Is your bike your only form of transport?

[Disco Dan]

OK, im sure this has been done in the past but I just looked outside. Its peeing it down with rain, pretty windy and my jacket is not waterproof.

I have Uni at 9am in the city... someone make me feel better!!

My bike is my only form of transport!

Who else is in the same situation? Or do most of you have a car as well???

[James Deuce]

Harden up!
The majority of my commuting for the last 3 years has been by bike. In Wellington where we have proper weather from glorious sunshine to earthquakes during blizzards.

[Kflasher]

You not the only one in this boat, i decided to take the bus today. After a dry spell the rain tends to wash all the shite across the road... and not wanting any mishaps, hence the bus. Should be all good after a few days of rain, will be riding tomorrow again what ever the weather.

[RC1]

no i have the bike and as a full time dad i have a van to take kids to playcentre and where ever we decide to go also my wife has her own car

[Disco Dan]

Alrighty then.....

that does make me feel better! hardening up.... (damit, that sounded better in my head. Damit!)

Oh and a quick tip, just made scrambled eggs... dont put cream style corn in with them... it looks like vommit.

[disenfranchised]

I need another option

NO - I have a car for doing large grocery shopping, but still ride in wet weather

[Disco Dan]

you can pick more than one option... smart arse!! hehe

[pervert]

Bike's a second option for me. I'd always own a car first before even thinking about buying a road bike.

You can't take your mates/girls on a bike.

You can take much stuff on a bike.

You sure as hell can't tow a trailer with dirt bikes on it with a road bike. :laugh:

[Morcs]

My bikes have been my only form of transport since i was 16. Im proud of it.

I didnt get wet on the way into town this morning, but i had the rear wheel out about 2 feet on a corner...

[slinky]

I have a bike and a car
but i don't use the car if its wet, i use the bike during the week for work, NO MATTER WHAT.
car is for weekend. unless im going for a cruise on my bike.

go to an outdoors shop, and get some cheap wet weather stuff.... i have them tucked under my seat, they are very thin, but the water just drips of them, and eventually gets through, but it sure slows the process down. and if your trips not too long you won't get wet.
watever i got was 30 bucks!

[James Deuce]

Bike's a second option for me. I'd always own a car first before even thinking about buying a road bike.

You can't take your mates/girls on a bike.

You can take much stuff on a bike.

You sure as hell can't tow a trailer with dirt bikes on it with a road bike. :laugh:

That's the point Norman. Let the bloody bludgers sort their own shit out.

[Indiana_Jones]

I took the bus today (didn't want to crash on my g/f's b-day, she might kill me lol). My tyres are bollocks in the wet, gonna get some new ones soon.

-Indy

[deeknow]

Haven't owned a car for about seven years I guess, don't miss it neither. Bonus is the missus has a car for weekends away etc, I used to try to convince her to buy a bike to commute on but she insists helmet-hair is the killer there.

[Keystone19]

Harden up. Riding in the rain is good for you. Sharpens your skills and makes you a better rider...

[NinjaNanna]

I'm fortunate enough to have a company car, so my bike is for weekend stress relief, that said though before moving over here 12mths ago I lived in Canberra Aust and my bike was my only form of transport, you get used to the -5degC mornings and you dress appropriately, mind you it takes an extra 10min to get ready everytime you go somewhere.

BTW Can't say I miss the daily commuting on my bike, there came a time when it just wasn't fun anymore, being constantly watchful for that idiot waiting to kill you by mistake kind of sapped the joy out of it, but it probably had something to do with the arrival of my daughter too, all of a sudden you become that extra bit more responsible.

[LilSel]

I have a couple of cars & my bike....
I use car more than bike (dependent on circumstances of course), usually I have training after work and carrying 3x15lb bowling balls on the bike isnt really practical lol.... but if no training... bike it is :D

[NinjaNanna]

Riding in the rain is good for you. Sharpens your skills and makes you a better rider...

Undoubtably true on a race track, but I think the only skills it should be sharpening on the road are your self preservation skills, ie slow down and ride to the conditions.


Harden up.

Can't disagree with that

[onearmedbandit]

I have a couple of cages as well, along with managing a business that retails cars with over 200 in stock, so I'm never short of transport. But I never drive to work (unless required for some reason, like dropping my daughter off) even if it's raining, snowing or whatever. It's my favourite part of my working day, the ride there and back.

[Crisis management]

Harden up. Riding in the rain is good for you. Sharpens your skills and makes you a better rider...

Doesn't work for me, I just get wet and grumpy....

I have to admit I enjoy the rain as long as I don't have to contend with freshly oiled roads and over excited commuters, so, not much chance of that in Auckland then!

If it gets really wet I take the boat.:yes:

[crash harry]

I own a car, but I must use it about 5 times a year. Two of those are to go get a WOF...

[Keystone19]

Undoubtably true on a race track, but I think the only skills it should be sharpening on the road are your self preservation skills, ie slow down and ride to the conditions.


I would argue that riding in the rain teaches you to be smooth in and out of corners and to hold your line. Both useful skills for road riding, not just on the track. It also teaches you to be more aware of what your bike is doing under you (or should be doing) and how to cope if you get into a small slide - again, useful skills on both road and track.


Doesn't work for me, I just get wet and grumpy....

I have to admit I enjoy the rain as long as I don't have to contend with freshly oiled roads and over excited commuters, so, not much chance of that in Auckland then!

If it gets really wet I take the boat.:yes:

Nothing beats good wet weather gear - life jacket, life preserver and flippers would have been handy this morning!

I admit that my commute does involve one of the nicest twisty roads close to Auckland so generally only have to deal with the oil, not the motorway hooligans.

[XP@]

Have a car but only used when i need to carry more than i can legally fit on a bike.

Get a light weight rain jacket and trousers to go over the top or a 1 piece rain suit. not too expensive.

[vifferman]

The only vehicle I own is my bike - in theory. In practice, I have up to three cars I can use if necessary, but not today, as my wife's started a new job so she takes her car now; #1 Son took his car to work; and #2 son was still in bed when I left. He works two blocks from me, so we can car/bike pool if we feel like it, but he worked late yesterday so he's starting at midday today.

It wasn't raining much when I left, so I enjoyed the ride in, but I don't like my wet-weather gloves much, and as it was the first rain in a while, I was riding like a pussy as I don't like falling down.

[ManDownUnder]

A tad cliche but there's no such thing as bad weather - only a lack of good gear.

Keystone's exactly right saying it's good for your skills. Hell yes - it's a whole new dimension and while I can't speak to racing in the rain, road riding in the rain is something I'm very familiar with. It dynamically changes a lot of things.

Braking - brake less on corners, straight line braking is impaired and more bias needs to be put on the rear brake. The front is more prone to letting go, especially if you are ANYWHERE NEAR PAINT ON THE ROAD.

Other road users. There are a lot of people that feel all so secure in cars, but when they lose traction they're stuffed - and so is everything vulnerable in their path (i.e. YOU on a bike). Look out for it - accommodate it. Keep more space around you

Visibility. Spray and crap being kicked up off the road is a pain - especially for those that wear glasses. Pledge (as in Johnson and Johnson wax) the visor before you go out - maybe once a week or when the crap starts to stick again. The rain beads up and runs off the visor so much better.

If you wear glasses - DON'T lift your visor. Water on the glasses combined with water on the visor makes 2x the visual impairment.

Riding along at speed, turn your head 90 degrees left, the 90 degrees right to clear your visor.

Make sure your gear's in a good nick. Nugget on the boots keeps water out, as does CRC silicone (901?) on gloves etc.

I think that's it...

DD... good gear really does make a big difference to riding in the rain. I got to work 100% dry this morning, Kumeu to downtown Auckland - 25kms. I know as a student it's not easy to buy a lot of good gear. I understand the bright yellow or black PVC stuff from the Warehouse does the job pretty well.

I'll save my riding in the wind lecture for later...

[Indiana_Jones]

It's my favourite part of my working day, the ride there and back.

amen to that brother lol :rockon:

-Indy

[NinjaNanna]

I would argue that riding in the rain teaches you to be smooth in and out of corners and to hold your line. Both useful skills for road riding, not just on the track. It also teaches you to be more aware of what your bike is doing under you (or should be doing) and how to cope if you get into a small slide - again, useful skills on both road and track.

I'll concede these points, I misunderstood your first post and thought it could be read as advocating finding where your limits are in the rain. I guess this wasn't what you were about.

[imdying]

The guy that taught me to ride told me 'Always have a car, bikes aren't reliable enough to be you're only transport, some day you'll need to pickup parts, take fairings to the welders etc etc'. Bloody good advice I've found out over the years... brought a drill press last week, that would've been fun on the bike. Not to mention the groceries... Having said that, I use the bike every other time I need to go somewhere :yes: Also, I'm happy to risk killing myself at the hands of plonker car drivers, but I prefer to take the woman about by car.

[Bonez]

No- but m/cs are my prefered form of transport in all weather. A few to choose from. Her indoors car comes in damn handy when picking up bits, the groceries, me when a bikes at the docters (yes it does happen occasionally, like once every 10 or so years) and carting the grand kids about. Also not afraid, like yesterday as Connie is over in Hawkes Bay, to walk a few kms or push bike if the need arises. Haven't needed to use public for years, but it is aviable when needed.

[nudemetalz]

My Guzzi is only for weekend use. Catch the bus to & from work.

The Missus rides her RF400 to & work and then jumps onto her CT110 "Business Vehicle" ;)

We have the Pajero for if it's raining.

[bobsmith]

Where is the "NO - I own a car as well for driving g/f around, doing large shopping (ie a tv) and generally moving shit. Otherwise it's bike wet or dry."

doesn't matter if it's raining it's always a bike for commuting for me. unless I have a heavy load which doesn't fit on the bike (or I've just broken a finger)

[edit] - also I wouldn't use public transport other than flights if my life depended on it. I'd rather walk than take a bus.

[Bonez]

A
Visibility. Spray and crap being kicked up off the road is a pain - especially for those that wear glasses. Pledge (as in Johnson and Johnson wax) the visor before you go out - maybe once a week or when the crap starts to stick again. The rain beads up and runs off the visor so much better.

If you wear glasses - DON'T lift your visor. Water on the glasses combined with water on the visor makes 2x the visual impairment.Even when cleaned the visor can mist up on those colder days, including the glasses, so lifting the visor a few mils usually gets rid of it.

[crashe]

Disco Dan - The warehouse wet weather gear to keep you dry.......
(Yellow or dark green: Pants $8.83 and the jacket around $10)


I ride my bike 99.5% of the time.
The car only gets used a few times a year - twice to get a WOF and other times to transport a child around and to carry stuff that absolutly wont fit on the back of my bike.

Some have commented that they can't carry stuff on a bike....... Like hello!

Examples of what I have put on the back of my bike:
A old fashioned wooden high chair
A dehumidifier
A child's car seat.
A child's booster seat
A weed eater
A huge roll of curtain material
A spare tyre after it had been changed over (still had plenty of tread)
A huge box on the back
Camping gear
9 Painting sheets (thick bed covers and sheets) and painting gear
Carpenty tool box
Groceries (on back of bike and also in backpack)

All strapped onto the back of my bike... with no paniers bags at the time.
If I cant fit it on the back of the bike then and only then do I get the car out.

[Bonez]

Disco Dan - The warehouse wet weather gear to keep you dry.......
(Yellow or dark green: Pants $8.83 and the jacket around $10)


I ride my bike 99.5% of the time.
The car only gets used a few times a year - twice to get a WOF and other times to transport a child around and to carry stuff that absolutly wont fit on the back of my bike.

Some have commented that they can't carry stuff on a bike....... Like hello!

Examples of what I have put on the back of my bike:
A old fashioned wooden high chair
A dehumidifier
A child's car seat.
A child's booster seat
A weed eater
A huge roll of curtain material
A spare tyre after it had been changed over (still had plenty of tread)
A huge box on the back
Camping gear
9 Painting sheets (thick bed covers and sheets) and painting gear
Carpenty tool box
Groceries (on back of bike and also in backpack)

All strapped onto the back of my bike... with no paniers bags at the time.
If I cant fit it on the back of the bike then and only then do I get the car out.
Yes you can carry a fare bit on a bike but nowhere near as much in a car or ute.

Ever tried carrying a complete spare engine or parts bike?

Try it sometime.

[BUNGY]

Yes. Being a poor student I cant afford to have both and dont really like driving a car anyway. That being said i can always use the bus on wet days and dont really need to transport anything that wont fit in a bag.

[NighthawkNZ]

Examples of what I have put on the back of my bike:
A old fashioned wooden high chair
A dehumidifier
A child's car seat.
A child's booster seat
A weed eater
A huge roll of curtain material
A spare tyre after it had been changed over (still had plenty of tread)
A huge box on the back
Camping gear
9 Painting sheets (thick bed covers and sheets) and painting gear
Carpenty tool box
Groceries (on back of bike and also in backpack)

All strapped onto the back of my bike... with no paniers bags at the time.
If I cant fit it on the back of the bike then and only then do I get the car out.

I use to do Motorcycle Couriers and you would be supprised what I use to carry... from car mufflers, to computers and monitors... but most were documents they were a little easier... hehhehe and me and my flatmate at the time would both go grocery shopping on the bikes.... most of the time there was room for more if needed...

the only time we had to go back was because we went grocery shopping when we were starving... but when we got home we said shit... suppose we better go by some real food...

[MyGSXF]

Unfortunately my car is my main form of transport... :weep: but being a solo parent with a 4 & 10 1/2 year old boys.. I have to use the cage.:doh:

The older one does come with me on the bike.. has done since he was 5!! :Punk: but the little one isn't too keen on the idea yet!!

(I spose I could always bungy him to the packrack.... :shutup: )

[ZeroIndex]

My bike was my only form of transport... I now have no transport, until I get a new bike

[Sparky Bills]

Have commuted on the bike since i started full time work when i was 17years old!

Rain or shine!
Every winter, i think to myself... maybe i should sort out a car license:innocent: , but it never seems to happen!
Oh well, theres always this year.

[pervert]

I'd rather walk than take a bus.

Hahahaha same here.

The old 10 tonne loser cruiser...

[NighthawkNZ]

(I spose I could always bungy him to the packrack.... :shutup: )

Top Box, and the some foam and blankies... :baby: he will be snuggly in there ...oh you do need breathing holes if twins you need the side panniers :killingme :blink:

[Disco Dan]

Well I survived folks, the others in my class looked at me with respect and commented on how brave i was to ride in this weather etc etc... a few sniggers about being soaked etc... but was funny as I overtook them after class in their cars stuck in town traffic!! hehe... then slid on a big manhole for a metre or so... that was fun, it looked intentional as well!! hehe


The guy that taught me to ride told me 'Always have a car, bikes aren't reliable enough to be you're only transport, some day you'll need to pickup parts, take fairings to the welders etc etc'. Bloody good advice I've found out over the years...

....but I prefer to take the woman about by car.

My women prefer the back of my bike! plus they are on constant "mute" - I cant hear sh*t. :innocent: But just get wacks when I start going the wrong way!


A tad cliche but there's no such thing as bad weather - only a lack of good gear.

Good point! I only found out my jacket was not completly waterproof the other week when I rode from south to west on the mway in a downpour!


Riding along at speed, turn your head 90 degrees left, the 90 degrees right to clear your visor.

Make sure your gear's in a good nick. Nugget on the boots keeps water out, as does CRC silicone (901?) on gloves etc.

I think that's it...

DD... good gear really does make a big difference to riding in the rain. I got to work 100% dry this morning, Kumeu to downtown Auckland - 25kms. I know as a student it's not easy to buy a lot of good gear. I understand the bright yellow or black PVC stuff from the Warehouse does the job pretty well.



Excellent advice! Thanks! Yes I need to upgrade my gear a little I think. First purchase is going to be proper boots - as my old work boots just dont offer my ankles the support I feel safe with. Then a trip to the Wariwhare for a big jacket to will fit over my jacket! My overpants seem to be waterproof though. Just not long enough, and the bottom of my draggins get wet! As do my feet through the boots.


I'll save my riding in the wind lecture for later...

awww... do tell!




---------



"Only transport" issue:

Im fortunate that I moved back home when I started University, not only to save money but also I have the use of my 17yrold sisters car! Im teaching her to drive so in return I can use it to pick up parts, go out partying all night etc etc :Punk:

I had two cars and a bike at one point but I was in a high paid full time job then!

If I could afford to have a car I guess I would, as it is handy; but for the time being im a poor student and can barely afford to put gas in my bike now!! Hmm I guess I should get a job... my little 'own business' is too small and upredictable to sustain me!

[riffer]

Strictly speaking, I only own a bike.

However, with 4 kids you need to have other transport, so the wife has an Odyssey, which I drive when we go out or need to shop or drop off kids.

But day to day, its the bike – rain, shine, hail or snow.

[riffer]

My women prefer the back of my bike!

Wow - a collector!

Just how many do you have ... :dodge:

[Keystone19]

I'll concede these points, I misunderstood your first post and thought it could be read as advocating finding where your limits are in the rain. I guess this wasn't what you were about.

Apology accepted...if you've seen me ride in the rain you'd know I ride like a nana...

[NighthawkNZ]

Apology accepted...if you've seen me ride in the rain you'd know I ride like a nana...

em too.. I ride like a nana all the time... unless the road is closed ;)

[MyGSXF]

Top Box, and the some foam and blankies... :baby: he will be snuggly in there ...oh you do need breathing holes if twins you need the side panniers :killingme :blink:

funnily enough.. it had crossed my mind.... :whistle:

[Disco Dan]

Wow - a collector!

Just how many do you have ... :dodge:

:shutup: :shutup: :shutup:

More than a couple and less than a few... Most enjoy the ride, and most enjoy the ride after too :innocent:

[MyGSXF]

Wow - a collector! Just how many do you have ... :dodge:



I was just thinkin the same thing bout YOU!!!
However, with 4 kids..... :killingme

[Ixion]

You left out the "Have car but still commute by bike wet or fine" option

I have several bikes and a couple of four wheelers - Pajero for towing and carting very large stuff (and multiple passengers). Though there's not that much that I can't fit on or in von Klunken .

Pajero is for carting furniture, broken bikes etc. Alfatoy is for when Mrs Ixion wants to come along, since nothing on God's earth will ever persuade her onto a motorcycle. Only two seats so if there is more than one passenger it's the Pajero. I have once or twice tried having Mrs Ixion toddle along on her own in her Nissan Sunny, while I accompany her on the bike. But as she will not drive on motorways, does not like driving on the open road, will not exceed 70kph etc it gets rather tedious.

Other than that , it's a bike every time. Modern wet weather gear is not too bad , apart from boots (GAITERS are essential). And if one gets wet, well, I'm not made of sugar, I don't melt.

I don't do public transport. I cannot conceive why anyone would take a bus to work when they have a bike.

And I must confess that I rather like commuting by bike. It's a challenge , avoiding the idiots out to kill me. Sort of like Nethack on wheels. Quickens the intellect , sharpens the senses (especially the critical seventh, or spidey , sense), exercises the lungs. I always feel a real sense of achievement arriving at work "You did your best to get me you bastards. And you FAILED. I win".

[James Deuce]

And I must confess that I rather like commuting by bike. It's a challenge , avoiding the idiots out to kill me. Sort of like Nethack on wheels. Quickens the intellect , sharpens the senses (especially the critical seventh, or spidey , sense), exercises the lungs. I always feel a real sense of achievement arriving at work "You did your best to get me you bastards. And you FAILED. I win".

Nice to see that there are other Crustoid life forms out there.

I used to feel so alone.

[Disco Dan]

You left out the "Have car but still commute by bike wet or fine" option

I have several bikes and a couple of four wheelers - Pajero for towing and carting very large stuff (and multiple passengers). Though there's not that much that I can't fit on or in von Klunken .

it's a bike every time. Modern wet weather gear is not too bad , apart from boots (GAITERS are essential). And if one gets wet, well, I'm not made of sugar, I don't melt.

I don't do public transport. I cannot conceive why anyone would take a bus to work when they have a bike.

And I must confess that I rather like commuting by bike. It's a challenge , avoiding the idiots out to kill me. Sort of like Nethack on wheels. Quickens the intellect , sharpens the senses (especially the critical seventh, or spidey , sense), exercises the lungs. I always feel a real sense of achievement arriving at work "You did your best to get me you bastards. And you FAILED. I win".

Very true! And some great advice!!

I have never set foot on a bus or train in the 10 years I have lived in this country.

I have a friend that is 27 and is only just thinking of getting his car license! He has floated through life bludging off people who have cars or paying high prices for taxi cabs. Very silly. and my view, just down right lazy. I have been one of the people 'driving him around' for the last few years. So I have gone 'solo bike' - no more giving people lifts up the shops etc. bah! Why cant everyone look out for themselves??? raaahhhh!!!

[NighthawkNZ]

I'm 38 and don't have a car license and have actually never driven a car...

[Indiana_Jones]

Yea I was getting sick of asking for rides etc, so I went for my bike licence (only cause it said i didn't need someone with me on my learners :d and it went from there)

Now i'm waiting to get my cage restricted, I don't really want it, nor need it that badly, but it's a hassle sometimes for work and career options etc.

-Indy

[pervert]

I'm 38 and don't have a car license and have actually never driven a car...

Hahahaha seriously? That's impressive I guess...:laugh:

[NighthawkNZ]

Hahahaha seriously? That's impressive I guess...:laugh:

true story ,mainly cause I have never needed one so never bothered

[Quartermile]

-Yea I have my cage full but only my bike restricted

This is mainly because of when you turn 15 the parents have a sick idea that you will get your car licence and buy a 'nice' little car and love it:gob:

This was actually fine for me when I was 15 and could only affod to ride a scooter:scooter: then came a brillint idea I like 2 wheels I might get my motorcycle licence ( at 16 ):rockon:
, much better idea:yes:

So I get my licences as soon as I can and because of this have my cage full and only my bike restricted

-Back to the point

I only have a bike to commute on and use but accasionly I use the car (my parent's):sick: when it's more conviniant which is pretty much all cages are useful for , Conviniance:yes:

[Str8 Jacket]

I dont have a cage licence and its around a kilometre walk to the bus stop for me. Though that's not particuarly far, Id rather ride and get wet than walk and get wet......

[Disco Dan]

I dont have a cage licence and its around a kilometre walk to the bus stop for me. Though that's not particuarly far, Id rather ride and get wet than walk and get wet......

Whats a bus stop? Dont know where the nearest one is to me...

Your signature is invisible by the way!

[Steam]

I have no car, just my Ginny G.I. and a bicycle for when I'm feeling fat and need some exercise.
I have massive pannier bags and a huge pack rack, I carried over 80 kilos of groceries, sewing machine, 20 litres of Kerosense + other stuff the other day and rode home very cautiously. That's more than half the weight of the bike!

The buses here are good too though, I live 6k or so from town and the after-midnight buses are great in Wellington for drunken trips home, only $2.50 all the way from Courtney Place to my house 6kms away.

[NighthawkNZ]

funnily enough.. it had crossed my mind.... :whistle:

what stopped you... lol hehehe

[Disco Dan]

I have no car, just my Ginny G.I. and a bicycle for when I'm feeling fat and need some exercise.
I have massive pannier bags and a huge pack rack, I carried over 80 kilos of groceries, sewing machine, 20 litres of Kerosense + other stuff the other day and rode home very cautiously. That's more than half the weight of the bike!

The buses here are good too though, I live 6k or so from town and the after-midnight buses are great in Wellington for drunken trips home, only $2.50 all the way from Courtney Place to my house 7kms away.

Yeah im sure the bus service in aucks would get me into the city and back but wheres the fun in that??

Besides, if i wanted to get drunk it would be at home or friends place where I could crash for the night. booze is too expensive in clubs and bars, so whenever i go, i take the bike and park next to the bouncer!!

[petesmeats]

Yep i'm a poor student as well... Bike only means of transport. Being a student basically means that i don't have to carry anything much on the bike apart from a crate every now and then... or a backbreaking load of textbooks. Its a good life really. I'm up for a new rear tyre though which is gonna hurt a little. And rego, And Insurance. So the bike pretty much keeps me poor enough.

I have been thinking lately about the merits of having a car to take my snowboard/surfboard/skateboard/guitar places but in the end if i am going on a trip it is usually with a mate so i can just fling some petrol money thier way and they are happy campers so there really is no need for any more vehicles until i can properly afford it (2 years all things being equal)... (Hanging out for a 4WD Van)

As for pubic (intentional) Transport. I hate busses, trains, and taxis. Would rather get wet and hypothermic before resorting to public transport...

As for the general public trying to kill me... I keep my eyes and ears open and try to fend of the cage attacks. I know that i will prob be knocked off at some point but will not live in fear...

[crashe]

Yes I need to upgrade my gear a little I think. First purchase is going to be proper boots - as my old work boots just dont offer my ankles the support I feel safe with. Then a trip to the Wariwhare for a big jacket to will fit over my jacket! My overpants seem to be waterproof though. Just not long enough, and the bottom of my draggins get wet! As do my feet through the boots.

Gaiters will do the job....... at the Army surplus store on K' Rd.......
$12.50 for a set.

[F5 Dave]

Don't put milk in your scrambled eggs either. Use hot water near the end & whisk them up a bit. Milk tends to suppress this. Hot water good, don't ask me why, wife sez & her scrambled eggs are the small explosive device.

Cheese is ok & add a bit of Paprika, chilli powder & black pepper at the start.

Verkerks kransky are the best by a shot. Maybe some hash browns smothered in Hot Chilli beans, some bacon, hot relish. Yumm! Best consumed with a hangover.

[Swoop]

Id rather ride and get wet than walk and get wet......
I find that if I ride, I arrive much drier than if "cageing"...

[Swoop]

Gaiters will do the job....... at the Army surplus store on K' Rd.......
$12.50 for a set.
How the hell did Ixion get access to your login!!!

[Steam]

You can get Leather gaiters at Comrades in Wellington, they are really thick leather so they'll protect ankles in a crash too, cool!

[BarBender]

No - its not the only mode of transport I have access to...but I choose to ride it everyday rain hail or shine.

[pritch]

Just had to face this dilemma, if such it can be called. I was telling a friend that I was thinking of trading my bike and what the proposed deal would cost.

When I mentioned the money he asked why I didn't keep the Hornet and buy a car with the ballance. I must have blinked and looked startled while I considered this idea for about five nanoseconds before rejecting it and deciding definitely to buy the bike.

So I went to see the bank manager today and he expects to have papers ready to sign on the dotted by maybe Friday depending on who is actually at work in town this week etc.

It'd be fun to be running in a new bike next weekend :-) But meantime I have cognitive dissonances going off like fireworks...

[rainman]

I would argue that riding in the rain teaches you to be smooth in and out of corners and to hold your line. Both useful skills for road riding, not just on the track. It also teaches you to be more aware of what your bike is doing under you (or should be doing) and how to cope if you get into a small slide - again, useful skills on both road and track.

Had a moment just like this on the way home tonight. Was thinking about how when I slowed down the water all slooshed to the front of my boots (really have to buy some decent boots) and lost concentration for a sec and traction for a bit longer. Fortunately I was a) going slow, b) well behind the vehicle in front of me, c) roughly vertical, so I didn't panic and managed my way out of it. Slightly scary, but still, taught me just how slippery the GN plastic tires are.

My cordura pants and jacket got pretty soaked, and are dripping dry in the corner waiting for tomorrow's ride in the rain. Apart from a slightly soggy crotch (not the excitement from nearly crashing :) ), damp shirt around the zip of my jacket and wet ankles ('cos I don't have decent boots), I got home dry enough.

[Jeremy]

OK, im sure this has been done in the past but I just looked outside. Its peeing it down with rain, pretty windy and my jacket is not waterproof.

I have Uni at 9am in the city... someone make me feel better!!

My bike is my only form of transport!

Who else is in the same situation? Or do most of you have a car as well???

If you'd left earlier you'd have been fine. Was only "slightly" raining when I got there just before 7. (Things learnt: uni during summer school not functional during those times, can't get to CompSci lockers to dump gear :/ )

[Disco Dan]

I was parked next to a GN250 and a honda 250, the gn had a top box.

Then went to westgate this afternoon and saw the same GN parked up outside the post office! weird!

[crashe]

How the hell did Ixion get access to your login!!!

Hahahaha Now that is a good question?
Actually I finally took his advise after travelling from Levin to Upper Hutt then to Lower Hutt back to Upper Hutt up over the Taka's to Hastings and then all the way back to Auckland in wet boots....... Yep I went and hunted out the place...... got slightly lost finding it... asked people and they sent me to the actual ARMY sign up place...... ummmmmmmmmm hello!!!!!! They sent me to the correct place. Wow what a place....... so much stuff there.....
Im gonna go back for a good look around.
But yep I got me some gaiters....... leather ones.

They do have other types there as well for the same price. $12.50



You can get Leather gaiters at Comrades in Wellington, they are really thick leather so they'll protect ankles in a crash too, cool!

yep leather ones are great when you have leather boots.
Buckles on the side to overlap to keep the rain out.
Buckle underneath to keep them in the correct place.
Gave them a good clean and snow sealed them.....

Been complimented on my leather ones...... as they do look good over leather boots.

[Disco Dan]

Yep I went and hunted out the place...... got slightly lost finding it... asked people and they sent me to the actual ARMY sign up place...... ummmmmmmmmm hello!!!!!! They sent me to the correct place.


*snigger snigger*

[crashe]

*snigger snigger*

I only got slightly lost cos some twat sent me the wrong way when I stopped to ask where the shop was....... I think that they thought I should join up....

Once I got that all sorted out I was fine.... went directly to the Army surplus store.....


Now if that was you my lad........ you would have ended up god knows where !!!!!!! snigger snigger.

[Disco Dan]

hehe yeah i know... :innocent:

Couldnt resist the opportunity to wind you up though! ;) :dodge: :dodge:

[Ixion]

Tsk tsk. Well, I thought my directions were explicitly clear. K Road, opposite the billboard of the chick with the titanic tits. A blind man couldn't miss them.

Hmm, that was a year or so back, maybe the billboard has ben changed. That'd be a pity. Anyway , opposite where it was. How on earth could you get lost ?

[crashe]

Tsk tsk. Well, I thought my directions were explicitly clear. K Road, opposite the billboard of the chick with the titanic tits. A blind man couldn't miss them.

Hmm, that was a year or so back, maybe the billboard has ben changed. That'd be a pity. Anyway , opposite where it was. How on earth could you get lost ?

I was in K' Rd and asked some dude on the street where it was exactely... and they said "ummmmm no its not here no more, its down there...." ---------------> pointing the other way........... so off I tootled on my bike thinking 'ok shops do move to new premises.........' and found the ARMY sign up place......

Now if I could have found that twat again, I would have booted him up the jacksie..... for wasting my time....

But hey I found the place....... next time when I stand outside the place I shall turn around and look for that blardy sign that you go on about.... :whistle:

[Mom]

Yeah im sure the bus service in aucks would get me into the city and back but wheres the fun in that??

Besides, if i wanted to get drunk it would be at home or friends place where I could crash for the night. booze is too expensive in clubs and bars, so whenever i go, i take the bike and park next to the bouncer!!

You need to get to know us a bit better DD.......you are safe drinking in our company, but we dont let you sleep............:blip: