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View Full Version : Shit Happens Or Perception - Summer Rides 2011-2012



BuckBuck#1
13th September 2011, 12:42
The following article is contained in my blog, however I wanted to post it here in the Survival Skills forum section, in anticipation that it will create healthy comment "debate". Stay safe and enjoy your summer rides



My blog has a theme that at times addresses OCPD, and now that I have purchased yet another motorcycle for this summer (and yes it is a "keeper") I thought it appropriate that I provide a few insightful comments relating to not only my condition but also motorcycle riding safety and a review of another theme "Shit Happens". The Sunday Morning Rides Program for 2011/2012 is a ways and means of providing a forward looking program and hopefully encouraging responsible riding attitudes as well as the co-operation of experienced riders.

A characteristic trait of OCPD is that one is bounded by rules and regulations and hence the individual may seem restricted or appear to be overly regimented in their routines of daily life.

When attaching a Disclaimer to a rides program it could be simply put as “Ride Your Own Ride”, without all the claptrap of adhering to what is politically correct. However, in this instance I do make no apology for taking the formal Disclaimer line, and here is a brief look back:



Toward the end of daylight saving in March 2010 I remarked that “Shit Happens” but revised that to a case of “Perception”……..here is the entry:

Community Awareness & Safe Motorcycle Riding
I once referred to motorcycling as a case of ‘Shit Happens’ but in time I reviewed that opinion to a more measured tone: motorcycling is all about ‘Perception’.

Your own perception in particular of risk taking be the risk measured, or a moment caught up in the whole euphoria of riding, we hopefully find much enjoyment and learn from our riding experiences. Without doubt coming to terms with motorcycle riding for me was an extremely rewarding experience, and I will always be thankful to those that provided professional motorcycle training, and also to the numerous well meaning ‘experienced riders’ for their encouragement over the years. Sadly a few of those riders are no longer with us, but out on the road my late Mentor’s spirit was etched in my mind and his guidance comments were reinforced by the professional instructor.

I think it comes to the fore the comment ‘Do as I say, not as I do,’ and this is particularly relevant when considering the important line ‘Ride your own ride.’

Without doubt motorcycling is a very enjoyable pastime and I am sure that within the community of motorcyclists most recognise the trials and tribulations the novice through to the experienced rider encounter. When and where it is possible to see levels of risk and reduce them by providing alternative opportunities to gaining improved riding skill and technique, this can be achieved.


Sunday Morning Rides Program 2011/2012
There will be little formality in the conduct of these later Sunday morning rides this year. Essentially it will be a gathering point over a coffee and McDonalds, general social get together, then make your own way in small groups on the designated ride route if you so wish. I assure you my involvement will be minimal, and I do hope that experienced Mentors may step up to the plate and provide some guidance.

I am very pleased to see the initiatives underway to have good social rides on Tuesdays with the anticipated assistance of Mentors, this will be a good starting point for novices and returning riders and I encourage these riders to attend the Tuesday event. Link: Tuesday Evening BRONZ Slowpaced Social Ride (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/142440-Tuesday-evening-BRONZ-Slowpaced-Social-Ride?prefixid=f3_10&daysprune=-1)

I look forward to an enjoyable summertime of riding this 2011/2012.

May you ride safe, and maintain a good perception of the riding decisions you will inevitably contemplate.

Sunday Morning Rides Program 2011-2012 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/141162-Wellington-%E2%80%93-Sunday-Morning-Rides-Program-2011-2012)