Accident in Akaroa (6 January)

[Shadows]

NZ Police CommCens Alert 15:00 6-01-2008 Canterbury

Location of incident: SH 75 NEAR HILLTOP

Incident Type: FATAL ACCIDENT

FATAL CRASH SH 75 TO AKAROA...CAR V MOTOR CYCLE
DETOUR REQUIRED BETWEEN COOPTOWN AND HILLTOP VIA PUAHA RD AND HARMANS TRACK...THIS IS KNOWN AS THE STOCK ROUTE
ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FOR AT LEAST 3 HOURS
Issued By: Senior Sergeant Tony Ellis

[sAsLEX]

Bugger, thoughts to friends and families and those present.

[jtzzr]

Yet more sadness for families , condolences to family and friends .

[onearmedbandit]

Shit, too close to home. RIP.

[kneescraper]

Dang, this ("sorry to hear this, my thoughts go out to the riders family") is coming about atleast twice aweek. Dropping like flys I tell ya....scares the shit out of me..

RIP!!!

[Phurrball]

RIP fellow rider...

[AllanB]

Hmm way too close - hope it not anyone I know.

Thats a narrow very bendy bit of road with very few safe passing places and busy on a nice day like today.

I've seen some very stupid driving (and riding) up and down there over the years.

Expect the route to be well policed over the next few weeks.

Best thoughts to all.

[99TLS]

..........rip

[Cache Wraith]

Deja vu...Another enjoyable day out riding and returning home to this news. Bugger!

[Bruiser]

Damn! I presume it is confirmed the fallen one is the rider?

[sparky10]

R I P

I was over those roads last weekend in camper van, lots of bikes in amongst heavy traffic, bikes seemed to b behaving unlike a few car drivers i saw, in too much of a hurry, passing where no one should and an old bugger who had a go a the missus saying i should stop n let the tailback of faster cars by, when i was keeping up with cars in front n driving to the conditions:gob::nono:

[MoNk]

......
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4345988a10.html
......

[Meanie]

Oh crap............ here we go again people

RIP fallen rider, condolences to the family

[Monkeyboy]

Ferchrissakes not another brother (or sister) down!!!!

[Swampdonkey]

R.I.P to a fellow rider. To many bikes going down....very sad news

[Scorpygirl]

RIP biker. Condolences to family and friends. This is so sad to hear. :(

[T.W.R]

Sickening to hear :eek5:

RIP comrade!

But knowing the traffic & road conditions this time of the year on the Akaroa highway I've resigned myself to early morning jaunts around the peninsula, bugger all traffic & the road surface has had a chance to recover from the heat of the previous day.

[MyGSXF]

Oh god, no... :(

R.I.P rider.... :bye:



shit I hate these threads... :mellow:

[Dave-]

RIP rider.

[dangerous]

To all those that have txt'd me asking about this acco, sorry but i was in the back blocks today well away from civilalisation... most of the crew have reported in.

Not nice news, but not toataly unexpected, riders and cage drives need to sharpen up on this strech of road.
sorry to hear of such news.

[k14]

To all those that have txt'd me asking about this acco, sorry but i was in the back blocks today well away from civilalisation... most of the crew have reported in.

Not nice news, but not toataly unexpected, riders and cage drives need to sharpen up on this strech of road.
sorry to hear of such news.
Yeah prob not the wisest stretch of road to ride down on a day like today.

RIP

[ital916]

RIP fellow rider. Condolences to the friends and family. Jesus it seems like a few pass every week....ride safe guys.

[jafar]

Sad to hear of another biker down. R.I.P

[Mr Triple]

Sad to hear of another so close to home, condolences to family and friends
R.I.P:bye:

[Deviant Esq]

Shit, too close to home. RIP.
Quite agree, far too close for comfort.

R.I.P fallen rider. Thoughts are with their family and friends.

[Silage]

Yes it is sad to hear of another down.

My son and a friend were at the scene a minute or two after it happened. He was quite shook up. Seemed like a bike on their own, not part of a group.

Be careful people.

[Paulus]

We were on this road last weekend and the traffic was crazy, bumper to bumper and moving about 20-30 kph round most of the corners on the hill. Not a good time to be on this road (frustrated people can do silly things) but still very sad news.

[chanceyy]

RIP rider .. Condolences to the family




Happening far to often at the moment .. take it easy out there guys ..

[karla]

My thoughts also this evening for the rider and for the shock and loss his or her loved ones will experience ...

[HenryDorsetCase]

Dang. That could have been me in that if I have a couple of hours spare I often zip over there on my own for a coffee, but I flagged riding today thinking about how busy it would be, and how many fuckwit holiday makers would be coming back.

RIP guy....

[Mikkel]

RIP to the rider! That is a bad way to go... My thoughts go out to the friends and relatives who have gotten a rather shitty beginning to 2008!

But as D said, no surprise. If there is any surprise, then it's that it doesn't happen more often along that stretch of road. Been out that way with a start 9-10ish from Halswell and won't ever do it again (at least not in summer). Get up early, beat the crowds and have an enjoyable trip would be my recommendation.


and I always see stupid riding heading out to Little River. Hope he/she wasn't though.

I'm curious... so you'd rather have people who ride sensibly be the ones to draw the shorter straw? Or...? :crazy:

[Shadows]

NZ Police CommCens Alert 14:30 6-01-2008 Canterbury

Location of incident: Hilltop

Incident Type: Fatal Crash

At about 1430 hrs on Sunday 6 January 2008 police were called to a fatal crash on the Christchurch - Akaroa Road near Hilltop. The crash involved a head on collision between a car and a motorcycle. The motorcyclist received fatal injuries as a result of the crash. The motor cycle involved is believed to be a hired motorcycle. The road has been closed near Hilltop to enable scene examinations to be completed but is expected to be opened by 1930 hrs tonight. Anyone with any information about this crash is asked to call the Southern Police Communication Centre on
03 3637400
Issued By: Senior Constable Dean Lawrence

[Meanie]

Met a guy in Hunterville the other day riding a hired KTM 900.He was from Ireland and touring the country, he was on his way to catch the ferry south, Im just wondering now if it could have been him Anyone know what sort of bike?

[imdying]

Met a guy in Hunterville the other day riding a hired KTM 900.He was from Ireland and touring the country, he was on his way to catch the ferry south, Im just wondering now if it could have been him Anyone know what sort of bike?Yes, could very well be him, if you have any more info, you know what to do (http://nzsbf.co.nz/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&p=23344#p23344).

[u4ea]

...........................rip

[TOTO]

RIP rider. So sad. I always hope its the last time I read something like this. so sad...:oi-grr:

[TonyB]

RIP rider. So sad. I always hope its the last time I read something like this. so sad...:oi-grr:

Yes it is sad, but it definitely wont be the last time. Motorcycling is not without risk- that's one of the key reasons why we love it so much, because it gets the senses firing and the adrenaline flowing.

May the fallen rider rest in peace, and may his family and friends find comfort in the knowledge that he was doing something he loved, in a beautiful part of the world.

[scumdog]

, and may his family and friends find comfort in the knowledge that he was doing something he loved, in a beautiful part of the world.

Meh, at the end of the day he's still f'kkn dead - the thought may help the grieving family in some way I guess, give 'em a crutch to lean on.

(In cynical mode today)

[pritch]

(In cynical mode today)

Watching the TV News over the holiday: stabbings, shootings, rapes, drownings, traffic accidents, etc etc. The thought ocurred that if I had to deal with the crap that you guys do, I might be cynical too.

I have pleasant memories of my only ride to Akaroa. Thoughts are with to the rider's family.

[vifferman]

Meh, at the end of the day he's still f'kkn dead - the thought may help the grieving family in some way I guess, give 'em a crutch to lean on.

(In cynical mode today)
To be perfectly honest, I agree with you scumdog.
I don't see how morbid/maudlin threads like this help anyone, and posting 'nice' stuff like "My thoughts go out to the family" and "RIP rider, whoever you are" is rather pointless.
Is it just that 'we' are nosy, and actually secretly enjoy bad news, but post trite "how sad! Poor biker! Their poor family! OH no not another one!" stuff to prove we care and show we're not just Interdweeb-based gawkers?

Flame away if you will, but you know I'm right.

[dangerous]

To be perfectly honest, I agree with you scumdog.
I don't see how morbid/maudlin threads like this help anyone, and posting 'nice' stuff like "My thoughts go out to the family" and "RIP rider, whoever you are" is rather pointless.
Is it just that 'we' are nosy, and actually secretly enjoy bad news, but post trite "how sad! Poor biker! Their poor family! OH no not another one!" stuff to prove we care and show we're not just Interdweeb-based gawkers?

Flame away if you will, but you know I'm right.

Na Im with you aye (cept if the dead is knowen to the poster) but when ever I say something like this I end up with certain people on my case... maybe people post rip cos it makes them feel beter? I know on ocasion familys do get to read these threads.

ya know thats 3 fatel accos involving bikers (6 biker deaths) in as many weeks each case its been a visotor the NZ... whens the GVT going to do something about it?

[ManDownUnder]

I don't see how morbid/maudlin threads like this help anyone, and posting 'nice' stuff like "My thoughts go out to the family" and "RIP rider, whoever you are" is rather pointless.

Disagree, but then I always maintained funerals are for the living...

[dipshit]

"My thoughts go out to the family" and "RIP rider,

I think they just copy and paste such crap from one week to the next.

[onearmedbandit]

To be perfectly honest, I agree with you scumdog.
I don't see how morbid/maudlin threads like this help anyone, and posting 'nice' stuff like "My thoughts go out to the family" and "RIP rider, whoever you are" is rather pointless.
Is it just that 'we' are nosy, and actually secretly enjoy bad news, but post trite "how sad! Poor biker! Their poor family! OH no not another one!" stuff to prove we care and show we're not just Interdweeb-based gawkers?

Flame away if you will, but you know I'm right.

I got to thinking about this this morning, and tbh I disagree with what you say. Motorcycling to me is more than a means of transportation, it is my love, my lifestyle, it is what drives me. Now when I explain that to non-motorcyclists, they just don't get it. But talk to another motorcyclist and they will understand perfectly. So there is an understanding amongst motorcyclists that goes further then even amongst mates you may get together for a beer with occasionally etc. So when a motorcyclist is killed on his or her bike, I do stop to think about them momentarily. Sure I don't know them, nor their families etc. I don't know whether they were s great person or a scum sucking leach. But I do know they also understood the joy of motorcycling, and died chasing that experience. So I will express my feelings of sadness at a strangers death. Because of the understanding we shared.


I think they just copy and paste such crap from one week to the next.

You know dipshit, you could've choosen another username and nothing would've changed, you'd still be a dipshit.

[Ixion]

You lift your hat when you see a funeral procession, do you not? Out of respect for a total stranger.

So what is wrong with showing the same respect to a stranger with whom you had at least one thing in common.

[Katman]

You lift your hat when you see a funeral procession, do you not?

Ahhhh, no?

[dipshit]

You know dipshit, you could've choosen another username and nothing would've changed, you'd still be a dipshit.

Username? Crap, I thought that was the box for sexual preference!

:blip:

[Ixion]

Ahhhh, no?

Then you ought to. It is a gentle and mannerly grace, the wilful neglect whereof condemns a man as ill bred or a barbarian.

[MoNk]

I'm curious... so you'd rather have people who ride sensibly be the ones to draw the shorter straw? Or...? :crazy:

Strange way to interpret my post. :wacko: In your mind I'd rather have sensible people die? ... :crazy:

Obviously dangerous driving/riding endangers others lives as well as your own. Also any accident involving dangerous driving giving bad press to bikers can't be good.

[vifferman]

I got to thinking about this this morning, and tbh I disagree with what you say. Motorcycling to me is more than a means of transportation, it is my love, my lifestyle, it is what drives me. Now when I explain that to non-motorcyclists, they just don't get it. But talk to another motorcyclist and they will understand perfectly. So there is an understanding amongst motorcyclists that goes further then even amongst mates you may get together for a beer with occasionally etc. So when a motorcyclist is killed on his or her bike, I do stop to think about them momentarily. Sure I don't know them, nor their families etc. I don't know whether they were s great person or a scum sucking leach. But I do know they also understood the joy of motorcycling, and died chasing that experience. So I will express my feelings of sadness at a strangers death. Because of the understanding we shared.
Yeah, I *do* get all that. I may not be as good a motorcyclist as your goodly self, Mr OAB, but I feel the same, except for the "I will express my feelings of sadness at a strangers death" bit. Expressing my feelings on a public forum may help me feel better in some small measure, and show people that I'm a wonderful caring fellow biker, but ultimately helps no-one apart from myself.

Yes, I feel sad, and there is a bit of the "there but for the grace of God, go I" thing too. However, in my opinion there's something unwholesome, maudlin and pointless about these threads, that smacks of the same human character that causes people to gawk at accidents as they drive past.
That is what I object to. You have every right to say whatever you want, and I recognise that right, and I sincerely hope it helps you. It's just the long line of people posting glib little messages personally irks me, and so I'm bleating about it, as that's what KB is for (?)

At the end of the day / in the final analysis / when you think about it / what it all boils down to, is that my post was in fact more worserer than all the posts I was bleating about, as I was neither kind nor sympathetic, and added nothing (0) to this poor sad event.

Carry on...

[Virago]

...It's just the long line of people posting glib little messages personally irks me, and so I'm bleating about it, as that's what KB is for (?)...

Yes indeed.

But time and place, people...

Start another thread about it, don't turn a Biker Down thread into yet another shit-fight.

Respect...

[TonyB]

Yes indeed.

But time and place, people...

Start another thread about it, don't turn a Biker Down thread into yet another shit-fight.

Respect...

Exactly. Someone start a thread, and we'll all debate it there.

[trump-lady]

My dad from CHCH says he was told it was an american on a hired bike and the rider was on the wrong side of the road. This is a very easy to do coming from American roads to here. I still to this day have a hair tie on my right brake lever to remind me where the middle line should be as (not often now) I had this problem when I first came home.

If this is true I have heard similar storys...cars and bikes and perhaps more empahsis should be placed on this being a very real problem when foreigners arrive in our country. A wee band on the bike similar to what I have would help alot.

As for the shit throwing, I tend to agree with both sides but if you read the past RIP post alot of family members and friends of lost ones come to the site to read them and almost always it helps them in some way. How do I know? because many have joined KBer so they can publically post saying so and give thanks. Surely those greiving find some comfort in reading all the kind things and condolences strangers and friends alike have shared and perhaps it is for them most of the people who post in these threads, do so. Perhaps also it helps them understand why their loved one loved to ride......

If I died tomorrow in a bike accident I would hope that a thread would be started for me and that in some small way the world stopped for some, to acknowledge my death* leaving their mark for me online.

PS this is the first RIP thread I have ever posted on.

[pritch]

Is it just that 'we' are nosy, and actually secretly enjoy bad news,

Hmmm a bit hard.

As John Donne put it,
"Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind."

Although with the world the way it is it wouldn't pay to think too much about that, or one 'd likely end up shot full of tranqs.

[James Deuce]

This is the time and place and TBH I'm getting tired of every Tom Dick and Harry posting RIPs for people they've never met, and were never likely to meet.

There is a time and a place and it is sharing grief with family and friends for someone you miss now and will miss forever.

The RIP threads are as creepy as the movie "Crash" IMO, unless they are started by someone who knows what's going on, knew the person, and has respected the waiting period for official confirmation before confirming the death of someone known to us.

I've seen RIP threads started on KB for Gang Members who've stolen bikes and then killed themselves running away from cops when they hit the first corner, FFS.

[dangerous]

I got to thinking about this this morning, and tbh I disagree with what you say. Motorcycling to me is more than a means of transportation, it is my love, my lifestyle, it is what drives me. Now when I explain that to non-motorcyclists, they just don't get it. But talk to another motorcyclist and they will understand perfectly. So there is an understanding amongst motorcyclists that goes further then even amongst mates you may get together for a beer with occasionally etc. So when a motorcyclist is killed on his or her bike, I do stop to think about them momentarily. Sure I don't know them, nor their families etc. I don't know whether they were s great person or a scum sucking leach. But I do know they also understood the joy of motorcycling, and died chasing that experience. So I will express my feelings of sadness at a strangers death. Because of the understanding we shared.

I hear ya man and agree aswell... however unless I know them I wouldnt 'express my feelings' on line, but i will give them a thought to myself, with out a doubt.


This is the time and place and TBH I'm getting tired of every Tom Dick and Harry posting RIPs for people they've never met, and were never likely to meet.

There is a time and a place and it is sharing grief with family and friends for someone you miss now and will miss forever.

The RIP threads are as creepy as the movie "Crash" IMO, unless they are started by someone who knows what's going on, knew the person, and has respected the waiting period for official confirmation before confirming the death of someone known to us.

I've seen RIP threads started on KB for Gang Members who've stolen bikes and then killed themselves running away from cops when they hit the first corner, FFS.

nice Jim well put, but the PC do gooders in this country will still argue with you.


You lift your hat when you see a funeral procession, do you not? Out of respect for a total stranger.
So what is wrong with showing the same respect to a stranger with whom you had at least one thing in common.

No... I think poor fucker (unbike related)


Then you ought to. It is a gentle and mannerly grace, the wilful neglect whereof condemns a man as ill bred or a barbarian.

I dont wear hats man.

[Joni]

I think they just copy and paste such crap from one week to the next.Except the one last week was about a dear friend of mine (really), and a few of the words in that thread meant a lot to me... so maybe it means something to someone else the next time round.

[Shadows]

This is the time and place and TBH I'm getting tired of every Tom Dick and Harry posting RIPs for people they've never met, and were never likely to meet.

There is a time and a place and it is sharing grief with family and friends for someone you miss now and will miss forever.

The RIP threads are as creepy as the movie "Crash" IMO, unless they are started by someone who knows what's going on, knew the person, and has respected the waiting period for official confirmation before confirming the death of someone known to us.

I've seen RIP threads started on KB for Gang Members who've stolen bikes and then killed themselves running away from cops when they hit the first corner, FFS.

For the record I started this thread as an objective statement of fact as it was news and maybe others did not have the information coming through on email. It wasn't intended as the start of another RIP thread for an unknown person - however, this is KB so I really should have known better!

Never mind, what ever spins ya wheels I guess....

[Ixion]

Stuff (http://www.stuff.co.nz/4346744a11.html)has an update.


The American tourist, believed to have been in New Zealand for just a day, lost control of his hired motorcycle, fell off and slid across the centreline into the path of an oncoming four-wheel-drive vehicle on State Highway 75, near Hilltop, about 2.30pm.
..."A preliminary report would suggest he's lost control of the motorbike in his lane, fallen off, crossed the centreline and gone underneath an oncoming vehicle."
The motorcyclist was riding a hired Honda machine.

[Ghost_Bullet]

these constant reports of motorcycle tragidys haunt me. and that they will bite us in the bum sooner than later, wether we are in the rite or wrong. never have I posted on a rip thread.\
though i think of the loss. I think of those that live. be good on the road....

[karla]

I haven't been with KB for long so ppl don't really know me, but even so this thread made me think a bit, and it paved the way for a conversation with my eldest son about what happens if I die. I have given him my details so that he can, if need be, do a final "see ya later" post for me here, on my behalf. Not trying to be maudlin or negative, trying to be realistic and to accept that .. accidents do happen. It may be that when my turn comes I will die climbing up a ladder or crossing the road or whatever.

We also talked about the process that follows a death for the family, and about the passing of time and healing and acceptance and inner peace that follows when we lose someone we love. Death is a part of life, and I really do believe that we must celebrate the time that we have here, and give thanks for the parts of our lives that we have shared with others.

I am glad that I am alive, just for today, and hearing about the death of another - stranger or friend - makes me appreciate each breath I take even more. I hope that I never again take for granted the sun coming up and setting each day, for even if I live to a ripe old age that will still be taken away from me far too soon!

[awayatc]

I am glad that I am alive, just for today, and hearing about the death of another - stranger or friend - makes me appreciate each breath I take even more. I hope that I never again take for granted the sun coming up and setting each day, for even if I live to a ripe old age that will still be taken away from me far too soon!

Wouldn't the world be a different place if we all could realy live by that.....?
Change the world , start with yourself.....
I can try that (again..) for 2008..........
Thanks for reminding...:niceone:

[deeanddude]

R.I.P. and thoughts to the family.

According to Press and Police sources, he was an american tourist on a rental machine.

Form one who rides the hill frequently, its a shit at this time of year with so much tourist traffic, and coming back over the top in the late afternoon, sunstrike is definately a killer. But at any time of year it will catch bikers and cages out.

I'm just glad I've been waiting on a new back donut, otherwise it may have been me.:brick:

[dangerous]

R.I.P. and thoughts to the family.

According to Press and Police sources, he was an american tourist on a rental machine.

Form one who rides the hill frequently, its a shit at this time of year with so much tourist traffic, and coming back over the top in the late afternoon, sunstrike is definately a killer. But at any time of year it will catch bikers and cages out.

I'm just glad I've been waiting on a new back donut, otherwise it may have been me.:brick:


man... were you been, since then there has been some serious accos and 3 dead in one acco since then... but yip ya right thers a lot of traffic but in this case the rider fucked up.

[far queue]

R.I.P. and thoughts to the family.

According to Press and Police sources, he was an american tourist on a rental machine.

Form one who rides the hill frequently, its a shit at this time of year with so much tourist traffic, and coming back over the top in the late afternoon, sunstrike is definately a killer. But at any time of year it will catch bikers and cages out.

I'm just glad I've been waiting on a new back donut, otherwise it may have been me.:brick:Huh? This thread is a year old dude!

[Katman]

Huh? This thread is a year old dude!

Some people just live for RIP threads.

[dangerous]

Some people just live for RIP threads.

christ... wait till he finds out about the rider that ran wide and killed 3 and maneing 2 others on the same bit of rd <_<

[karla]

Bugger - and I just reread a post I made thinking some other b***h had used my login name, and gave someone else bling for their post. Good reminder tho. I hope that if I go down under while riding there is a heap of blaming/analysing and hopefully a few good things said about me in a rip thread. That is 'cos if I stuff up, for whatever reason, maybe someone else will learn from my mistake. So, in a way, this thread is as relevant today as it was when it happened.

[LBD]

Bugger - .

Double Bugger

I have been on bikes some 40 years, some 33 on the road. My Dad rode bikes before me. I remember most of his lectures and I remember how he worried about the hazards and was (Justifiably) concerned about some of my antics, like some pretty long jumps over a well formed railway crossing in Rangiora he found out about. And I suffered for that one.

Well what goes around comes around, now my precious daughter is about to step up to a SV 650 and all these recient MC fatalities have me shit scared for her. See, I know she is just like me, or like I was. Now that I am in my Dads shoes I really feel sorry for what my Dad went through with me. (And 40 years on his lectures are still the same, even though my riding style has mellowed a bit.)

So here is a suggestion from me, lets all be especially carefull out there now, we have lost enough of our fellows, we are getting lots of bad press, we will soon be facing unpopular legislations to restrict our lifestyle (To protect us from ourselves) if this continues. Lets start a wave of extreme caution through the fraternity and let things settle down a bit.

Thats my lecture for the month. Any one want to second that?

[dangerous]

I hope that if I go down under while riding there is a heap of blaming/analysing and hopefully a few good things said about me in a rip thread. That is 'cos if I stuff up, for whatever reason, maybe someone else will learn from my mistake. So, in a way, this thread is as relevant today as it was when it happened.

yip with ya there... all the way


Thats my lecture for the month. Any one want to second that? I will... however with attudes these days with the born again riders and the young, I feel all will fall on deaf ears, having said that there are some exelent riders prepeard to learn so if a message like yours saves just one... it was worth it.

ps: I think your daughter will do just fine with a old man like yaself.

[LBD]

yip with ya there... all the way

with a old man like yaself.:Oi::Oi:

I resemble that you young whipper snapper: