Final post

[Dafe]

Three and a half years ago, I joined Kiwibiker as I'd renewed my previous interest in Motorcycling. I had just purchased a 2001 Triumph TT600.
A few months went by and I'd soon upgraded to a brand new 2003 SV1000S and I just looooved it!

Before long I'd established myself a group of riding buddies which included Skelstar, Badlieutenant, Str8 Jacket and of course Uncle B.

Before long, I'd found that Uncle B and myself were racking up the big Kilometers out the back of the Wairarapa. Occasionally joined by various other KB riders.

As time went by, Uncle B and myself met new members that would come to form our regular riding group - Fatjim, Darkman, Pex_Adams and it wasn't long before both Uncle B and I decided to upgrade to brand spanker Gixxer Thous.

As we racked up the kilometers, the riding would become faster and faster. Soon we were reading books on how to ride faster, analysing videos on how to ride faster and attending training courses on how to ride faster.

We would be riding those back Wairarapa roads at speeds that wouldn't leave us any room for error. Every sunday we were out contributing our bit for the petroleum companies.

It was at this point, that the thrill of high speed riding had become overshadowed by concern and the competitive nature of our riding group was fuelling the twist of the throttle a little bit more each time.

Soon, I was depressed about the way we were riding and it wasn't long before I began to hate it. I talked to my wife and we both agreed it was time to pull the pin. So I bailed.

It was only a matter of weeks later that I was at home and I had received the inevitable phone call....... The greatest price had been paid.

Needless to say, I had sold the Gixxer and I was back on the trusty and reliable SV thou. But past events made riding a sad pasttime now and even riding with relatives or new groups, my like towards bikes had changed.

With Uncle B, I had developed a friendship that went beyond the regular bike ride from A to B. My wife had become good mates with Bruce's wife and we would regularly be milling around in each others garages and spreading the sausages around on each others BBQ's on friday and saturday nights.

Bruce's friendship is one I'll never forget. We loved the same bikes and even the same cars. We both loved the bling factor too. The car I've always wanted and still want to own - Bruce once owned! A 1974 Ford Coupe - Aussie Muscle Car. How ironic!

I had always felt sad about the earlier passing of Flyin (Sam). I spent 15 years attending my local church and Sam and his family had become familiar faceds to me over that time. So that black day for Sam was the first day that truely started to change the way I admired motorcycles.

Just over two years ago, I was enjoying using Kiwibiker forums to do my Labour bashing. A topic that at the time drew alot of negative response, but I loved it. I was passionate it and I bagged Labour day in, day out. Before long I had a bashing mate in the form of - Finn. Finn was equally as passionate and with his new member enthusiam, he had soon claimed my title as the number one labour basher. Well, our job is done in that regard, so I'm pleased as I feel certain now that a party change is finally inevitable.

During my time at KB, I've made some wicked friends, especially from TCWNR.
Bruce and I started TCWNR and on my most recent rides, it was really great to have returned and made my few last rides with TCWNR crew and see the mentoring process working well, as Uncle B had intended. Guys like Sels1, Buckbuck, HSVboy and RantyDave. You should all give yourselves a pat on the back for doing a fabulous job and remaining to be sensible and responsible riders.

Str8 Jacket, thank you for comforting my wife during the time of my accident at Manfield, that meant alot to me. I never got around to thanking you in person so from me to you - Thanks you very much.

With little time for bikes now, I've opened a new chapter where my career and family are my priorities and passion. I'm not ruling out a return to motorcycling 10-15 years from now, but I do doubt it as I do have a stronger desire to buy a classic/muscle cage.

To all you young fellas and fella-eses out there. Ride safe and most importantly, ride within your comfort zones. If you're feeling pressured to ride beyond that, then seriously think about the consequences.
There's riding groups to suit all riders levels and don't be afraid to go it alone until you find the group best suited to you. Peer pressure and fast bikes don't mix well and you only get the one body to see you through this lifetime.
So take care of it and don't skimp when it comes to protecting yourself, buy the best as your body deserves it.

Finally, I want to depart the Kiwibiker community with the same words that I was greeted with when I first joined.

"Be prepared to know alot of people who are going to die"

I never forgot those words and sadly, those words have had the biggest impact on my time at KB.

Farewell all.

Dafe out!

[Patch]

so, you're just quitting then huh??

Life is hard sometimes.

[Maha]

As time went by, Uncle B and myself met new members that would come to form our regular riding group - Fatjim, Darkman, Pex_Adams and it wasn't long before both Uncle B and I decided to upgrade to brand spanker Gixxer Thous.
It was only a matter of weeks later that I was at home and I had received the inevitable phone call....... The greatest price had been paid.


Totally natural and understandable that you carry on with the great memories of a freind, when or why someone dies on the road is not up to us, Its a very big part of all road users prerogative to feel anger at either ourselves or others, when a mate dies in such a manor.

[Joni]

Sad Dafe....

You and I have had our ups and downs, but I have the utmost repsect for you and what you have been through.

Take care and good luck in what ever life brings next.

:sunny:

[CookMySock]

thanks for the story about getting faster and faster. This started to become clear to me a few months after I started road-riding. "This doesnt stop does it?"

wise words mate.

Adios, see you in 10 years. I'll still be alive.

DB

[YellowDog]

Dafe mate, very sorry to read of your life changing loss and the conclusions you have come to. We all have our time. When, Where, and How are TBD issues.

IMO - It was a good post, which would hopefully provoke some deeper thinking amoungst the KB community. Moving it to PD is an attempt to prevent other posters from benefitting from your experience.

Good luck with your new passion (have you seeeeeeeen the current price of fuel?).

Y.D.

[Joni]

Have you ever considered it could have been started in PD :spudwhat:

[James Deuce]

Farewell fella.

It would be nice if you hung around to share you car projects or purchases. Sounds like some interesting ideas have come up.

[ynot slow]

Thought provoking thread,I ride at my own comfort and abilities,just tell myself to slow down if required to,not to beat someone else,sure it is good keeping up with those percieved to be quicker,but are they a better rider,cutting corners etc.We are learning all the time and you have learnt a bike isn't for you the way some ride with you,good decision.
An XB GT351?nice if it is new weapon of choice.Best of luck.

[merv]

Have you ever considered it could have been started in PD :spudwhat:

Farewell Dafe and wherever this thread started it isn't pointless drivel in my view.

I only rode on few rides that Dafe was on so even to someone I didn't see much I still think it is a shame you are leaving the group.

I hope you enjoy the things you have chosen to do - bye bye :bye:

[Grahameeboy]

Any of our friends can die and not just from riding bikes and it is sad that is how motorcycling is seen..what about all those friends who live.

I will likely outlive Nats..does that mean we should not have kids?

Maybe we should not have friends who smoke...

Where does it end.

The one thing we are assured of is death...

A good well written post, however, just a bit sad that's all

[tri boy]

Your choice Dafe.
But consider getting a dualsport/adventure bike. To be honest you have seen only 5/8ths of f**k all riding a roadbike anyway.
Theres a bigger, slower adventure out there that concentrates more on friends and scenery, than late braking points and flashing lights. MHO

[TerminalAddict]

interesting read .. it have been having similar thoughts about the little group that I ride with ... it just got too fast ....

A more interesting point is the lack of understanding from those I ride with ... they choose to tease me about my lack of enthusiasm ...

Maybe tri boy has the answer .. dunno ..

[Maha]

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[sinfull]

interesting read .. it have been having similar thoughts about the little group that I ride with ... it just got too fast ....

A more interesting point is the lack of understanding from those I ride with ... they choose to tease me about my lack of enthusiasm ...

Maybe tri boy has the answer .. dunno ..

Yep There's riding and there's riding ! Let those who ride decide works for more than helmets (shit thats a blast from the past)

Was a great post about an adventure ride to the brass monkey here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=75069&highlight=brass+monkey)

Dont let dickheads pressure ya into riding harder than you feel you should !

[GSVR]

Totally natural and understandable that you carry on with the great memories of a freind, but dont glorify what happened to you mate. You make it sound like Uncle B died in a motorcycle accident?... He was killed in a car accident. People die mate, everyday, ''greatest price had been paid''? what a joke. Dont blame motorcycling on the loss of you freind.


Thanks for that I was 100% sure he was riding his black GSXR1000 with Jimbo600 following him. Even visited the corner he fell off on.

I'll have to remember not to shoot my mouth off in future when I don't know the facts.

[jrandom]

Dafe out!

Bye!<tencharacters>

[Mental Trousers]

interesting read .. it have been having similar thoughts about the little group that I ride with ... it just got too fast ....

A more interesting point is the lack of understanding from those I ride with ... they choose to tease me about my lack of enthusiasm ...

Maybe tri boy has the answer .. dunno ..
You generally have 3 choices when things are getting too fast: stop riding, change to a different type of riding or go racing.

Many people around here have chosen to go racing, but that gets expensive damn fast. You learn a hell of a lot about yourself and about 50x more than you ever thought it was possible to know about the art of riding a bike.

Quite a few others have decided that playing in the dirt or riding out to the middle of butt fuck nowhere is the way to go. That's more about the getting there with a bunch of mates and the scenery, not how fast you get there. Half decent roads actually cover bugger all of the country.

Others chose to remove themselves from temptation altogether and stop riding. Shame to lose them from the community because often they're colourful and interesting characters.

Shame Dafe is leaving, but it seems it hasn't been a hasty decision.

Now there's only Finn and Robert Taylor to bash the Labour party at every opportunity. More people that dislike tree huggers, Political Correctness and lefties are needed!!!

[sinfull]

More people that dislike tree huggers, Political Correctness and lefties are needed!!!

Sudden urge to go start the chainsaw, the v8, the fire (throw a tyre on it) and and and eat greasy burgers in styrofoam containers !
But i will no doubt just sit here and procastinate some more !

[Storm]

The Labour party are a bunch of bludging soft cock crybabies who didnt get beaten enough by thier parents and are now making sure no one ever gets told the cold hard truth about what fat lazy, good for nothing sponges, unwilling to lift a hand for honest work they are OR, maing sure good upstanding productive folk are being victimzed and raped till they bleed by the taxman to pay for aforementioned oxygen thieves, at which point-quite rightly too- they move somewhere better.
Sure, we're better off without them says some people, but there needs to be workers somewhere to fuel the gravy train,and if they all leave, where are your sorry moaning carcasses then?







That what you're after MT?
Glad to be of service

[Ms Piggy]

Go well and take care of yourself. :) Great thread. Cheers CSL.

[Daffyd]

You have raised a lot of good points.
Good luck, good health, and look after yourself.

[Storm]

By the way, look after yourself Dafe, maybe we'll see you again, maybe we wont. Vaya con dios amigo :)

[FJRider]

To all you young fellas and fella-eses out there. Ride safe and most importantly, ride within your comfort zones. If you're feeling pressured to ride beyond that, then seriously think about the consequences.
There's riding groups to suit all riders levels and don't be afraid to go it alone until you find the group best suited to you. Peer pressure and fast bikes don't mix well and you only get the one body to see you through this lifetime.
So take care of it and don't skimp when it comes to protecting yourself, buy the best as your body deserves it.



"Be prepared to know alot of people who are going to die"




To all those that ride motorcycles, what more can be said. If I had a litre of gas for every friend killed while motorcycling, I wouldn't have enough for a full tank. BUT I still would have more than I would like. TRY to make the right decisions. Even if it means getting a bit of stick for it.... You'll live longer.
Ride SAFE...see ya out there.

[karla]

Don't know you Dafe but I hope that I can make a conscious decision to leave when the time comes - as it will, one day - rather than just drifting away into oblivion. Thank you for saying goodbye.

I've thought about the friends dying thing a lot - if you go to church you will also get to know lots of people who will die. It doesn't mean that going to church is dangerous, it just means that because you know more people, you will experience death more often.

It's the nature of the human beast to make up reasons for our actions, but we don't actually need to justify or explain what we do. We just need to do what is right for us, when we are ready. Well done doing that, you've set a good example.

When one door closes, another opens ...

[Crasherfromwayback]

See ya later Dave.

If you read this and ever feel the urge to simply have a ride, come and borrow one of our demo bikes...you've been a pleasure to deal with.

My wee take on motorcycles (and the people that ride them) in general...

They are simply one of THE best inventions ever. They give us thrills, adventures, freedom and good friends.

The same way smokers congregate and chat...you'll always easily chat to any other biker. Do you jump out of your car at the top of the Takas and chat to the peanut in the Toyota?

The price we all sadly get to pay for the priviledge is obvious.

Having been in the bike industry for so long I've probably seen more than most leave us. But it will never stop me riding them.

We're all different, and if like Dave your bike 'flame' has burned out, fair enough.

But giving them away because you think they're dangerous is crap.

Eating poorly cooked chicken is dangerous too.

Ride to your own ability...tell anyone that gives you shit for doing so they're a cocksucker. Go racing if you're one of the cocksuckers so you can show us all how fast you are.

Pete

[MD]

All the best Dafe. Might see you around the burb sometime.

There's more to riding than chasing the bike in front- although it's all I'm interested in myself! I'm being serious too.

Today was a classic example of the joy of motorcycles, or more to the point, the joy of diverse types of motorbikes. A friend and I took out the new Harley Rocker and Suzook M109 demo bikes.
We had a ball. Grins from ear to ear. A different style, a different pace (for sure) but all the same a buzz to be on a special bike - both of them.

As someone said above, there's no need to dish motorcycling across the board, over the loss of a close Friend. Try off road, adventure or a Cruiser.

One day I will mature...no really... and settle back in a comfy Cruiser and still enjoy the hell out of riding.

I also take the view that we don't know what is ahead for us. Enjoy the moment. You might give up riding and miss out on years of pleasure from something that you really love, only to die of another cause, miserable in the knowledge that you could have carried on riding and been much happier.

Comes back to my guiding principle in life. Life is a means of travel, not a destination.

[merv]

Thanks for that I was 100% sure he was riding his black GSXR1000 with Jimbo600 following him. Even visited the corner he fell off on.

I'll have to remember not to shoot my mouth off in future when I don't know the facts.

Yeah wish maha man was as sensible and could get his facts straight before he spouted off about Uncle B.

Must say I glossed over his comment earlier and didn't notice the "died in a car" crap - sheesh! ... but sure as MD says you can die from all sorts of things.

[blacksheep]

met you and uncle b a way back when i had my old sv,i can understand where you are coming from but you will be back,i had a 15 year break and now i'm back and feel more mature with regard to handling the whole red mist/peer pressure thing and just ride like a nana now but i enjoy just riding and don't feel like i need to prove anything by being on the limit all the time.anyway all the best to you and yours and keep safe whatever you do.but whatever just enjoy life!

[Colapop]

A decision well made. For the right reasons. The most right reason is, for you. Whether you ride or don't ride for whatever reason is entirely up to you. Fair voyage sir, I hope to meet you (again) in another facet of life.

[Hitcher]

Farewell Dafe. I bought a pair of TBRs on the strength of the lovely noises yours made.

Mortality is something we all have to come to terms with. Statistically, we're most likely do die quietly while we sleep, just like my grandfather did. Not screaming in terror like the passengers on his bus.

[peasea]

so, you're just quitting then huh??

Life is hard sometimes.

It sure is, and rehab' is for quitters.

[Swoop]

Farewell Dafe.
Very wise words in post #1. Some of the site members would do well to heed them.

It has been a pleasure reading your posts, and there are others who will carry the word against the looney labourite sect!

Safe travels.

[RantyDave]

Eating poorly cooked chicken is dangerous too.
A poorly cooked chicken doesn't back out of a driveway without looking.

Dave

[DMNTD]

A poorly cooked chicken doesn't back out of a driveway without looking.

Dave

No but it can back out of your bum without warning :pinch:

[sels1]

To each his own Dafe. Nice to have ridden with you, see you around sometime.
Cheers.

[slimjim]

yes Dave , another change in life's thinking, however what's in thee blood will remain, AYE KEEP TIL THEN,

[Crasherfromwayback]

A poorly cooked chicken doesn't back out of a driveway without looking.

Dave

Maybe not... they're also quite courteous when crossing the road.

[Trudes]

Take care Dafe, enjoy life to the fullest mate and as you've done, hold true to your beliefs.:bye: