Attending the New Rider's Day Out 2?? Please Vote...

[Gremlin]

If you have enrolled and are attending Weasel and my New Rider's Day Out 2 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=24147), A couple of things have emerged, that Weasel has received.

First, some I believe have asked that an 85 group be created. I can now see the reasoning behind this, and if we have the numbers, we will do it. So, if you are a learner, please vote which group you would be likely to want to be in.

If you are an instructor or leader, please vote accordingly. If you are happy to float around as leader, instructor, or pointer perhaps, vote other, maybe specify in posting.

We need to get an idea of numbers in each group, as I have a horrible suspicion we are going to be short of experienced riders to team up with the learners....

[cowpoos]

not me....coz I live below the bombay's....so therefore I can acctually ride :wait:

[Maha]

Gidday Gremlin, question? my partner Anne is coming along, she has been riding for 30 odd years, she has a GN250 and is willing to help out with 70kph riders if you need someone that is ?

[Gremlin]

yep, depending on the response of this poll, we'll properly assign groups only on the day.

This is just to get an idea of where people are sitting.

Your friend would most likely be an excellent instructor for a 70 group, although I wonder why she would be riding a gn for 30 years :weird: :laugh:

If she comes, and when we assign groups, and leaders and instructors to groups, please speak up, and make us aware. It would help heaps.

[R6_kid]

will be there for sunday, dont know if i can afford to do it both days... maybe if tristan pays me for the air ram hoses i could come out with you guys on saturday aswell

[Ixion]

I hope to make it Sunday, won't know until Tuesday. May be able to make Saturday also, though I'm not keen on a high speed chase on SH16, too many cops on that road , and I don't fancy loosing my licence.

Buggered if I know what I'd put myself down as, but no point me trying to show the young 'uns how to ride, I wouldn't know a racing line if it bit me on the toe, let alone showing them how to get a knee down.

Happy to help out where I can, some idea of what would help me pick what bike's best suited . Prolly Der Uberfarter on Sunday, though it might be a nice day out for Ratty, he could keep the GNs company.

[Gremlin]

will be there for sunday, dont know if i can afford to do it both days...
Thats fine, this is for Sunday.

Sunday is the most important day, Saturday is just recon. I would have to do it anyway, to double check the route, so, may as well make it a ride, in case people helping want to spy the route first. I know the odd one often does it alone too even before Sat, thats their choice, and fine by me.

You know the route well, so unless you want the (expensive) fun, then there is no massive need...

Cowpoos: you aren't going on the ride, the first part of the thread title stated whether you even needed to look at it.... yet you had to post/vote... :2guns: oh, no need to reply to this either eh??

[Gremlin]

The Saturday ride isn't a lickity split ride, just much more open than Sunday's one. Weasel and I want helpers to know that Sunday is for the learners. Saturday is more the helpers day, unless they will want to go in a group, I'll let them know where to go, where next to stop. Their choice as to speed.


Buggered if I know what I'd put myself down as, but no point me trying to show the young 'uns how to ride, I wouldn't know a racing line if it bit me on the toe, let alone showing them how to get a knee down.
Not so much racing line, nor knee down, that is not for this day. It is aimed at getting newbies out, practising basic skills that perhaps otherwise they may be too scared to try, or possibly crash when trying. A lot of newbies used to comment they were worried about being out on open roads alone, and these rides are to try to get them out, and learning, while receiving potentially life saving advice on their riding.

Short of closing and sweeping roads, we try to make this as learner friendly and safe as possible, while keeping it real (rocks on road, oncoming cars etc).

Sheesh... this has to be the most informative and helpful post yet by me... yikes :blink:

[N4CR]

Erm... GhostRider option please.
Cheers!

[Gremlin]

Erm... GhostRider option please.
That, my squidulous friend, would be under other

err... 200BUSA... you riding up from Christchurch to help??

[Karma]

That, my squidulous friend, would be under other

err... 200BUSA... you riding up from Christchurch to help??

I think it's a forum bug that some people get added to the attending list even by looking at the page... can't go by numbers alone.

[Gremlin]

I think it's a forum bug that some people get added to the attending list even by looking at the page... can't go by numbers alone.
Yes, I believe there was a forum bug (not sure about it still being there), could also be done by linking to the register link, and not the calendar.

And he is not on the ride itself, just voting. Newbie mistake :cool: I wonder if spank can remove votes??

And those sorta reasons are why I made it public :2thumbsup

[aff-man]

I hate reading shiotloads of posts so can you send me the details for what is actually happening... Don't have much cash so i may just come to meet people and have a chat.

And if rayza is there maybe i'll be a marker

[Quasievil]

So you have planned to take some novice riders on 16, a busy stretch of road at 70kmph ? i think you may want to reconsider that mate.
i suggest you try a quite bit of road like 22 or something similiar.

Good on ya for doing it though mate, but thats just my observation
(all said with love dude)

[Ixion]

So long as the 70kph groups have an experienced person riding tail, in right wheel track, and the groups pull over regularly to let traffic through, I see no reason for concern. The 100kph group are just as likely to have problems at 100kph.

[Quasievil]

So long as the 70kph groups have an experienced person riding tail, in right wheel track, and the groups pull over regularly to let traffic through, I see no reason for concern. The 100kph group are just as likely to have problems at 100kph.

Okay you decide sounds like an organised traffic menace to me but have fun with it

[Karma]

So long as the 70kph groups have an experienced person riding tail, in right wheel track, and the groups pull over regularly to let traffic through, I see no reason for concern. The 100kph group are just as likely to have problems at 100kph.

Yeh, was the way we did it last time.

I'd run back marker giving the cars a bit of :shake: :motu: , but we were running slow enough that in places where they could overtake we didn't hinder them.

End of the day it's only like 1 day every couple of months, so I ain't that bothered if we keep a few cars a little while longer.

[duckaddict]

...snipped...

Not so much racing line, nor knee down, that is not for this day. It is aimed at getting newbies out, practising basic skills that perhaps otherwise they may be too scared to try, or possibly crash when trying. A lot of newbies used to comment they were worried about being out on open roads alone, and these rides are to try to get them out, and learning, while receiving potentially life saving advice on their riding.

Short of closing and sweeping roads, we try to make this as learner friendly and safe as possible, while keeping it real (rocks on road, oncoming cars etc).

Sheesh... this has to be the most informative and helpful post yet by me... yikes :blink:

Judging from the number of "Learner, 100kph Group" from this poll, I'm sure a lot of these ppl would be interested in racing line and knee down stuff :rolleyes:

Just a thought :corn:

[Back Fire]

I hate reading shiotloads of posts so can you send me the details for what is actually happening... Don't have much cash so i may just come to meet people and have a chat.

And if rayza is there maybe i'll be a marker

I have a groupie :woohoo:

HaHa ... Yeah, I'll be there

[aff-man]

I have a groupie :woohoo:

HaHa ... Yeah, I'll be there

You've got it wrong buddy...

You're my groupie if i remember correctly.

Ps is there a route map somewhere... just wanna see what sort of roads we riding. If it's only like SH16 then hmmmmmmmm might pull out

[SwanTiger]

That only problem I foresee with SH16 is that Transit advise traffic to use it as an alternative route north when a crash occurs between Orewa and Wellsford on SH1. In such an event the flow of traffic would multiply rapidly and there are bound to be frustrated Aucklander drivers racing up the highway.

Whoever raised the 'slow' factor has a good point, whoever goes tail would need to visably be an 'instructor' with a vest or similar atire. Or else you'll get the wankers in 4X4's doing dangerous overtaking thinking its a bunch of nana's having a doodle in the country side.

On another note, who would be interested in turning off SH16 at Waitoki and heading back up SH1 to Puhoi Pub or maybe down SH17 to the Albany Pub? Would be a nice way to finish up a great day of riding.

As for my riding capability, it has improved greatly, to the point I need knee pads. So i'll just play around. Gremlin, if you need me to help anywhere let me know, I have a good camera so might be able to help out with the photographing.

[Quasievil]

Whoever raised the 'slow' factor has a good point, whoever goes tail would need to visably be an 'instructor' with a vest or similar atire. Or else you'll get the wankers in 4X4's doing dangerous overtaking thinking its a bunch of nana's having a doodle in the country side.


this whole thing you guys are organising is a concern to me, as above has mentioned also.
1/ youve organised people to go into groups and planning on doing up to 30 kmph less than the speed limit on a busy road
2/ you are not instructors, you are just young and very inexperienced every day riders
3/ you are going to appear as a pack of nana's holding up traffic
4/ Cars WILL get pissed off with you and they WILL pass you most likey with attitude

If your going to go ahead with this dont say I didnt warn you.

I advise you strongly to take this event to a road less populated.

I personally smell issues for someone in your group.

[Ixion]

I usually appear as a Nana holding up traffic, but people are not usually so kind as to call me a young one! You've made my day.

[SwanTiger]

1/ youve organised people to go into groups and planning on doing up to 30 kmph less than the speed limit on a busy road
2/ you are not instructors, you are just young and very inexperienced every day riders
3/ you are going to appear as a pack of nana's holding up traffic
4/ Cars WILL get pissed off with you and they WILL pass you most likey with attitude

It is not a bad thing considering that Gremlin and Weasels motives are of the right nature. A lot of things can change on the day and it pays to consider all of the possibilities and I think a healthy discussion of them is wise.

From my experience, there are only half a dozen hazards that need to be thought through carefully, and I suspect Gremlin and Weasel may of already done so.

Potential Hazards

Auckland Central Drivers
Trucks and Campervans
Farm Vehicles / Tractors
Loose gravel on corners
Cyclist


Several of the above hazards are the primary reason why a lot of new riders prefer to keep away from open roads. One thing I learnt very early on when I started out riding is hazard observation and management. Cornering, speed, riding technique and so on are a matter of time and 'self learning'.

From what I understand, this ride is meant to teach newbies how to identify and deal with these hazards. Take for example the gravel on the 45's a few kilometers out of the Wellsford township.

To slide off you don't need much of a lean, a little bit of acceleration will help get your back end out should it make contact with a stone or two.

These stones are easily noticed by an experienced rider and instead of locking up will navigate the hazard safely and if need be, reduce their speed accordingly, safely.

Just an example.

Maybe i'm missing the point here, but from my perspective in a round about way SH16 is a good road to learn 'open road riding' on. However I hope the emphasis is on this, rather than 'building confidence' and all that bullshit.

And I hope this is what the 'instructors' will be educating the newbies on - Hazards.

[loosebruce]

Potential Hazards

Auckland Central Drivers
Trucks and Campervans
Farm Vehicles / Tractors
Loose gravel on corners
Cyclist



6. Loosebruce and Death INC

[Quasievil]

It is not a bad thing considering that Gremlin and Weasels motives are of the right nature. A lot of things can change on the day and it pays to consider all of the possibilities and I think a healthy discussion of them is wise.

From my experience, there are only half a dozen hazards that need to be thought through carefully, and I suspect Gremlin and Weasel may of already done so.

Potential Hazards

Auckland Central Drivers
Trucks and Campervans
Farm Vehicles / Tractors
Loose gravel on corners
Cyclist
Several of the above hazards are the primary reason why a lot of new riders prefer to keep away from open roads. One thing I learnt very early on when I started out riding is hazard observation and management. Cornering, speed, riding technique and so on are a matter of time and 'self learning'.

From what I understand, this ride is meant to teach newbies how to identify and deal with these hazards. Take for example the gravel on the 45's a few kilometers out of the Wellsford township.

To slide off you don't need much of a lean, a little bit of acceleration will help get your back end out should it make contact with a stone or two.

These stones are easily noticed by an experienced rider and instead of locking up will navigate the hazard safely and if need be, reduce their speed accordingly, safely.

Just an example.

Maybe i'm missing the point here, but from my perspective in a round about way SH16 is a good road to learn 'open road riding' on. However I hope the emphasis is on this, rather than 'building confidence' and all that bullshit.

And I hope this is what the 'instructors' will be educating the newbies on - Hazards.

Point being group ride + 70kmph + open road = issues
besides if you think newbies can learn from newbies then go for it.
Im merely stating that there is valid reason for my concern, and as a events moderator and a rider of some 25 years I will certainly vioce my concerns.

I think what Weasel and Gremlin are doing is fantastic dont get me wrong on that point.

[Karma]

I never claimed to be an instructor...

I've taken on board your points about SH16 Quasi, and may be looking at a more back roads route, perhaps taking a spin up Old North Road? dunno yet, will have to check it out.

The ride isn't designed for experienced riders to teach clutch control or cornering... it is merely designed so that those with little experience, or who are worried about open road riding to get out there and ride within a safe group environment.

I'm sure you'll agree it's safer for new riders to ride in a group of bikes than on their own, and this is what it's all about.

There are rest stops at which time they can talk to other bikers about the road, if they thought they took a corner too sharp, or just to generally discuss biking itself.

One thing I found from KB rides is that they are generally of a pretty fast pace, and therefore the guys on the site that have just taken up riding, and only run 250s are left out of a lot of the rides we do.

[Ixion]

Cars pass me all the time, if they are going faster than me I pull over and wave them past. It's no biggie. SH16 at least has plenty of "easy passing" bits, and also plenty of space in most places to easily pull over to the left. So in some respects it's better than a twisty technical road like SH22. Much less chance of someone belting along and coming round a corner and unexpectedly finding me tootling along in front of him, on 16 they shoulld be able to see the bikes well before they get to them.

70kph (actually, they will probably do 80, which is still legal) is legal, and the learner has the same rights as any other road user.

[SwanTiger]

Point being group ride + 70kmph + open road = issues
besides if you think newbies can learn from newbies then go for it.
Im merely stating that there is valid reason for my concern, and as a events moderator and a rider of some 25 years I will certainly vioce my concerns.

I think what Weasel and Gremlin are doing is fantastic dont get me wrong on that point.

70kmph is a bit unrealistic in terms of riding ability, I don't think there would be a person confident enough to ride on the open road yet not confident enough to ride over 70kmph.

And thinking about it for a minute, isn't it illegal to go that slow on the open road holding up traffic and so on?

It will be the start of the month and Mr. :Police: will be ticket happy with a fresh quota and all.

[Karma]

And thinking about it for a minute, isn't it illegal to go that slow on the open road holding up traffic and so on?

Well maybe someone should tell the LTNZ... my personal feeling is that the 70kph limit for learners is a joke, it just creates problems.

But safety in numbers, it's safter to have a group of 6/7 people doing 70kph than one on their own.

[SwanTiger]

Well maybe someone should tell the LTNZ... my personal feeling is that the 70kph limit for learners is a joke, it just creates problems.

But safety in numbers, it's safter to have a group of 6/7 people doing 70kph than one on their own.

I was thinking, maybe you should invite Dover along so that he can teach everyone how to crash.

[Ixion]

Only a legal issue IF you hold up traffic. Which is not proposed. Perfectly possible to proceed at 70kph without holding people up.

EDIT: And if they actually trundle at 80, which is still OK allowing for the 10kph tolerance, that is not much less than a lot of Ethels and Stans drive at on the open road, their optimistic speedos reading 90kph.

[Quasievil]

Pleased there is some debate on it anyway. In my experience these rides state speeds that are rarely adhered to.
Im appearing as a bit of a know all possibly, but Im completely coming from the aspect of your guys n girls safety.

just think about safety number one and remeber you can put fluro vests and have all the best intentions in the world, but at the end of the day those in cages couldnt give a flying fuck about you or your intentions they wanna get past and quickly and they will cause issues in doing so.

[SwanTiger]

Pleased there is some debate on it anyway. In my experience these rides state speeds that are rarely adhered to.

Haha aint that the truth, everyone ends up trying to out do each other and doesn't enjoy the ride.

Example of driving:

The other day I was coming down SH1 and where the new motorway will finish (coming up Johnsons Hill) towards Waiwera I was getting ready to pass a long line of traffic.

The traffic was backed up from the Motorway turn off in Orewa to a little after the Puhoi turn off.

Coming up to overtake, in front of me was a black highlander 4X4, nice waxy shine, typical Aucklander vehicle. I try to get around him to over take, in the passing lane, he moves over blocking me, I try again and he ends up moving right over almost halfway into the other lane - blocking me from passing.

I drop back, knock down a few gears (remember I'm on a 250cc bike) and get a run up. Now were both into the passing lane and he still doesn't move over despite going slow. So he speeds up, faster and faster, then we reach the corner going up the hill and he breaks hard almost loosing control.

Makes it around the corner than speeds up again, at this point I'm annoyed so I cut into the left lane and pass him then cut back into his in front of him. All while dodging other traffic and him still driving like he owned the road.

No bullshit.

Thats the kind of mentality you encounter on the road, ESPECIALLY on SH16. I could of dropped back and let him rock on, but I had the confidence to control the situation and manage the hazard AND acheive my goal of passing the slow arse cunt.

I think that this is what the newbies may encounter and would have to be the main hazard. Its something that should be given emphasis and the 'options' should be explained to them.

But this is all based on the assumption that they really are newbies to the open road.

I think this is the point Quasievil is trying to make, people in cages really do have a poor driving attitude. Take for example my response to the dickhead above, if we turn it around, a newbie might be going slow, so a cager goes to overtake dangerously but the newbie doesn't quite know to move over or what to do in the situation.

All the while, the newbie wants to stick with the pack. AND LETS BE REALISTIC HERE, these packs wont be tight, all the rides I've been on you get left behind and if your lucky there will be someone like Weasel waiting at intersections for you.

[loosebruce]

[QUOTE=swantiger] all the rides I've been on you get left behind QUOTE]

One word "Hyosung"

[GR81]

all the rides I've been on you get left behind
One word "Hyosung"
i just fell off my chair at that one... then again, i can't really talk :|

[SwanTiger]

all the rides I've been on you get left behind

One word "Hyosung"

LOL ah shit, no comeback whatsoever, ah well :finger:

[terbang]

Ive been riding for a while (30 odd yrs) and am happy to ride rear anchor on any sort of group. Know the route well as I was born/Learned to ride up there and still frequent the place..You name it an I'm happy to do it..

[dveus]

..........
Makes it around the corner than speeds up again, at this point I'm annoyed so I cut into the left lane and pass him then cut back into his in front of him. All while dodging other traffic and him still driving like he owned the road.
..........
I think this is the point Quasievil is trying to make, people in cages really do have a poor driving attitude. Take for example my response to the dickhead above, if we turn it around, a newbie might be going slow, so a cager goes to overtake dangerously but the newbie doesn't quite know to move over or what to do in the situation.
..........

It looks like you don't know what to do in the situation, getting angry and passing on the lefthand side is probably the worst thing you could have done in the situation.

[aff-man]

I someone gonna answer my question or what??

[Karma]

Question? Map?

Gremlin is working on something at the moment... but he's recently got stuck into some gay porn, so we may not see him for some time ;)

[SwanTiger]

It looks like you don't know what to do in the situation, getting angry and passing on the lefthand side is probably the worst thing you could have done in the situation.

No, it was possible so I did it.

Getting angry would be riding home and getting my gun, then going to the Silverdale offramp and waiting for him to go past, then shooting him.

Admitedly I have considered it on several occasions, however having a murder conviction would reduce the amount of riding I could do.

[Karma]

having a murder conviction would reduce the amount of riding I could do.

But I'm sure the guys would enjoy riding you ;)

[aff-man]

hmmm might not be there found a ride more to my liking.... plus I just realised i'm broke hahahahaha

[SwanTiger]

But I'm sure the guys would enjoy riding you ;)

Keep your sexual fantasies to yourself Weasel...

[Qkchk]

I've taken on board your points about SH16 Quasi, and may be looking at a more back roads route, perhaps taking a spin up Old North Road? dunno yet, will have to check it out.

Why dont you and Gremlin come out on my Thursday night rides? I take a route that would keep them off SH16 but still on quiet-moderate roads with plenty of hazards to keep them occupied. (Gravel, farming districts, the odd car, intersections etc..) These are not dangerous roads but do have plenty of situations for them to experience. (You wont learn anything by riding on the m/way..... for eg)

[Karma]

Why dont you and Gremlin come out on my Thursday night rides? I take a route that would keep them off SH16 but still on quiet-moderate roads with plenty of hazards to keep them occupied. (Gravel, farming districts, the odd car, intersections etc..) These are not dangerous roads but do have plenty of situations for them to experience. (You wont learn anything by riding on the m/way..... for eg)

Not sure about Gremlin, but I'm an evening worker... don't finish until 11:30pm so weekday rides are a gonna unfortunately. :angry2:

[Ixion]

Learners and night riding don't mix. Apart from the extra difficulty and danger most of them would be on L or R licences, must be home by 10pm or they turn into pumpkins. Even if the ride is over by then, they've still got to get home.

The ride to Kaiaua was well received, don't change a formula that works.

[Back Fire]

All the while, the newbie wants to stick with the pack. AND LETS BE REALISTIC HERE, these packs wont be tight, all the rides I've been on you get left behind and if your lucky there will be someone like Weasel waiting at intersections for you.

I resent that comment!!! last coro ride we went on together me and garath did that tooooo :blank:

[SwanTiger]

I resent that comment!!! last coro ride we went on together me and garath did that tooooo

Yes you did, but because both of you are Weasel's bitches I felt it was easier to say Weasel to represent you all than it was to mention you individually.

I think Gareth just wanted to check out my arse though, so does that count?

[Qkchk]

Learners and night riding don't mix.

Did I mention that they do a night ride? - NO.

My point was that if they (Gremlin or Weasel) cared to come along tomorrow night they could use the same/similar route for Sunday. Just as Quasi brought up earlier in the thread, would it be a good idea to creep along SH16 doin 70+ speeds? Where I go on the thurs night rides is off the main highway through rural areas. No way was I suggesting a night ride for the newbie ride.......... duurrrrrrr :weird: I have put together a good loop that starts @ Westgate and finishes at the Albany pub. Approx 70 - 80kms long and takes us 1hr (but for slower riders probaly 1half - 2hrs.) Do you think the newbies would be able to handle a ride to Wellsford and back? Its a fair distance for the fair-weather rider. Just my thoughts.

[Qkchk]

The ride to Kaiaua was well received, don't change a formula that works.
Well if you dont want advice from an experienced rider, thats fine. I wont bother.

I'll do my thing and good luck with yours, ya gonna need it. :done:

[Back Fire]

Did I mention that they do a night ride? - NO.

My point was that if they (Gremlin or Weasel) cared to come along tomorrow night they could use the same/similar route for Sunday. Just as Quasi brought up earlier in the thread, would it be a good idea to creep along SH16 doin 70+ speeds? Where I go on the thurs night rides is off the main highway through rural areas. No way was I suggesting a night ride for the newbie ride.......... duurrrrrrr :weird: I have put together a good loop that starts @ Westgate and finishes at the Albany pub. Approx 70 - 80kms long and takes us 1hr (but for slower riders probaly 1half - 2hrs.) Do you think the newbies would be able to handle a ride to Wellsford and back? Its a fair distance for the fair-weather rider. Just my thoughts.

They did manage that distance on the last one. Allthough it was through much quieter roads. I do think your idea is a good one though

[Qkchk]

They did manage that distance on the last one. Allthough it was through much quieter roads. I do think your idea is a good one though
Yeah I did think it would be a good route but no-one wants to listen, so I think I'll be doing other things on Sunday instead.

[Madmax]

Ive been riding for a while (30 odd yrs) and am happy to ride rear anchor on any sort of group. Know the route well as I was born/Learned to ride up there and still frequent the place..You name it an I'm happy to do it..
Im in for the same kind of deal
but ill be going for a blast up the drive before i get there
to get rid of my surplus hormones first,
any one up for it?
(providing they have cleaned up all the pea gravel from
the new surface)
someone should make vests with targets on them,
one for the front of the group and one for the back.
I find the corner markers going past the learners fast seems
to scare them a little bit:Pokey:

[Gremlin]

OK, the route does NOT go up SH16 ALL the way to Wellsford, the road is boring as hell, too many cops, and most importantly, much too much traffic.

I posted the route in post 3 of the ride thread, but here it is again. Start at Westgate. Along 16 to Old North Rd, which we turn right into. Then Right into Peak Rd, at the end. Then Right back onto 16, and head into Kaukapakapa. From there, we will go up 16 to Wellsford. The route back is the same, but reversed.

Map: I have been trying to make one, but it is simply huge, and pasting together little maps from tumonz screenshots takes forever. I have spent hours on it already, about 240 little images, and probably only half way. Don't think I have the time to finish before this ride, but hopefully will get it done sometime for ref. I make sure at each stop that every leader knows exactly what is happening.

The route: We could have done Kaiaua again, but the problem is that doing it constantly would get the learners used to the route. I don't want this, as anyone with a local road knows, you get used to it, but your reactions are not tested with an unfamiliar route. I'm hoping to have about 3-4 routes, then cycle through them.

Thursday rides: I have early evening classes, but will see if I can get out to the one tonight (will check if there is one). I tend to not go on weekday rides after work, as I know my concentration is not up where it should be (after finding out), but will perhaps take it easy instead.

[Back Fire]

The route: We could have done Kaiaua again, but the problem is that doing it constantly would get the learners used to the route. I don't want this, as anyone with a local road knows, you get used to it, but your reactions are not tested with an unfamiliar route. I'm hoping to have about 3-4 routes, then cycle through them.

Thursday rides: I have early evening classes, but will see if I can get out to the one tonight (will check if there is one). I tend to not go on weekday rides after work, as I know my concentration is not up where it should be (after finding out), but will perhaps take it easy instead.

We could always do Cape Reinga and back.... :wari:

[Phenoix]

I shall be the same as I was last time.
Dazzed and confussed :doh:
Where ever you want to put me, but if I lead, we may end up in Wellington

[MacD]

Map: I have been trying to make one, but it is simply huge, and pasting together little maps...

Here's a map from Westgate to Kaukapakapa via Old North Road and Peak Road. Once you're back on SH16 you can't really miss Wellsford.

If real life doesn't get in the way, I hope to be there with a couple of other riders, one a returnee, the other a learner. I don't mind being a Tail End Charlie for a group or similar.

[terbang]

I posted the route in post 3 of the thread, but here it is again. Start at Westgate. Along 16 to Old North Rd, which we turn right into. Then Right into Peak Rd, at the end. Then Right back onto 16, and head into Kaukapakapa. From there, we will go up 16 to Wellsford. The route back is the same, but reversed.


Yup sounds like a good route for New riders with all the challenges that can be presented for riders on an average ride. It is up to the leadership here to make the difference and keep it safe and a good learning experience along with a social day out..
Keep it up Weasel and Gremlin you are on to a winner here and you have my support..

[Nicksta]

I'm coming, but just dont know in what capacity just yet.... figure it out after my licence test on saturday....

[terbang]

Yeah I did think it would be a good route but no-one wants to listen, so I think I'll be doing other things on Sunday instead.

It is the mature guidance and leadership, from experienced riders such as yourself, that will make more difference to New riders rather than the route ridden.
Please put your name back on the list as I suspect you do have something worthwhile to contribute to this ride and your enthusiasm, input and company will be appreciated..:msn-wink:

[terbang]

I'm coming, but just dont know in what capacity just yet.... figure it out after my licence test on saturday....
Good one see ya there..

[Karma]

It is the mature guidance and leadership, from experienced riders such as yourself, that will make more difference to New riders rather than the route ridden.
Please (nicely) put your name back on the list as I suspect you do have something worthwhile to contribute to this ride and your input and company will be appreciated..:msn-wink:

Yep... would be good to have as many experienced people there as possible.

Also acts as quite a good social event, getting chatting to other bikers who you might not meet on a regular ride.