Safe As Whangarei - Friday 4/8/06

[Ozzie]

Whangarei this Friday, who's going?

Would be nice to swamp them, could do a slow ride over the harbour bridge to sort of announce our departure.

ASB Lounge
ASB Leisure Centre
Western Hills Drive
Whangarei

10.30 am – 2.30 pm

[Pixie]

I'll try to be there

[Lou Girardin]

Me three. If I can get Friday off.

[DMNTD]

Cheers mate,that's 200m up the road from home.
Shall make an appearance and no doubt be able to grab some local hands

[The Stranger]

I put this on the Calendar to try and bring it to everyone's attention.

[Squeak the Rat]

Good stuff.. I too am trying to get the day off, will advise soon.... Damn middle of the day public consultations!


Does putting this on the calendar also put it into the meeting and events section? I'd hazard a guess that a few people still don't know what sage as is, or read the politics & law section.... :innocent:

Prolly should meet up before hand, maybe a coffee just to co-ordinate ideas....?

[DMNTD]

Prolly should meet up before hand, maybe a coffee just to co-ordinate ideas....?

More than welcome to meet here (just down the rd from meeting) prior for coffee and cupcakes

[Ixion]

I'll be there if I can get Friday off.

[Ozzie]

Should the Aucks crew meet up first?

If there is enough of us, we could get some attention going across the bridge.

How long does it take to get there from, say, Penrose?

[DMNTD]

How long does it take to get there from, say, Penrose?
I'd allow 2.5 hours mate...after gassing up that is.
Should only take 2 hours but...

[Ozzie]

OK 7:30 meet and gas up, 8 am depart?

Where?

[Lou Girardin]

It's 160 k's to Whangarei. That's about an hour. Right?

[Ozzie]

I think we should use the speed limit on the way up, and if Ixion has the same impact as last week, the speed limit will be too high.

Ride to the conditions (ie. when Ix pisses the cops off they have a lot of ways to get paybacks)

[Ozzie]

How about Silvia Park carpark as a meeting place?

Arrive 7:30, pre fuelled.

[The Stranger]

OK 7:30 meet and gas up, 8 am depart?

Where?
Autobahn Silverdale

[Squeak the Rat]

Autobahn Silverdale
Makes more sense for those city, west or north.

[Ozzie]

Ok, will have to find it, what time?

[The Stranger]

Ok, will have to find it, what time?

Cross the harbour bridge and just follow the road until at about Silverdale you see a large BP station.

From Silverdale, you shouldn't need to gas up, not speeding I would guess 2hrs.

If it was 8:00 leave that would allow a margin and possibly a bit of R&R.

[The Stranger]

Would be handy to register please people so as we have an indication of numbers and who to wait for if necessary.

[Ozzie]

Ok, I'm coming from Papakura and have no clue how long it is going to take me to get there.

If I don't make it on time, go without me and we'll meet up there.

I will give CaN my cell number and so on on Thurs night.

Anyone else from South Auckland coming?

[Ozzie]

I am registered

[Lou Girardin]

It seems that I am too valuable to be spared on Friday, so I won't be there.
I hope those going give them heaps

[Ozzie]

From what I've seen;

definate;

Ozzie

possibly;

Pixie, CaN, TL Rider, Squeak the Rat, and Ixion

So who's actually going? Am I meeting myself at the Silverdale Autobarn or what?

[Maha]

I wouldnt touch those cupcakes TL is talking about..if you wanna stay awake that is....:doobey: :blip:

[DMNTD]

I wouldnt touch those cupcakes TL is talking about..if you wanna stay awake that is....:doobey: :blip:
LOL....might make the meeting more interesting though.
Anyway Mr Maha...you know I'm innocence personified :innocent:




Oh BTW Ozzie,I'll be there/here but I'm not much good at the subtle approach when it comes to thse tossers sorry.
More than happy to be present though :yes:

[The Pastor]

I really want to go, but I dont have the gas money :(

[Mental Trousers]

Could those going please identify any key people that are there. For instance, the top traffic cop in the country Dave Cliff etc. Then let us know. Ta.

[Lou Girardin]

The 'powers that be' at AMPS are reconsidering. So I might be there, I might not.
Isn't decisiveness great?
If I'm not, who can I pass some questions onto? Ozzie? CaN?

[Squeak the Rat]

Sorry guys, 3 x 14 hour days so far this week and the urgent work is still piled up. Unless a miracle happens today I'm not going to get out of the office.

Who organises a public meeting for 4 hours in the middle of a work day? Fuckers.......

I'll still try for a miracle....

[Ozzie]

To be honest, I am reconsidering.

Spending 5 hours in the saddle to sit in a room for 4 hours with me and TL being the only ones there is not all that appealling.

I could better use the money and the k's going for a ride on Saturday.

[The Stranger]

The 'powers that be' at AMPS are reconsidering. So I might be there, I might not.
Isn't decisiveness great?
If I'm not, who can I pass some questions onto? Ozzie? CaN?

PM me if you like Lou with any questions or ideas you would like put and I will see what I can do.

[Lou Girardin]

PM me if you like Lou with any questions or ideas you would like put and I will see what I can do.

OK. I still haven't had an answer, so I'll send a PM tonight.

[Zed]

Spending 5 hours in the saddle to sit in a room for 4 hours with me and TL being the only ones there is not all that appealling.Oh I dunno, TL's quite good company really, just don't make him angry...u wouldn't like him when he's angry lol! :nono:

[Ixion]

OK, I have FINALLY got the blurdy restore sorted. (Don't ask).

And the PTB say I can go.

So Petal an I will be taking the Norfin Road. Slowly. Very slowly.

Silverdale autobahn ? 8am (wodda ungodly hour!).

Used to take an hour an a bit from Norfcote, I imagine it's a lot longer now.

Watch for Plod on the Waipu straights .

[Ixion]

?? WTF is Western Hills Drive.

I haven't been into Whangarei in 20 odd years, normally bypass it.

How d'y' get there from the Kamo Bypass turnoff?

[Ozzie]

Oh I dunno, TL's quite good company really, just don't make him angry...u wouldn't like him when he's angry lol! :nono:
You interested in coming for a ride Z?

[Zed]

You interested in coming for a ride Z?Not this time Oz, tks anyway.

[Ozzie]

Not this time Oz, tks anyway.

NP

I have just received the safe as material for us to hold our own workshop.

What I need now, a venue, and a time, and as many people as possible to show up.

Anyone with contacts in AMC, BRONZ, Ulysses, the Christian clubs, anyone (pref except gangs).

Perhaps someone with a contact for a big venue we can use,,,,,FREE.

Monday and Tuesday nights work best for me, although could possibly sort something out if needbe.

Thoughts?

[Lou Girardin]

I'll be a starter. But can't do it Monday nights.

[DMNTD]

?? WTF is Western Hills Drive.
I haven't been into Whangarei in 20 odd years, normally bypass it.
How d'y' get there from the Kamo Bypass turnoff?

SH1 turns into Western Hill Drive Ixion...not hard to "find" as you can't miss it,cause you're on it when you're riding through Whangarei. :yes:
I guess these days they would call it the bypass.
Easiest thing to do is meet me at the Information Centre (coming into Whangarei) or at Burger King(5mins from venue) which you can't miss either :wait:

[DMNTD]

Oh I dunno, TL's quite good company really, just don't make him angry...u wouldn't like him when he's angry lol! :nono:
Dunno what ya talking about....I'm a loveble bugger :innocent: :blip:

[nodrog]

....I love buggery :innocent: :blip:


yeah, so i've heard.

[DMNTD]

yeah, so i've heard.
Seen the price of petrol and tyres Noddy?
Rent Boy...:yes:

[Ozzie]

ok, so plan is to hook up with Ixion and ?, at Silverdale autobarn, ready for 8 am departure.

From what they say, should get up there at about 10, meet up with TL and ? at BK then.

Is that the plan?

[DMNTD]

...From what they say, should get up there at about 10, meet up with TL and ? at BK then.

Allow 2.5 hours incase of Taxation Collectors(especially Waipu straights!) ,and meeting at BK (which is next to Caltex) suits me fine guys.
Keep a look out for a black ZX10R on your travels as I may ride part way down to meet up with y'all.

TXT or phone me on 021 0493811 if any hassels etc.

[The Pastor]

Ok people, my kind mum has given me some $$ so Im going to be there!

What should I bring? I understand silverdale autobhan at 7.30-8am tomorrow?

[The Stranger]

Cool, it's a date.

If time permits on the way up I got a neat twisty detour through to Waipu too.

[The Pastor]

is that the man-a-why /waipu george?

[The Stranger]

is that the man-a-why /waipu george?

That's the one.

[DMNTD]

Tell us which way you'll be taking and we'll come meet y'all part way...Waipu Pizza Barn or Mangawai itself...nice bit of twisting action here and there afterwards :innocent:

[Ozzie]

if not, possibly on way home?????:blip:

[The Stranger]

Tell us which way you'll be taking and we'll come meet y'all part way...Waipu Pizza Barn or Mangawai itself...nice bit of twisting action here and there afterwards :innocent:

Will text to confirm in the morning. Just see what time we get away and what consensus is. It only adds FA time.

[Lou Girardin]

OK. I'm on for tomorrow. I guess I'm not that indispensable after all.
Or it was the $30,000 indispensability allowance I asked for.
8.00AM at Silverdale service centre, right?

[RiderInBlack]

Bloody Hell just found out about this. Don't believe in wasting money advertising do they.
OK I'll be there. Only have 1 horse ta trim 4:30pm and that is in Whangarei. So can do that riding "Roxanne".
Will ride shot gun with TL if he goes ta meet ya at Waipu Pizza Barn or Top of the Brynderwyns. Make sure ta add a 1/2 extra for the Mangawai/Waipu Cove Route. Well worth it but watch it as it may not be very dry through the gorge ta time of the morning.

[Ozzie]

Silverdale by 8, for an 8 departure yes?

[RiderInBlack]

Silverdale by 8, for an 8 departure yes?Better be if ya planning ta hit Whangarei 10am.

[Maha]

Pricks !!!!!.....i gotta work.........:weep:
Udda wise i could have bought some of the left over piss from last weekend, help to wash down the takeaway's...:blip: found some Bourb's too....wonder who they belong to?....:whistle:

[Ozzie]

Pricks !!!!!.....i gotta work.........:weep:
Really?

You sound sick mate; perhaps you should have the day off and have a rest!
:blip:

[Jantar]

Having been at the Central Otago one today, allow me to give some advice.

Try to get the KBers spread around as many of the discussion groups as possible.

Have a Kber nominated as scribe for each group. Ensure that all points are written down in a manner as close as possible to what the person raising the point wanted.

De-emphasise speed as being a cause of accidents, but allow that it can affect the outcome of accidents.

Make sure that other accident causing issues are raised. eg fatigue and drug use.

Empasise that the roads are there for ALL users, and that include motorcyclists.

Enjoy the lunch. :yes:

[Ozzie]

Thanks Jantar, hopefully we all can have a least a quick get together tomorrow before the workshop to gather our thoughts.

CaN, Ixion, Patch and Myself all went to the Hamilton one, so we have a bit of an idea.

Did you make the same post on the other safeas posts?

How do you think it went for you guys? How many of you were there?

[Ozzie]

just about flogged it to death, but anyone going tomorrow, please register on the calendar event so we know for sure who's coming and who to wait for.

Time will be of the essence in the morning, so the less time waisted guessing, the more time for the gorge.

[Jantar]

Did you make the same post on the other safeas posts?

How do you think it went for you guys? How many of you were there?

Not yet, I'm slowly finding which ones KBers are attending.

I have reported on the Central Otago one at http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=33391

Good luck tomorrow.

[The Pastor]

Pricks !!!!!.....i gotta work.........:weep:
Udda wise i could have bought some of the left over piss from last weekend, help to wash down the takeaway's...:blip: found some Bourb's too....wonder who they belong to?....:whistle:


No worries mate, just post it to

"38 agincourt street glenfield"

Were uh meeting there sometime...:blip:

[Ixion]

Don't wait for me if I'm not there at 8. I'll try to be but I might be running late. If I miss you, I'll catch you to Whangarei

[Magua]

So, how did it go?

[The Pastor]

It went well, I liked someone's comments (sorry im useless with names was it pixies or ozzie or "insert name here"?) just the way you presented the information in a mannor that didnt make people scoff or laugh as they did when some of the other kb'ers (who will remain nameless becuase I cant remember :nya:) interupted with their comments - im not having a go or anything but there are ways to effectivly get a message across and I felt that "insert name here" did a very good job. Infact we all did a great job. But im not biased or anything :nya:

[Ozzie]

Lou did very well (he was the one wearing the braces Renegade), Patch got up and had a go at being spokesman for his table, Lou and I both did twice, not sure any of the others were public, but a terrific show of support from KB.

We had:

Me;
Patch;
Ixion;
Crashe (who got a speeding ticket on the way up :nono: );
CaN;
Renegade Master;
RiderInBlack;
TL_Rider;
Lou Giradin;

I think that was all of us (sorry if I missed anyone).

So, from the start, Lou, Ixion and Myself gave them a bit of a hard time about misreprestenting stats, but that was not to stir the pot, moreso that everyone had the correct interpretation of the stats (ie. the were meaning less). Crashe also had the odd interjection.

Lou had a good standup routine about the impacts specific to bikers, which on the whole was received quite well. The rest of us, worked very well to get our points across to our groups, and to make sure bikers were not represented in a bad way.

I managed to get hold of a few business cards, with the view to having a representative (in an advisory capacity) on the Road Safety Committee. And got hold of a dvd of their presentation, and the OZ adds and so on.

Basically, we have the tools to conduct our own seminars, however, I would like to do some ground work on the "real" stats first.

The ride up was nice, once we got out of the fog. I didn't come back with the rest, they took the scenic deture, I had to get back asap.

I saw 5 cops on the way up, and 8 on the way back, including my own private escort.

I trust everyone else made it back alright, auck's traffic was a shit fight, took me an hour and a half from waiwera, and that was splitting.

Was quite surprised to see it was still foggy at that little place starting with O at the end of the motorway when I came back through at 4 o'clock.

Anyway, I thought it went well, well done to all, and thanks for coming.

[Lou Girardin]

It was worth attending, if only to make some points specific to us as bikers. The meeting was structured to prevent too many embarrassing questions being asked, but some got through. For that reason we couldn't get specific on licencing or ACC issues. But I did enjoy singling out the Transit and ACC reps in front of the crowd. (Normally I hate public speaking, this time the anger took over) The fact that I had a major front wheel lose on a diesel spill in Glenfield on the way up probably focussed my mind too.
It's clear that current speed enforcement policies are not well received, most groups thought inappropriate speed was the issue. The clearest message sent to the MOT is that people wants better training/licencing across the board.
Even though one cop was heard to say several times that "training doesn't work'. Perhaps they should try it, starting with their staff.
He obviously also had a mind like a steel trap - rusted shut.

[DMNTD]

Got to say I was more than a litte disappointed with the meets setup....no one to answer questions and a stupid woman with a freckin' clock making sure that the group's speakers couldn't finish theirs presentations.
I did expect that there would've been the ACC,Trasit NZ and Police representitives standing up and answering questions put to them.
To me it felt like a PR excersise...a fob off. I mean 3 set questions/subjects isn't going to cover too much. In saying all of that it was better than nothing,definate!
And hey,they fed me...:blip:

[crashe]

Well the ride up was interesting to say the least, in all that FOG...
It got really exciting just leaving Wellsford... aye Renegade Master.
Yep I got pinged, I know shock horror, as I am the queen of slow of KB.
But it was in the change up from 50 to 70km area.
So now I have a nice bill to pay and wait 2 years for those few demerit points to disappear. Buggar.


Now I got told by the KB group, that I was the police decoy.... So to all those that I saved....... from getting tickets and you all know who you are....!!!! I charge $10 each person, for being the official police decoy.

Thanks.

Ozzie;
Patch;
Ixion;
CaN;
Renegade Master- I took your rap, cos he said he was wanting you too.
Lou Giradin;

The police officer said that he thought all my riding mates would be just around the corner waiting for me.... hmmmmm that was 30 kms up the road more like :whistle:

So a nice slow cruisy ride home by myself, as the others went for the tikitour.
I did manage to have the ACC lady driving behind me for some time. So I rode very sensably while she was there.

[Ozzie]

So a nice slow cruisy ride home by myself, as the others went for the tikitour.
I did manage to have the ACC lady driving behind me for some time. So I rode very sensably while she was there.
You left too soon, I went straight home too

[crashe]

You left too soon, I went straight home too


Had to leave straight away mate... was on babysitting duty.....

Got into Orewa and saw all the FOG rolling in from the sea....
The FOG was really bad again later that night around Diary Flat and Riverhead Rd as well.

[Lou Girardin]

Sorry crashe, no $10 from me. I don't need decoys. I have Mr Valentine spotting coppers around corners. He picked up your one and another north of Kaiwaka.

[Ixion]

Not to mention Mr Ixion, coming back the other way, waving , making slow down and Plod Ahead signals to the on coming bikes!

Thanks too to all the cages flasing lights to let us know about the cop stakesouts north of Waipu on the way home.

[Ozzie]

Same on the $10 sorry crashe.

I think Patch can attest to there being no chance of me getting a ticket.

[The Stranger]

Now I got told by the KB group, that I was the police decoy.... So to all those that I saved....... from getting tickets and you all know who you are....!!!! I charge $10 each person, for being the official police decoy.

Thanks.

Ozzie;
Patch;
Ixion;
CaN;
Renegade Master- I took your rap, cos he said he was wanting you too.
Lou Giradin;



Sure Crashe, The cheque is in the mail.

And I wont cum in your mouth and of course I will respect you in the morning.

[DMNTD]

...Yep I got pinged, I know shock horror, as I am the queen of slow of KB...

Queen of slow? You had no probs over taking 8" 's from me up the overtaking lane just before Whangarei :wait: :nya:

[Patch]

Fark, :violin: for you woman, cause this is definately in the wrong forum. Try J 'n' H

So I rode very sensibly . . . an I got a ticket
:killingme :killingme :killingme




Was an interesting meeting, mostly boring as shite :zzzz: having to listen to these nazi bastards try an dictate the direction of the meeting - public consultation, yeah right!!!!


Glad to see Lou :mega: sticking it to the nazi's in know uncertain terms. Definately made Mr. Inspector clam up, and he even had the microphone taken from him when he exceeded the given timeframe - naughty little biker boy, shame on you :clap:

Even ole Ixion, not even 5min into the workshop :ar15: making said nazi's uncomfortable. Which led the safety co-ordinator feeling the need to lecture us about having an open mind in our discussions (same bag that took the microphone from Lou) Perhaps if they took stock of what the workshop was for, then some positive outcomes might be achieved :no: but I doubt it.

Even the ole Maori Elder had some very valid points - wise words indeed.



We can only live an hope that these idiot decision makers will bring about some useful policies that will actually be of use in making our roads safer, for all drivers; irrespective of what we drive. Will be interesting to see the outcome of these workshops, if any at all.

At least it was nice to meet and ride with some fellow comrades, esp. those that endeavour to entertain us on our journey;GO QUEENIE



:stoogie:

[Ixion]

I think that we achieved our objectives. Let us bear in mind what the meetings are about. They are not anything to do with the Ministry actually wanting public suggestions. The Police , Transit, LTSA have set an agenda based on speed limit reductions, demerit points for speed cameras, less discretion, tougher licensing, more restrictions generally. All focused on the three demons of speed alcohol and youff, and the grail of revenue. The meetings, filled with selected stooges, are to appear to give a public endorsement of that agenda.

Well, they didn't get it in Whangarei (or Hamilton). In fact the clear overall message sent back was to focus on skills and training. Driver competance in fact. The very thing the police do NOT want to hear. If the agenda items got a mention at all they were very muted. So , I think we did what we needed to do. And it is very noticeable from the Safeas website that meetings where there has been no KB presence HAVE followed the agenda pretty much to the letter.

I picked the top table to sit at, with assorted mayors, representatives from ACC and MoT , and the Top Cheese Police dude that was in Hamilton, who I find is called Dave Cliff. They didn't want unwashed scum like me at their table , but couldn't think how to say piss off in a PC way. Unfortunately Top Cheese Cliff decided whem I sat down to promptly move to another table. Wimp.

Interrogating one of the ACC binties I did find out something VERY interesting. And confirmed a suspicion. Injuries caused by off road motorcycles ARE charged to the ACC bike registration fund. So not only are road going bikers paying the ACC costs of off roaders (including all those kiddie MX events): but also the accident rate they keep plugging is artificially inflated , because they take the number of claims (including non-registered, off road) and divide by the number of registered bikes (can't include off roaders, cos there's no way to know how many they are).

The ride up started out shitty, with heavy fog. i don't like fog. The one riding condition I really dislike. Petal doesn't like fog either, she complains that it does not show her chrome to advantage. Then I overshot the Autobahn (actually, didn't realise that was where was meant, only tumbled when I saw Crashe heading in there). So I had to ride back down the on ramp, in the drainage channel.

Fog, fog and more fog, all the way as far as Wenderholm, then it cleared somewhat and I and Petal became a bit happier.

Tootled through Wellsford where Crashe did too good a job of attracting the plod. Fortunately I picked up the plodmobile on the Mk I Eyeball just before I finished passing a pickup truck, in pursuit of Ms Crashe and Mr Renegade_master, so I threw out the best bower and dropped back into the radar shadow of the truck. I think he was going to pull Renegade_master, but then changed his mind and took off after Crashe - I think maybe he thought you were going to do a runner.

Meanwhile , in accordance with my long standing policy of not hanging around where the plod is, I dived down the nearest side street, and hung a U turn and headed back down the road towards Wellsford again. To get out of plod range , and also warn the ones who had been gassing up and were now into their way into the plod clutches (I stopped at the servo to get two stroke oil , was why Iwas so long . That stupid autobahn doesn't have any, what sort of servo is that?).

I think it unwise, when bikers are in a group , and one is pinged, for the rest to stop. You cannot help the hapless bother (or sister), and the presence of other bikers is likely to antagonise Mr Plod. And runs the very real risk of him saying"Oh, you're together. Well you were going as fast as she was , and today is two for one day, so here's a ticket for you too". Much better to make oneself scarce while plod is busy, and come back once the coast is clear to help the poor pingee, if necessary.

Five more plod at least , plus unmarked ones, between Wellsford and Whangarei. Why aren't they catching burglars? And an uneventful, slow and law abiding tootle through to Whangarei, sort of a Nana's group ride. I'd never have found the place, so thanks for local help.

Interesting we passed a driving school car (marked one) on the way, that was proceeding at snails pace. And I understand the prats complained to the plod at the meeting about us? Can anyone confirm that?

The run back was better, until the Northern motorway. Still MORE plod along the Waipu stretch, but fortunately oncoming cages were good about flashing their lights. Cages was good about moving over for us too, thanks chaps.

I tagged along behind the group that went back the scenic route along the coast, but Petal was far out of her depth once things got really twisty and bumpy. Even in her heyday she was a Grand Tourer not a sprotsbike, and now the arthritis has got into her suspension, she objects strongly to bumps. Curves is OK, but Petal does not consider that a dowager of her dignity should have to tolerate bumps. The very bumpy left hander into the one lane bridge was, hm, interesting.

Doesn't help either having those shitty chinese tyres on. Yes, yes, I WILL replace them once they've worn enough not to unduely offend my instinct for parsimony.

Did I ever tell you about the sad fate of my grandfather, Ikey McTavish, BTW? Someone told Ikey that 1935 thruppences were worth a lot of money (which they are) . Now Ikey knew that in 1935 he'd put not one, but several thruppences into his sporran. And what went into the McTavish sporran seldom if ever came out. And , in a rash moment, prompted by the wish to check the dates on those 3d bits, Ikey opened his sporran, without taking the usual bomb disposal precautions. And suffocated in the cloud of moths and dust that burst forth. Very tragic, very tragic.

So Petal and I were far behind by Mangawozzaname. Thanks for waiting so patiently, guys And Petal showed her displeasure by losing a silencer mounting bolt. Not to worry, a quick flick with the duct tape held things together long enough to reach the local Hammer Hardware , who were happy to supply a suitable bolt for the munificent sum of 50cents. A shining beacon of hope is a small town hardware store. It must be a bad breakdown indeed that is beyond the aid of resource offered by the hardware store.

From Mangawherzthatagain, I tagged along behind Messrs Patch and CaN , who were cruising back at a nice slow Nanaish speed, comfortably according with Petal's capabilities and my Nana instincts. No more plod, but an interesting diversion at Wenderholm , where we encountered an alien from another planet in a Subaru. Well, he was off this planet, anyway. Dunno what his problem was. The undertaking was, um, interesting. Now why is that the plod are never there when they ARE wanted. But, he wasn't speeding , just extremely dangerous, so I don't suppose they would be interested.

The end of the journey was as bad as the beginning. Rush hour traffic , compounded by an accident on the Northern bridge approach, traffic at a standstill from Northcote to Mt Wellington. It's not every day you see a Water Buffalo lane splitting . Yes, "Thank God, for that" is probably the mot juste. Especially as I had fitted hard plugs for the journey, so they kept fouling at low speed. The eternal two stroke dilemma. Fit hard plugs and foul them in traffic, or soft ones and risk burning a hole in a piston. So the lane splitting was a succession of slow speed progress on one cylinder, interspersed with frantic lunges forward as the other two suddenly kicked in without warning. Interesting.

I have also found that it is not possible to lane split up the inner lane of the bridge when the concrete barrier thingy is there. There's not room between the concrete thing and the steel thingies. Bugger, I won't make that mistake again.

[crashe]

Tootled through Wellsford where Crashe did too good a job of attracting the plod. Fortunately I picked up the plodmobile on the Mk I Eyeball just before I finished passing a pickup truck, in pursuit of Ms Crashe and Mr Renegade_master, so I threw out the best bower and dropped back into the radar shadow of the truck.


I think he was going to pull Renegade_master, but then changed his mind and took off after Crashe - I think maybe he thought you were going to do a runner.


No way would I ever do a runner.... I ride a cruiser not a sprotbike :whistle:

I am interested in knowing excately how far I was away from the change up from 50km area to the 70km sign as to where he was sitting in his car?
As I cant quite recall now as to where he had his car parked.
Ixion can you recall?

I had slowed down and pulled over to the far left, as soon as I saw his flashing lights as you are required to do by law to let them pass but no he slowed right down.... and I had to find a safe place to park. After parking off the road, I got off my bike and then he wanted me to move further down onto an pavement parking area as he had his car halfway on the road and halfway off when he pulled up behind me. Like I had got off the road to be safe from cars coming down that hill.

The wee stop cost me $230 and 35 demerit points.

[Ixion]

I dunno where he was in relation to the 70k sign. cos I never saw the sign!

He was just over the hill on the blind side. Where was the sign, in relation to the street on the left I dived down?

[crashe]

Top of the hill on the other side was a 50km sign..... to change down going into Wellsford.

So there must be a 70km sign around there to change up... to head north.

Cos the police officer pointed out the 50km sign to me on the other side of the road.



PS: I have just checked the ticket..... damn I should have gone to look in his car, at the radar machine to confirm it.
He states he clocked me at 77km which is 27 over the limit.

[Ixion]

Well, logically, I'd expect the 70 sign to be opposite the 50 one?

So if he pointed it out, I wouldn't have seen it, cos I'd already headed off to safety (and you'd all gone round a bend)

[crashe]

Well I have a bit of time to pay this or write a letter...

So on a fine day I want to go back up there to check it out...

Ixion are you up for a ride to assertain the spot with me... where the police car was parked etc etc. Need to get pics as well...

If anyone else is up for a ride, the more the merrier...
It will be a slow ride, since I ride slow.

[Ozzie]

Interesting we passed a driving school car (marked one) on the way, that was proceeding at snails pace. And I understand the prats complained to the plod at the meeting about us? Can anyone confirm that?

Yes, I can confirm!

The lovely, one heart beat off the white light, law abiding chaps (3x) were at my table. Not long after lunch (when the adds were showing) the penny dropped, and they concluded that the 5 bikes that passed them must have been us (less Lou, TL rider, Rider in Black, and Renegade, who wasn't up with us). They also had a little pow wow, and decided we were altogether far too reckless, and driving dangerously. So the louder and older of the group, decided it was his moral obligation to get the Northland top cop into the food prep area and tell him precisely how "bad" we were. He then came back to the table, told the croons of his expert moral judgement, and willingness to act. Funnily enough, his glasses must have failed him, or he thought my ears were a painted on accessory. People like him get my goat, it is unsafe to pass in a car, therefore it is unsafe to pass on a bike. The nerve! I bet, being the absolute law follower, he never speeds when overtaking, only does it if he can do so at 100kph, whilst maintaining the 2 second rule, abserving his mirrors and remaining ever vigilant for law abusing motorists. I wonder how many prangs he's caused.

It was quite anoying actually, one of their group was quite a nice guy, the other two were dottering old fools. Not so much that what they had to say was trype, but they wasted half the allocated time arguing with themselves. That is, not with the others in their group, but literally them self. Noone else was saying they were wrong, and I had already written what they said.

And they teach people to drive? Where do the bad habits come from??????

The oldest fella, otherwise known as Nark, perported that he had trained inexcess of 18000 drivers (all over 70 resiting their license :nya: ), and only one had died in a road crash. The one that died, apparently commited hurry curry, and even told the old fool which lamp post he was going to do it on.....Oh, the failings of the mental health system.

Anyway, long and short of it, yes they did winge, and whether coinincident or not, there were shitloads of visible plod on my way home.

[RiderInBlack]

There is the Rodney Highschool on the left just over the raise heading Norf out of Wellsford. So my bet is he was sitting ta catch drivers "Speeding" around schools were he could do ya for 5kpm over 50kpm. Easy pickings. If I remember rightly the 70kpm zone starts around 1/2 way down that hill somewhere around the Wellsford Honda Shop.

As for the Workshop, it was a complete farse IMHO. Glad Lou, and you dudes were was there ta keep some balance.

Thanks,

Doug

[RiderInBlack]

As for the number of cops on Waipu/Ruakaka Straights leaving the meeting (which is one of the reasons why I ride with an escort), there were no more than usual IMHO (4-5 is not unusual along there during peck traffic), but they did seem disappointed not to have bagged any of those bad bikers.
Enjoyed stretching "Roxanne's" "legs" through the Gorge ta Mangawhia, but had ta turn back there ta get back ta Whanga in time ta trim a horse.

[Ixion]

Cop was on the Wellsford side of the Honda shop, though not by much.

[Ixion]

,,
The oldest fella, otherwise known as Nark, perported that he had trained inexcess of 18000 drivers (all over 70 resiting their license :nya: ), and only one had died in a road crash. The one that died, apparently commited hurry curry, and even told the old fool which lamp post he was going to do it on.....Oh, the failings of the mental health system.

,,.

18000 drivers. Any riders? If not, he's not qualified to judge riding. And anyway how does he know that none of them have died in a road crash? Does he monitor the life progress of every one of the 18000 in perpetuity, until they die of something else? I very much doubt it! Lying old git. I hate old people,.

[Ozzie]

18000 drivers. Any riders? If not, he's not qualified to judge riding. And anyway how does he know that none of them have died in a road crash? Does he monitor the life progress of every one of the 18000 in perpetuity, until they die of something else? I very much doubt it! Lying old git. I hate old people,.

Ahh, me messenger, please don't shoot!

Right with ya, silly old fart!

[candor]

I think it's very poor form to report to plod the people you are having lunch with. Rude As! And that we need to start a "snails are killing us" campaign.

Did he truly boast no-one he taught to drive is dead - impossible.

You guys best warn others heading off to other Safe As sessions eg Masterton. Cos I bet they are figuring out .... by now... that y'all well organised. So no doubt they'll have the road to Masterton staked out - just to get ya's back over your general lack of yes man ship on the website.

[Ozzie]

I think it's very poor form to report to plod the people you are having lunch with. Rude As! And that we need to start a "snails are killing us" campaign.

Did he truly boast no-one he taught to drive is dead - impossible.

You guys best warn others heading off to other Safe As sessions eg Masterton. Cos I bet they are figuring out .... by now... that y'all well organised. So no doubt they'll have the road to Masterton staked out - just to get ya's back over your general lack of yes man ship on the website.

Um, yes he did, and you are right, on all accounts, IMHO.

Question to you...or two...

I understand CANDOR is a group, is candor the user a group as well, or just one person?

Are you on this site as a motorcycle enthusiast, or to promote your cause?

NP either way, just curious.

[candor]

Yep, candor is a Group but its just me using the handle on safe as and being its mouthpiece. I originally landed up here to dump some preaching re my cause of drugs and driving on the bikers. That done I gave it a rest.

No I'm not an enthusiast. Got shown about 100 bikes in a shed in MC up the hill near Miramar once and my reaction was - "ummm yeah and what - what is that proud look on the owners faces - don't get it - it's / they're just bikes".

Forgive me - I am female and do not have any emotional attachment to cars / bikes or any of that sort of stuff. So am not here as an enthusist but am just interested in what input you are having to the safe as stuff - all good and I'm over the moon bout it, so like to follow it by snooping round your club here.

Also you have some very interesting conversations around road safety and transport and I like to live and learn all I can It all helps me with my attack plans. But if my occasional presence here is disturbing to any or you suspect me of being an undercover cop then well I guess I'll just be "on my bike". Que Sara. So there you have Candor explained I hope.

[Ixion]

Nay, it's all good. We're not too worried about undercover cops, we've got a dozen or so open about it. Good to see them come out of the closet, in this day and age even ploddiness is nothing to be ashamed of. Well not much , anyway. Wierd mustachios, now, that definately is shameful. AND they'll get caught in the closet door.

[Ozzie]

But if my occasional presence here is disturbing to any or you suspect me of being an undercover cop then well I guess I'll just be "on my bike". Que Sara.

Quite the contrary, from my perspective, a few others on here I suspect.

I for one, am very motivated about road safety. Not from the result of an experience, more that I consider myself a responsible person, and as such, consider it is better to prevent a mess than clean it up.

I am extremely frustrated with the level the Government has pulled the wool. Not so much on the focus of bikes, because any law change would effect me as much as a cage driver as well. Moreso, the effort and money is going into an area that is completely and utterly a diversion.

Let's face facts here;

Speeding on its own contributed 16.8% to the road toll in the previous 12 months.

Speeding and alcohol contributed 16 or so %

Alcohol contributed about the same.

Speeding, in this context, is driving too fast for the conditions, including the driver/riders ability, the state of repair of the roads, their vehicle, and weather (and probably a whole lot more). Speed does not impare you judgement, does not change the way you make decisions, or reduce your reaction time.

The fact of the matter is, alcohol does, so do drugs (as pointed out by candor), so does micro sleeps (as pointed out by akilla). So does whatever the hell the other 53% of fatality causes are.

The government are more concerned with appearing to make an effort than actually making an effort. It is killing people, and waisting millions of dollars that could otherwise be spent keeping us on the planet.

FUCK it rips my nighty!

Candor, IMHO, you are very welcome to be here.

I hold hope, between you, me, akilla, can, and anyone else that really does give a shit, we can make ourselves heard.

If I haven't scared you off, pm me some contact details and I will bring you up to speed with my ideas, you will always have the right to tell me to take a hike (or get on my bike).

[candor]

This Govt is psychopathic. I can competently make that diagnosis as I worked in forensics with the criminally insane long enough!

Before 2004 I had zero interest or knowledge of road safety. So you're pretty onto it Ozzie. But then my Mum was murdered by a 5 x convicted (read "drug" in reality) careless driver in a lunchtime unavoidable headon. Both vehicles were going at only 80 (drug drivers dont speed - they sleep). Her body was rather a mess and she suffered torture for over an hour - conscious. 40 days before this her killer was sentenced to a driving skils (read kils) class by a moronic justice system.

For driving "carelessly" while on P and other drugs as his methadone clinic could tell you - and did tell me off the record (I'm a nurse ha ha). Because they can't nail drug drivers under current law this is how they're charged. This clearly improved his driving no end. As instead of writing off 2 parked cars and his own which the wrongful "careless" charge was for (yet again) in his next crash only 2 cars, (but alas 2 lives -my mums and her dog) were lost. The killer as usual had his 2 toddlers as crash test dummies in the car. It took 2 years to get to trial. He was the first convicted of drug driving causing death.

Only because I blackmailed Police so they (I believe) did the same to the killer to get guilty plea before trial. Had it gone to trial he'd have got off on technicalites as the law no good. As it was his dads had plod friends so the charges were reduced and all the illicit drugs test tresults lost so that he was only charged with DUI methadone and sleeping pils (read drugs of abuse) that he had a script for 10 years ago. The Judge accepted the false claim he was not abusing drugs just unknowingly wasted on prescribeds which was reflected in sentencing. As the P and pot results were misplaced!

But had he evaded trial rather than manipulated outcomes (main witness got base ball batted) then I would have perhaps killed him using not quick methods. As he thought (being a moron) that it was a badge of honor he'd "survived a fatal this time".

After sentencing the locals in his small town nearly lynched me. 2 yrs 7 mths equals 1/3rd then parole in reality! He has a rich daddy and supplies P to many I believe. So I was demonised for not "just dropping it". As I walked the mainstreet local thugs spat hissed and yelled A******. Mum died on holiday there. I will be relocating her body out of that feral ass**** town when dad is gone (s as not to disturb him).

Do you see why I'm P***** off with Helens lot. I bought a huge amount of wood today. I am building something for placement outside Parliament very soon. No - its not a funeral pyre. But you would not be far off. A form of protest anyway. BTW I know Akilla (Martin)- we plot together. He's very onto it. OK so have told all my secrets and why I'm an extremist. Spilled guts everywhere.

NZers are so complacent I can't be bothered organising people. So will do the protest on my own. I dnt know the law on protesting so am hoping I wont get arrested. But I've had enough quite simply. NZ pussified and useless regime could do with a shake up. People give to this country and get not enough back.

40 yrs my mum nursed for shit pay for this govt. And her homicide they tried to make count for nothing. We were very very lucky to get a conviction. Another 120 odd are killed by drug drivers yearly who never see jail walls. I'm gonna sort that if its the last thing I do.

[Ozzie]

I'm gonna sort that if its the last thing I do.

Well, my dear, I will hold your hand! (that is not intended patronising)

I don't have personal experience, and don't want it, and I am very very sorry to hear of your loss and the circumstances around it.

With all except the "You know" bin larden thing, I'm am with you.

For all the wrong things the government has done, and is doing to get votes. I cannot and will not in any way, in any context condone those actions or those methods by pure definition.

But, I'm sure that is emotion as opposed to intent, and I take your point, be carefull saying such things though, in the state the world is at the mo, you could come accross as the bad not the good, which will do none of us any good, and could alienate you and your cause to others.

Anyway, as i said in my previous post....there are a lot of us on here, vocal and not, who will not so much join you, as join hands with you, and team up for a common goal.....To wake the Nation up, and hold the Government accountable for some serious indecision and freaking outrageos deflection and criminal ignorance.

[Ixion]

,,

NZers are so complacent I can't be bothered organising people. So will do the protest on my own. I dnt know the law on protesting so am hoping I wont get arrested. But I've had enough quite simply. NZ pussified and useless regime could do with a shake up. People give to this country and get not enough back.

40 yrs my mum nursed for shit pay for this govt. And her homicide they tried to make count for nothing. We were very very lucky to get a conviction. Another 120 odd are killed by drug drivers yearly who never see jail walls. I'm gonna sort that if its the last thing I do.

That has got to be worth bling from a Communist. I do know the law on protesting. You protest, you go to gaol. You will get arrested, and soon, they'll be able to Taser you.Power to you, sister. If I can help, call it in, I will.

EDIT. Bugger.You must spread some reputation around before gining it to Candor again.

[John Banks]

That has got to be worth bling from a Communist. I do know the law on protesting. You protest, you go to gaol. You will get arrested, and soon, they'll be able to Taser you.Power to you, sister. If I can help, call it in, I will.

EDIT. Bugger.You must spread some reputation around before gining it to Candor again.

I get a bit sick of people blaming this on Helen's government. Bullshit - it'd be the same under Brash's. There's no real change because the whole system is far too entrenched.

[The Pastor]

I get a bit sick of people blaming this on Helen's government. Bullshit - it'd be the same under Brash's. There's no real change because the whole system is far too entrenched.

Yes but its the left governments who have chosen to take the counrty down the center left path... But as you said, were too far down that path for it to be fixed.

[candor]

"it'd be the same under Brash's. There's no real change because the whole system is far too entrenched".

Uh yeah -but you have to admit a bit of decent leadership can cause somedisentrenchment (if thats a word) where it matters. In life and death matters like road safety it matters. As bad policy kills. A 7 to 1 return on the road safety buck just goes to show where their priorities lie. Revenue not rescue. They have no right to call this a road safety strategy. It effectively increases the real and present danger to us all what they do and do not do.
When oh when will a cabinet Minister or PM reap what they've sown.
Oh oops I forgot - Monash Uni says all Govt employees should be issues safe cars. Unlike the rest of the cagers on kiwi goat tracks.

[Pixie]

...and the Top Cheese Police dude that was in Hamilton, who I find is called Dave Cliff.
Did you happen to notice if he had an ambulance up his arse?

[Lou Girardin]

I get a bit sick of people blaming this on Helen's government. Bullshit - it'd be the same under Brash's. There's no real change because the whole system is far too entrenched.

Entrenched by Labour. These current policies are theirs and theirs alone.