High vis options [Archive] - Kiwi Biker forums

scorpious

26th August 2008, 19:14

It doesn't matter.

The only way they would see you in an active visual search is if your bike was white, had a pole with a flashing light on it, and you were wearing a white helmet.

Maybe if you were a hot naked chick they'd see you too.

Never assume anyone can see you. Ever.

Eye contact is a myth.

Rockbuddy, they haven't seen you, they can't see you, they won't see you.

Bang on!!!
IN the the huge four years that I've been riding I've had 3 ppl stop, look right at me, wait then pull out!!!

not a nice feeling
luckily some helpful chap told me when Id started riding to pretend to be invisible, bloody good advice! :rockon:

gw555

26th August 2008, 19:18

Well I was wearing a flouro yellow vest with a yellow helmet on a yellow bike and still he came for me, when I got up off the road all I got was "sorry mate didnt see you" and "ohhh your not to hurt?", but I suppose he has been charged with dangerous lane changing while I still keep going back to the hospital two or three times a week and of course after 12weeks its becoming a habit!!!!!!!!
But there again it could have been worse he might have seen me and then done the job properly.........................

Swoop

26th August 2008, 19:31

To show up on their radar, you have to be a threat.

Highlander

26th August 2008, 19:54

While I agree with what James has typed, I wear a "Glow Vest" working on the theory that it only has to prevent one driver pulling out in front of me to have paid for itself in un measurable multiples.

It doesn't matter.

The only way they would see you in an active visual search is if your bike was white, had a pole with a flashing light on it, and you were wearing a white helmet.

Maybe if you were a hot naked chick they'd see you too.

Never assume anyone can see you. Ever.

Eye contact is a myth.

Rockbuddy, they haven't seen you, they can't see you, they won't see you.

Mom

26th August 2008, 20:00

Everyone these days seems to wear HI-VIZ somethings! It has become invisible as a result! Bit like headlights on bikes, cars use them as driving lights in the daytime now, the effect is lost.

I reckon we should all use red and blue flashing lights, accompanied by air horns that sound like sirens as a bare minimum. Better chance of doing a runner in times to come if no one recognises that :yes:

No one ever sees, even if they have eyeballed you! :done:

AllanB

26th August 2008, 20:08

There was a interesting article in The Press newspaper in Christchurch early this year after the motorcycle carnage on the roads this summer. It made the comment that the high visibility vests wears were almost viewed as 'wimps' and thus ignored by drivers, 'bikies' were highly visible as they portrayed 'danger' or trouble and when was the last time your heard of a motorcycle cop knocked off?

I'd have to say I have considered one but not purchased yet.

One of the most visible motorcycle related things I see and I've commented on before is helmets, get a bright colour or patterns - the helmet is up high and visible - black ones are bloody useless at being seen.

Brutus

26th August 2008, 20:25

All Black, gear and bike.
If they came out with super sixties swirly trippy dayglo ones...
I'd probably freak right out man.
Lights blazing, can't see them then they are definitely pissin in the gene pool.

TaNkSlApT

26th August 2008, 20:29

hi vis vests give cage drivers a target to aim for.

MIXONE

26th August 2008, 20:34

hi vis vests give cage drivers a target to aim for.

You got it right!They are all out to get you and if you forget it they will!!!!

banditrider

26th August 2008, 20:36

My gear has reflective strips which affect the flash of cameras (see piccy) but I often throw on a vest on big trips. Will be wearing one on the GC for sure...

roy.nz

26th August 2008, 20:54

High beam on hazards going and high vise top and someone still pulled out in front of me, remembered the plate number and *555 him,Dick.Still ride with high beam on and drive for myself and everyone around me.

Steam

26th August 2008, 21:06

This is what I did to my ventura bag, with some wide reflective sew-on tape from the safety shop. Cheap at $4 a meter.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1055554&postcount=43

Horse

27th August 2008, 01:46

What I love about these threads is how much superstition and wild assertion easily trumps actual scientific enquiry.

But then that's humanity, innit?

AllanB

27th August 2008, 08:46

[QUOTE=Horse;1704926]What I love about these threads is how much superstition and wild assertion easily trumps actual scientific enquiry.

QUOTE].

James Deuce

27th August 2008, 09:02

What I love about these threads is how much superstition and wild assertion easily trumps actual scientific enquiry.

But then that's humanity, innit?

My information is from scientific studies on the psychology of drivers and motion camouflage. Where's yours from? One study on the benefits of fluoro vests commissioned by 3M?

There's no assertions in my conclusions, having lived the experiences detailed in those studies for 20 years. Hi vis jackets make no difference. People don't spend enough time checking in each direction at an intersection for instance to actually discern colour. They are checking for shape and size. They check for less and less time as they get older and the law of diminishing returns actually changes this from the positive benefits of experience to a hazard as the driver still expects his aging brain to provide enough information to make a decision. Eventually they turn the wrong way up a motorway (92 year old chap did that up the Nauranga Gorge earlier this year) or pull out in front of a motorcyclist that they honestly, literally didn't see. Age isn't the only problem. But as people live longer and have greater expectations of their old age they are increasingly represented in intersection accident stats. Statistics NZ has a paper on it and it shows how things have changed since the 80s.

MarkH

27th August 2008, 09:22

One of the most visible motorcycle related things I see and I've commented on before is helmets, get a bright colour or patterns - the helmet is up high and visible - black ones are bloody useless at being seen.

My Draggin' Jeans are black, my Jacket is black, my gloves are black and my boots are black. But my headlight is always on and I just bought a white helmet. I doubt that a high vis jacket would make as much difference as a white helmet, so I will stick with my black leather jacket.

IMO
A white or bright yellow helmet is very noticeable. Though many car drivers don't look properly and you should still NEVER assume they have seen you.

CB ARGH

27th August 2008, 09:32

I got one, wore it once, and when I got to about 60 it blew apart at the velcrove thing.

Time to get a cycling one I think :yawn:

Horse

27th August 2008, 10:02

Where's yours from? One study on the benefits of fluoro vests commissioned by 3M?

I think that's called making assumptions.....

having lived the experiences detailed in those studies for 20 years.

The plural of anecdote is not "data". Which pretty much is my original point.

col

27th August 2008, 10:23

were better of if they cant see us then they have nothing to aim at we just have to watch them so we can miss them remember you tend to head for what you are looking at if you go off the road in to a paddock with only one tree you will probability hit the tree because you are looking at it

MSTRS

27th August 2008, 11:07

I think that's called making assumptions.....

The plural of anecdote is not "data". Which pretty much is my original point.

I'd trust the anecdotal evidence over the data. Longterm, everyday, practical, uncontrolled - trumps test scenario. Unless the test scenario is under the same conditions as the anecdotal. In which case, it is anecdotal, not data. Eh?
The other reason I wouldn't bother with the data is that people who wear this gear invariably are the type to take extra caution anyway, therefore making a mockery of any findings that wearing fluoro is safer.

Swoop

27th August 2008, 11:12

If you want a free fluro vest, simply ride tail-end-charlie for the Westpac ride, carrying a pillion who has a stick with a hook on the end of it...

There were heaps on the road this year.

MarkH

27th August 2008, 11:36

I'd trust the anecdotal evidence over the data. Longterm, everyday, practical, uncontrolled - trumps test scenario. Unless the test scenario is under the same conditions as the anecdotal. In which case, it is anecdotal, not data. Eh?
The other reason I wouldn't bother with the data is that people who wear this gear invariably are the type to take extra caution anyway, therefore making a mockery of any findings that wearing fluoro is safer.

I disagree that the data is not worth bothering about, but I agree that it is easy to look at data without realising that it is comparing safety conscious people wearing high-vis with people that don't take as much care and wear black. Always treat the data with some degree of scepticism and don't assume that every conclusion if infallible. This sort of thing reminds me of the people that put a magnet on their fuel line and get better mileage - when you are trying to get better mileage and drive more gently it works, even without the magnet. Remember people - placebos work, it is well documented in many, many medical journals.

I'd rather not look like a dick and feel safer while being no safer, or worse - being less safe due to my false sense of security (and still looking silly). I bought a white helmet, I don't feel inclined to go further than that and I doubt a high-vis vest would make any significant difference to my safety. My helmet is the only thing that sticks out above my fairing & windscreen - I feel it possibly does make a difference, but regardless it cost no more than a black one and is not anything extra to wear, so no real money or convenience cost to me.

AllanB

27th August 2008, 11:41

If I had to wear one I'd get one of these - at least they look the part.

I almost got one at the start of winter as I figured it would keep me warm over my leather jacket since I have a limit to how much I can wear under it. Thermals are good - especially 2 at a time.

Also I agree regarding the comments that wearers of vests tend to be more cautious riders to start with - I do not think I have ever seen a GSXR rider with one!

mouldy

27th August 2008, 12:03

Offence is the best form of defence , ride offensively

MSTRS

27th August 2008, 12:07

I disagree that the data is not worth bothering about, but I agree that it is easy to look at data without realising that it is comparing safety conscious people wearing high-vis with people that don't take as much care and wear black. Always treat the data with some degree of scepticism and don't assume that every conclusion if infallible. This sort of thing reminds me of the people that put a magnet on their fuel line and get better mileage - when you are trying to get better mileage and drive more gently it works, even without the magnet. Remember people - placebos work, it is well documented in many, many medical journals.

I'd rather not look like a dick and feel safer while being no safer, or worse - being less safe due to my false sense of security (and still looking silly). I bought a white helmet, I don't feel inclined to go further than that and I doubt a high-vis vest would make any significant difference to my safety. My helmet is the only thing that sticks out above my fairing & windscreen - I feel it possibly does make a difference, but regardless it cost no more than a black one and is not anything extra to wear, so no real money or convenience cost to me.
I wear black, and I take care. I take responsibility for my own safety. I'm not unusual in that respect. Don't let Katman brainwash you that we are all squids.

If I had to wear one I'd get one of these - at least they look the part.

I almost got one at the start of winter as I figured it would keep me warm over my leather jacket since I have a limit to how much I can wear under it. Thermals are good - especially 2 at a time.

Also I agree regarding the comments that wearers of vests tend to be more cautious riders to start with - I do not think I have ever seen a GSXR rider with one!
Damn straight! except as a marshall on the chopper appeal ride

EJK

27th August 2008, 12:46

Most of the times but I try not to wear it on my way to school tho... :o

Oh! I remember Tank (on KB) had this shiny chirstmas lights-ish High Vis Vest! :laugh:

Do you still have it?

rachprice

27th August 2008, 14:55

Hmmm I wear all black, I keep my headlight on (don't know about high beam though isnt that a bit dangerous?)
I haven't had too much issues with people pulling out in front of me lately, I did when I first started riding but no so much anymore.
I think its probably I am more aware now and anticipate people pulling out. But yeah I haven't had any close calls in ages!

ManDownUnder

27th August 2008, 16:13

To show up on their radar, you have to be a threat.

YUP. Amasing the difference a rifle bag over mu shoulder had while splitting down the NW a while back. You'd think me name was changed to Moses...

Seriously - was really surprising.

As has been said - they can't, won't, and don't see you... assume that at all times.

SPman

27th August 2008, 16:24

REOMVED ?????

is that a Krishna thing.......?

I didn't do enough Oms today......

(later)

.. have you reomved yet?.......

FROSTY

27th August 2008, 16:42

actually Funny I was thinking about this today.
From the point of view of a cager I've been having big problems not so much seeing bikes but more actually judging the speed of the bikes.
The headlights on bit seems to cause a problem with speed judgements
Keeping in mind I'm a heck of a lot more bike aware than your average cager.
definitely its easier to judge the speed of a biker wearing light colors and headlights off

justsomeguy

27th August 2008, 16:51

NO - I like black gear. Don't rely on them seeing you - rely on you identifying them first.

Some KB'er had a signature that ran:"They hit buses and trains and you expect them to see you?"

Kwakajack

27th August 2008, 17:13

It doesn't matter.

The only way they would see you in an active visual search is if your bike was white, had a pole with a flashing light on it, and you were wearing a white helmet.

Maybe if you were a hot naked chick they'd see you too.

Never assume anyone can see you. Ever.

Eye contact is a myth.

Rockbuddy, they haven't seen you, they can't see you, they won't see you.

I totally agree, I have too many near misses on a weekly basis for this to be untrue. I have a rowdy bike, spectacularly painted helmet, and my leather gear is white and lime green, I am hard to miss but people do all the same, idiocy cannot be undone by wearing bright colours, its a genetic thing, the dumb ones will be culled, unfortunately not all so idiots persist in our gene pool, darwin awards or not!

Mikkel

27th August 2008, 17:16

Everyone these days seems to wear HI-VIZ somethings! It has become invisible as a result! Bit like headlights on bikes, cars use them as driving lights in the daytime now, the effect is lost.

That is not correct. You are no less visible just because other motorists are having their lights on. True, you may not stand out as much - but dressing up in a monkey suit and a pink g-string is not going to make you easier to see, people will just pay more attention to you when they do see you.

There's a huge difference between being easily seen and standing out.

Hmmm I wear all black, I keep my headlight on (don't know about high beam though isnt that a bit dangerous?)

Keep it on low beam - you won't achieve anything except pissing people off by running the high beam.

NO - I like black gear. Don't rely on them seeing you - rely on you identifying them first.

Some KB'er had a signature that ran:"They hit buses and trains and you expect them to see you?"

QFT!

Make no assumptions whatsoever. If you do, always be prepared to deal with the consequences.

I've seen a lot of bikers who pay little heed to how they position themselves on the road. It's not always about what the others can see - it's difficult to react to a hazard you can not see, as such it's imperative to move around in your lane in order to get the best observation space possible. E.g. keep left in your lane when approaching an intersection where cars going in your own direction are waiting to turn right.

MSTRS

27th August 2008, 17:34

....E.g. keep left in your lane when approaching an intersection where cars going in your own direction are waiting to turn right.

Mentor hat on...
Not necessarily. I assume you mean on a single lane each way road...then yes, to avoid becoming a boot ornament :blank:...and to give more opportunity to see/be seen by traffics coming the other way (because the turning vehicle is an excellent vision-blocker), some of which may also be turning right.
But on a 2 lane each way road, possibly not...you are in the left lane and there is other traffic in front/behind you...then stay towards the right side of that left lane, so as to not give the impression that there is a gap for Mr Opposing Right Turner to shoot into.

Mom

27th August 2008, 17:58

but dressing up in a monkey suit and a pink g-string is not going to make you easier to see, people will just pay more attention to you when they do see you.

There's a huge difference between being easily seen and standing out.

I will remember that next time I wear my monkey suit on my bike, I never thought to wear it with a g-string :lol:

Seriously though, the only time I have ever worn hi-viz was on our recent Westpac ride. We (the core riders) all had orange hi-viz vests on (thanks Gubb). We all rode together as a group. We had a few other bikes come with us, quite a few that also had hi-viz gear on. The weather was appalling, we stood out like the perverbial dogs balls! About the only time this kind of gear really makes people notice you are there, a bloody great big group of bikes.

Mentor hat on...
Not necessarily. I assume you mean on a single lane each way road...then yes, to avoid becoming a boot ornament :blank:...and to give more opportunity to see/be seen by traffics coming the other way (because the turning vehicle is an excellent vision-blocker), some of which may also be turning right.
But on a 2 lane each way road, possibly not...you are in the left lane and there is other traffic in front/behind you...then stay towards the right side of that left lane, so as to not give the impression that there is a gap for Mr Opposing Right Turner to shoot into.

Lucky you have a mentor hat to put on :dodge: Good advice that is :yes:

I have argued this point with car drivers over the years when I hear complaints about bikes taking up lanes (interestingly enough the last person who suggested I rode on the shoulder of the road was Mike Noon of AA fame). For me it is all about me. I will place myself where ever I know (read - hope, pray, expect, all at the same time sometimes) I am the most visible.

MarkH

27th August 2008, 18:18

interestingly enough the last person who suggested I rode on the shoulder of the road was Mike Noon of AA fame

Funnily enough I get some kind of anti-bike vibe from the AA.

Recently I was browsing their website and read about how they feel that the ACC cost was much higher for bikes and that the bike rego should cost more than it does to more fairly cover the ACC costs - car rego should therefore become cheaper as the car drivers shouldn't have to subsidise the bikers. They also gave the view that the 50cc scooters should require a bike license - so the riders are better trained. I suppose the more you do to put off people from buying bikes and scooters the less accidents involving bikes and scooters - traffic and parking problems in the cities be damned!

Back to the topic of making yourself more visible - I have tried driving a large white refrigerated truck - didn't help, had a close call when a car pulled out right in front of me and I had to brake hard, I was doing maybe 40 - 50kph. If they can't see a white refrigerated truck then how will they see a high-vis vest on a biker?

Mom

27th August 2008, 18:28

Funnily enough I get some kind of anti-bike vibe from the AA.

You are not alone, not by a long chalk.

If they can't see a white refrigerated truck then how will they see a high-vis vest on a biker?

Simple fact of the matter is they wont. We are small visually, sometimes not easy to see even if you are like me and a biker first and very aware to look properly. Makes no difference what we wear.

As an example, the other day in my bomb car I was at the end of a road at a t intersection, there was a school kid standing just past the corner to my right. I looked both ways, all clear. Some 6th sense made me pause, just as well, this little kid had managed to conceal an approaching van! Heaven help any car driver if it was a bike appraoching is all I can say.

I didn't see it! I can hear the hue and outcry now!

We just need to be hyper aware at all times!

rachprice

27th August 2008, 21:02

Keep it on low beam - you won't achieve anything except pissing people off by running the high beam.

.

OH yeah I thought so, I don't personally someone just said that before?

Highlander

27th August 2008, 23:34

I got one, wore it once, and when I got to about 60 it blew apart at the velcrove thing.

Time to get a cycling one I think :yawn:

The ones the Honda Riders Club sell ($15 each if I recall correctly) have a zip up the front rather than Velcro.

dpex

28th August 2008, 20:10

While I agree with what James has typed, I wear a "Glow Vest" working on the theory that it only has to prevent one driver pulling out in front of me to have paid for itself in un measurable multiples.

I have been watching very closely for the number of bikers who wear 'any' vis, much less Hi-vis. My observations so far say it's one-in-twenty.

You make an interesting point about bikers not being seen to be a threat to 'other' vehicle drivers. In fact as I write this I realise you have identified a very excellent point. I wonder how we can change that?

My whimsical mind wonders if we should all carry a chain to belt recalcitrant drivers' vehicles. What about a purpose-fitted array of paint-ball guns? Two in front and behind. Two on each side.

Invade my space and pooom! Ya get a burst.

Maybe.

But the point is well made. We bikers don't pose a threat like other vehicles. How do we change that?

Do we approach LTNZ (or whatever the hell its called now) and demand some sort of million-dollar ad-campaign? Maybe we should. Why not? What about ACC?

I must admit, I do like the paint-ball idea.

Imagine some tit in a BMW giving some chick on a 50cc a hard time, only to get his/her flash car splattered with paint-balls!

Imagine coming upon some tit about to turn right, in front of you. You press the button and give the prick a burst of 20 paint-balls. That should wake him/her up.

I think that going with micro-stinger missiles would be taking matters a bit too far. :--))

Yeah. You're right, buddy. We bikers need to find a way to be seen as a threat equal to other road-user threats.

Ixion

28th August 2008, 20:21

The ones the Honda Riders Club sell ($15 each if I recall correctly) have a zip up the front rather than Velcro.

Yes, mine has a heavy duty zip. From any safety store

My whimsical mind wonders if we should all carry a chain to belt recalcitrant drivers' vehicles.

Sigh. We used to do that back in the day. And a while ago (when there seemed to be a bit of road rage going on), I thought I'd dig mine out. Found it, nice massive fuck-off chain with a honking great padlock on the end. Just the job . "Yeah mate, I understand you didn't see me. Easy not to see things. Like just now, here I am idly twirling my security chain, wot I use to secure my bike cos of all the thieves, and I didn't see your headlamp there, and now it's broken. Shame"

Alas, times have changed. Slung it over my shoulder , bandolier style as we did, climbed on the SV , and CLUNK. The chain falls forward and clonks the tank. Luckily I have a tank protector!. A very short ride showed that wasn't going to work! Modern riding positions ! I gues sit might be OK on a crusier.

Jerry74

28th August 2008, 20:22

Good idea in theory stupid car drivers still don't pay attention to you

Swoop

28th August 2008, 20:38

I You make an interesting point about bikers not being seen to be a threat to 'other' vehicle drivers. In fact as I write this I realise you have identified a very excellent point. I wonder how we can change that?
People tend to notice Mongrel Mob / Black Power / (insert any other patched gang members here) bikes on the road.
Reason: THREAT.

If you ever see a patched gang member riding around with a day-glow vest on:
#1: It will be a good day to throw snowballs around in hell.
#2: The biker will be in a gutter after some cager pulling out in front of him, saying "SMIDSY".

blossomsowner

28th August 2008, 22:39

scorpious

29th August 2008, 14:31

I have been watching very closely for the number of bikers who wear 'any' vis, much less Hi-vis. My observations so far say it's one-in-twenty.

You make an interesting point about bikers not being seen to be a threat to 'other' vehicle drivers. In fact as I write this I realise you have identified a very excellent point. I wonder how we can change that?

My whimsical mind wonders if we should all carry a chain to belt recalcitrant drivers' vehicles. What about a purpose-fitted array of paint-ball guns? Two in front and behind. Two on each side.

Invade my space and pooom! Ya get a burst.

Maybe.

But the point is well made. We bikers don't pose a threat like other vehicles. How do we change that?

Do we approach LTNZ (or whatever the hell its called now) and demand some sort of million-dollar ad-campaign? Maybe we should. Why not? What about ACC?

I must admit, I do like the paint-ball idea.

Imagine some tit in a BMW giving some chick on a 50cc a hard time, only to get his/her flash car splattered with paint-balls!

Imagine coming upon some tit about to turn right, in front of you. You press the button and give the prick a burst of 20 paint-balls. That should wake him/her up.

I think that going with micro-stinger missiles would be taking matters a bit too far. :--))

Yeah. You're right, buddy. We bikers need to find a way to be seen as a threat equal to other road-user threats.

dahm good idea except i'd have shotgun on my bike,
or an explosive thats got a delay and is stuck on a tube out the front of the bike. hit the car, ride off and 10 seconds later...BOOM!!!! :Oops:
I'd say that would count as a threat lol :)

Mikkel

29th August 2008, 15:46

Mentor hat on...
Not necessarily. I assume you mean on a single lane each way road...then yes, to avoid becoming a boot ornament :blank:...and to give more opportunity to see/be seen by traffics coming the other way (because the turning vehicle is an excellent vision-blocker), some of which may also be turning right.
But on a 2 lane each way road, possibly not...you are in the left lane and there is other traffic in front/behind you...then stay towards the right side of that left lane, so as to not give the impression that there is a gap for Mr Opposing Right Turner to shoot into.

If I am on a dual carriage way I'm in the middle lane... :yes:

But in all seriousness - I mean one single lane roads and when travelling in the right-hand lane on dual carriage ways. If I'm in the left-hand lane on dual carriage ways I'm either lane-splitting, turning left or participating in a group ride.

dpex

5th September 2008, 17:39

The day was fab, and since I had nothing pressing requiring my attention I decided to go for a quick jaunt South-East. I thought that a nice pub-lunch in Thames might be the ticket. Very light traffic offered a wonderful run. Had my pub-lunch and wondered about where-to next, and ended up in Coromandel. Now there's a nice ride! Met up with a guy named Paulie. A biker on a near new Suzuki 600. Sweet bike. Anyway, he was wearing exactly the same high-vis as me. Ergo, bright orange jacket and lumo green pull-ups....I need pull-ups cos of my age...:wacko:

We had coffee and chatted, as you do. He mumbled about bastard cops, which reminded me of a joke. "Bloke walks into a bar, orders a beer and says to the barman, 'All cops are bastards'! Whereupon a bloke also sitting at the bar said, 'Oi! Watch your mouth!' The first bloke look at him and asked, 'Why? Are you a cop?' 'No,' replied the second bloke, 'I'm a bastard.'

Anyway. Turns out Paulie was coming across the plains, passing the odd car, as you do....in his case i gather at sometimes close to 160. On the Eastern side of the Kopu bridge waited a cop, who flagged him down. Turns out some aggrieved car-driver had Star 555'd him and reported him doing well in ecsess of 250kph.

Naturally Paulie asked how it was possible for a car-driver to know this unless he, also, was doing the same speed. The cop smiled and replied, 'He is a she. And shes make great court witnesses. You want a ticket for 120 or do you want to wait around for her to arrive and then I'll throw the book at you?'

He told me he did a quick calc. One twenty meant $140 and a few DM points. A court hearing would go at least $1500 when lost work time was taken into account. But just to test he said, 'So did the driver give my rego?'

'Nope,' replied the cop. 'She just told us to look out for some idiot dressed like a sign for a brothel. You have to admit, your outfit is pretty distinctive. I saw you waiting across the other side of the bridge.'

So there you go. High-vis certainly does work at catching the attention of others, but there's clearly a down-side. :angry:

We both stripped off the greens, and tandemed back to Thames. He is a way better rider than me so I learned a bit about the cornering-skid event horizon. Ergo; I went a lot faster than I would have thought safe. So that was good.

We split. He went to Paeroa. I came home to Auck.

Good day!Learned heaps and had heaps of fun.

BTW: The pub-lunch I had was at a bar/bistro, on the left, in the middle of Thames, on a corner. Reasonably good burger, but the best damned chips I've ever had. Lousy coffee.

dpex

5th September 2008, 18:04

I've been sitting here thinking about the day as I have read more replies on this issue. And I've had an idea.

I'm going to buy one of those flash, blow-up dolls which men who can't find an opportunity to have sex with the Sunday roast, (before it's cooked) use. Read Portnoys Complaint for further gruesome details on the matter.

I figure strapping 'Doris' on my pillion should gain some attention.

Just imagine! At 100Ks Doris will be blown around a lot and thus look very.....pick an adjective...Active, inviting, noticeable, alluring, threatening to many drivers' wives, etc.

Oh yes. That has great possibilities.