Sometimes it seems the universe wants to kill me

[IronPawz]

In three days, four sketchy incidences. First a found wheel skip going up a hil,l slightly wet with tar seal patches. Found skipped on a patch that would have possibly been an off into the bank and I'm thinking something broken. But it passed in a split second and all was well. The second was in the lane split where two cars dam near hit each others (as I was attempting to split). I pulled back, they swayed in and as they went out I went through. But that same day on the way home was worse. In front of me a 4wd kind of drifted right. I started to back off then he/she swerved violently back onto the road. There is a concrete divider there due to the new highway construction. If they had hit it on their right they would have swerved in on my. I saw it all play out in my head as I rode on (3rd time in one day the universe is trying to kill me).

So I thought about it and one thing was clear to me above the others. I have closed my following distance to much. I am often in 1.2 seconds verses 2 seconds so I need to sit back a bit more (when not passing). I took notice of my distance the next day all seemed of. The following day riding a test bike with ABS (first time using ABS) going into town another massive lane swerver! Right in front of me. I felt the flutter just for a moment in the breaks as ABS hit. I'd have been ok either way but again my distance is close. I get away with that 1.2 most of the time due to luck and attention. Attention mind is simply not the same all the time and luck well... long may it last. That 3rd one mind the truck. That one would has hit me hard likely into the traffic on the inside line. I was that bit close and the truck barely missed a concrete barrier between lanes. I didn't detect it soon enough. Looking back the signs started a good second sooner and I know the area so generally I'd have noticed and back up sooner (looked behind etc got ready to avoid). This time I was just a bit distracted and stayed to close.

Still I am here so the universe must love me. For now. Because luck it seems at times is looking after me more than I am.

[OddDuck]

"Found wheel skip"... I guess this means front wheel?

Good to hear you're OK. I just about had a similar thing with some eejit in an SUV almost failing to give way to me at a T-intersection yesterday, whoever it was tried to drive straight on through without slowing down.

+1 on the 1.2 following distance, for some reason I have a real habit of naturally closing to that distance too and have to constantly remind myself to follow at thousand-and-one, thousand-and-two...

Rastuscat's point about increased visibility at correct following distance has stayed with me, you really can see heaps more of what's about to happen ahead if you stay back a bit.

[FlangMasterJ]

First a found wheel skip going up a hil


l slightly wet with tar seal patches.


Found skipped on a patch


in the breaks as ABS hit.


Attention mind is simply not the same all the time and luck well... long may it last.

<a href="https://imgur.com/XTQlUf2"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/XTQlUf2.gif" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Double your following distance again. You're obviously aware that it's the main cause of these close calls so take heed. It also appears following too close is resulting in exhaust inhalation and braining your damage slightly. Just stay safe my guy.

[george formby]

Hopefully you have taken the hoodoo off my back.

Similarly, I've had some very close calls lately, they have genuinely put the wind up me. The worst was a car which span out coming towards me, I guess the driver hit the brakes on an uphill corner causing the car to fish tail and roll, 3 times. I slammed the anchors on the moment I saw the arse end step out and watched in horror as it tumbled toward me. It stopped 6 feet away. Luckily the occupants were not hurt. The road was slick as an eel.

Driving and riding defensively with generous following distances and cautious speed has kept me out of trouble 5 times in a month. A car on it's roof 6ft in front of me is very sobering, I had a couple of bevvies that night...

Maximize your space and minimize your risk.

Having said that, all my "moments" lately, have gone on to the ever growing list of "shit you wouldn't dream of happening". Hence my nagging paranoia.

[slofox]

I like to create "no vehicle zones" in front any time I use the road, regardless of whether I am driving or riding. Trouble is, when you do this you find many volunteers to fill up those unused spaces you have so carelessly allowed to develop in front of you...thanks guys.

At which point it is so easy to get raucous yourself and develop vertical fingers all of a sudden. Which probably makes you an even worse driver than you usually are.

I am led to believe that there is this thing called "patience". Quite useful in traffic I am told. Wonder where you find that?

[GazzaH]

Great patience comes with great age, kimo sabe.

The trick is not to die of impatience.

Aside from the obvious safety aspect, leaving more than enough space makes the journey relaxing rather than fraught.

Enjoy the trip, not just getting to the destination. It's wot bikes are for.

There are times when full-on frantic racing can be fun, too, but choose your times and places carefully.

[FJRider]

So I thought about it and one thing was clear to me above the others. I have closed my following distance to much.

Think about it ...

[Taxythingy]

Had someone come blindly sailing through a red light at me on Thursday night. I'm assuming they didn't even realise there was an intersection there, as four or five cars had gone through ahead of me. Had to use liberal application of throttle, as I didn't see it early enough. Rather eye opening. And arse puckering.

[SaferRides]

Hopefully you have taken the hoodoo off my back.

Similarly, I've had some very close calls lately, they have genuinely put the wind up me. The worst was a car which span out coming towards me, I guess the driver hit the brakes on an uphill corner causing the car to fish tail and roll, 3 times. I slammed the anchors on the moment I saw the arse end step out and watched in horror as it tumbled toward me. It stopped 6 feet away. Luckily the occupants were not hurt. The road was slick as an eel.

I am beginning to wonder how much our badly maintained roads have to do with the rising death toll. I recently rode SH1 from Kaiwaka to Wellsford in the wet, which wasn't fun as the road is a real mess in places. Dome Valley has some bad patches of tar bleed, so I turned off at Wellsford onto SH16, but that's not much better at the northern end where recent resealing is already breaking up.

Then north of Waimauku there's a section of road that with a temporary reduced speed limit because the surface is in such poor condition.

Not good enough, NZTA.

[Daffyd]

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so" Douglas Adams

[george formby]

I am beginning to wonder how much our badly maintained roads have to do with the rising death toll. I recently rode SH1 from Kaiwaka to Wellsford in the wet, which wasn't fun as the road is a real mess in places. Dome Valley has some bad patches of tar bleed, so I turned off at Wellsford onto SH16, but that's not much better at the northern end where recent resealing is already breaking up.

Then north of Waimauku there's a section of road that with a temporary reduced speed limit because the surface is in such poor condition.

Not good enough, NZTA.

Come and visit. The roads up here are terrible, consistently, so you always ride with that in mind. Had a wee ride yesterday and got caught in some rain and bright winter sun. The glare from the worn smooth road surface made it difficult to see where you were going at times. The clay from tractors and gravel washed off driveways barely merits a mention, nor do the craters cunningly disguised as pot holes.

Slippy as a butchers pencil.

[SaferRides]

Come and visit. The roads up here are terrible, consistently, so you always ride with that in mind. Had a wee ride yesterday and got caught in some rain and bright winter sun. The glare from the worn smooth road surface made it difficult to see where you were going at times. The clay from tractors and gravel washed off driveways barely merits a mention, nor do the craters cunningly disguised as pot holes.

Slippy as a butchers pencil.Exactly. Given the shit weather this winter, I will probably leave the bike in the garage until spring, whenever that is.

[Hoonicorn]

In three days, four sketchy incidences.
1. Going uphill the front wheel skipped on a wet tar patch that could have ended in an off into a bank, but it passed in a split second, bike regained composure and all was well.
2. I was attempting to lane split, two cars damned near hit each other. I pulled back, they swayed in and as they went out I went through.
3. Later that same day on the way home was worse. In front of me a 4wd that drifted right. I started to back off then he/she swerved violently back onto the road. There is a concrete divider there due to the new highway construction so if they had hit it on their right, they would have swerved back in on me. I saw it all play out in my head as I rode on (3rd time in one day the universe is trying to kill me).

So I thought about it and I am often following only 1.2 seconds verses 3 seconds behind, so I need to watch my following distances (when not passing). I took notice of my following distances the next day, all seemed ok.

4. The day after, riding a test bike with ABS (first time using ABS) going into town and there was another massive lane swerver right in front of me. I felt the flutter just for a moment in the brakes as ABS did their job. I'd have been ok either way but again my following distance was too close.

I get away with that 1.2 most of the time due to luck. That 3rd incident, with the 4wd, that would have hit me hard and likely pushed me into the traffic on the inside lane. Looking back the warning signs started a good second earlier. Had I not been following so closely, I could have noticed earlier and backed up sooner (looked behind etc got ready to avoid).

Still I am here so the universe must love me. For now. Because luck it seems at times is looking after me more than I am.

Not perfect, but it was a bit difficult to follow in original form.

:blank:Watch your following distances, especially when riding a bike without ABS.:blank:

[rastuscat]

Not perfect, but it was a bit difficult to follow in original form.

:blank:Watch your following distances, especially when riding a bike without ABS.:blank:

Following distance is only partly to do with being able to stop.

It's mainly to do with being able to do a decent surface appraisal, and visibility. Visibility for you, and of you.

Hide in the space behind a vehicle if you want, but you'll see less, lose the ability to react to potholes, and people doing dumb stuff will suddenly not be able to see you.

As regards people filling your gap. So someone you don't know and never will driving a car you'll never see again takes the space ahead of you. So what. It's not a contest.

[awayatc]

Following distance is only partly to do with being able to stop.

It's mainly to do with being able to do a decent surface appraisal, and visibility. Visibility for you, and if you.

Hide in the space behind a vehicle if you want, but you'll see less, lose the ability to react to potholes, and oeole doing dumb stuff will suddenly not be able to see you.

As regards people filling your gap. So someone you don't know and never will driving a car you'll never see again tskes the space ahead of you. So what. It's not a contest.

Amen.....

It is as simple as that.....

And far more relaxed and pleasant while you are at it!

[slofox]

As regards people filling your gap. So someone you don't know and never will driving a car you'll never see again takes the space ahead of you. So what. It's not a contest.

It's not as simple as that Rastuscat. Overtakers have a habit of moving into one's lane without sufficient clearance between themselves and you. "Only fool breaks the two second rule"? Ha. I find myself taking evasive action all too often after being overtaken. If the driver ahead gives me a couple of cycles of the indicator I will make space and avoid the problem. I have no objection to doing this - it's just good manners. But most of the time I don't get that chance.

Distances between vehicles ought to be partly the responsibility of the person overtaking as well as that of the overtaken.

[rastuscat]

It's not as simple as that Rastuscat. Overtakers have a habit of moving into one's lane without sufficient clearance between themselves and you. "Only fool breaks the two second rule"? Ha. I find myself taking evasive action all too often after being overtaken. If the driver ahead gives me a couple of cycles of the indicator I will make space and avoid the problem. I have no objection to doing this - it's just good manners. But most of the time I don't get that chance.

Distances between vehicles ought to be partly the responsibility of the person overtaking as well as that of the overtaken.

Following distance is rarely a constant thing. It's a dynamic thing, in need of constant attention.

When two lanes merge, it's normal for following distances to be reduced. All it takes is for a prudent driver to let the distance drift out, then resume normal service. When a car ahead of me slows down, I start slowing down early, and rarely have to brake. Just dropping a gear or two normally is enough, before the cars ahead move off again, and so do I.

In fact, I critique my own riding based on how much braking I have to do. The less braking I use, the better I'm dealing with traffic around me. The more distance I leave ahead of me, the less braking I have to do.

Look for solutions, Obiwan, rather than focusing on the problem.

[Frodo]

I'm generally in agreement with Ratuscat about leaving space ahead and chilling out when a vehicle pulls into that space.
However, in my only "incident" in the last 30 years, a ute towing a double axle caged trailer shot across from a side street into SH1 north of Wellington to completely fill the space in front of me. I braked safely. However, about 50m later he braked hard and pulled into a side street on the left. A car pulling out of that side street saw a gap in the commuting traffic, but didn't see me right behind the trailer. When the driver did, s/he braked across the road leaving me nowhere to go...
So yes, gaps in front are important for safety and I have erred on the conservative side, but this incident highlighted the risks of generous gaps.

[SaferRides]

If the traffic is flowing reasonably well, I leave a large gap - 4 or 5 seconds. You have great vision of what's going on in front, no drama if someone pulls in front of you, and plenty of buffer to slow down if you need it.

And I always use the left lane when it's clear.

The only drawback is sometimes the person following gets a bit antsy and closes up the gap, so I either close my gap a little or let them pass. But it doesn't happen very often.

[rastuscat]

If the traffic is flowing reasonably well, I leave a large gap - 4 or 5 seconds. You have great vision of what's going on in front, no drama if someone pulls in front of you, and plenty of buffer to slow down if you need it.

And I always use the left lane when it's clear.

The only drawback is sometimes the person following gets a bit antsy and closes up the gap, so I either close my gap a little or let them pass. But it doesn't happen very often.

I've always asked folk to use the left lane unless there's a reason to use the right hand lane.

Often I find it easier to make progress in the left lane, as everyone hogs the right lane thinking it to be faster. But it's often not, coz everyone hogs it.

[Frodo]

I've always asked folk to use the left lane unless there's a reason to use the right hand lane.

Often I find it easier to make progress in the left lane, as everyone hogs the right lane thinking it to be faster. But it's often not, coz everyone hogs it.

If traffic is flowing reasonably freely, I'm always in the right lane, travelling a little faster than the average flow. This keeps me active, rather than reactive. I've twice been in the left lane when some wally in the right lane has just seen an exit and suddenly crossed two lanes to get out, including the one I was in. Drivers in the right side have less visibiity out of the left side of the car so there's a bigger blind spot on the left. I also keep a good view in my mirrors because a couple of times I've had fast cars come up behind, in which case I move to the left and let them past.

If traffic is congested, I will select whichever lane is flowing, or will split if the traffic is real slow.

[GazzaH]

"X happened to me once so now I always do Y" is irrational.

I fell off my bike and scraped my knee when I was 10. I always walk.

I was tailgated once. I always speed up to get away.

I skidded on gravel at a junction. I always expect to skid out of control at every junction.

A weld gave way on my frame. I always carry a welder.

I heard about someone who knew a person whose dentist told a story about a patient whose wife rolled the car and couldn't escape her seatbelt. I always put the seatbelt behind me.

...

[caseye]

"X happened to me once so now I always do Y" is irrational.

I fell off my bike and scraped my knee when I was 10. I always walk.

I was tailgated once. I always speed up to get away.

I skidded on gravel at a junction. I always expect to skid out of control at every junction.

A weld gave way on my frame. I always carry a welder.

I heard about someone who knew a person whose dentist told a story about a patient whose wife rolled the car and couldn't escape her seatbelt. I always put the seatbelt behind me.

...

Is that you cassina?

[GazzaH]

Channeling ...

[IronPawz]

Some great comments so I am just going to reply to the thread now I've had some time to think about it more.

It takes me 50-75 minutes five days a week each way to get to work. I just updated my bike at 1130,000 kms in about 3 years and two months. Been doing that for around four years so maybe 160,00 but I'd say more because I ride other bikes and not just to work. Lots of Kms and lots of time on the seat. So you want to live and you don't want to piss around all day or go to sleep.

I use to carry a rule to always be moving through the traffic. Or have all traffic approaching from the front. Which served me well but I did get two speeding tickets going just a bit faster than the speeding traffic around me. However it pass cars a lot. I am not out for a five days a week two times a day hour long cruise I'm going to or from work.

I love it really it is a great time of the day. If I ride to slow (such as with others) I often get sleepy and find it hard to concentrate. It almost (which means at times over all that riding) never happens when clipping through the traffic. I don't recommend it but it works for me so far.

If you are always passing you are not always two seconds back. I am backing off more in more situations but I soon released you cannot pass a car or 50 by being two seconds behind them, just don't do it where you cannot pass. It seems you can pass in a lot of placed if you are motivated and use to doing it.

Therefore I updated the Fireblade. It for me is the right bike for the job and will give me a full college try at escaping calamity (though it does feel inevitable at times I'm counting on being wrong). There is on train from here and its to early and comes home at a set time (I've not been on it in years). Driving a cage from here would take closer to 2 painfully slow and expensive hours. Riding the bike is fun (rain, hail and driving wind).

Clearly we try and ride within out limits and those of the bike we are on. So distance is still important and I am continuing to improve it but lots of times it is just unavoidable if you want to stay awake and move through the slow ass cages. You cannot filter at a distance and I need to filter a lot (it must save me 40 minutes of being a rare end target as can happen to bikes sitting verses splitting). I'm hardly the only one splitting at a pace coming into Wellington there are many dedicated to the sport.

Stay staff and if you are on the cruise or stuck then go for distance. But if you pass and split you essentially take the risk and accept it, which I do and will for some time hopefully yet (perhaps with more days off and from home would be nice).

[Laava]

I am struggling to make sense of some of this sorry, "stay staff and if you are on the cruise or stuck then go for distance" "a full college try at escaping calamity"
Predictive text not helping here maybe?

[Black Knight]

What is it with overtaking drivers-I recently got caught behind a slower driver with nowhere safe to pass-twas a nice day so chilled and bided my time-next thing there is a car passing me in my lane,I could just see his outside wheels move over the centre line, just.Half a click up the road was a stop sign so I took advantage to tap on his window and give an earful,most unlike me as I am normally pretty laid back.
I reckon he was no more than two feet from my bar ends and at 90k a bit scary,arsehole,I now feel a bit for cyclists (but only a bit)

[rastuscat]

Just came across this gem of advice.

If you like riding fast on public roads, remember that crashing really ruins your average speed.

[GazzaH]

I think he knows it.

Just a matter of time before his luck runs out.

Let's hope he has enough time and working appendages to tell us.

[FJRider]

... I reckon he was no more than two feet from my bar ends and at 90k a bit scary,arsehole,I now feel a bit for cyclists (but only a bit)

To put it into perspective ... those that lane split on the motorway will seldom have that much clearance on both sides (combined) ... and they tell us it's perfectly safe ... :scratch:

Harden up ... ;)

[GazzaH]

MCrider demonstrates the effect with graphics, in one situation: approaching a cager waiting impatiently to turn across your path behind the cager ahead of you.

Fast forward the first half of the vid though, if you can't afford to invest the 3 mins.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y1AI_EFAuc

[actungbaby]

In three days, four sketchy incidences. First a found wheel skip going up a hil,l slightly wet with tar seal patches. Found skipped on a patch that would have possibly been an off into the bank and I'm thinking something broken. But it passed in a split second and all was well. The second was in the lane split where two cars dam near hit each others (as I was attempting to split). I pulled back, they swayed in and as they went out I went through. But that same day on the way home was worse. In front of me a 4wd kind of drifted right. I started to back off then he/she swerved violently back onto the road. There is a concrete divider there due to the new highway construction. If they had hit it on their right they would have swerved in on my. I saw it all play out in my head as I rode on (3rd time in one day the universe is trying to kill me).

So I thought about it and one thing was clear to me above the others. I have closed my following distance to much. I am often in 1.2 seconds verses 2 seconds so I need to sit back a bit more (when not passing). I took notice of my distance the next day all seemed of. The following day riding a test bike with ABS (first time using ABS) going into town another massive lane swerver! Right in front of me. I felt the flutter just for a moment in the breaks as ABS hit. I'd have been ok either way but again my distance is close. I get away with that 1.2 most of the time due to luck and attention. Attention mind is simply not the same all the time and luck well... long may it last. That 3rd one mind the truck. That one would has hit me hard likely into the traffic on the inside line. I was that bit close and the truck barely missed a concrete barrier between lanes. I didn't detect it soon enough. Looking back the signs started a good second sooner and I know the area so generally I'd have noticed and back up sooner (looked behind etc got ready to avoid). This time I was just a bit distracted and stayed to close.

Still I am here so the universe must love me. For now. Because luck it seems at times is looking after me more than I am.

yep i feeling the same way lately missed out on good job, the first i have been offered to me in 8 years
and was mine for taking. offered me day trail . went out for the day in the van . whould been great i dont get many chance in life
I be set up for promising futrue for me and family 50 plus hours all the time.
On the way to interview guy cuts right across my path ,just as well i saw possible outcome ,and i was allready braking . in away worked in my credit was much calmer
as these days unless am on ground whats use geting worked up angry only makes u feel tired over worked.
and didnt have a trad interview, boss of the place stood talked me at counter win win.
Kown got scotter got more time to realz and think whats going on around me and to be frank scaring me a little . other day i thought should i pack in the bikes . dad said i should .

i want be around for my 8 year son after all . not so bad for me am in 50 kph zones all the time .
bloody hell not sure been keen motorways these days going to work.

oh well i think many things life we have no control over think bikes least are worrys
all can be bit much but the benifets are worth the risk . as me risking failure in a job chance hell yes
felt good to be working for the day i got paid alot money for me takes me 2 weeks to earn that . and did in just one day. whats two seconds rather have that life time boredom.
just my opion good u got us thinking never a bad thing. just dont dwel on things

Oh he was old school boss not asking what i done before just give it a good crack or going over cvs just get give it a go

it was great...

[awayatc]

In fact, I critique my own riding based on how much braking I have to do. The less braking I use, the better I'm dealing with traffic around me. The more distance I leave ahead of me, the less braking I have to do.

Look for solutions, Obiwan, rather than focusing on the problem.

I learned my road craft from an old grumpy military instructor....
He would give you an enormous bollocking for using the brake...Only to be used in emergencies.

I still ride/ drive like that....40 years later and ZERO accidents
Touch wood

[actungbaby]

I learned my road craft from an old grumpy military instructor....
He would give you an enormous bollocking for using the brake...Only to be used in emergencies.

I still ride/ drive like that....40 years later and ZERO accidents
Touch wood

I never forgoteen old bike cop pulling me over after left stop sign witout dabing foot down.

He was looking after me and suggested u know good practice that way u going make sure u look.

and i always have and glad he did that was 40 years ago. pity dont have bike cops anymore.

yep something said for learning control bike with gears good control. rode my vfr 750 just rear brake working.

Bloody risky though but used gears looked ahead knew i had too ,lets face it old bikes with drum brakes like wood.
even 70,s discs sainless steel had piss poor feel. compared to today.

[SaferRides]

What is it with overtaking drivers-I recently got caught behind a slower driver with nowhere safe to pass-twas a nice day so chilled and bided my time-next thing there is a car passing me in my lane,I could just see his outside wheels move over the centre line, just.Half a click up the road was a stop sign so I took advantage to tap on his window and give an earful,most unlike me as I am normally pretty laid back.
I reckon he was no more than two feet from my bar ends and at 90k a bit scary,arsehole,I now feel a bit for cyclists (but only a bit)Being chilled and riding a motorcycle don't go together well.

[Berries]

Being chilled and riding a motorcycle don't go together well.
I would respectfully suggest the complete opposite. If everyone on the road was more chilled the road would be a far better place.

[awayatc]

Being chilled and riding a motorcycle don't go together well.

depends how much you value your life....

[eldog]

:sweatdrop:sweatdropChillin doesn’t mean less control or awareness. It can be the opposite.

not getting worked up about ignorant, in their own world, tunnel vision, slow, sudden lane changing, non indicating, cut off jerks and
You can apply it to lane splitting, whether YOU take the risk is your affair.
i have see enough bad driving, to not contemplate it most of the time.

it can mean you may observe other events before they affect you.

Can and does lead lead to a better ride experience. For me anyway.

still doesn’t mean you can’t ride at a good pace etc.

Chillin is not for everyone or all the time. There is a time and place for everything

end of the day, it’s your ride. Enjoy it.:headbang:

[actungbaby]

I would respectfully suggest the complete opposite. If everyone on the road was more chilled the road would be a far better place.

yes agreed still get some good peop0le let you into a space even if your driving for a job
its best to be chilled aware but not holding onto the bars .
if bike get loose i just let do its thing ditto for car sterring wheel goes like relax usually right iself.

[SaferRides]

I would respectfully suggest the complete opposite. If everyone on the road was more chilled the road would be a far better place.Well, that's not going to happen. You have to be focused out there, especially on a bike.

[Berries]

No shit. I meant be chilled out about other road users. That way we might see some courtesy on NZ roads instead of all the road rage inducing behaviour caused by people with short fuses.

Most weeks someone tries to kill me, or should I say most weeks someone fucks up that could potentially put me in a world of hurt but I expect it so when it does happens I might have a shake of the head, appreciate they made a mistake and move on to the next one. Shit, half the time I can predict it is going to happen which is part of the fun of riding. Now I could either be chilled out about it or I could work myself in to a fit of rage, kick the wing mirror off, give them the fingers and ride off stressed to the max. Nah, I'll ride chilled, and focused.

[SaferRides]

Maybe we have slightly different understandings of what chilled means?

I agree though, it's just not worth getting all wound up, especially on a motorbike. I have noticed that I seem to have less dramas on the bike, apart from the occasional driver who fails to see me. Not sure why, maybe because I'm in a better mood when riding?

[george formby]

Maybe we have slightly different understandings of what chilled means?

I agree though, it's just not worth getting all wound up, especially on a motorbike. I have noticed that I seem to have less dramas on the bike, apart from the occasional driver who fails to see me. Not sure why, maybe because I'm in a better mood when riding?

Chillaxed.. Best way to travel. Save fuel, save tyres, brake pads and premature heart failure.

If anything, being chilled about traffic and fully focused on whats happening lessens stress, so fewer mistakes. Better anticipation, whether that be muppetry or an opportunity to "make headway".

My commute reinforces my belief that a lot of road users are not fully engaged in driving / riding. Disregarding the cell phone users, those who just have to get ahead and drivers who spend more time looking at their passenger than the road while they blether away, oblivious to other traffic, a high percentage of drivers are just not involved. If i'm in traffic and see someone wanting to exit a junction ahead of me I usually give them a courtesy flash and leave space for them to pull out. 1 in 20 might realise what I'm doing, the rest are confused. Not a good indicator of driving standards and awareness.

My bucket of shits is pretty empty when it comes to humanity on the road, I'm the dude stress merchants want to get past but will be right behind you on arrival.

Yeah, once you get in the groove on the bike it all melts away, totally involved but patient. Lots of corners tomorrow if you get baulked today.

What I've seen on the road in the last few months has really chilled me out. Almost thought about buying shares in Uber and getting a chauffeur. Not for the bike...:shit:

[WALRUS]

In fact, I critique my own riding based on how much braking I have to do. The less braking I use, the better I'm dealing with traffic around me. The more distance I leave ahead of me, the less braking I have to do.

I'm the same. Commuting in to work each day, I'm still confused as to why people feel the need to be braking so frequently.

To do the full commute without braking is a challenge I give myself every now and then. Up there with finish the commute without putting my feet on the ground.

[Berries]

My commute reinforces my belief that a lot of road users are not fully engaged in driving / riding.
That there is the road toll in a nutshell. If you could somehow convince everyone that they needed to be fully engaged at all times when travelling the highways and byways then I am sure the number of crashes would fall through the floor. Pretty much impossible I guess, so everything is going to keep getting dumbed down.

[rastuscat]

I'm the same. Commuting in to work each day, I'm still confused as to why people feel the need to be braking so frequently.

To do the full commute without braking is a challenge I give myself every now and then. Up there with finish the commute without putting my feet on the ground.

I luf u Wal

[Berries]

Really? If people fail to keep up with other traffic on the commute they should be shot.

[WALRUS]

Who isn't keeping up with traffic?

[rastuscat]

Really? If people fail to keep up with other traffic on the commute they should be shot.

I'm doing 50. The car ahead of me is doing 50. I'm 30 metres back.

What difference does my following distance make to the person following me? We are all doing the same speed.

What do you mean by failing to keep up?

[Berries]

I'm doing 40, car ahead is doing 40, car ahead of that is doing 40. Car ahead of that was doing 50 but has pissed off through the next set of lights and is now long gone. Old Doris does not realise but by failing to keep up with the flow of traffic in front of her she has become a bit of a moving chicane. I always thought it was just the fact that we all get more timid as we grow older, I never realised she could just be trying to extend the life of her brakes until pension day.

[george formby]

I'm doing 40, car ahead is doing 40, car ahead of that is doing 40. Car ahead of that was doing 50 but has pissed off through the next set of lights and is now long gone. Old Doris does not realise but by failing to keep up with the flow of traffic in front of her she has become a bit of a moving chicane. I always thought it was just the fact that we all get more timid as we grow older, I never realised she could just be trying to extend the life of her brakes until pension day.

Doris's husband lives round here, he goes everywhere between 60 and 70 kmh (apart from passing lanes). He must spend a lot of time driving and have a few different cars, I see him a lot. The oblivious chicane I can just about live with, everything Zen. What rips my nightie is continuing at 60 - 70 kmh when he passes the 50 kmh signs coming into town, past the school.:weird:

He's a worry.

This braking lark, I try to avoid it. Watching lines of car brake lights come on one after the other always makes me chuckle. Summit I've noticed is that a vehicle following me, often within butt sniffing distance, tends to increase it's gap when they realise my brake lights seem to be broken. I'm very rarely tail gated.

[awayatc]

I would respectfully suggest the complete opposite. If everyone on the road was more chilled the road would be a far better place.


Really? If people fail to keep up with other traffic on the commute they should be shot.

wanting to put people on ice for not keeping up on the commute doesn't sound very chilled at all........

[eldog]

I'm doing 50. The car ahead of me is doing 50. I'm 30 metres back.

What difference does my following distance make to the person following me? We are all doing the same speed.

What do you mean by failing to keep up?


in Akl that would mean that 3 cars could overtake you and there would still be a gap.

and they would all be doing 50 with a brake light on.:crazy:

[eldog]

I'm doing 40, car ahead is doing 40, car ahead of that is doing 40. Car ahead of that was doing 50 but has pissed off through the next set of lights and is now long gone. Old Doris does not realise but by failing to keep up with the flow of traffic in front of her she has become a bit of a moving chicane. I always thought it was just the fact that we all get more timid as we grow older, I never realised she could just be trying to extend the life of her brakes until pension day.

Does Doris drive a SUV they have better visibility you know:cool:

[IronPawz]

In fact, I critique my own riding based on how much braking I have to do. The less braking I use, the better I'm dealing with traffic around me. The more distance I leave ahead of me, the less braking I have to do.

Look for solutions, Obiwan, rather than focusing on the problem.

Fair point. A friend noted once I should at least put the break lights on more as I would slow without breaking. I consciously do this more now. I've good engine breaks so I just lightly apply them to show the back light to anyone behind me.

[IronPawz]

I think he knows it.

Just a matter of time before his luck runs out.

Let's hope he has enough time and working appendages to tell us.

I'm still here for now. Of late I've been riding like an asshole (more than normal) and I'd be the least surprised to see my luck run out. I love life and it would be a total rip to many to go "the meat crayon" just because I ride so stupidly. Each day I think to be safer, then I start to ride and mostly it just doesn't happen.

Frankly I'm an idiot often pushing through the traffic. I'd say I'll stop doing it but I know its BS. I don't have an actual need to hurry. 750 kms a week makes it hard to cruse. I rode my KR150R for a bit to try a smaller bike but I think I'm more dangerous on that! It is not so much speed that is my issue it is passing everything everywhere all the time and in narrow spaces. You get use to it, habits form. How do I even keep my license? I hope they take it before I kill myself and cause horror for other people.

Perhaps I should get a cruiser (to the amazement of anyone who knows me). Or really wide mirrors (I fold mine in on the fly to squeeze through the gaps easier).

[caseye]

I'm still here for now. Of late I've been riding like an asshole (more than normal) and I'd be the least surprised to see my luck run out. I love life and it would be a total rip to many to go "the meat crayon" just because I ride so stupidly. Each day I think to be safer, then I start to ride and mostly it just doesn't happen.

Frankly I'm an idiot often pushing through the traffic. I'd say I'll stop doing it but I know its BS. I don't have an actual need to hurry. 750 kms a week makes it hard to cruse. I rode my KR150R for a bit to try a smaller bike but I think I'm more dangerous on that! It is not so much speed that is my issue it is passing everything everywhere all the time and in narrow spaces. You get use to it, habits form. How do I even keep my license? I hope they take it before I kill myself and cause horror for other people.

Perhaps I should get a cruiser (to the amazement of anyone who knows me). Or really wide mirrors (I fold mine in on the fly to squeeze through the gaps easier).

Wow, a real live Idjit! You'll live and you will slowly but surely become a respetcable bike rider, I watch the young guys doing the stupid shit (100K's filtering in 30 K traffic) and I think, you fool, no sorry, I usually think, you young fool, butt, sometimes I'm wrong, they're older ( But not old enough to have gained a grasp on experience ) Young fools, you never got older fools with experience, they die through lack of experience.
Keep posting wont you, love to watch the transition and to be about when you realise you've not passed everyone today!

[IronPawz]

Wow, a real live Idjit! You'll live and you will slowly but surely become a respetcable bike rider, I watch the young guys doing the stupid shit (100K's filtering in 30 K traffic) and I think, you fool, no sorry, I usually think, you young fool, butt, sometimes I'm wrong, they're older ( But not old enough to have gained a grasp on experience ) Young fools, you never got older fools with experience, they die through lack of experience.
Keep posting wont you, love to watch the transition and to be about when you realise you've not passed everyone today!

Thanks. I'd say your are right, but I've determined to make some changes to help that along.

I Micheal Jackson'd the mirror for a while after that having read some of the comments here again.

FlangMasterJ with that image of Patrick S looking bewildered sticks in my mind (thanks). But GazzaH comment.

Quote Originally Posted by GazzaH View Post
I think he knows it.
Just a matter of time before his luck runs out.
Let's hope he has enough time and working appendages to tell us.

That hit me quite hard. So what to do I thought as my odds narrow. So I just slowed down and made room. I start when I get there but even so I left early to mentally give myself more time. I just road with the traffic, if there where two lanes I used the faster one but just in the better spaces. It was actually quite relaxing, today there was little traffic and my time was average. I split where I needed to just a little slower.
Sort of an 80% of normal in terms of maneuver danger / space / polite. Any half to two thirds of the speed I might generally do in excess of, you know, the law. If the traffic flowed reasonable I more often sat in it rather than work through it. I considered ideas in terms of speed such as:

If I travel 15% average slower it would cost me 9-11 minutes each way being 18-22 minutes per day and 90 minutes to two hours a week. That is not insignificant. However if I have a better chance of living and am more relaxed it is probably worth it. I figured if I really try I can stay the course and I'll even go do some gold courses because even thought I've ridden regularly for over a decade all up (starting more than 20 years ago with 4-5 years straight to now). Really should do the training I know loads of people who have and regularly do.

I remembered why I go fast. Really why. Its fun. Rather than time in transit. It occurred to me (plenty of time to think on the way in and out given the relaxed pace) it isn't as much fun anymore because increasingly I'm aware of the reality it could cause. There is another reality mind where I slow down and irony kills me whereas if I'd been hammering on it would have been fine but lets work with averages and not parallel universes (at least for now). The near misses keep adding up in my brain and I like math especially the bell shaped curve. I don't gamble which if done regularly is really just a predictable loss. So no hurry + no fun in hammering it all the time = I just don't have to, in fact I can just stop (some exclusions may apply, see in store for details).

Things I need along this journey all of which seemed obvious today (BTW someone took the time to lay out my original email better which was nice so I will try better)

1 - Music, as I started riding harder I stopped listening to it, all brains to the job of pace and survival. But sitting back more I missed it immediately. I must sing loudly, often and sometimes make up funny lyrics. In the past lots of self laughs have been had doing this.

2 - Track time! Weekend after next Mainfield GOD I MISS IT winter is rubbish, I long to get back to the track. At the track you can actually go fast as you dare, it is not only not illegal but you've with mates and it is down right encouraged. It is a pattern in part I think as going FAST makes me conscious that on the road you barley go fast so why hurry, save it for the track (will be my fourth year just doing lots of play days).

3 - There will be pain as I adjust. My body is set at speed so sore wrists today and back a little. The Blade is better than most super sports at long distance but changing riding stile means I have to wear into it again like changing bikes. Or (good god no) I could get something comfy for commuting at 'regular' speeds. A friend has a Honda Cross Runner that was stupidly comfortable and had that awesome V4 engine.

4 - I really liked audio books too, definitely some of them. Some will be thinking "no you need to concentrate" bitch please given how I've ridden for years I could read a book if it was on heads up riding at regular* speeds.

5 - Look for things to add to this list but remember though art mortal, remember thou art mortal, remember thou art mortal. I can see why people out their kids names in view on their tanks. Its a good idea, like the fighter pilot in movies with the picture on the dash (I'm thinking Top Gun but Tom Cruise is a douche and the other guy died so I guess I'd choose maybe Ice Man?)

I'm sure there is more, much more. So thanks really for faith in my existence caseye. Thanks GazzaH for faith in my non existence (don't think your getting out alive buddy ;).

Cheers everyone else.

[caseye]

I'm gunna need a lifetimes supply of Popcorn for this thread.
Good on ya Pawz, relax, have some fun, there are plenty of places where outright speed is bloody dangerous, butt, there are quite a few where, with no one else about you can indulge the need occassionally, just don't keep the wrist over and go off the end like so many idjidt do aye.
Be happy to have you along anytime you'd like to go for a pootle.

[Daffyd]

My advice is, you have two choices, 1] Adjust your attitude to save yourself and OTHERS. 2] Sell your bike and buy a Prius.

[IronPawz]

I'm gunna need a lifetimes supply of Popcorn for this thread.
Good on ya Pawz, relax, have some fun, there are plenty of places where outright speed is bloody dangerous, butt, there are quite a few where, with no one else about you can indulge the need occassionally, just don't keep the wrist over and go off the end like so many idjidt do aye.
Be happy to have you along anytime you'd like to go for a pootle.


Thanks. I probably should ride with others more often, hardly ever do generally. Just sorting myself out a gold course too.

[IronPawz]

My advice is, you have two choices, 1] Adjust your attitude to save yourself and OTHERS. 2] Sell your bike and buy a Prius.

A car to work from here would be horrible in terms of time (be more like 3 hours a day) and drive (all that slow traffic). The only one I can think might be ok would be a Tesla self driving car so I can pretend to drive and read a book or whatever. I've not liked driving for years it is just so boring.

I get the impression I'll end up with a change for the better generally. The only thing I REALLY don't like so far is being conscious of cars behind me. Normally all my concentration is forward looking for passing opportunities but sitting in the traffic I see cars coming up behind me and at times staying to close behind. In these cases if not insane I will move up and consider it less risk than a tail gater.

Not riding is no option (while I have a licence) I've three bikes and intend to keep the old Katana for the rest of my life. Track next week will also help with the road sillies! Gagging to get the new Blade to the track. It feels more like a 600 than a 1000 on the road (so light).

[GazzaH]

I'm impressed. You listened, you thought, you changed! There is hope!

We're all mortal, mate. None of us gets out alive. I've got a few things left to do before I check out for good though, and it sounds like you do too.

Enjoy the ride and, every once in a while, take the long way home.

[IronPawz]

I'm impressed. You listened, you thought, you changed! There is hope!

We're all mortal, mate. None of us gets out alive. I've got a few things left to do before I check out for good though, and it sounds like you do too.

Enjoy the ride and, every once in a while, take the long way home.


Nice and I often take the long way home and in. I've managed to tone it down generally and I'm happy about it. Now and then I let fly but race track days are back (just open days for me no racing.. yet) and it reminds me road fast is nothing like track fast (so that slows me down). Way better at seeing people go past and leaving them to it (though I give chase at times just for kicks). I push the filter a little less which is how things where before. So the changes seem to have stuck with self administered less drastic lapses. I may on occasion still split two cars playing side by side buddy down a mostly empty highway when I want to go faster than them but its an exception after given them a minute or two when I am in the mood. I'm not about to buy a cruiser anytime soon and its still a big risk to ride 10 hours a week naturally.

I do mind, always enjoy the ride. Don't remember any that where all bad or ever wishing I lived in town when getting on the bike to commute. I love riding it is one of the great joys in life. Plans include lots more bikes and many epic rides (really want to do Himalaya's on the Royal Enfield. Hopefully lots of life left. I think at times lifes shit spills over into the riding and can express itself in ever increasing nihilism, and that is something to watch. When you ride all the time your head space can make you dangerous too. So you have to be able to ride well angry, upset and afraid for example. Its easier said than done and hard too to see at the time. You can really loose some frustration being a loon on a bike but that does not make it a good idea. Some coping mechanisms are more healthy than others ;). Like a nice cold beer or several!

I hope you enjoy the ride also and take the long way at times.

[IronPawz]

I am still alive. Riding has improved on the road generally (there are occasions).

[nzspokes]

Do some RF courses.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[IronPawz]

Do some RF courses.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Good advice I've booked once (a load of us did) and had to work last minute. I was out yesterday with Dave Moss and the two bald bikers doing a run and suspension (and recommend that totally might write something up on that now). But I will do some gold courses I hear loads about them and have picked up a lot just from friends doing them (better to do it myself).

[IronPawz]

Two an a half months later and many more KMs and I still live. No gold course still. Few extra sketchy moments but most of them where not my doing (general cage madness). Must admit to some bad decisions on bad days generally involving speed or proximity or both.

But for now still going. 2013 started 40,000kms per year, four of those years on Fireblades. 5.5 * 40 = 220,000kms on two wheels. I'm not cocky about it but must be doing something right (and lucky to boot).

Only 35 demerits currently!

[IronPawz]

So it seems I survived more than 250,000kms of commuting! Some sketchy moments in there. So hard not to get complacent. Gaps look bigger and easier the more you do it.

Now I can ride just for the joy of it. We (wife / self) took over Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park and live there so surrounded in good riding and 30 steps to the office.

This thread was really good at the time. Gave me a place to tell it as it was in some of those close call moments. Now I have more time so might start a new thread.

[caseye]

So it seems I survived more than 250,000kms of commuting! Some sketchy moments in there. So hard not to get complacent. Gaps look bigger and easier the more you do it.

Now I can ride just for the joy of it. We (wife / self) took over Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park and live there so surrounded in good riding and 30 steps to the office.

This thread was really good at the time. Gave me a place to tell it as it was in some of those close call moments. Now I have more time so might start a new thread.

Hey, glad to see you're still with us and managed thus far to stay upright, love the lakes. Enjoy those roads aye.
:sunny::woohoo:

[IronPawz]

Hey, glad to see you're still with us and managed thus far to stay upright, love the lakes. Enjoy those roads aye.
:sunny::woohoo:

Cheers! Sunny today might have to check out a road or two.

[IronPawz]

Yeah its madness really

250,000+ commuter km's much of it filtering and most of it on CBR1000RR's
Maybe 40+ track days (and track training days)
1 suspension ride with Dave Moss (and a few tuning sessions with him at the track)
0 actual days with pro's learning road and riding skills

I've likely all sorts of terrible habits. On the bright side all my friends do these and they do relay a lot of good information.
Must be time to consider some now (if they actually do any out here as I'd have to triply my current monthly riding numbers to ride to Wellington to do a course right now)






Do some RF courses.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk