[Biff]

I don't like the use of the word "newbies". The context implies slower riders are somehow inferior citizens ....

I disagree with you there MR H. In my book at least the use of the term 'newibe' does not automatically imply that the inexperienced or new members here are inferior citizens in any way.

We've all been newbies at some time or another, and I for one would be/have been more than happy to have people refer to me as a newbie. In my mind this was/is a form of introduction, possibly to a group of total strangers, and to let them know that I’m new to ‘this’, and I may not be particularly knowledgeable/experienced about - whatever - be it a new job, sport, topic etc.

Take a look around and you'll see many new members to this site refer to themselves as 'newbies'. It's a simply way of saying, "Hi - I'm new here/to biking " etc etc.

Or are you just jealous? Maybe it's been a while since you last found yourself in a position to be referred to by such a term? Take up origami, or something else you’ve never done before. If that’s possible. :D

[justsomeguy]

You ladies still busy discussing this I see............:wait:

http://www.ahajokes.com/cartoon/grandma.jpg

[jaybee180]

Interesting to see this thread. I've just got my bike and posted on KB to see if there were any experienced riders out there who would be willing to give me a hand and at least just explain some of the more important relevant safety issues etc. Getting out there and riding on your own is all well and good but if it's something you haven't done for years it's always good to have a few tips under your belt.

Interesting enough I only got one reply! Guess I will be out there doing it on my own!

[surfchick]

You ladies still busy discussing this I see............:wait:

http://www.ahajokes.com/cartoon/grandma.jpg

Dude if i had her figure when i'm her age i'll be thankin' me lucky stars. SHE's MY IDOL ... BAHA :killingme she's missing her blue rinse though

[Virago]

I don't like the use of the word "newbies". The context implies slower riders are somehow inferior citizens who should be mollycoddled until they see the light and feel like they can ride at a gazillion-km-an-hour like "real" riders....
Blurdy Hell, the PC brigade have arrived. I'm a newbie and proud of it, abeit a greying haired one that's just got back in the saddle after too many years. It's all coming back to me, and I'm building on my earlier limited riding skills.

For what it's worth, I agree with those who think that a group ride is no place for newbies.

1) Newbies can make silly mistakes, that can catch out even the most experienced companions. Things like following too close in a group can cause silly nose-to-tail accidents, due to the "whip-lash" effect in the line of riders. Newbies tend to be at the back of the group, where greater braking distances, and general vigilence, are required.

2) A mixture of newbies and experienced riders can give rise to the newbies outriding their skill levels, trying to keep up with "the big boys". Just the merest perception of this happening has led to terrible arguments in other threads.

3) A large group of newbies riding together can cause frustration and road rage from cagers (oops sorry - not PC - car drivers), due to the slow speeds, and the desire of the group to "stick together".

The dynamics of group riding are an advanced skill, and it's a case of learning to walk before you learn to run. By next spring, I'm hoping that I'll be ready to head out on a group ride, having mastered my own basic riding skills and confidence. In the meantime I'm doing it for myself, for everyone's benefit. I'll still be waving to everyone else though! :ride:

[justsomeguy]

Interesting to see this thread. I've just got my bike and posted on KB to see if there were any experienced riders out there who would be willing to give me a hand and at least just explain some of the more important relevant safety issues etc. Getting out there and riding on your own is all well and good but if it's something you haven't done for years it's always good to have a few tips under your belt.

Interesting enough I only got one reply! Guess I will be out there doing it on my own!

Do what I do...... go on as many rides as you can and keep pestering people at stops with stupid questions.

And by the way, there is only so much you can get from a book/forum. You will have to go out and do it. Did you have a good look at the condition of Two Smoker's leathers?? He didn't get that good by fluke.

KB rides are the best training you will ever get. Unless you want to pay a professional and hire/go on a race track.

And KB rides are a lot safer than riding alone. No matter what the chinese whispers competition going on at the moment will have you believe.

[Waylander]

Reading what V=V said made me remember something I'd forgoten cause I never used it. In the states version of the road code there is a rule that when riding with a group the newest rider leads and most experianced brings up the tail. That way no one gets left behind. Also makes it easier for the experianced riders to give the beginners advice about what they need to improve on. Maybe if we did something like this for new rider rides and leave the faster rides for those that just want to go out and blast. Just a suggestion, I'm gonna start doing this for rides I will be orginising when my ride roars once more. Anyway I'm done for the night gotta be up and ready for an interview tomorrow. (Gods I hope I get it) Then back to invisable ninja with me.

[ManDownUnder]

Dude if i had her figure when i'm her age i'll be thankin' me lucky stars. SHE's MY IDOL ... BAHA :killingme she's missing her blue rinse though

Wot??? You'll be bald??? :whistle: