View Full Version : Moron effing tourists
maxworldbiker
18th January 2008, 09:55
I live in Nelson. Mapua, to be exact but no, I'm not a nudist. Its a lovely area, Nelson/Marlborough/Golden Bay. Anyone who has ridden around this part of the country will tell y'all how great the roads are. There's only one problem. Fkn campervans!!!
Last year I rode down to the Burt Munro, down the west coast, over the Haast, in thru Wanaka and Queenstown and on down to Giggletown for the weekend. Fabulosum trip, but I took my life into my hands. Campervan foolishness nearly cost me my life three times, my husband's life twice, and our friends (and my other bike!) twice too. The Crown Range was particularly terrifying, and I saw hubby's life flash before me when a camper swung out in front of him just as he was about to pull level with it. Braking hard caused him to wobble, but by some miracle he stayed upright. If he couldn't have done that, there were only two choices - over the edge or under the wheels of the camper. Sheesh!
Coming back after the weekend, over the Queen Charlotte Drive road, the sight of twenty eight campervans in convoy (yes, really!) - headed towards Nelson - struck fear into the heart of us all.
Since then, summer has come and Nellie, with its twisty, windey, biker-heaven roads to lovely places, has been swamped by even more of the same scourge-of-mankind-to-motorcyclists. What planet are these people on? Isn't it enough that we have to contend with police cars doing u-turns on blind bends and trying to blame the motorcyclists who were nearly killed and who had their bikes written off as a result? We also have campervans, in alarming numbers, indicating left and turning right, u-turning without even bothering to slow down in front of us, treating us like cyclists and overtaking us on blind bends and forcing us into the ditches, etc, et bloody cetera.
I haven't dared to go out on my bike for the last month this summer, as the roads around here are far too full of dangerous meandering, impulse driven motorized tourists to even contemplate it. Even in my truck I don't feel safe, not after seeing what happened last week up near home when a petrol tanker on the main drag couldn't stop in time for a van u-turning right in front of him. What a lovely mess. If he'd been on a bike? Nooo chance of coming out clean. One of the hazards of choosing to live in a tourist spot, you might say, and you'd be right, but why does it have to be SOOOOO much of a hazard? Why can't these campervan fools be made to take a competence course before they get out on the road and kill us all?
Finally, the hoardes are slowly leaving, and soon it might be safe to travel on two wheels again, while there's still some summer left. Ironic that I recently rode clear across America on congested freeways and deserted backroads with NO sense of the vulnerability I feel just three miles from my own house!
Does anyone know where I can get a large, cheap consignment of explosives so I can blow up all the campervans in New Zealand, before next summer?
Beemer
18th January 2008, 09:57
Don't forget, it's not just foreign tourists who use campervans! Take a look at how many line up for the Wanaka air show - you can't tell me they are all foreigners, so NZers who drive campervans also have to put their hands up to inconsiderate behaviour.
We live near Levin and trust me, it's not just campervans you have to watch out for, it's every moron you share the road with! There are some idiots on two, four and more wheels!
Cripes, just looked at your profile - talk about eerie! Almost same age, married, no kids, lots of animals, self-employed - scary!
maxworldbiker
18th January 2008, 10:04
Yeah. I had this theory, from years ago, that everyone needs to go out on a motorcycle and get used to riding it as part of their car licence testing. I find that from being a biker I tend to be kinda programmed to see them more clearly than I perhaps might if I hadn't ridden a bike. Over in the UK, at various points in the road like roundabouts etc, they have signs - THINK BIKE! - and statistically they have fewer collisions with motorcyclists in those areas where the signs are. Given that we have so many scenic roads that are frequented by bikes, we could do with some of those signs. Maybe I'll put some up myself....
scumdog
18th January 2008, 10:13
Milford Road down here is diabolical - there's a couple of pics in the Southaldn Times showing a camper van crossing right over the centre line to cut a corner and TWO cars in the act of overtaking a group of other cars - and crossing the yellow line while doing so.
Increase the penalties!!! (Like impounding rental cars if the driver is caught doing this shit)
After all, they can't really say "Oh, I didn't realise" can they?? (They might try though).
Ixion
18th January 2008, 10:16
It is interesting. So many people so often claim that drivers overseas (almost any overseas) are so very vastly superior to those in NZ.
Yet, when those same overseas drivers come to NZ, everybody also agrees that they are absolutely terrible drivers.
Is it because we are on the bottom of the woprld, causing blood to rush to the head I wonder?
duckonin
18th January 2008, 10:22
lovely place Mapua shall be back in Feb for a couple of weeks after going to the Cargil via CC then to Steward Island and will retrace your steps on the way back Franz jo, Grey, the port,then on to Mapua for a rest at your lovely camp hope the council has fixed that awfull smelling sewage pipe at the entrance of the lesiure park PHEWWWW!!!!!:argh: Shall keep a good eye on those camper vans, trouble is the driver does not have a lot of suround vision in them, plus the drivers cannot drive anyway, they back into anything at all
bull
18th January 2008, 10:25
I reckon the problem is purely the drivers are not used to such a big vehicle, wallowing along the road and through corners etc.
They should require an extra license class to drive them - but then the hire places would be spewing as hardly any rentals would be booked.
SO...
The fix would be that you have to pay the hire companies and ltsa a fee that gets you onto a 2 day course run by LTSA, using hire companies vehicle for practical and basic theory test.
Just maybe then they will realise its not a fricking car! longer stopping distances, different cornering for its wheelbase etc.
But i agree its not just tourists, its drivers in general. and as a road user all you can do is make sure you put yourself in the safest possible situation as you go, and in a heartbeat it could still all turn pearshaped.
Geez using the roads is dangerous.
NighthawkNZ
18th January 2008, 10:32
Walk... Vehicles are dangerous...
yungatart
18th January 2008, 10:37
Yep, campervans ...burn 'em...and Subarus and 4WDs, and vans and trucks and....you get the picture!
Or...just learn to ride proactively/defensively and get over it!
Macktheknife
18th January 2008, 10:41
Yeah. I had this theory, from years ago, that everyone needs to go out on a motorcycle and get used to riding it as part of their car licence testing.
Nice idea, I have been saying this same thing for 20 years but no-one listens and there is no way anyone will take it up.
Over in the UK, at various points in the road like roundabouts etc, they have signs - THINK BIKE! - and statistically they have fewer collisions with motorcyclists in those areas where the signs are. Given that we have so many scenic roads that are frequented by bikes, we could do with some of those signs. Maybe I'll put some up myself....
Quite like this one too, good luck with it, but some idiot will probably complain to the local council and you will get fined for the removal.
I think the ultimate really though is to drive an APC when they are out, really teach them a lesson for pulling out on you! lol
Jantar
18th January 2008, 10:50
I reckon the problem is purely the drivers are not used to such a big vehicle, wallowing along the road and through corners etc.
They should require an extra license class to drive them - but then the hire places would be spewing as hardly any rentals would be booked.....
Technically, they do require an extra licence class. Because of the weight of most of them, drivers should have a class 2 licence. (HT for us old timers). But I have it on good authority that there is a class exemption up to 6000 kg for camper vans to be driven on class 1.
bull
18th January 2008, 11:34
Good point Jantar - guess its like the hire moving trucks that joe bloggs can drive with the little exemption letters. Its a crazy system we live in. Theres a reason why you have to be licensed to drive the heavy vehicles - they are different and in turn need different driving techniques.
Horse
18th January 2008, 11:53
From http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/factsheets/11.html:
Class 1 - car licence
A holder of a Class 1 learner, restricted or full licence can drive:
* a vehicle that has a GLW or GCW of 4500 kg or less (this includes tractors or combinations of vehicles, but does not include motorcycles)
* a moped or all-terrain vehicle
* any campervan or tradeperson's vehicle with a GLW of 6000 kg or less and an on-road weight not exceeding 4500 kg.
Note that 4500kg is big. The average f-ing Maui campervan would be a lot less than that.
Swoop
18th January 2008, 12:16
Does anyone know where I can get a large, cheap consignment of explosives so I can blow up all the campervans in New Zealand, before next summer?
One of the NZ Armed Forces is supplying the maori "terrorists" with firearms, so explosives shouldn't be any problem.
I reckon the problem is purely the drivers are not used to such a big vehicle, wallowing along the road and through corners etc.
They should require an extra license class to drive them - but then the hire places would be spewing as hardly any rentals would be booked.
The call has gone out for campervans to be banned fron the Te Anau Rd.
Perhaps the solution is to require kiwi drivers (certified and approved by various authorities, of course) to cheauffer them on that road? Gainful employment for kiwi's and also allows more gawping time for the tourists and their cameras.
Coldrider
18th January 2008, 12:18
Looks like a moped or all terrain vehicle can be anysize. Must be so there is no licence restiction for the moon rover.
Hitcher
18th January 2008, 12:22
Those "moron effing tourists" are making a significant contribution to our GDP and standard of living. The death of a few kiwi motorists is a small price to pay for this privilege.
maxworldbiker
18th January 2008, 12:28
lovely place Mapua shall be back in Feb for a couple of weeks after going to the Cargil via CC then to Steward Island and will retrace your steps on the way back Franz jo, Grey, the port,then on to Mapua for a rest at your lovely camp hope the council has fixed that awfull smelling sewage pipe at the entrance of the lesiure park PHEWWWW!!!!!:argh: Shall keep a good eye on those camper vans, trouble is the driver does not have a lot of suround vision in them, plus the drivers cannot drive anyway, they back into anything at all
Actually, they haven't fixed the sewer pipe. I wandered down there last night to see a mate staying there (Guzzi rider) and I thought something was dead and rotting in the undergrowth. That is one FOUL drain. PM me when you're up here, swing in for a cuppa, we'll take ya for a tour of the garage, although its fair ti say you may not make it out alive....
Quasievil
18th January 2008, 13:15
Those "moron effing tourists" are making a significant contribution to our GDP and standard of living. The death of a few kiwi motorists is a small price to pay for this privilege.
BWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
and excuse the tourist for not being aware of our road rage mentality and crapola roads before booking their trip of a life time
magicfairy
18th January 2008, 14:09
Milford Road down here is diabolical -
On the news last night they showed a push from I think local police, or it might be ambos or some other local outfit, wanting hire companies to refuse to insure rental vehicles on the Milford Rd. Like they do for 90 mile beach and Skippers canyon. Just to cut down the huge number of tourists that come to grief on the road. It was blamed on the fact that it is a narrow winding road and tourists aren't used to driving large vehicles like campervans on these sort of New Zealand roads.
Of course hire companies said no....I guess they just increase the charges to compensate for higher insurance levies.
kerfufflez
18th January 2008, 14:18
Here's a link with the pics that Scumdog mentioned;
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southlandtimes/4361083a6011.html
McDuck
18th January 2008, 16:46
Get a pair of those gloves that DMNTD has, the fuck off titanium coated ones..
ElCoyote
18th January 2008, 18:28
Why can't these campervan fools be made to take a competence course before they get out on the road and kill us all?
When our politicians are made to take the same test that would be mandated the same week.........hang about there would be no politicians to mandate......"unsure what to do next so goes down to polish bike before it become illegal".
:gob:
The Pastor
18th January 2008, 18:43
if you ride a sports bike, you have this little thing called power, you can use power to overtake.
You can thank me later.
Grahameeboy
18th January 2008, 19:10
It is interesting. So many people so often claim that drivers overseas (almost any overseas) are so very vastly superior to those in NZ.
Yet, when those same overseas drivers come to NZ, everybody also agrees that they are absolutely terrible drivers.
Is it because we are on the bottom of the woprld, causing blood to rush to the head I wonder?
And we assume that all camper van drivers are from overseas.
NZ driving standards are poor compared to the States, UK, Europe, Aussie and sad to sad even Africa, all places that I have driven in.
Having said that you just get used to it and drive accordingly.
Last year a guy went to change lanes and saw me just in time. He put his hand up to say sorry, at the lights he wound his window down and apologised again...........he was an Aussie. In 9 years, that is the first time someone has acknowledged they were wrong instead of the ususal arrogant look....."what are you doing in my space"
We have one freak accident involving a tourist..............and Kiwi's find a way to say that they are not bad..bit like a year ago when it was Asians to blame.
Grahameeboy
18th January 2008, 19:13
On the news last night they showed a push from I think local police, or it might be ambos or some other local outfit, wanting hire companies to refuse to insure rental vehicles on the Milford Rd. Like they do for 90 mile beach and Skippers canyon. Just to cut down the huge number of tourists that come to grief on the road. It was blamed on the fact that it is a narrow winding road and tourists aren't used to driving large vehicles like campervans on these sort of New Zealand roads.
Of course hire companies said no....I guess they just increase the charges to compensate for higher insurance levies.
This applies to all Renters, not just tourists and what makes you think that Kiwi drivers are any better in a camper van?
There are narrow windy roads in UK and Europe............
Grahameeboy
18th January 2008, 19:14
Yep, campervans ...burn 'em...and Subarus and 4WDs, and vans and trucks and....you get the picture!
Or...just learn to ride proactively/defensively and get over it!
Like Porsches I guess..............
Shadows
18th January 2008, 19:33
Maybe those two young guys who torched those campervans with people in them in Wellington a little while ago were onto something....
Okey Dokey
19th January 2008, 07:35
It's a beautiful morning here and I'm just about to head out on a circuit through Marlborough and Nelson. You just have to be aware that it is summer and the roads are busier. Stay alert and try to keep the rage at bay. It is hard being relaxed but I find as a rider your own attitude is so important.
Thanks for the reminder of what is waiting out there. Motorcyclists have to try to ride better than the average driver, bearing in mind that we are so much more vulnerable. Use all the advantages we have of acceleration, road positioning, and the like to keep ourselves safe.
jonbuoy
19th January 2008, 07:46
Since then, summer has come and Nellie, with its twisty, windey, biker-heaven roads to lovely places, has been swamped by even more of the same scourge-of-mankind-to-motorcyclists. What planet are these people on? Isn't it enough that we have to contend with police cars doing u-turns on blind bends and trying to blame the motorcyclists who were nearly killed and who had their bikes written off as a result? We also have campervans, in alarming numbers, indicating left and turning right, u-turning without even bothering to slow down in front of us, treating us like cyclists and overtaking us on blind bends and forcing us into the ditches, etc, et bloody cetera.
How slowly do you ride that a campervan needs to overtake you on a bend??
mowgli
19th January 2008, 08:30
From http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/factsheets/11.html:
Note that 4500kg is big. The average f-ing Maui campervan would be a lot less than that.
Yup. When I was 16 and had my full class one I used that rule to drive a milk truck. To keep it under the 4500kg limit we had to split one section of the run into two parts with an extra reload. I reckon it was that job that taught me to use my side mirrors (both of them) properly.
Camper vans tend to have nice big side mirrors (better than your average jappa anyway). If drivers were more accustomed to using them then there'd be far fewer camper vans turning into other traffic.
fliplid
19th January 2008, 10:06
So, given the weight restrictions etc, how do these beggars get around driving a "campervan", and tow loaded trailer/4WD?
Grahameeboy
19th January 2008, 10:14
So, given the weight restrictions etc, how do these beggars get around driving a "campervan", and tow loaded trailer/4WD?
I often think the same about Kiwi drivers:pinch:
Bikernereid
19th January 2008, 10:57
I sadly/happily have not has the experience of riding/driving in NZ. I have spent a fair bit of time pillioning and being a passenger in a car and truck and one thing that I did notice is that like so many of the Brits a huge amount of a lot of Kiwis who drive car/4WD DO NOT INDICATE. For the love of God do these morons not realise that it is observe, indicate, manouver not manouver, near miss a motorbike and then look and indicate!
Tourists may have something to answer for but by the looks of it your driving instructors have a hell of a lot to answer for too.
And we assume that all camper van drivers are from overseas.
NZ driving standards are poor compared to the States, UK, Europe, Aussie and sad to sad even Africa, all places that I have driven in.
Having said that you just get used to it and drive accordingly.
Last year a guy went to change lanes and saw me just in time. He put his hand up to say sorry, at the lights he wound his window down and apologised again...........he was an Aussie. In 9 years, that is the first time someone has acknowledged they were wrong instead of the ususal arrogant look....."what are you doing in my space"
We have one freak accident involving a tourist..............and Kiwi's find a way to say that they are not bad..bit like a year ago when it was Asians to blame.
Grahameeboy
19th January 2008, 11:09
I sadly/happily have not has the experience of riding/driving in NZ. I have spent a fair bit of time pillioning and being a passenger in a car and truck and one thing that I did notice is that like so many of the Brits a huge amount of a lot of Kiwis who drive car/4WD DO NOT INDICATE. For the love of God do these morons not realise that it is observe, indicate, manouver not manouver, near miss a motorbike and then look and indicate!
Tourists may have something to answer for but by the looks of it your driving instructors have a hell of a lot to answer for too.
I have been here 9/10 years and although I have not been back for a few years it is so nice to drive in the UK.........drivers are couteous, less near misses....
Bikernereid
19th January 2008, 11:18
I think you should talk to sAsLEX about driving in the UK he found it somewhat frustrating to say the least. And I have to agree with his attitude. If you are in the fast lane then bloody stick your foot down or move over.
Some of what you are saying is right but as someone who does put my hand up to say thanks is is quite rare for others to do it. People here are becoming less and less courteous, maybe cos more cars are on the roads and people are getting more & more pissed off with congestion.
After riding to Grantham from Pompy on tomorrow I will let you know how it goes and how many near misses we have.
I have been here 9/10 years and although I have not been back for a few years it is so nice to drive in the UK.........drivers are couteous, less near misses....
cold comfort
19th January 2008, 11:19
As reported, 3 tourists have killed 6 NZer's in the last 6/52, 5 of whom were bikers. Unfortunately (as the photos in the ODT sho) it is not only tourists who are guilty of occupying the wrong lane, though their transgressions have horrendous consequences and, from what i can see, are not being adequately addressed. Bikers continue to be sacrificed on the altar of the almighty tourism (the same one which gives us giardia, rocksnot, pollution and unrestricted sale of NZ land to foreigners).
It was also reported the wrong lane issue was also due to recidivist drunk drivers and cellphone users. Yet while locals can expect their licences to be pulled for exceeding the speed limit by a relatively small margin, these obvious killers fail to be dealt to.
Grahameeboy
19th January 2008, 12:39
I think you should talk to sAsLEX about driving in the UK he found it somewhat frustrating to say the least. And I have to agree with his attitude. If you are in the fast lane then bloody stick your foot down or move over.
Some of what you are saying is right but as someone who does put my hand up to say thanks is is quite rare for others to do it. People here are becoming less and less courteous, maybe cos more cars are on the roads and people are getting more & more pissed off with congestion.
After riding to Grantham from Pompy on tomorrow I will let you know how it goes and how many near misses we have.
Maybe but if you compare number of cars in UK and NZ then why are drivers in NZ so bad when there is hardly any traffic and it is easy street and they have an appalling road toll per head of pop in comparison.
Grahameeboy
19th January 2008, 12:44
As reported, 3 tourists have killed 6 NZer's in the last 6/52, 5 of whom were bikers. Unfortunately (as the photos in the ODT sho) it is not only tourists who are guilty of occupying the wrong lane, though their transgressions have horrendous consequences and, from what i can see, are not being adequately addressed. Bikers continue to be sacrificed on the altar of the almighty tourism (the same one which gives us giardia, rocksnot, pollution and unrestricted sale of NZ land to foreigners).
It was also reported the wrong lane issue was also due to recidivist drunk drivers and cellphone users. Yet while locals can expect their licences to be pulled for exceeding the speed limit by a relatively small margin, these obvious killers fail to be dealt to.
How are they killers? That multi fatality tourist accident was a freak accident, not even partially intentional like say a drunk driver.
People are going to die on roads with lumps of metal whizzing around.
And that camper van lady was dealt with. Okay she may still have her licence but she paid $'s and still had to deal with the consequences of what she did.
scumdog
19th January 2008, 12:45
Maybe but if you compare number of cars in UK and NZ then why are drivers in NZ so bad when there is hardly any traffic and it is easy street and they have an appalling road toll per head of pop in comparison.
Cos nobody taught most of 'em to DRIVE.
They just somehow learned to steer (mostly) the car and use the pedals a bit in a rudimentry fashion.
FFS some can't even drive a manual, a lot don't even know how to change a tyre or check the oil.
End of driving lesson
Grahameeboy
19th January 2008, 12:49
Cos nobody taught most of 'em to DRIVE.
They just somehow learned to steer (mostly) the car and use the pedals a bit in a rudimentry fashion.
FFS some can't even drive a manual, a lot don't even know how to change a tyre or check the oil.
End of driving lesson
But what do the Ltsa do???
I agree to some extent that automatics make driving lazy....although to me it should mean you concentrate on the road more as you have less to think about but for some reason that is not true.
But with a manual it is harder to drink your latte, use a mobile phone etc
In India, the test involves going along a straight stretch of road.
Bikernereid
19th January 2008, 15:24
I guess you guys do have a hell of a lot more automatic cars but as far as I understood automatics don't yet indicate by themselves!! I don't quite know what you driving lesson requirements are but maybe if you made it as hard to get a car license as you do to get on a bigger bike then maybe this might assist in an improvement in driving skills.
Or maybe if everyone who wanted a car licence has to have a bike licence (250cc) first then it might foster a better awareness of road conditions, other road users and improvement in driving capabilities when they do get in a car.
As for Indian drivers, don't even go there.
But what do the Ltsa do???
I agree to some extent that automatics make driving lazy....although to me it should mean you concentrate on the road more as you have less to think about but for some reason that is not true.
But with a manual it is harder to drink your latte, use a mobile phone etc
In India, the test involves going along a straight stretch of road.
maxworldbiker
19th January 2008, 16:38
How slowly do you ride that a campervan needs to overtake you on a bend??
Its not a question of how slowly I might be going, or how slowly my newbie friend might be going on her l-plate, its more of a case of how quickly some of those twats are trying to take the bends. Reality check - some of those campers are big and bulky but they can also tramp, when the foot goes down, so don't be stupid enough to make the mistake of thinking big = slow, coz it aint necessarily so, and such an assumption can cost you your life.
Incidentallly, in using the term "tourist", I was actually including those kiwi people who drive the damn things too. In a crippling fit of self doubt this afternoon, after reading the responses here which seem to assume I meant foreigners only, I consulted the God of Syntax - my trusty monolithic Collins Complete and Unabridged - for its definition of "tourist". Not only does it have splendid definitions of the F word, the C word, and that rather nasty American M word, it does endorse my own use of the term "tourist" to mean holiday makers in general, not necessarily specifically foreigners. Deffo reads: a person who travels for pleasure, usually sightseeing and staying in hotels So kiwis who want to get to and from places, without the added cost of hotelling it, get campervans too. Its probably cheaper per night than hotels for the whole family + petrol etc. So it aint just the foreigners we need to be afraid of... its the home-grown tourist, too!
They're just as guilty, no argument there! What the hell, lets blow em up anyway!!!
Usarka
19th January 2008, 16:51
Isn't Finn touring in a campervan?
cold comfort
19th January 2008, 20:03
How are they killers? That multi fatality tourist accident was a freak accident, not even partially intentional like say a drunk driver.
People are going to die on roads with lumps of metal whizzing around.
And that camper van lady was dealt with. Okay she may still have her licence but she paid $'s and still had to deal with the consequences of what she did.
These forum reposts seem to be like txt messaging in that few seem to get the point/intent of the comment. I did not single out tourists as "killers" and acknowledged locals, including the drunk and terminally incompetent/stupid cell phone users (who don't indicate) as people who habitually drve on the wrong side of the road!! Its the DRIVING ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD that is the killer for all of the above reasons and others. It is this that needs more focus than it is currently receiving, in my opinion
tri boy
19th January 2008, 21:13
Perhaps the solution is to require kiwi drivers (certified and approved by various authorities, of course) to cheauffer them on that road? Gainful employment for kiwi's and also allows more gawping time for the tourists and their cameras.
I humbly offer my "Skills":bleh: to the Swiss/Swedish, and Brazillian female Olympic gymnastic and diving teams if they ever wish to tour NZ.
Payment can be arranged before, during and after the tour.:devil2:
More seriously though, the more popular we become as a tourist destination, the more tolerant and aware m/cyclists need to become. It, (the masses of vans) are not gunna go away, so we need to adapt, and stay alert.
Grahameeboy
19th January 2008, 21:14
These forum reposts seem to be like txt messaging in that few seem to get the point/intent of the comment. I did not single out tourists as "killers" and acknowledged locals, including the drunk and terminally incompetent/stupid cell phone users (who don't indicate) as people who habitually drve on the wrong side of the road!! Its the DRIVING ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD that is the killer for all of the above reasons and others. It is this that needs more focus than it is currently receiving, in my opinion
Possibly your post was misunderstood as the key word was 'Tourists', however, I think I understand what you were saying now
maxworldbiker
20th January 2008, 11:19
More seriously though, the more popular we become as a tourist destination, the more tolerant and aware m/cyclists need to become. It, (the masses of vans) are not gunna go away, so we need to adapt, and stay alert.
Well I agree, of course, and hypervigilance goes with the motorcycling territiory, but can't we just offer all intending campervan drivers a competence course before they hit the road in their murdering masses, and just tell them that while the course is optional, the other choice is to be blown up by explosives?:laugh:
Okey Dokey
20th January 2008, 11:30
Well, for what its worth, had a fantastic ride yesterday. Saw quite a few other bikes and everyone was waving back, even a couple of riders on trikes. Most road users courteous.
A campervan pulled to the side after the Pelorus Bridge to let about 4 vehicles past. The Pajero in front of me just dawdled past so the guy in the campervan had to come to a complete halt as he ran out of room. I gave the guy a nice friendly thank you wave, but the guy in front me didn't acknowledge him at all. Honestly, some people are so self-absorbed and unaware.
maxworldbiker
20th January 2008, 21:12
Nice to hear a positive experience. Can't hurt to have more of those...
Forest
21st January 2008, 19:18
I treat all campervans like they're a potential hazard.
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