Windy [Archive] - Kiwi Biker forums

Sycophant

10th July 2007, 16:27

BuFfY

10th July 2007, 16:32

Yeah traffic has been horrible all day. Wind is terrible!!
So be careful out there!
The wind added with the rain is not very good!

Reckless

10th July 2007, 16:32

I'm in Howick and its quite bad here worse than I've seen for long while. Usually quite sheltered here. Its blown up much worse in the last hour. I ride a 1000 and would be having second thoughts about the bridge. Especially on a lighter bike like a 250. Could you go the long way around and not take the bridge or taka a ride with a workmate for today.

more_fasterer

10th July 2007, 16:33

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=6343&page=183

crashe

10th July 2007, 16:37

Not sure which part of Auckland you live in.......... but.....

Head over the Greenheithe way..... into west Auckland and travel the suburbs to get home. You will be protected that way even thou it may take a bit longer to get home.

There has apparently already been a truck that just about went off the top of the Harbour Bridge today.

Stay off the motorways as well.....

If its really bad up there on the bridge the official's will put out a sign to stop motorbikes from going over the bridge. But I wouldn't be chancing it this afternoon up there at all.

Just take it easy out there on the roads.

Edbear

10th July 2007, 16:38

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=6343&page=183

Police are warning motorists to stay off the roads if at all possible. Very high winds! Would not want to try the bridge on any bike right now!

Sycophant

10th July 2007, 16:45

johnnyflash

10th July 2007, 16:46

My wife just rang with concern about my welfare riding home over the bridge tonight... It is indeed very windy it would seem.

Anyone have any information or thoughts? Been riding around this afternoon in the Auckland CBD, or over the bridge?

Ive been driving in it all day in a van, across the bridge 6 times and I have had a couple of times where the rubber let go the road and we sailed sideways as the gust lifted us off...hairy I tell you.. saw a truck in front, around 15ton exit left a good foot before he got it back..
Not the day to be riding :sick:

WasPhantom

10th July 2007, 16:48

n00b. Harden the fuck up.
:D

Reckless

10th July 2007, 16:50

Aiiieee... Maybe time to find a lift home?

I've been over the bridge in some pretty high winds, but I'm hearing some slightly scary things here and elsewhere (big cabbage tree near my house has apparently fallen over).

A lift home I agree! good luck.

Also bling to you for posting here and being sensible. Hopefully others will check here as well!!

babyblade250rr

10th July 2007, 16:55

all good adivce from what i've read,

get a ride from someone or a bus or something it's not worth the risk of hurting yourself or your two wheeler, Rather survive to see a better day!!.

If you do decide you MUST ride please use the road way through greenhithe as someone suggested will be your best bet.

AND TAKE IT EASY!!!

swbarnett

10th July 2007, 16:57

Although I wouldn't advise it for the faint-hearted I've been over the bridge in winds like today's on my GN. The trick is to bend with it. Observe which side the wind is coming from and ride on that side of your lane. You may end up weaving in your lane but you'll end up back on line before you hit anything. Can be very exhilarating.

swbarnett

10th July 2007, 17:00

I just read some of the first-hand accounts of the bridge today and, while I'd still be game, if you're in any doubt at all avoid the bridge.

swbarnett

10th July 2007, 17:03

n00b. Harden the fuck up.
:D

While pushing your limits is a good thing they can easily be pushed too far. When I started riding daily over the bridge about a year ago I did take the Greenhithe route a couple of times until I was confident enough in the gusty conditions.

Sycophant

10th July 2007, 17:04

I've done it a few times in the past - although it's hard to know until you're on the bridge how bad it is. Even the approaches are often quite sheltered.

What I'm really not keen on is the other vehicles, even in moderate winds smaller cars and light trucks really move around in their lanes, and I really don't look forward to contending with that danger along with the gusting winds.

At the top of the bridge the structure seems to cause the wind to come from opposite directions at times, I've found.

I think I have a lift for this evening, I'll play games in the wind some other time.

jrandom

10th July 2007, 17:05

Pfft. Too windy to ride over the bridge? Pfft!

Me, I'm well 'ard.

So I'll have a wank in the office bathroom, and then beg SWMBO to come rescue me in the car...

Ixion

10th July 2007, 17:06

I went over and back around midday. It was interesting. OK for experienced riders, I would not reccomend it for novices.

WasPhantom

10th July 2007, 17:07

While pushing your limits is a good thing they can easily be pushed too far. When I started riding daily over the bridge about a year ago I did take the Greenhithe route a couple of times until I was confident enough in the gusty conditions.

lol - it was a comment in jest - as Sycofant is already aware.

TLMAN

10th July 2007, 17:07

Reckless

10th July 2007, 17:07

I went over and back around midday. It was interesting. OK for experienced riders, I would not reccomend it for novices.

It got a shit load worse over here since mid-day though!!

crashe

10th July 2007, 17:07

NZ Police CommCens Alert 16:00 10-07-2007 Waitemata

Location of incident: SH 18

Incident Type: Travel Delays

At present a large tree has fallen down on State Highway 18, Greenhithe near the intersection of Shelter Drive.

Efforts are underway at present to remove the tree from the roadway. Motorists travelling on State Highway 18 are experiencing severe delays.
Motorists are advised to consider using an alternative route.
Issued By: Inspector Gary Hill

Take it easy out there and look out for all the debris on the roads.

jrandom

10th July 2007, 17:10

I went over and back around midday. It was interesting. OK for experienced riders, I would not reccomend it for novices.

Yes, I've been over the bridge quite a few times on days like today. However, I'm not sure I want to take my lovely used-to-be-shiny GSX-R750 with its giant fairings over in this weather only a fortnight after purchasing it.

Although if I didn't have such a truly wonderful SWMBO prepared to mission around town in a cage on my behalf, I'd probably just do it regardless. It's not that bad. And there's always Greenhithe, although, to be honest, the wind over the northwest motorway causeway can be pretty dodgy at times, too.

jrandom

10th July 2007, 17:11

Ooops, I just heard that SH18 past Greenhithe is closed due to a huge tree that has fallen across the road.

Sounds like a Riverhead-Coatesville evening for some, then!

Oh dear. What a shame. ;)

swbarnett

10th July 2007, 17:17

I've done it a few times in the past - although it's hard to know until you're on the bridge how bad it is. Even the approaches are often quite sheltered.

The flags are a good indicator. The trouble is that they take them down in high winds.

At the top of the bridge the structure seems to cause the wind to come from opposite directions at times, I've found.

Could just be the apparent change in direction after a strong gust abaits.

I think I have a lift for this evening, I'll play games in the wind some other time.

Wise move. "If in doubt, don't" is one of the platitudes I ride by.

I had to bring the cage in this morning so I won't get to try it :(

Indiana_Jones

10th July 2007, 17:19

I just went over the bridge at about 4:40ish, windy as heck, nearly came off three times!

And it's got even worse since!

I highly recommend you stay where you are if you can for the moment.

If not, be very careful!

I saw a knocked over temp light setup at the onewa intersection (the one at the bottom of the road, next to the m-way)

Time for a stiff drink!!!

-Indy

BuFfY

10th July 2007, 17:19

You wouldn't want to have the job of taking down the flags though would you!!

swbarnett

10th July 2007, 17:20

lol - it was a comment in jest - as Sycofant is already aware.

Sorry, must turn my humour detector up a notch. I suppose the smiley should've been a dead giveaway.

Toaster

10th July 2007, 17:25

It mayhem here....... heard 4 fire engines and an ambo race up SH16... the power keeps cutting out and I had a huge tree just come crashing down... hopefully not on any sheep! Spent most of the day trying to save young trees that werte getting ripped up by the wind - stakes and all!

babyblade250rr

10th July 2007, 17:28

Damn this weather is ridiculous!! who peeved off the man upstairs??? i know it was one of ya!!:devil2:

janno

10th July 2007, 17:31

Wow - take care guys!!

Meanwhile in Brisbane the radio is describing today as a windy day too - you'd probably have to chase your hat a couple of strides if it blew off.

They do have wickedly wild weather here in Aus, just not consistently like NZ. A gust of 90km an hour is a source of wonder and news headlines here. . . :shit:

You'll all just have to hold up at the nearest pub until it dies down . . . :drinknsin

Panther

10th July 2007, 17:33

HA Ha, now you Auckland pussies can empathise with just another day in Wellington

Little Miss Trouble

10th July 2007, 18:05

Well I was all set to ride home until I looked out the window just in time to see out rubbish skip fly accross the carpark and dent a cage:shit: My bike is now locked up safe and sound in our warehouse and I made someone drive me home (and I didnt even have to cross the bridge):mellow:

crashe

10th July 2007, 18:10

NZ Police CommCens Alert 17:00 10-07-2007 Auckland City

Location of incident: AUCKLAND HARBOUR BRIDGE

Incident Type: HARBOUR BRIDGE UNSAFE FOR MOTORCYCLES

Severe winds have made the Auckland Harbour Bridge extremely unsafe for mortorcyclists. Police have attended two incidents in the last ten minutes where motorcyclists have been blown off their bikes. Fortunately no serious injuries have been incurred.
Police are advising motorcyclists to use an alternativem route or at least do not use the clip on lanes.
Issued By: Inspector Gary Hill

Ride safe out there on the roads tonight.

N1CK

10th July 2007, 18:10

Just heard on the news that two motorcyclists have been blown over on the auckland bridge, and is now closed to motorcyclists. Doesn't sound to good.
Looks like crashe bet me to it then.

kevfromcoro

10th July 2007, 18:20

its blowing its its guts out down here..debris all over the road.waiting for a tree to land on the roof.

Disco Dan

10th July 2007, 18:44

I got to ride home from the shore to westyland tonight at 11.... pooos... should be a laugh.. hehe

babyblade250rr

10th July 2007, 18:46

with all the stinkin weather and worried and upset bikers out there i thought i would post this link before signing off for the evening hope y'all find it as amusing as i!

P.S cheer up bikers long range forecast is for the nice weekend

http://www.lekmos.com/

discotex

10th July 2007, 18:59

I'm fuckin stoked I'm not heading north today. Rode home from the dentist in the city around 5:30pm and it was freaky shit.

I don't mind the wind or the rain but it's so gusty tonight you really don't stand a chance. Almost got blown into the gutter changing lanes on Hobson St as the wind suddenly went from an easterly to a westerly.

Then got blown over a lane crossing the bridge on Upper Queen st to get to Newton rd. Fortunately I'd planned to be blown over as that bridge is pretty exposed as it goes over the motorway so I made sure there were no cars anywhere near me. Still had to put the boot down or I'd have been on my side.

Harbour Bridge in that? No fucking way. HTFU just don't cover this one.

Just to make that clear the wind at Bean Rock in the harbour is 58 knots right now. That's 110km/h+ at sea level not counting gusts!!!:shutup:

Worse though is the sky dish flapping around means I got no TV to watch :shit:

tri boy

10th July 2007, 19:21

A mate on Waiheke Isld just reported constant 80knt winds from the Channel Isld "Now Casting" beacon. Gusts a much higher.
Lucky not to be on a yacht tonight.:mellow:

Sycophant

10th July 2007, 19:59

So I got a lift over the bridge, and I think I made right decision. Even in a fairly large SUV we were feeling the wind very strongly. And the bridge was moving in a way I've seen before. The Clipons were visibly undulating, and we got distinct sensations of negative-G at the top of the span, where the movement was most pronounced, it was quite freaky.

As for the bridge being off limits to bike - how the hell would we know? I get on a Fanshawe street, there's no signs or anything there that might tell me. There were no cops around there. The big eletronic sign just on the motorway said nothing about it.

MaxCannon

10th July 2007, 20:32

A workmate offered to loan me their car to get home, I decided to ride
since I'm too dense to know what is good for me.

I didn't think it was too bad on my way home except for the Mangere bridge.

It went from headwind to side to side gusts the whole way over.
Had a couple of heart stop moments when the bike slid sideways across the lane.
Was very glad to exit safely and get home with all my dangly bits still attached.

riffer

10th July 2007, 20:33

It still doesn't sound any worse than your average stormy Welly day guys. :mellow:

swbarnett

11th July 2007, 12:39

Would've posted this last night but no power :( Picked the right night to do Beef Steak Tartar for dinner - raw mince, no cooking involved :)

Drove over the bridge in the cage at a crawl as everyone was too scared to keep the speed up. You can go too slow when it comes to gusty winds (the faster you're going the quicker you get through the corridor of the gust so you don't get blown over as far).

We were in the left land and at the top the right side lifted damn near off the road. Had visions of being flipped over the railing into the Harbour. Definitely no place for a bike. My office window must be quite sheltered cause it didn't look that bad when I left.

Anyone got any details on the bikes that were blown over?

Sycophant

11th July 2007, 22:51

We were in the left land and at the top the right side lifted damn near off the road. Had visions of being flipped over the railing into the Harbour. Definitely no place for a bike. My office window must be quite sheltered cause it didn't look that bad when I left.

Anyone got any details on the bikes that were blown over?

No details on the bikes, although apparently both riders were okay, and there were no obvious parked up bikes outside motorway HQ, so I guess they got on their way?

As for the bridge, did you get the bouncing negative G sensation on the top? It was a little bit like being in a light plane in turbulence up there when we came across. As the passenger, and going slow, I could see the edge of the clip-on next to the solid span, and it was moving at least 15-20cm up and down.

I had visions of the Tacoma Narrows (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxTZ446tbzE) bridge flashing through my mind.

Tints

11th July 2007, 22:58

i rode on the bridge last night because i had no other way home and i didn't know how bad it was before i started and dude it was dodgy! i was pumped by the time i got over the bridge.:Punk:
i'm glad that i know my bike well. i was shifting all over the lane but stayed in it with all of the gusts. it would have been better if i could have gone over with a little speed ( greater than 20Kmh). i don't want to do that again any time soon.

swbarnett

11th July 2007, 23:18

As for the bridge, did you get the bouncing negative G sensation on the top?

I felt the left side of the car lift. I thought it was the wind but maybe it was the clip-on warping?