Gidday everyone (Aquarius)

[Aquarius]

Hey I am also pretty new to riding, I have been quietly doing little rides by myself, to Mission Bay, up to Orewa, made it up to Puhoi on the weekend which is something I have always wanted to do (next time might even stop at the pub to say hi!)
.
Am loving it and today for the first time rode over the bridge in rush hour traffic, pretty freaky really but didn't lane split at all (too scary at this stage), just watched and admired others doing it. Am really looking forward to the ride home.

Heading up to Kaiwaka for easter on the bike so looking forward to that too.

Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself after reading so much about you all seemed rude not to!!

Karen

[Hawkeye]

Welcome to KB. Take your time, take small steps and stay safe.
Main things to remember....
Ride your ride not someone elses.
Everyone else on the road is out to get you.

Oh! and if you screw up, Katman will be along shortly after to give you his words of wisdom.

[Maha]

Good stuff Karen, small steps...
We were just talking the other day about when we started riding and an 100-160 km ride was a generous day out.
Welcome to KB.

This bit of advice...''Everyone else on the road is out to get you'' not true, if you beleive in that you might as well give it up now.
I can ride 400 kms and not have a problem.
Best advice....You have to be vigilant on a bike.
Motorcycling is to be enjoyed.

[JK12]

if u have the time. do join us here:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/77111-North-Auckland-Street-Skills-NASS

[unstuck]

welcome from one newb to another. I used to love riding to puhoi from the bays.My first ever road ride was from browns bay to puhoi on a honda gt350 when i was 13.:innocent:

[Aquarius]

'ride your ride' I like that
thats so crazy riding to PUhoi at 13!!! wow

Am deffo gonna check out the NASS thanks for that tip, see some of you there hopefully

Love how sociable riding is, how fellow bikers wave and nod, and chat away to you at the lights, feel left out when im in the car and see bikers whizz past, not together but kind of hanging together you know what I mean?

[Crasherfromwayback]

This bit of advice...''Everyone else on the road is out to get you'' not true, if you beleive in that you might as well give it up now.
.

Whilst it might not be true...I don't think it hurts to think every driver is. Being overly cautious ain't a bad thing for anyone...let alone a newbie.

[Katman]

Whilst it might not be true...I don't think it hurts to think every driver is. Being overly cautious ain't a bad thing for anyone...let alone a newbie.

Unfortunately, all it does is perpetuate the 'us versus them' mentality that is doing us no favours.

Treat all other road users (motorcyclists included) as potential hazards - they're not all really out to kill you.

[Maha]

Whilst it might not be true...I don't think it hurts to think every driver is. Being overly cautious ain't a bad thing for anyone...let alone a newbie.

That is why I used the word 'Vigilant' Pete.

[Crasherfromwayback]

.

Treat all other road users (motorcyclists included) as potential hazards - they're not all really out to kill you.

Wonders never cease...I agree with you.

[Crasherfromwayback]

That is why I used the word 'Vigilant' Pete.

Good man!!!

[The Everlasting]

Welcome to KB,might see you at NASS sometime.

[suzieq]

Hey I am also pretty new to riding, I have been quietly doing little rides by myself, to Mission Bay, up to Orewa, made it up to Puhoi on the weekend which is something I have always wanted to do (next time might even stop at the pub to say hi!)
.
Am loving it and today for the first time rode over the bridge in rush hour traffic, pretty freaky really but didn't lane split at all (too scary at this stage), just watched and admired others doing it. Am really looking forward to the ride home.

Heading up to Kaiwaka for easter on the bike so looking forward to that too.

Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself after reading so much about you all seemed rude not to!!

Karen

hello Karen

Sue here I ride BMW GS650 and also now have just got brand new 2011 Triumph Speed Triple for doing a few track days next season I have found doing two only track days now has helped me heaps to get better with my cornering I also met a couple of like minded ladies (we both married and kids have left home) and we go riding out during the week days and some occasional weekends
If you interested tex me 0210367234 as always looking for company out on the roads and this has also helped to get better riding skills and we feel much safer out with company also
We have also managed to oust our husbands and now we just ride and is totally awsome Us girls rock
I used to ride a VespaGTS250 scooter around when I fell off my push bike and totalled both of my shoulders really bad had to have two total shoulder reconstruction surgeries as my arms would not work properly so riding the scooter was great as no gear changing to do and I absolutely loved it But after riding the little scooter to Taupo and back at least 7 times it really was time to step up to the GS650 She is an 800cc and fantastic for those long road rides Great on fuel and very comfie bus I was petrified when I first did my Puke Pro Rider Track day but felt fantastic after i had done my course for the day and totally exhausted after it also Then doing Taupo Ladies only Track day well that cinched it all and now here I have the new Triumph I have to wait for a low seat to come from the UK as this model of Triumph is brand new into the country and the spares are still drifting thru in dribs and drabs and my bike is about 1inch 1/2 toooo tall for me Can only just touch the ground on my tip toes
so yes PM me if you are interested in me or my riding buddy to come join up for some rides I am lucky now to NOT have to work I ran a very successful Greenhouse Growing business doing tissue culture calla lilly bulbs and grew brand new varieties which i sold and did very well with I spose i call myself retired and am very lucky to be able to enjoy riding out on my bike during the week days
I have been trying for ages to find others who can also join me not worried if they are men or woman (i am happily married) but always do my own rides during the week days as my husband runs a large steel company and is always busy and never has time We have been married to our company now for 30 years Have found it very hard to find anyone who can come join
I have been out with sport bike riders but they do not ride the speed limit or just over as i do I am forever trying to keep up but try to do whatever speed i need to do without ticket collecting so yes if you are interested can PM to join up I often ride SH16 and am out Orewa and Silverdale at least couple days per week as I swim over Northern Arena two or trying to do three days per week to keep my fitness up
regards
Sue

[suzieq]

Hello everyone
Am currently riding BMW GS650 since September last year and wow what a learning curve it has been From a 250VESPA GTS which i rode to Taupo and back 7 times it really was time for me to move up to a much more suitable long distance comfie bike and the GS is fantastic on fuel also and very well mannered bike to ride Of course she was heavier than the scooter but much more suitable and is always hard to part with a much loved piece of machinery
I then went on last year and was coaxed in to doing a Pro Rider Track Training Day at Puke was terrifed at the thought but by the end of the day felt really good about actually leaning my bike on those corners and I rode away from my track day so much more confident From there I was also coaxed into the Taupo Ladies Pro Rider track day and that cinched my riding Doing those twisty and tight cornerings was awsome and it even poured down in the afternoon Even on my GS650 with cross tyres I was overtaking pretty much everything (even though only a training day) it all gets pretty addictive but then as I was behind a couple sport bikes it made me realise the difference in the riding and handling abilities of the bikes (horses for courses so to speak ) so have just now purchased a brand new 2011 Triumph Speed Triple 1050cc and am planning to further my riding skills with a couple of Californian Super Bike Schools and more Pro Rider days also Just picked up my new machine yesterday wow oh wow Black ABS also how much better does it get????
The track days are really very addictive and at the end of the days training you feel so much better and learn heaps or new skills also
I am always on the lookout for anyone tht can join me during the week and go for rides around the place
I do not work anymore as have done my work days and now my husband is happy for me to enjoy my weekdays as he is heavily involved with KTM dirt bike racing at most weekends and i have spent many hours pit crew sally so am able only occasionally to join in weekend rides that are going out
So if anyone out there is looking for riding buddies to go join in a week day ride plse contact me PM I am over Orewa and Silverdale at least twice or sometimes three days per week as I swim over Northern Arena and always take my bike I have ridden SH16 I don't know how many times also and is now the norm
Another good thing about the GS just recently I have been taking the gravel back roads over to Silverdale as I live Whenuapai and now find myself I am loving to do these roads as a little bit of adventure on the way to my swimming and also go home these roads also Have also taken another couple of ladies on our lttle trail bikes out to Port Albert and have done some riding around on those gravel roads also and right up to the Atiu Regional park I am now goin to transfer my skills over to take the GS out there also She really is a very versatile bike
Not sure if i will take the Triumph out there She is a little more highly strung than the GS and with her race spec tyres prob not My husband also does not like the mud issue with my new bike either So she will prob be handled with kid gloves and get to sit most of the winter out in the garage until next race season Also am going to get dual purpose tyres for her as well as
So yes if anyone has any free time during the week days contact me
I have also just started up a NEW Akd Gravel Adventure Riders club which is set to kick off 22nd May Sunday I did post 21st but should have been the Sunday we are meeting up Westgate Starbucks 9:30 I have met so many people who want to go do those gravel roads that you do encounter when riding down country but are nervous as don't have enough skills so after a lot of talk about this and meeting like minded people am starting a club to learn these skills and gain confidence My husband is always doing gravel roads and i u s e d to be petrified at the thought of it but not these days Traded in my VespaGTS250 for a YamahaXT250 and went out and did the Puhoi gravel roads Krippners etc all by myself as I have no week day ride buddies and with this club am going to be doing these roads on my BMW also so when we are down country can go do also
It really is exciting to be able to now ride proficiently and with confidence that I feel my track days has given me And of course I wish to further these skills
When my husband does the Desert Storm on his KTM i take the BMW GS and go do Fields Track and into Wanganui for the Day I really am OUT THERE AND DOING IT but a bit of a lone ranger though so have to learn to be proficient

Regards to all out there
This blurb just my take on how much more meaningful life is with bikes
Should have done this for myself many years ago
Being out there and one with my surrounds is the most wonderful life experience
More ride buddies for me someplace please
PS I did meet some EX Ulysees members who ride out some days but I live Whenuapai and have to ride about 80kms South just to join up and we always ride further South So there must be some retirees or people like me who wish for week day ride buddies to hassle with and just enjoy the road

[creature]

Hi Aquarius, im also new to KB and am still in the practicing faze of riding but im hoping to get myself on the open road asap and take some day and in time overnight trips up or down the line (wherever the road may take me) im looking forward to meeting some of the members in person and going on group rides with them. anyway, Hi and welcome from CREATURE. :rockon:

[davebullet]

and chat away to you at the lights, feel left out when im in the car and see bikers whizz past, not together but kind of hanging together you know what I mean?

When in the car - I feel exactly the same. You know motorcycling is for you when this happens.

I often nod or wave to a biker when in the cage :-)

[Chancebmx25]

welcome :)

[Aquarius]

I don't know what all the fuss is about with you KiwiBikers, you are a bunch of softies really aye?!!! Thanks for making me feel so welcome, makes me happy.
Had fun riding to Kaiwaka over easter, got passed by a load of harleys once I got past that Puhoi turnoff on the way home, they all burned past me, no waves, nods, winks or wheelies, but then the last one turned and did a staunch as wave, made my day it did !!!

Am going to NASS next Wednesday so hope to meet some of you there
x

[Oblivion]

I don't know what all the fuss is about with you KiwiBikers, you are a bunch of softies really aye?!!! Thanks for making me feel so welcome, makes me happy.
Had fun riding to Kaiwaka over easter, got passed by a load of harleys once I got past that Puhoi turnoff on the way home, they all burned past me, no waves, nods, winks or wheelies, but then the last one turned and did a staunch as wave, made my day it did !!!

Am going to NASS next Wednesday so hope to meet some of you there
x

Did he have 2ft bars with tassles?

[kilgh]

Hey Aquarius, fellow Shorean noob.

Planning to out on my first longish ride...but work keeps getting in the way...or the weather...heck! I'll just go now I think! Who needs sleep before work anyway....

[Maakz]

Hey there Aquarius, welcome in. I'm a South Aukz lady rider and relatively new, pootling around for a lil bit but still tentative. Kilgh-things are going well, been for a wee pootle around the Southern most back blocks to Maraetai, got game and hit the motorway (under supervision) and gotta buzz outta going over the harbour bridge. I've been keeping an eye on ur posts admiring ur progress-secretly envious. How long til u get to progress to R status? Have found SASS rider training worth its weight in gold. Keep us posted on ur progress too Aquarius. Peace out.

ps. Have been chuffed by all the riders inc Harley riders who've deigned to give me a wave when out, even though i sport the dreaded banana yellow L plate-big ups back atchaz.

:yes:

[kilgh]

Still about 9 months til the R status Maakz. Not worried though, not in a hurry.

The Harbour Bridge? Whoa. That's a milestone alright! I like the drive from the Shore to work in Mt Wellington. It'll be cool to do it on the bike eventually.

What's with this constant rain? :angry:

[Maakz]

Too right Kilgh-slow an easy does it. My mantra most of the time. Am keen to lose the L plate thats all-$hite beacon but insurance must. Yeah, was buzzy goin over the bridge and ensuing motorway ride back out south-felt laxed out but vigilant esp with the escort from my mentors. I have the same day dream u do except south heading to the CBD and my place of work...one day my friend, one day. I SO hear ya on the rain and pack-a sad weather we're currently experiencing-lil bita rain and showers i'm down to ride in, not at all this abysmal stuff and perma grey. Makes for dicey riding...so, the orange fandango is parked and wrapped in the garage...oh woe. Fingers crossed for the weekend.:scooter:

[Aquarius]

Hey girls, awesome to hear from you, so exciting getting into something new aye. Yeah i am on the dirty old L(oser) plates too, sat it ages ago so could go for restricted but want to get a bit more practice in first. I actually don't mind the L plates too much cos I am learning and not that fast round corners etc, so I feel a bit safer having it on.

Looks like the weather is going to be fine so am deffo planning a wee ride this weekend, do either of you wanna meet up and go for a cruise? I can come south no worries, or shore side is good too?

[kilgh]

Would love to Aquarius but I don't have another day off until next Thursday.:crybaby:

Another wonderful seven day stretch....

[Maakz]

Sorry bout the delay Aquarius-moved house this week, only ride i managed was a wee circuit to retreat from the madness of another damn box to unload and unpack. Hmmm, i do SASS on Wed nights and late work hours stifle ride time. Week end maybe a goer, but won't know til later in the week...

Only reason i want to ditch the L plates is cos it seems to attract every dur brain within a 1km radius, as if the dreaded banana card wasn't a big enuff clue ima fledgling and they should exercise caution. Seems to be dé rigeur in my kneck of the woods to harass the L plate rider to buggery just to see how they cope. I do feel a wee bit safer and kosher having on there though all said- and won't be taking it off cos insurance gets voided should the worst occur if it aint on there.

Hope ur ride over the weekend was choice. I live in perpetual envy.

[Aquarius]

Cheers Maakz, had an awesome ride on saturday up Coastesville-Riverhead highway, thought to myself ,..... so THATs where all the bikeys hang out on the weekend! It was packed solid with bikers cruising around the place, fun!

I am working up to a ride out west, Scenic Drive or to Muriwai etc.. just spending a bit more time getting a feel for it first. Don't wanna hold up any surfers!!

Glad I went Saturday as the weather turned to custard on sunday, glad I got my fix!!!

Happy riding everyone

[Oblivion]

Cheers Maakz, had an awesome ride on saturday up Coastesville-Riverhead highway, thought to myself ,..... so THATs where all the bikeys hang out on the weekend! It was packed solid with bikers cruising around the place, fun!

I am working up to a ride out west, Scenic Drive or to Muriwai etc.. just spending a bit more time getting a feel for it first. Don't wanna hold up any surfers!!

Glad I went Saturday as the weather turned to custard on sunday, glad I got my fix!!!

Happy riding everyone

Good to see that your having fun. Take your time so you'll learn to enjoy it even more. :yes: