Wellington Wednesday Night Cruisy Summer Rides -- 2008/09

[marioc]

mmm some bloody nice bikes,whose is the blue firebolt...drool

[James Deuce]

Look up. Up there.

[sinfull]

Look up. Up there.
I detect issues here Jd ! Ya wanna talk about them ?
Get the feeling by a few of ya posts i've read in the past, you know of some brilliant rides around the wellington region !
We got this new thing going on at our hang out called the talking stick !
See ya on wednesday !

[davebullet]

... i just kept an eye out for the glow coming from Daves fluoro jacket.

Nothing quite like a $14 fluoro jacket from the Warehouse eh? Only thing better would be riding a brand new $20,000 bike with a $14 jacket on :laugh:

Thanks for you and Lilly2Wheels for flagging that bloody rock on the road... would have ridden over it otherwise. Big sucka it was with a little one to the side (smack in the middle).

I just couldn't resist pushing it a little....moonlit night, great conditions. Lovely ride. The VTR is certainly fun to flick around.

Gee I find it tiring though. Probably too much newbie concentration going on.

Dave.

[davebullet]

I shall be there next Wednesday, assuming my bike starts, I have petrol and my wife lets me :oi-grr:

mate,

I think a friend (any friend) of yours will be in need of some help next wednesday (one whose silence can be bought for a beer), and you'll just HAVE to go out. She won't say no to that. Women never do to a friend in need so she'll totally understand.

Well - worked for me until the divorce :laugh:

[Weaver]

Crikey! It seems these wedensday night rides are becoming quite dangerous.

[Manxman]

I shall be there next Wednesday, assuming my bike starts, I have petrol and my wife lets me :oi-grr:

I'm going to try to get to one of these, assuming that: my wife lets me, I have petrol and my bike starts...in that order. :laugh:

[Pedrostt500]

I'm going to try to get to one of these, assuming that: my wife lets me, I have petrol and my bike starts...in that order. :laugh:

Sell the Wife, put a down payment on some petrol, the bike will start.

[Manxman]

Sell the Wife, put a down payment on some petrol, the bike will start.


Mmmmm, there's an idea. I like the 'outside of the box thinking' going on here.;)

[Hawkeye]

Count me out this week. I had a spill at the top of the gorge after Bretts trip to the airport. :weep: Found out that a Hiace with ABS has a shorter stopping distance than my bike. :slap::cry: Nothing major. Pride hurt more than the bike but I still need to repair some plastic/indicators etc as the WOF is now due.

[Drogen Omen]

man... you guys need to take better care out there or pretty soon there wont be anyone for me to go for rides with on wednesday afternoon...

[madmal64]

All going to plan I should be there.
Cruisy hump day scoot will be good.

[Lilly2w]

Might be out to, Mr 2wheels has been poorly sick and i must stay home like a good wifey and nurse him.:doctor:

[Pedrostt500]

yep i'll be along.

[GrayWolf]

yep looks like I'll be out for a spin....... :chase:

[Drogen Omen]

Might be out to, Mr 2wheels has been poorly sick and i must stay home like a good wifey and nurse him.:doctor:

don't tell me he has "Man Flue..." :no:

That is fatal... hehehehhe :violin:

Watch this... poor guy he looks like he's gona die and his miss's looks like she doesn't even care... heheheh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXLHWmjA5IE

you better give him a little bell and come to his every call like a good little wify... hehehehe

well hope he gets better.

[davebullet]

Might be out to, Mr 2wheels has been poorly sick and i must stay home like a good wifey and nurse him.:doctor:

Naa.... Now you can take his cruiser for a spin! :2thumbsup

[Wasp]

I'm in, leaving town right now :yes:

[Drogen Omen]

so where are we going today???

[I'm motarded]

I'm in where we of to????

[Bullitt]

probably the same as every other week. Some place we decide around 6.29 :whistle:

[sels1]

Wont be joining ya this week...(sigh)...away on another work trip. Loverly weather down here, Mt Cook looks very picturesque from where Ive been watching it all day!
Have a good ride - definitely see ya'll next week

[madmal64]

Hope you all had a great ride tonight. Work got in the way of life this afternoon so I missed it. :doh:
Didnt get home till after 7.00pm so was running really late. I wont make it next week either as I will be on my way to the Burt Munro Challenge

[Lilly2w]

don't tell me he has "Man Flue..." :no:

That is fatal... hehehehhe :violin:

Watch this... poor guy he looks like he's gona die and his miss's looks like she doesn't even care... heheheh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXLHWmjA5IE

you better give him a little bell and come to his every call like a good little wify... hehehehe

well hope he gets better.

hehehe poor likkle bunny...

[Maki]

Great ride yesterday, loved it. I didn't see anyone with an L plate though and I was the only person riding a 250. There was a 150 there though but I think it had a turbo... ;)

There must be a lot of learners and 250 bikes around and I encourage them to show up for the Wedensday night ride if the weather is good. It's good fun.

[marioc]

hmm there was plenty of 2fiddys last week

[Weaver]

There must be a lot of learners and 250 bikes around and I encourage them to show up for the Wedensday night ride if the weather is good. It's good fun.

I've got a 250. Maybe I'll come along in a couple of weeks and have all the larger bike pass me on the straights, because you know, 250s are slow, right?

[quallman1234]

There was a 150 there though but I think it had a turbo... ;)


Tehehehe. Screw 250's, Go the 150's.

[quallman1234]

I've got a 250. Maybe I'll come along in a couple of weeks and have all the larger bike pass me on the straights, because you know, 250s are slow, right?

What are you on about mate? No one apart from doug was going above 110ish, Last night. I set the speed along the motorway for most of the group

[Freakshow]

What are you on about mate? No one apart from doug was going above 110ish, Last night. I set the speed along the motorway for most of the group

You cruel bugger, you made then all inhale those smoker fumes!

[Bullitt]

Great ride yesterday, loved it. I didn't see anyone with an L plate though and I was the only person riding a 250. There was a 150 there though but I think it had a turbo... ;)

There must be a lot of learners and 250 bikes around and I encourage them to show up for the Wedensday night ride if the weather is good. It's good fun.

There were alot of 250s last year. This year theres alot of new 600s;) 250s more than welcome though, Im sure there will be more as the summer continues.

[Drogen Omen]

made a small modification to my DR350 lastnight.

total cost $0
one peice of quarter inch perspecs (i had lying around)
one yellow brillo pad (from my mums kitchen)

removed the airbox cover the one with 2 tiny little breather holes and made my own custome uintake cover to allow more air to pas through... good old brillo pads... hehehehe also cleaned the airfilter and cleaned the carborator and found some grit in ti which wouldnt have help.

one of my mates said i should change the cover since im not going off road at the momenty cause the one that was on there was to protect the airfilter from water mud and dust...

now instead of toping out at 120 got her up to 140 with no probem this morning. hehehe so now i'll be able to keep up with the 250's... that 150 is way too fast for me... hehehe

[James Deuce]

now instead of toping out at 120 got her up to 140 with no probem this morning. hehehe so now i'll be able to keep up with the 250's... that 150 is way too fast for me... hehehe
Sigh. The whole point of the Wednesday rides is thoroughly dead and gone.

No longer cruisy, to the point where people modify their perfectly adequate motorcycles to "keep up".

[Maki]

Sigh. The whole point of the Wednesday rides is thoroughly dead and gone.

No longer cruisy, to the point where people modify their perfectly adequate motorcycles to "keep up".

It was actually quite cruisy last time, at least compared to the Thursday night ride I was on a while ago. We even passed a friendly officer of the law who gave us a nice wave...

[James Deuce]

It was actually quite cruisy last time, at least compared to the Thursday night ride I was on a while ago. We even passed a friendly officer of the law who gave us a nice wave...
The Wednesday night ride was started up to give people an alternative to the Thursday one, that didn't involve stunting and (as much as we all enjoy it) thoroughly illegal behaviour. It worries me that people mention speeds that equal reasonable fines and demerits and feel that they have to "keep up". Most of the roads used on the weekday rides aren't entirely bereft of Police presence.

"Quite cruisy" implies something else.

[henry]

No longer cruisy, to the point where people modify their perfectly adequate motorcycles to "keep up".

I went on out on Wednesday and it was very cruisey. Speeds weren't excessive at all so I'm not sure what every one is on about. quallman1234 was giving it some but he was on a RG150, it was all noise and elbows.

Especially surprising was the bollocking a few of us got at the top of the hill for riding too fast. I'm not sure what else I could of done apart from getting off and pushing it round the corners. Mind you it wasn't without incident and it was nothing to do with speed.

I think people are getting a bit confused between 'keeping up' and 'catching up'. The group got a bit spread out because of the traffic lights. Nothing you can do about that. If it happens there is no point killing yourself to catch up. After all we had the traditional tyre cooling stop at the top so no one was going to be left behind.

[325rocket]

Especially surprising was the bollocking a few of us got at the top of the hill for riding too fast. I'm not sure what else I could of done apart from getting off and pushing it round the corners. Mind you it wasn't without incident and it was nothing to do with speed.

I think people are getting a bit confused between 'keeping up' and 'catching up'. The group got a bit spread out because of the traffic lights.no one was going to be left behind.


I agree. If you don’t have the self confidence to be your own man (or woman) and ride your own ride to your own abilities maybe motorbikes aren’t for you. Alternatively if this wasn’t the problem but you thought you could get lost on a hill with no turn off point’s maybe invest in a GPS.
Last week was faster then other Weds night rides I have been on but it wasn’t excessive and I didn’t hear any learner riders complain at the speeds. I will admit the cruisiness has slipped a little since BuckBuck pulled back. I know he was there but you know what I mean.

[James Deuce]

You won't hear any learners complaining about a "less cruisy" ride because they all want to emulate people with far greater skill and experience.

Losing your license, riding 10/10ths, and crashing are all things that seem to be acceptable to KBers, and it's a shame to see the Wednesday ride become yet another race. As Ixion has pointed out before, presenting an accident as a bad thing on KB is often viewed as a soft cock mentality, and a necessary step on teh road to becoming a true "motorcyclist". Hanging out with people with both skill and a survival ethic seems to be deeply uncool.

It doesn't mean you have to ride like a Nana either. If my last Wednesday experience was anything to go by, some people could do with learning some throttle control and staying off the brakes.

[Ms Piggy]

It doesn't mean you have to ride like a Nana either.

Never fear James! I shall be there soon and riding like a good ole Nana on Betty. I don't want to and can't keep up with fast riders anyway!

[ukiwi]

me and the wife (lilly2wheels) really enjoyed the wednesday ride we were on a couple of weeks ago, as did the other couple of L platers and 250's that were there. I dont think any of us ever felt like we had to ride to keep up with anyone, in fact we were in front of a couple of the guys on biger bikes for most of the way, and they were still smiling at the top of the hill, cant get much cruisier than that.

[James Deuce]

My word. One REALLY has to push hard to get the nice people to pipe up, doesn't one?

[325rocket]

My word. One REALLY has to push hard to get the nice people to pipe up, doesn't one?

are we not nice people?

[James Deuce]

I wouldn't know ;)

[Weaver]

Perhaps someone should take on the role for headmaster and tell the people that are trying to race that maybe they should ride elsewhere at a different time.

I think alot of this can be turned around by the faster more experienced riders, riding slower. If this was to happen, then the more inexperienced riders won't push their abilities trying to keep up.

Or just fuck it and the wedensday will just dwindle away.

[Pedrostt500]

Perhaps someone should take on the role for headmaster and tell the people that are trying to race that maybe they should ride elsewhere at a different time.

I think alot of this can be turned around by the faster more experienced riders, riding slower. If this was to happen, then the more inexperienced riders won't push their abilities trying to keep up.

Or just fuck it and the wedensday will just dwindle away.

Nobody is holding back the faster riders, let them go for it, there is always the Thursday night rides for those who wish to ride a bit quicker, and feel constrained by the Wednesday ride.
It would be good to see more "L" plate riders on the Wednesday night ride.

[ukiwi]

Am I missing something?
It all seemed fine to me, just like the Sunday morning ride.

Youre right though Pedro it would be good to see more L plates, not so much for the pace or style of ride but just to get them out there. Me and the wife have picked up so many good tips and advice through riding with those a bit more experienced.
I think it also makes the whole experience of owning and riding a bike better when you can spend time with like minded people. Even if some of them do ditch the GT and buy an everybody look at me, dogs knob red, "bike of the year",
Do I sound jealous?

[James Deuce]

Yeah I think you are possibly missing something.

The initial intent was to go for a gentle pootle, roughly as a group, and have a meal, or an ale, or coke or whatever takes your fancy, talk "biker" and then a gentle ride home.

The last one I went on was ridiculous.

There was no group ethic, just a bunch of people riding far enough beyond the speed limit down the motorway to make a ticket unpleasant, and then the very odd experience of riding over the hill at a gentle pace, sometimes too gentle, and then people buggering off in three directions once at Featherston.

I dunno, maybe I'm expecting too much, but I saw a few stressed people riding just beyond themselves, and some people riding in an annoyingly erratic fashion. It's just supposed to be fun, with an emphasis on the sort of fun you have spending time with people at the pub. It's now more like an NCEA subject you have to get an "achieved" in before you can buy a "real' bike and go on a "real" ride on Thursday.

Fundamentally, I don't like riding with a bunch of people who are riding just hard enough to be unpredictable because they are riding just into their discomfort zone. I also don't like the fact that there just isn't ANY discussion AT ALL about adhering to any sort of protocol in terms of riding formation, leader and TEC, and expectations around getting L-Platers home before 10.

The Wednesday rides were started by a guy, now dead, who could see that people needed to learn a bit about riding with other people, and developing some good habits that you need to do that.

It's just a free-for all-now, and worse for it I feel.

[Ocean1]

The Wednesday rides were started by a guy, now dead, who could see that people needed to learn a bit about riding with other people, and developing some good habits that you need to do that.

It's just a free-for all-now, and worse for it I feel.

Seems to me Jim that you're amongst the best qualified of the local crustyoldcunts to do something about that...

[Weaver]

Nobody is holding back the faster riders, let them go for it,

I'm not saying anyone is. I'm saying they could set some sort example on the wedensday night by riding at a "gentle pace". That is what the the wedensday nights are about.
As you said, if the faster riders want to ride at their own pace, which in this case is a bit faster, then they maybe they should ride on the thursday night.


The C in TCWNR stands for Cruisie.

[ukiwi]

Yeah I think you are possibly missing something.

The initial intent was to go for a gentle pootle, roughly as a group, and have a meal, or an ale, or coke or whatever takes your fancy, talk "biker" and then a gentle ride home.



We must have turned up on the right night cause thats what happened.

[Bullitt]

Im interested whether anyone who is slower and/or learning is concerned? I know this year is faster than last year which is probably because so many people have gone from 250s to 600s this year.

Two weeks ago I had a pillion so was probably the slowest person there but it didnt matter. At the top everyone was waiting then when we got into Featherston I wasnt sure if we were going to the red pub or tin hutt, but there was a group waiting at the turn off to make it clear. Not a problem.

[No FX]

Hey everyone i just moved up from Chch 2 weeks ago so will try make it to a ride this week. I am flying down to pick up my bike on monday (i miss it sooo much:crybaby:) so I need to be shown where the best roads are up here! I hear a lot of talk about the Rimas? I wonder if it is as good as a run over to Akaroa;)
Hopefully see you all soon

Jay

[DingoZ]

Yeah I think you are possibly missing something.

The initial intent was to go for a gentle pootle, roughly as a group, and have a meal, or an ale, or coke or whatever takes your fancy, talk "biker" and then a gentle ride home.

The last one I went on was ridiculous.

There was no group ethic, just a bunch of people riding far enough beyond the speed limit down the motorway to make a ticket unpleasant, and then the very odd experience of riding over the hill at a gentle pace, sometimes too gentle, and then people buggering off in three directions once at Featherston.

I dunno, maybe I'm expecting too much, but I saw a few stressed people riding just beyond themselves, and some people riding in an annoyingly erratic fashion. It's just supposed to be fun, with an emphasis on the sort of fun you have spending time with people at the pub. It's now more like an NCEA subject you have to get an "achieved" in before you can buy a "real' bike and go on a "real" ride on Thursday.

Fundamentally, I don't like riding with a bunch of people who are riding just hard enough to be unpredictable because they are riding just into their discomfort zone. I also don't like the fact that there just isn't ANY discussion AT ALL about adhering to any sort of protocol in terms of riding formation, leader and TEC, and expectations around getting L-Platers home before 10.

The Wednesday rides were started by a guy, now dead, who could see that people needed to learn a bit about riding with other people, and developing some good habits that you need to do that.

It's just a free-for all-now, and worse for it I feel.

Agree 100% with all you ave said in regards to this one guv'nor....


Seems to me Jim that you're amongst the best qualified of the local crustyoldcunts to do something about that...

Once again Ocean, spot on the money with that....:rockon:



I'm not saying anyone is. I'm saying they could set some sort example on the wedensday night by riding at a "gentle pace". That is what the the wedensday nights are about.
As you said, if the faster riders want to ride at their own pace, which in this case is a bit faster, then they maybe they should ride on the thursday night.


The C in TCWNR stands for Cruisie.

Sadly the cruise part has been forgotten about.



Im interested whether anyone who is slower and/or learning is concerned? I know this year is faster than last year which is probably because so many people have gone from 250s to 600s this year.

Two weeks ago I had a pillion so was probably the slowest person there but it didnt matter. At the top everyone was waiting then when we got into Featherston I wasnt sure if we were going to the red pub or tin hutt, but there was a group waiting at the turn off to make it clear. Not a problem.

Yup I stopped going on the Wednesday Night Rides, due to some of the unpredictability of some of the riders. And at times some of the riding behaviour in close proximity to me bordered on dangerous. Also did not enjoy certain aspects of the atmosphere, in regards to being pushed to go faster, and feeling pressured to keep up..

I have always ridden my own ride, and I go for a weekly fix, when I can. I fill up and just ride. I enjoy the whole experience, and I get off the bike at home and go yeah I enjoyed that.....:)

[davebullet]

I went riding on it a couple of weeks ago. I rode "cruisily" over to featherston and we did all stop at the top. Introduced myself to a few people (quite shy types us bikers). I did notice a few tear off from the duck pond a lot quicker than I was capable... but it didn't make me feel pressured to keep up. My initial thoughts were "maybe I turned up on Thursday by mistake?".

I suppose it would be nice to travel in a tighter pack. We were quite spread out even leaving the duck pond. We never had that pack feel (well to me anyway).

From Featherston, things did lose their shape. On the way back I did push myself. My apologies to both ukiwi and Lilly2Wheels - I should have stuck with you guys in the spirit of the ride... like we did a few sunday's back where we cruised all day.... that was great.

Maybe what is needed are some clear rules (and I don't mean etiquette as that is too soft and people will deviate again) about what is acceptable behaviour on these sorts of things.... Or maybe that would just kill the fun.

Dave.

[Trudes]

These rides used to be rather well structured. :(
I can't comment as I haven't been able to make one for ages, but is there still discussion before departing the Duck Pond about re-grouping points, TEC etc?? If not, maybe one of the old TCWNR crew needs to put there hand up and wander along one Wednesday night soon and help out.... before it's too late and it turns into The Carnage Wednesday Night Ride, or people lose interest and stop going, which would be sad considering how this ride started in the first place.

[Maki]

Maybe it needs to be clear to everyone what is expected. I was there last Wednesday and just rode at my own pace. I was overtaken by people, but since I am a new rider on a 250 I thought that was something to expect.

So do we want a ride where everyone rides at the pace of the slowest rider and sticks in a group, or do we want to be more flexible and just decide to regroup and some points to allow the slow to catch up with the fast? Either way is ok, as long as people don't feel the need to race each other...

I don't really mind one way or another, all I am after is some company and a nice ride.

See you guys next time the wife lets me out ;)

[Pedrostt500]

I'm happy to sit at the back with the Newbies and slower riders, I'll be the ugly old bugger on the black DR 650, or PM me the day before, as I won't always be able to check the thread just before the ride.

[Lilly2w]

I don't mind the pack spreading out, i'd rather ride at the back at my own slow pace than feel that I was ruining the ride for others who want to ride faster, I know I don't have the skill or grunt to keep up on the twisties but that's o.k it's still fun to me. And thanks for being my tec peddro! :woohoo:

[James Deuce]

No one is ruining the ride for anyone else. The focus just needs to shift back a little to the point of these rides, and that was to humanise people who normally ride at warp speed and make other people who normally wouldn't approach them understand that the skills the "crusties", "racers", and "stunters" are just as relevant for them. Observation is a good part of the learning process, and you aren't learning when you're full of adrenalin and pupils have turned into pinholes.

The other focus was to help people who normally just sneer at "slow" riders develop some disciplines around learning how to ride in a group with people who cover a broad spectrum of "pace". Develop a little maturity as it were.

Most of all we want people like Lilly to feel included, not a burden on the "good" riders.

[Lilly2w]

Well i'm still in regardless, i've met some top people so far who love to ride bikes and i'd be happy to benefit from others experience. Weather permiting I'll be there next Wednesday, so come and say hi!

[henry]

Seems to me Jim that you're amongst the best qualified of the local crustyoldcunts to do something about that...

+1

How about it dude. You give guys shit for being too scared to ride the hill but when they do you give them shit for that too.

It seems to me that the only difference between this year and last is a complete lack of organisation.

[James Deuce]

+1

How about it dude. You give guys shit for being too scared to ride the hill but when they do you give them shit for that too.



Do I? I thought I was chiding gently.

Oh well.

[quallman1234]

I went on out on Wednesday and it was very cruisey. Speeds weren't excessive at all so I'm not sure what every one is on about. quallman1234 was giving it some but he was on a RG150, it was all noise and elbows.


Too be honest, i wasn't really. In fact i was going quite slow. Just a reasonable "cruise" pace.my cruise pace is probably slightly quicker than most people on the ride, but thats what pace i feel most comfortable at.
I do not at all mind waiting a pre-assigned spots.
E.g. We always stop at the top of the taka's, if we are going that way.
Next Wednesday, we shall have a small discussion before leaving, were to regroup. And possibly assign learners a person to follow/be followed by.

[325rocket]

Next Wednesday, we shall have a small discussion before leaving, were to regroup. And possibly assign learners a person to follow/be followed by.

or just leave in two groups. were all going to the same place anyway and if the faster riders can cause stress let them go first. just an idea.

[Hitcher]

or just leave in two groups. were all going to the same place anyway and if the faster riders can cause stress let them go first. just an idea.

The Wednesday night ride is intended to be a "cruisy" ride. People wanting to let their balls fly free should participate in the Thursday night ride.

The purpose of a cruisy ride is for people not to feel intimidated by riding in groups and for a group ride to succeed in getting all of its members to a destination and home again without resulting in any Liberaces or stultifying displays of riding "skill". Motorcycling should be about having fun. Scaring the living bejeezes out of people isn't my idea of fun.

[sels1]

The Wednesday night ride is intended to be a "cruisy" ride. .

Hitcher - perhaps (as a mod) you should change the name back to the one it has had every year up to this one - The Cruisey Wed Nite Ride - (TCWNR) to remind folk of its purpose.
I havent been much lately due to work trips but will be there next Wed.

All we want on the night is a volunteer to ride Tail-End Charlie, and one to set a cruisey legal pace for the main group to follow. Those riders who wish to go on ahead a higher pace are free to do so (as always)
L platers and new riders are encouraged to come along. And as had been said many times before - be happy to ride at your own pace - the group will wait for you at the meet up points.

[James Deuce]

Hitcher - perhaps (as a mod) you should change the name back to the one it has had every year up to this one - The Cruisey Wed Nite Ride - (TCWNR) to remind folk of its purpose.
I havent been much lately due to work trips but will be there next Wed.

All we want on the night is a volunteer to ride Tail-End Charlie, and one to set a cruisey legal pace for the main group to follow. Those riders who wish to go on ahead a higher pace are free to do so (as always)
L platers and new riders are encouraged to come along. And as had been said many times before - be happy to ride at your own pace - the group will wait for you at the meet up points.

No, the L platers and gentle folk were always the point. The people who want to ride faster were always encouraged to do the Thursday night GP.

That was the distinction that encouraged Bruce to set up the Wednesday night rides, and that ethos has been lost.

[325rocket]

The Wednesday night ride is intended to be a "cruisy" ride. People wanting to let their balls fly free should participate in the Thursday night ride.

i never mentioned "balls flying free" simply suggested that if there are faster riders there that could freak others out it might be an idea to send them off first.


Motorcycling should be about having fun. Scaring the living bejeezes out of people isn't my idea of fun.

as above.
again, it was just a suggestion.

[James Deuce]

i never mentioned "balls flying free" simply suggested that if there are faster riders there that could freak others out it might be an idea to send them off first.



as above.
again, it was just a suggestion.

No the Wednesday night ride was an attempt to get away from the typical fragmented "fast group", "med group", "slow group" thing that just ends up reinforcing each group's MO and bad habits, and was meant to give an opportunity for people to chill, both on the road and at the destination, and any stopping points along the way. Build relationships so that people could approach each other with questions, ideas, and hints, without any baggage or expectations.

[horch]

im a newbie - and keen to join along for the ride this wednesday. .. Not to be labelled a fair-weather rider ... but as long as it ain't piddling down count me in.

would like to learn about hill riding, braking etc .... tho i do like a little speed - happy to hang with the group.

[sels1]

No, the L platers and gentle folk were always the point.
The main focus yes, but the ride is not exclusive. Anybody and everybody is welcome to turn up - and if some want to go ahead and meet the main group at the meet up points then there is no law against it. Its how it has been working for years Jim, if you turned up yourself more often you would know that...:bleh: :D

[James Deuce]

The main focus yes, but the ride is not exclusive. Anybody and everybody is welcome to turn up - and if some want to go ahead and meet the main group at the meet up points then there is no law against it. Its how it has been working for years Jim, if you turned up yourself more often you would know that...:bleh: :D

I stopped turning up because it went from its original intention to being quicker than legal. I also stopped turning up because I didn't feel welcome. Yeah, yeah, boohoo. The maddening thing is all it took for it turn into "just another ride" was one bloke dying.

No there isn't a law against it, BUT, it was set up to for very different reasons to how it is being managed now.

[Bullitt]

No, the L platers and gentle folk were always the point. The people who want to ride faster were always encouraged to do the Thursday night GP.

That was the distinction that encouraged Bruce to set up the Wednesday night rides, and that ethos has been lost.

Im not sure whether the problem is totally with the Wednesday night rides. The theory you seem to be on about is if you want to go faster than a learner you should go on the thursday night ride.

Admitedly Ive never been on a Thursday night ride but whether it actually happens or not the Thursday rides have a reputation of people doing licence loosing speeds let alone slightly above the speed limit.

Im happy riding with a group but I can understand why some people want to go abit faster. I also dont think its reasonable for everyone to go the pace of the slowest person over the takas, as long as everyone stops at an agreed point and noone is left to ride by themselves unless they want to.

The majority of riders Ive riden with would fit into the have been riding awhile and feel comfortable going at a reasonable pace but not wanting to risk their safety or their licence. Id put myself in that category and think that fits better with Wednesday rather than Thursday, be that by actual pace or just its reputation.

[disclaimer]Im not usually one racing out the front anyway, just debating on behalf of those who are, whose position I can understand

[driftn]

Dont you think this is getting a little over the top?
How about you all just HTFU and get on your bikes and ride TCWNR at your own pace. Nobody is pushing you to go fast your all your own people and your bike will only go as fast as you twist the throttle.

For the record TRTNR is not as pc as this. Yes we ride a touch faster but we do stop at the top of the hill and wait for every body to arrive.
All are welcome.

[James Deuce]

Im not sure whether the problem is totally with the Wednesday night rides. The theory you seem to be on about is if you want to go faster than a learner you should go on the thursday night ride.

Admitedly Ive never been on a Thursday night ride but whether it actually happens or not the Thursday rides have a reputation of people doing licence loosing speeds let alone slightly above the speed limit.

Im happy riding with a group but I can understand why some people want to go abit faster. I also dont think its reasonable for everyone to go the pace of the slowest person over the takas, as long as everyone stops at an agreed point and noone is left to ride by themselves unless they want to.

The majority of riders Ive riden with would fit into the have been riding awhile and feel comfortable going at a reasonable pace but not wanting to risk their safety or their licence. Id put myself in that category and think that fits better with Wednesday rather than Thursday, be that by actual pace or just its reputation.

[disclaimer]Im not usually one racing out the front anyway, just debating on behalf of those who are, whose position I can understand

Nope, you've missed the point. The Wednesday night ride, was an extension of the stuff that Bruce had been doing with Guy because it was a good way to get people together to actually work on aspects of riding a bike instead of trying to do it all one on one.

I'd like to see that format reinstated because it has value as an exercise in teaching people good habits when going for a group ride and for people to make a connection and head off on bigger, longer, better, faster rides some other time, with like minded people who ride at a similar pace. At the moment it's just 5 to 30 people who start in the same place, meet up in the middle, and head off elsewhere.

The original ride was a low key learning environment, not a fend for yourself medium paced blat. If even Stew from TSS makes a negative comment about the pace being a bit quick to be described as Cruisy then you know it's too quick.

I'm not suggesting it's the only way to do it, but I do think that should be the core ethos if you will. I think a large number of the people who started out on this ride have moved away, quit bikes, bought bigger bikes and don't really want to have to give anything back, so to speak, because they're busy expanding the parameters of their fun quotient. Somehow the desire to help other people out seems to have waned, possibly because the actual population of "real" bikers is more static than we think.

[davebullet]

Maybe this thread title should be changed to the "Wild Wet and Windy Wednesday Cruisy Ride" :lol:

[Lilly2w]

I hope all this debate doesnt put people off coming on wednesday night, in reality its just a bunch of people on bikes, its actually way funner than this thread, if you check out the canterbury wed night ride they seem to have had the same issues but have managed to keep it all together. I'm sure we can do the same!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIbHP8zix3Y

[koba]

Nope, you've missed the point. The Wednesday night ride, was an extension of the stuff that Bruce had been doing with Guy because it was a good way to get people together to actually work on aspects of riding a bike instead of trying to do it all one on one.

I'd like to see that format reinstated because it has value as an exercise in teaching people good habits when going for a group ride and for people to make a connection and head off on bigger, longer, better, faster rides some other time, with like minded people who ride at a similar pace. At the moment it's just 5 to 30 people who start in the same place, meet up in the middle, and head off elsewhere.

The original ride was a low key learning environment, not a fend for yourself medium paced blat. If even Stew from TSS makes a negative comment about the pace being a bit quick to be described as Cruisy then you know it's too quick.

I'm not suggesting it's the only way to do it, but I do think that should be the core ethos if you will. I think a large number of the people who started out on this ride have moved away, quit bikes, bought bigger bikes and don't really want to have to give anything back, so to speak, because they're busy expanding the parameters of their fun quotient. Somehow the desire to help other people out seems to have waned, possibly because the actual population of "real" bikers is more static than we think.

No one is stopping you from doing just that Jim....

[Drogen Omen]

Anyone have some big long tyre levers i could borrow before the Wednesday ride...?

TSS put my rear tyre on the wrong way round and refuse to correct it.

If anyone has some and are near Silverstream/Pinehaven drop me a txt. 021758190

It would be a great help if some one could lend me a hand with changing my tyre around as im not to experienced with this.

If not i might skip this Wednesday ride until i can get it fixed cause its a bit dangerous even in the dry with my rear end sliding out.

[Number One]

hmmmmm TSS put it on wrong and refuse to fix it...:scratch:...REALLY?!

Sorry to doubt you but I smell a bit more to this story....

Hope you get some help with the tyre

[Drogen Omen]

they refused because none of them can remember who worked on it cause it was about 8 months ago. and they cant find any record of my bike being in for servicing...

[quallman1234]

You only just realised?

8 Months is a long time for a tyre. Espically since i didn't seem to get more than 8000km out of my dual purpose tyres.

TSS are a bit tight these days anyway. But fair enough that they refused. You can't complain about it that much.

I have tire leavers :).

[Drogen Omen]

yeah i know... only got my bike up and running about 3 months ago... so was not running for the 12 months before then.

I have road tyres on my dirt bike so last a bit longer.

If its not too much trouble would i be able to borrow your tyre levers tonight so i can change the tyre around for wednesday ride tomorrow...

[sels1]

No there isn't a law against it, BUT, it was set up to for very different reasons to how it is being managed now.
Managed? managed? you infer some person is in charge...and there is not. Rides are done on a loose concensus of who turns up on the night.




I'd like to see that format reinstated because it has value as an exercise in teaching people good habits ... .

Good sentiment Jim, are you volunteering??????
or just critisising from a distance??

If fact some newbie mentoring does go on, but it relies on people prepared to do it being available on the night, and sometimes they are not. If a few more made the effort (to turn up...ahem) then more could be done.

[Drogen Omen]

:( guess i wont be coming along... havent had any txt's from anyone that is willing to lend me leavers to change my tyre this afternoon.

guess i wont be coming along for the ride tomorrow.
:(

[madmal64]

Have a great ride you lot. I have just finished loading up my bike for the trip down south to the Burt Munro Challenge so I wont be out tonight or next week.
Nice and breezy tonight!

[Pedrostt500]

:( guess i wont be coming along... havent had any txt's from anyone that is willing to lend me leavers to change my tyre this afternoon.

guess i wont be coming along for the ride tomorrow.
:(

Have sent you PM regarding tyre leavers.

[James Deuce]

or just critisising from a distance??


I had 2 hours sleep last night, and I'm still at work. It's going to be the above tonight.

[BugSmasher]

Hi All,

I'm pretty new around here, but read a lot of great info and advice on the threads before I took the plunge and bought my bike.

The bike (and I) are still running in, but if you can tolerate a complete bunny who'll be guaranteed to set all kinds of new records for s l o o o w then I'm keen to come along.

[sels1]

The bike (and I) are still running in, but if you can tolerate a complete bunny who'll be guaranteed to set all kinds of new records for s l o o o w then I'm keen to come along.

Look forward to seeing ya there, its what its all about



Have a great ride you lot. I have just finished loading up my bike for the trip down south to the Burt Munro Challenge so I wont be out tonight or next week.

Lucky bugger - have a good trip


I had 2 hours sleep last night, and I'm still at work. It's going to be the above tonight.
So you will be grumpier than usual eh??:dodge:
Wait a minute....still at work...but on KB...hmmmm:laugh:

[koba]

Hi All,

I'm pretty new around here, but read a lot of great info and advice on the threads before I took the plunge and bought my bike.

The bike (and I) are still running in, but if you can tolerate a complete bunny who'll be guaranteed to set all kinds of new records for s l o o o w then I'm keen to come along.

Go for it.
It is a great social scene, don't be shy :)

[James Deuce]

Wait a minute....still at work...but on KB...hmmmm:laugh:
As inconceivable as it seems, I am allowed to eat.

[sinned]

I had 2 hours sleep last night, and I'm still at work. It's going to be the above tonight.
I hope you are being paid - motorcycling requires cash.

Interesting discussion here and while I have missed more than 50% of the rides this season I am not sure if I should be commenting. But I will anyway as that is the KB way.

I remember my first few TCWNRs after coming back into motorcycling from a 20+ year break and on a 1000cc machine (that was a mistake). The first Wednesday ride I did was up the Paikak hill and I consider I was lucky to make it without getting wiped out by those passing me or running off at a corner trying to follow the bike in front. It was a learning experience but not that safe and since then I have been concerned with group rides where I don't know the skill or attitude of those around me.

I prefer to stay nearer the back and ride my own ride. BTW - it was around 6000kms that my skill (the little I have) returned and I felt in-the-zone when riding.

The Wednesday night ride needs to be slower to be of benefit to the newbies and those returning riders who are not yet back into the zone. The ride needs to be slower (95kph) on the straights so the group doesn't get strung out leaving some to do ridiculous speeds to close the gap (hehe that is why staying at the back on a litre machine can be fun). On the hill the experienced riders should be at the front so they are not terrifying newbies with their passing antics. A good rider, without anything to prove, who is willing to run a tidy and not fast run through corners should lead the newbies over the hill. They might then learn something about riding and corners without scaring the bejesus out of themselves.

Just because someone goes around a corner fast doesn't mean they are a good rider. A newbie following another rider thinking they will learn something is asking for trouble unless she is a good rider. Problem is - how do they know who is a good rider and do they know what is involved in riding their own ride.

The Wednesday ride could be slower with a lead rider for newbies, returnees and those wanting a cruisy ride.

End of rant - the few Thursday night rides I have been on were bloody fast.

[325rocket]

The Wednesday ride could be slower with a lead rider for newbies, returnees and those wanting a cruisy ride.

the few Thursday night rides I have been on were bloody fast.

so it seems we need an "in between" ride then for people wanting to go a little faster but not crazy fast. why cant this leave from the same place as the weds night ride?
if its that much of a problem, give it a different name. maybe the "Wednesday Night Pretty Fast Ride That Leaves From The Same Place As The Wednesday Night Ride But Isnt The Original One" or "WNPFRTLFTSPATWNRBITOO" for short.
Personally i cant see a problem with that. i know its not what it was started for but it would seem there are a few people meeting at a place in lower hutt on wednesday nights that want to go for a ride at decent pace.

[Lilly2w]

"WNPFRTLFTSPATWNRBITOO" for short.


Wot he said.

[wayne708]

I had 2 hours sleep last night, and I'm still at work. It's going to be the above tonight.

If it makes you feel any better Jim I'm still at work too.

Oh and did I mention, I started at 15:30

[Shadows]

Anyone have some big long tyre levers i could borrow before the Wednesday ride...?

TSS put my rear tyre on the wrong way round and refuse to correct it.

If anyone has some and are near Silverstream/Pinehaven drop me a txt. 021758190

It would be a great help if some one could lend me a hand with changing my tyre around as im not to experienced with this.

If not i might skip this Wednesday ride until i can get it fixed cause its a bit dangerous even in the dry with my rear end sliding out.

Some advice for future reference.

If you take a wheel into a workshop to have a tyre fitted, make sure you put a great big arrow on the rim showing the direction of rotation.

Otherwise the person fitting the tyre is liable to guess resulting in the problem you find yourself with now.

[Drogen Omen]

Some advice for future reference.

If you take a wheel into a workshop to have a tyre fitted, make sure you put a great big arrow on the rim showing the direction of rotation.

Otherwise the person fitting the tyre is liable to guess resulting in the problem you find yourself with now.

I shouldn't have to if the Tyre already has a giant 4 inch long arrow on it already showing the direction of rotation it should have...

I am paying them to do something I couldn't do myself why should i have to tell them how to do their job... are they really that stupid...? :bash:

[Maki]

Looks like a perfect day for ride. See you there.

[Weaver]

I shouldn't have to if the Tyre already has a giant 4 inch long arrow on it already showing the direction of rotation it should have...

I am paying them to do something I couldn't do myself why should i have to tell them how to do their job... are they really that stupid...? :bash:

What hes saying is that the shop might not know what direction the wheel rotates in. Spoked rims don't give much indication of rotation direction.

However if you took the whole bike in, then yes, they have fucked up

[sels1]

Gareth51 and I will be heading down from Kapiti. Its a nice day up here

[Nasty]

Nice day down here now too .. have a great ride guys!

[Drogen Omen]

What hes saying is that the shop might not know what direction the wheel rotates in. Spoked rims don't give much indication of rotation direction.

However if you took the whole bike in, then yes, they have fucked up

yes i took the whole bike in... and they still fucked it up.

[James Deuce]

If it makes you feel any better Jim I'm still at work too.

Oh and did I mention, I started at 15:30

Got 4 hours last night. Should be home by 1am tonight, all things being equal.

[all4A50s]

My wife ended working late tonight so i am hoping that I will be able to come along next week. Do you still have a slow group? I'd love to bring out my Bantam but she sits at 70-80kph.

[GrayWolf]

I went on out on Wednesday and it was very cruisey. Speeds weren't excessive at all so I'm not sure what every one is on about. quallman1234 was giving it some but he was on a RG150, it was all noise and elbows.

Especially surprising was the bollocking a few of us got at the top of the hill for riding too fast. I'm not sure what else I could of done apart from getting off and pushing it round the corners. Mind you it wasn't without incident and it was nothing to do with speed.

I think people are getting a bit confused between 'keeping up' and 'catching up'. The group got a bit spread out because of the traffic lights. Nothing you can do about that. If it happens there is no point killing yourself to catch up. After all we had the traditional tyre cooling stop at the top so no one was going to be left behind.

I hadnt seen this thread as Ive been busy at work evenings.
To set the matter straight. The 'Bollocking' was delivered by myself. I took the role of tail end charlie on the ride over the 'taka's. There was Drogen on a 350 trail bike 2 up. Which was plainly seen at the start, Which I would have expected to 'register' with the lead bike riders. The lead bikes, ( later on one of them did agree they hadnt been riding with a group in mind) Took of at a speed that went way above the limit, (an 'admission' :innocent: of 140 was given later). This in itself is not a problem until you have a smaller cc bike 2 up trying to stay with the group. Correctly pointed out by another post, people will often not 'complain' so as to not be seen as a pussy.
The 'Bollocking' I delivered?? Was simply to state that Drogen was pushing his bike to try and keep up. One reply was in effect that there will always be a tail ender etc. I commented that If I took a guy on a 250 on a ride to Auckland and 'cruised' at 160km's Would that not be inconsiderate? it would leave the 250 at 10/10ths where for an FJ this is all day, CRUISING SPEED. My 'knowledge' of the Wednesday night ride is for a relaxed pace for those on smaller capacity bikes and less years/miles on the road, or simply for us OLD FARTS to enjoy.
Later on the return journey I had the 'pleasure'?? of being 'overtaken' on a bend by the flying smoke bomb 150! No problem at all, he judged where and when, I had plenty of 'warning' he was going to, and I was not going to push my bike or my limit to 'race him'. I have been out with the thursday night group, and was the tail ender over the hill, bike limit and my unwillingness to ride to 10/10ths notwithstanding. Talking to Drogen, he is not an 'experienced' motorcyclist and I mean no disrespect in saying that. Simply he is still developing the skills of riding. I am also still doing that after 34 years and many 100,000's of K's.
If My 'bollocking' upset anyone? I do apologise for the upset caused, but NOT for the message it contained.

[chazza404]

Have a fun ride guys, looking to be back in a few weeks just looking at some new bikes now as the hyosung was a write off :D

[James Deuce]

How are you feeling Chazz. Everything healing as it should?

[driftn]

How was the ride? was any body riding faster than they are allowed to?

[Nasty]

lots of people .. I was in a car and had to go and tow another vehicle.

[Maki]

It was a beautiful ride today. I think the 2 group format worked very well. The only problem was the Tin Hut that refused to take orders for food :bash:

[sinned]

I am pleased I went even though I missed the start and headed up the hill to be the first there. It was a new experience hearing the sound of metal on road and watching the action in my rear view mirror. Rider and bike came out of it okay. A little rain can make the surface a bit tricky.

Nice ride and good to meet some new faces.

[Weaver]

I am pleased I went even though I missed the start and headed up the hill to be the first there. It was a new experience hearing the sound of metal on road and watching the action in my rear view mirror. Rider and bike came out of it okay. A little rain can make the surface a bit tricky.

Nice ride and good to meet some new faces.

Another crash!
Jesus christ it really is becoming the The Carnage Wednesday Night Ride.
With what every ones says about the TRTNR you'd expect it to be leading the most bins wins race, but I think that the wednesday nights are in the lead.

[James Deuce]

Another crash!
Jesus christ it really is becoming the The Carnage Wednesday Night Ride.
With what every ones says about the TRTNR you'd expect it to be leading the most bins wins race, but I think that the wednesday nights are in the lead.
:whistle:

No one EVER said the TRTNR folks couldn't ride. Quite the opposite.

[Radar]

...The only problem was the Tin Hut that refused to take orders for food :bash:

Sorry guys but Masterton Ulysses Club members and partners :woohoo: beat you to it!
Even so, we did have to wait a long time for our meals, probably because the person who was supposed to book us in forgot to do it, plus there was a group of 15 or more in the back dining room.

But it was good to see a KB group show up!
Gareth51 and Sels1, thanks for stopping at our table.

Here are some pics:

[Lilly2w]

was a great ride, def be there next week, tho not the tin hut please! nearly fainted from hunger on the way home!

[GrayWolf]

Sorry guys but Masterton Ulysses Club members and partners :woohoo: beat you to it!
Even so, we did have to wait a long time for our meals, probably because the person who was supposed to book us in forgot to do it, plus there was a group of 15 or more in the back dining room.:

They were going to take orders after about an hour of being there, then told us the huge amount of cooking had broken the deep frier for good wholesome food like fries and wedges......
4 of us ended up eating pies at Rimatex.
Was a good evening, with a couple of L plater's in the group who seemed to maintain the cruisy rate of knots quite nicely!

[quallman1234]

Later on the return journey I had the 'pleasure'?? of being 'overtaken' on a bend by the flying smoke bomb 150! No problem at all, he judged where and when, I had plenty of 'warning' he was going to, and I was not going to push my bike or my limit to 'race him'.

To set the record straight that 'bend' was a passing lane as well. I know the limits of the bike well, and ride accordingly to the conditions giving myself at least 35% room for error on the road.
No petrol for tonights ride.

[catilover]

well my first time out with you guys, was a good ride :)

thanks for a good ride and turn out, always good to ride with groups aswell :)

[sels1]

Sorry guys but Masterton Ulysses Club members and partners :woohoo: beat you to it!
Even so, we did have to wait a long time for our meals, probably because the person who was supposed to book us in forgot to do it, plus there was a group of 15 or more in the back dining room.:

Yeah, that was that Deano character, I bet.
Good to see you Radar, and cheers for the pics



was a great ride, def be there next week, tho not the tin hut please! nearly fainted from hunger on the way home!

You are not the only one! The Tin Hut is off my list for the forseeable future. There are plenty of other places to eat.

Good ride everybody, the 2 groups thing worked ok, and those that kept with the cruisey group - hope you enjoyed it. Good to see some new faces along too.

[BugSmasher]

Yep, my first time too. Really enjoyed the ride and everyone had heaps of good tips and were really patient.

Even the pies at Rimatex seemed pretty good - although I was a bit pissed off to find that there'd been a big roast pork dinner scoffed at home while I was gone :(

Hope to see you all again next time....

[Bullitt]

Was a good ride. Bit disconcerting when everyone dissapeared from behind me. At least no harm done.

Ive never seen a bike hit the ground and do that little damage before, let alone a faired one.

[Lilly2w]

My wife ended working late tonight so i am hoping that I will be able to come along next week. Do you still have a slow group? I'd love to bring out my Bantam but she sits at 70-80kph.

The cruisey group tends to stick around the speed limit, but i'd be happy to ride along with you on the motor way, (i'm on a L plate anyway) was talk of heading towards the coast next week, word is there's a pub over that way that actually serves food!

[Weaver]

I took the role of tail end charlie on the ride over the 'taka's. There was Drogen on a 350 trail bike 2 up. Which was plainly seen at the start, Which I would have expected to 'register' with the lead bike riders. The lead bikes, ( later on one of them did agree they hadnt been riding with a group in mind) Took of at a speed that went way above the limit, (an 'admission' :innocent: of 140 was given later).

Far out you'd almost think this was a club

[Shadows]

I shouldn't have to if the Tyre already has a giant 4 inch long arrow on it already showing the direction of rotation it should have...

I am paying them to do something I couldn't do myself why should i have to tell them how to do their job... are they really that stupid...? :bash:

All I said was how one can avoid the problem you are having if he takes a wheel into a shop to get a tyre changed.

Take it or leave it, I couldn't give a fuck.

Any way. If you took the whole bike in then there's no excuse. Have fun changing your tyre by the way.

[davebullet]

My wife ended working late tonight so i am hoping that I will be able to come along next week. Do you still have a slow group? I'd love to bring out my Bantam but she sits at 70-80kph.

Yeah, come along. I couldn't make this week's ride, but am up for next week. 70-80k no problem. Safer if we travel with you in a group at that speed anyway.

Dave.

[Drogen Omen]

All I said was how one can avoid the problem you are having if he takes a wheel into a shop to get a tyre changed.

Take it or leave it, I couldn't give a fuck.

Any way. If you took the whole bike in then there's no excuse. Have fun changing your tyre by the way.

haha yeah i know... point taken thanks... no need to get ya panties in a twist... hehehe i was just pissed off that day from work and stuff...

now i get to do the fun part... we'll its fun untill you do something wrong and then you just get pissed off... hahaha

but im sure i'll be able to do it. see you all next wednesday... ALL OF YOU RIDE SAFE and stop being so bloody serious... its supposed to be a fun ride... if i cant keep up and im pushing it its my problem... i should just get over the catching up feeling and just ride at my own pace.

who cares... do what ever you guys want if you wana go slow go slow if you wana go fast go fast as long as we all meet up later that is the main thing...

where's the love ya'll :love:

:Punk:

[catilover]

was abit suprised when no-one came around the corner after me haha was wondering where everyone had gone!!!

had to stop to make sure.....

[driftn]

was abit suprised when no-one came around the corner after me haha was wondering where everyone had gone!!!

had to stop to make sure.....



Well you must have been riding to fast, You really should slow down as it is the cruisy wednesday night ride.

[driftn]

Maybe your all riding to slow and are not carrying enough speed through the corners and that is why you fellas are droping like flys.:yes:

Dont see that happening on the thursday night "GP"

[Fatjim]

I hadnt seen this thread as Ive been busy at work evenings.
To set the matter straight. The 'Bollocking' was delivered by myself. I took the role of tail end charlie on the ride over the 'taka's. There was Drogen on a 350 trail bike 2 up. Which was plainly seen at the start, Which I would have expected to 'register' with the lead bike riders. The lead bikes, ( later on one of them did agree they hadnt been riding with a group in mind) Took of at a speed that went way above the limit, (an 'admission' :innocent: of 140 was given later). This in itself is not a problem until you have a smaller cc bike 2 up trying to stay with the group. Correctly pointed out by another post, people will often not 'complain' so as to not be seen as a pussy.
The 'Bollocking' I delivered?? Was simply to state that Drogen was pushing his bike to try and keep up. One reply was in effect that there will always be a tail ender etc. I commented that If I took a guy on a 250 on a ride to Auckland and 'cruised' at 160km's Would that not be inconsiderate? it would leave the 250 at 10/10ths where for an FJ this is all day, CRUISING SPEED. My 'knowledge' of the Wednesday night ride is for a relaxed pace for those on smaller capacity bikes and less years/miles on the road, or simply for us OLD FARTS to enjoy.
Later on the return journey I had the 'pleasure'?? of being 'overtaken' on a bend by the flying smoke bomb 150! No problem at all, he judged where and when, I had plenty of 'warning' he was going to, and I was not going to push my bike or my limit to 'race him'. I have been out with the thursday night group, and was the tail ender over the hill, bike limit and my unwillingness to ride to 10/10ths notwithstanding. Talking to Drogen, he is not an 'experienced' motorcyclist and I mean no disrespect in saying that. Simply he is still developing the skills of riding. I am also still doing that after 34 years and many 100,000's of K's.
If My 'bollocking' upset anyone? I do apologise for the upset caused, but NOT for the message it contained.

TBH, I think you think too much. The faster guys, if they want to, will always get to the top first. Those of us who are slower will get there later. It really doesn't need much more cpu cycles than that.

A group ride doesn't have to be a staggered formation ride with jolly ohs and pip pips and lots of waving all the way.

[James Deuce]

TBH, I think you think too much. The faster guys, if they want to, will always get to the top first. Those of us who are slower will get there later. It really doesn't need much more cpu cycles than that.

A group ride doesn't have to be a staggered formation ride with jolly ohs and pip pips and lots of waving all the way.

TBH there's a crash every week on the "cruisy" ride. What does that say? Not enough cpu cycles being used, I reckon.

[Ocean1]

TBH there's a crash every week on the "cruisy" ride. What does that say? Not enough cpu cycles being used, I reckon.

Really?

Then there's some statistical weirdness going on here... I've been on an unknown but reasonably large number of TCWNR funxions, and I'm aware of just one.

A point could be made regarding the velocity and likely causes involved in that case I suppose, but I can't be fooked...

[sels1]

TBH there's a crash every week on the "cruisy" ride. What does that say? Not enough cpu cycles being used, I reckon.

Huh? Ive been going on the TCWNR since its inception and I can only recall around 3-4 bins in as many years. The fact there has been 2 this year is unfortunate. Last weeks one was a minor low speed low side where the rider was able to hop back on his bike and carry on with very little damage.
Hardly the 'crash every week ' you are going on about. Why dont you come along and see for yourself sometime, Jim, old chap?

[Paul in NZ]

Some advice for future reference.

If you take a wheel into a workshop to have a tyre fitted, make sure you put a great big arrow on the rim showing the direction of rotation.

Otherwise the person fitting the tyre is liable to guess resulting in the problem you find yourself with now.

Wrong - it's their job to do that - if they are not sure - thats what the job card with your contact details are for.

The nice lads at wellington MC's always leave a nice chalk arrow on the guzzi disks to let me know they thought of it... God knows how they figure the trumpy out...

Anyway why not change your own tyre - aint rocket science

[James Deuce]

Huh? Ive been going on the TCWNR since its inception and I can only recall around 3-4 bins in as many years. The fact there has been 2 this year is unfortunate. Last weeks one was a minor low speed low side where the rider was able to hop back on his bike and carry on with very little damage.
Hardly the 'crash every week ' you are going on about. Why dont you come along and see for yourself sometime, Jim, old chap?


Really?

Then there's some statistical weirdness going on here... I've been on an unknown but reasonably large number of TCWNR funxions, and I'm aware of just one.

A point could be made regarding the velocity and likely causes involved in that case I suppose, but I can't be fooked...
There's been 2 crashes in 4 weeks, so yes you're both right, it's a crash every other week, not every week. I don't think velocity has much to do with accidents myself, but that might be in reaction to a Govt message about speed killing.

[Ocean1]

There's been 2 crashes in 4 weeks, so yes you're both right, it's a crash every other week, not every week. I don't think velocity has much to do with accidents myself, but that might be in reaction to a Govt message about speed killing.

You're cherry picking. And even then your data's dodgy, I understand the first of those crashes wasn't a rider involved with the group.

Look dude, learners crash. It's a fact of life. You know what causes that as well as anyone, probably better. It's not inevitabe, but it's bloody rare for a learner to survive the first couple of years without incident. And while velocity is probably often a contributing factor I rather think history shows that most wednesday rides are generally cruisy enough to represent a reasonably safe environment in which to learn.

[davebullet]

It is seductive to newbies to ride beyond our skills when following a faster rider. After all - if they can do it, so can I. Only two solutions to that problem. Experienced riders who hang back a bit, knowing they are setting the example, or newbies to realise they aren't bulletproof and know their limits.

It would be good to see you experienced riders at the next ride, leading by example. But looking at the threads above, I doubt that will happen. Mentoring seems to be by internet / keyboard here.

[Lilly2w]

It is seductive to newbies to ride beyond our skills when following a faster rider. After all - if they can do it, so can I. Only two solutions to that problem. Experienced riders who hang back a bit, knowing they are setting the example, or newbies to realise they aren't bulletproof and know their limits.

It would be good to see you experienced riders at the next ride, leading by example. But looking at the threads above, I doubt that will happen. Mentoring seems to be by internet / keyboard here.

Come along next week dave, I think you will be pleasantly surprised, the 250's and L plates sat up the front and followed the great cornering lines demonstrated by sels1, the pace was easy and the group really friendly. Much better experience than the ride a couple of weeks ago.

[Hawkeye]

learners crash. It's a fact of life. It's not inevitabe, but it's bloody rare for a learner to survive the first couple of years without incident.

(Sometimes It can take 3 years before the first 'off' as in my case. - and mine was easily avoidable)
I do have to agree with some of the threads on here. A less experienced rider following a 'faster' rider can easily find themselves going into a corner hotter than they are capable of handling. The adrenalin kicks in as pace increases and the 'he can take the corner at that speed so so can I' philosophy can have a number of consequences. If they are lucky, they go wide with nothing coming the other way:shit:. The others options can be more life threatening.

We should be encouraging the smaller bikes and L platers to come along and set the pace so they are comfortable. (we don't need to ask about the pace- we just need to think back to when we were first learning and what we would find as a comfortable pace!). Also, some of us old farts prefer the more sedate pace anyway. :whistle:
Learners reading about '100k+ pace will be reluctant to join in the ride if they are only comfortable at 90-95k.

Anyway, my baby is almost fixed and ready so unless something crops up, I will be there this Wednesday..

[WuZards-Eugene]

Hey everyone, great ride last wednesday, even tho I had an off. Cheers to those who waited up for me. Ended up that I was running too much air pressure in the front tire, making it nice and easy to slide out from me on that smooth tarmac, so that was all my fault lol. Just lucky I only got a couple of bruises from it.

It was quite amazing how little damage there was done to the bike (NSR250R), nothing cracked or broken. Just some scratches and a bit of grinding on the foot peg.

For those who are starting to think this is a dangerous ride, you're crazy. I could easily be maimed or killed riding to work, but I wouldn't start telling everyone that riding to work is dangerous. My off on the taka's was entirely my own fault, with the combination of the wrong setup, and trying to see how far I could get the smoker down. Too no extent were the riders infront of me going to fast, infact I was actually wanting to test the bike out a little faster (lucky I didn't lol), mainly just in corner speed, but either way, slow or fast I still enjoy the ride.

We all should know that if we make a mistake and bin it, the group we are riding with is not to blame in any way (to some extent). If some-one is riding too fast for you, you dont have to push your self to keep up. Just ride at what you are comfortable with and enjoy the ride, especially with TCWNR, we dont have that much distance between each stop really, so if you're going slow, you'll still be able to link up with the group again and find out that you're not actually that far behind.

Im hoping I can bring the ZX10 this wednesday if I have enough money to get the rear tire repaired (got a flat :mad: and keep spending too much money on food and petrol :Oops: ) See you all on TCWNR

Kawasaki - Let the good times roll

[all4A50s]

The cruisey group tends to stick around the speed limit, but i'd be happy to ride along with you on the motor way, (i'm on a L plate anyway) was talk of heading towards the coast next week, word is there's a pub over that way that actually serves food!

Cheers for that,
My wife is working late again this week :slap::slap: so I'll have to wait another week unfortunately.

[davebullet]

Bugger. I can't make this wednesday :doh: . Andrea has a meeting at 7pm, so I am on kid duties

[nico]

i was also hoping to make a apperance this week but,,,,,,, mrs nico decided to make a diner date:bash: and gues who has to be there ahhhhhhhhhhhhh anoying that is:beer::beer:

[Rev DJ]

We should be encouraging the smaller bikes and L platers to come along and set the pace so they are comfortable. (we don't need to ask about the pace- we just need to think back to when we were first learning and what we would find as a comfortable pace!).

One of the best bits of advice I got when I first started on TWCNR was 'ride your own ride' - mowgli thanks! This was some good practical advice about group riding and I have applied it every since - I ride my own ride, not worrying about keeping up with others. Often dropping back a little and watching the flow of the road more carefully can enhance the trip too: better cornering, easier ride, etc...

And, yes, I do tend to ride like a nana!! But that's me... if I want to race - which I have done in tin-tops for a few years, I will do it on the track...

So to any L- or new riders wanting to join the Wednesday crowd - do so, you will usually find me tootling along at the back of the pack!! (except this Wendesday when business means Im out of the city - argh!)

Cheers DJ

[davebullet]

i was also hoping to make a apperance this week but,,,,,,, mrs nico decided to make a diner date:bash: and gues who has to be there ahhhhhhhhhhhhh anoying that is:beer::beer:

Make a lifesize cardboard cutout of yourself for her to take instead. Most women would say that a cardboard cutout would offer more conversation than most men :laugh:

[Drogen Omen]

Thanks Pedrostt500 for lending me your tyre leavers. got my tyre off and back on in bout 40 mins. was real easy. took it for a spin on Saturday's perfect weather and made all the difference... gona needs a pair of knee sliders... hehehehe

Please stop talking about this speed issue... only reason why i was pushin it is cause I'm really competitive, unfortunately my bike doesn't have the power of the others. so when a bike passes me i feel this urge to chase him down and pass him...

I'll try and keep it under control.

Simply put:
* If your not confident enough to ride fast don't.
* If your confident enough to ride fast go for it (i know i will when i get my bigger faster bike).

and may i point out point out that all the learners are already speeding and breaking the law if they go over 70KM's in a 100km area (so says the road code that the cops enforce)...

See you all on Wednesday for "The FUN Wednesday Night Ride" (TFWNR)...

[captain_andrey]

Sigh, I wont make it. Company booked a go-karting session. Time to show some ppl I can also do 4 wheels.

[Weaver]

Sigh, I wont make it. Company booked a go-karting session. Time to show some ppl I can also do 4 wheels.

I recommend taking your own helmet

[ukiwi]

We'll be there as long as the weather does the right thing.

[James Deuce]

For those who are starting to think this is a dangerous ride, you're crazy. I could easily be maimed or killed riding to work, but I wouldn't start telling everyone that riding to work is dangerous.
The most dangerous thing you can do on a bike is ride with a group of bikes, especially if there are no basic ground rules in place, and a large percentage of the riders are largely clueless and still in the honeymoon phase where this motorcycling thing appears easy and "I can't wait to get a bigger bike" dominates your personal horizon.

If you get killed on the way to work, chances are it will be your own fault.

No one won anything by getting to work first.

The thing that astounds me most is that no one wants to learn from people who've done it before, who've hurt themselves badly and who have some clues about how to develop your spidey sense and bike control without putting yourself in jeopardy of 28 days of riding the bus to work.

Letting a mixed group of n00bs and old school riders run amok with no more than a she'll be right at the start of the ride, and a thank fuck no one died at the end of it.

You fell off and you weren't hurt. That's good.

You rode like a cock on an unroadworthy bike. Silly boy.

Before Selwyn pops in and points out that I don't go on the Wednesday rides and I jolly well should, I'd just like to point out that riding with him scares the living bejeesus out of me. He rides 2 frikkin inches off your number plate and I freaking hate that.

[Number One]

The most dangerous thing you can do on a bike is ride with a group of bikes

I have to say I agree.

Every time I join a group ride I am reminded how dumbarse some people are in groups. There is a select group of people I am comfortable riding in a 'group' with but these people get the whole staggered thing and the fast ones piss off to the front and do their thing happy to wait for us more leisurely riders.

Also these people don't pass other bikers like cocks so they don't all of a sudden appear beside you in your lane - that really fucks me off - especially when everyone is heading to the same place and it's not a 'race' :angry2: (not that I ever race on the road..too slow for that shit!)

I find the notion of feeling pressured to hang onto the back of riders laughable. Seems to me that that 'pressure' is only in the following riders mind and is not actually something that is expected from the faster others...and I know those people do exist..I just choose not to ride with them myself and if I am in the unfortunate position of sharing a lane with one I will always slow down slightly to let them get that one more bike ahead...makes them feel good about themselves to pass nanas like me don't ya know :shutup:

As for this ride..timing is a shit for me and I need some new rubber. Anyone got any spare warrantable SV650 tyres lying around that they don't want...(fat chance I know but a girls gotta try ;))

[nico]

Make a lifesize cardboard cutout of yourself for her to take instead. Most women would say that a cardboard cutout would offer more conversation than most men :laugh:


ummmmmm youd probally be right to but dam dats alot of carbord
built for comfort not for speed :wari:

[Ms Piggy]

Hi All,
I'm hoping to make it this Wednesday - now that my bike is road legal again and I really need to get my riding confidence back. So it's the Duckpond at 6?

[elle-f]

Where are you fullas heading to tonight?

and about the group riding....I was on one with about 150 other riders the other weekend and somebody decided to pass me and HELLO - they ended up finishing the incredibly slow ride a bike ahead of me. I hope they felt like a real man!

[catilover]

Well you must have been riding to fast, You really should slow down as it is the cruisy wednesday night ride.

haha no i wasnt even on throttle!! i had my right hand on my hip and my missus was chatting to me just coasting down the hill, someone fell off there bike and stopped everyone :P lol
thankfully he was ok, hence why i turned around to go back up the hill, to make sure he was ok :)

might have to convert to the thursday night rides and see what there like ;)

[Str8 Jacket]

Where are you fullas heading to tonight?



Nowhere tonight ya Noddy, its Tuesday!!

Anyway, despite all the bickering, finger pointing and all round general moaning why don't ya'll get on your bloody bikes and ride tomorrow. It will be Uncle B's 2 year anniversary so lets have a good turn out. Not that i'll be there......

[Hawkeye]

Please stop talking about this speed issue... only reason why i was pushin it is cause I'm really competitive, unfortunately my bike doesn't have the power of the others. so when a bike passes me i feel this urge to chase him down and pass him...

I'll try and keep it under control.

Simply put:
* If your not confident enough to ride fast don't.
* If your confident enough to ride fast go for it (i know i will when i get my bigger faster bike).

and may i point out point out that all the learners are already speeding and breaking the law if they go over 70KM's in a 100km area (so says the road code that the cops enforce)...

See you all on Wednesday for "The FUN Wednesday Night Ride" (TFWNR)...


Unfortunately this is the kind of mentality that has started this thread war. A learner who is not confident does not want some speed freak who can't control their right wrist suddenly appearing at their side as they go into a corner. The common theme being discussed here is - 'this is a cruisy ride suitable for beginners'. It is not meant to be a race track. Respect for the purpose/meaning of the ride is all that is being asked for. Otherwise we are eventually going see carnage.

[quallman1234]

There should be some extra smoke, in the carpark tommorow night.
I swear no one likes to follow me after about 10 minutes.

Too all those who think Group ride's are dangerous. Fair point, there's no true benefit for you being in this thread.
You have already made up your minds and will probably suggest imposing strict and uneconomical (time wise) rules.

For all those who like group rides and are ruling to respect everyone's space. Well done. See you on Wednesday (I almost typed Thursday).

[Str8 Jacket]

Hey guy's.... Im not trying to take over but seeing as this is Uncle B's 2nd anniversary I was thinking of maybe something a teeny weeny beit different. Tell me to butt out if ya not interested. Im coming along as pillion anyway. Check out this thread...

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1834112#post1834112

[James Deuce]

Too all those who think Group ride's are dangerous. Fair point, there's no true benefit for you being in this thread.
You have already made up your minds and will probably suggest imposing strict and uneconomical (time wise) rules.



See now that's what I'm talking about. Vast swathes of uncharted assumptions. From motorcyclists can do no wrong, to anyone who suggests a measured approach to introducing newbies to group riding being a boring moron with no blood or passion left in his veins.

The guy who died a couple of years ago and created this ride for that purpose made sure that the ride was both unthreatening and fun, for those aspiring to riding quickly and safely, to those wanting a quiet bimble. With the emphasis on the the bimble end of the equation. He was such a good guy that he didn't care whether or not he had a good ride, just that people got their heads around the basics of bikes and riding, and the basics of riding with other people. Which is a skill in itself, especially when riding with people you don't know. Bruce's death reminded some of us that we're not immortal, and there's always more to learn.

The brilliant thing about forums is you don't need to stand around in a carpark listening to a fuckwit like me droning on and on. You can organise it all on here, like Hels has done in another thread and then just get on with it.

[Madness]

listening to a fuckwit like me droning on and on.

Bitch one minute, fuckwit the next. Don't be so hard on yourself, you're just a pillock.

[James Deuce]

I've special qualifications in being hard on myself. I probably shouldn't hold others to the standards I fail to meet myself.

[sels1]

Hey guy's.... Im not trying to take over but seeing as this is Uncle B's 2nd anniversary I was thinking of maybe something a teeny weeny beit different. Tell me to butt out if ya not interested. Im coming along as pillion anyway. Check out this thread...

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1834112#post1834112

Good idea Hels. We were thinking of heading that way anyway as the Tin Hut had let us down food wise last week. I am happy to lead a quiet tootle over the Paekak Hill for the cruisey group - same format as last week (?)


I've special qualifications in being hard on myself. I probably shouldn't hold others to the standards I fail to meet myself.

Or you could (get over yourself and) come along for the ride. You could go TEC, that way you wont have to worry about anyone riding behind you......:)

[Fatjim]

Jimmy, you wouldn't be on for a BF tomorrow in Bruce's honour?

[Str8 Jacket]

Good idea Hels. We were thinking of heading that way anyway as the Tin Hut had let us down food wise last week. I am happy to lead a quiet tootle over the Paekak Hill for the cruisey group - same format as last week (?)

Sweet, cheers Malcolm and I will go TEC. You OK to let Gordy know that there'll be a few turning up? Was thinking that maybe if the weather was crap we could still meet up and have a drink for B anyway.....

[quallman1234]

See now that's what I'm talking about. Vast swathes of uncharted assumptions. From motorcyclists can do no wrong, to anyone who suggests a measured approach to introducing newbies to group riding being a boring moron with no blood or passion left in his veins.

The guy who died a couple of years ago and created this ride for that purpose made sure that the ride was both unthreatening and fun, for those aspiring to riding quickly and safely, to those wanting a quiet bimble. With the emphasis on the the bimble end of the equation. He was such a good guy that he didn't care whether or not he had a good ride, just that people got their heads around the basics of bikes and riding, and the basics of riding with other people. Which is a skill in itself, especially when riding with people you don't know. Bruce's death reminded some of us that we're not immortal, and there's always more to learn.

The brilliant thing about forums is you don't need to stand around in a carpark listening to a fuckwit like me droning on and on. You can organise it all on here, like Hels has done in another thread and then just get on with it.

That's not what i meant. Is anyone willing to stand up and help newbies out?. Ill put my hand up for that. Even though i am quite inexpirenced.
If we want to cater for newbies, we need people willing to help.
So far i haven't really seen anyone step out recently, probabaly why the Wednesday night rides are turning into just a ride.

P.s Won't be there tommorow, i forgot i have my Defense Driving Course.

[James Deuce]

Jimmy, you wouldn't be on for a BF tomorrow in Bruce's honour?

Done! Or mebbe Mollys.

[Fatjim]

Well it aint hard to do both.

[James Deuce]

Ahah! A washing down ceremony.

[Pedrostt500]

Won't be able to make it to the ride tommorrow night, that Work thing is realy the CURSE of the Drinking Class. enjoy the ride guys.

[sels1]

Sweet, cheers Malcolm and I will go TEC. You OK to let Gordy know that there'll be a few turning up? Was thinking that maybe if the weather was crap we could still meet up and have a drink for B anyway.....

Just spoke to Gordy, (of Gordy's Bar) he is offering a few free plates of chips and discount on drinks for KBers if we turn up there on Wed night.

Sounds good to me.

And checked the forecast - there might be a couple of light showers hanging around in the late afternoon but nothing serious and its clearing in the evening.

[sinned]

Just spoke to Gordy, (of Gordy's Bar) he is offering a few free plates of chips and discount on drinks for KBers if we turn up there on Wed night.

Pray do tell - what and where is Gordy's Bar?

[Nasty]

Pray do tell - what and where is Gordy's Bar?

Paraparamu area .... :)

[Wasp]

not sure yet if I am coming or not, we have started moving to the new flat...

[Nasty]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=87344

[sels1]

Pray do tell - what and where is Gordy's Bar?

Its a bar (funnily enough) run by a bloke named Gordy. (Who rides a Triumph btw) Its joined to the back of the Cobb and Co restuarant in Paraparaumu. Right on SH1, the best access is via the Coastlands Mall carpark. Has a covered deck and plenty of parking. Food is good and there are discounts for KBers on the TCWNR-we went there a couple of weeks back and decided it was worth more visits!

[scuzeme]

Where and when are you guys meeting im gunna tryin make it weather permitting.

[Str8 Jacket]

Where and when are you guys meeting im gunna tryin make it weather permitting.

Meet at the Duckpond at Avalon Park at 6. We depart at 6.30. If the weather is shite then meet us at Gordy's bar in paraparam. Of course I think that you should just HTFU! :p

[Wasp]

Sigh, weather looks shite but i have the bike and wet weather gear already with me at work...

on my way, leaving now

[Str8 Jacket]

Sigh, weather looks shite but i have the bike and wet weather gear already with me at work...

on my way, leaving now

Weather is OK for riding out in the Hutt. We'll be right. Just take it easy.

[nigel]

Well I just discovered this thread. I didn't realise a bunch of bikers went for rides on Wednesday.. sounds cool! I recently wasted my ankle playing football and so can't play my usual indoor on Wednesdays, so I'm keen to give this a try :)

[sels1]

Nice ride last night folks, good to see a few faces we havnt seen for a while come along too. Thanks to Koba and Str8 for doing the tail-end charlie on the cruisy group.
Gordy thanked us for coming and said if he can get a night off he might come along himself sometime.


Well I just discovered this thread. I didn't realise a bunch of bikers went for rides on Wednesday.. sounds cool! I recently wasted my ankle playing football and so can't play my usual indoor on Wednesdays, so I'm keen to give this a try :)

No worries. Turn up at the Duckpond at 6 and join in.
Read page 1 of this thread for more info.

[Lilly2w]

Any one else going to toy run on sunday? Mother in Law's flight now arrives on monday so me and dave can ride, we are meeting rocket at pauatahanui (9am) before heading to the sandbar, would be great to head over with the usual crew if anyone else is interested...

[James Deuce]

There's a Toy Run on Sunday.

[Lilly2w]

No shit, i was asking if anyone who rides with us on wednesday wanted to go over together....

[James Deuce]

Yeah, no shit. I left the question mark off the end.

I got confused with the Manawatu one today and the HOG one tomorrow.

Sorry Miss.

[Lilly2w]

Punctuation, it's a bugger...:hug:

[Drogen Omen]

The wife and I didnt go cause we dont have Harley's... hehehe

thought it was harley toy ride only...

[Insanity_rules]

The wife and I didnt go cause we dont have Harley's... hehehe

thought it was harley toy ride only...

Ya missed a bloody good ride, everything from Vespas to V8 Trikes and everything in between. Took Mrs Insanity on the back of the trusty VTZ of doom (yes it still runs sweet, touch wood).

Might have to put in a wednesday night appearance again. Haven't seen you fellas in ages, except Sels who I saw at the toy run.

[WuZards-Eugene]

Bloody awesome turn out for the toy run.

Only thing I didnt like is the tempurature gauge telling we that theres no cool air around. As soon as we came into petone, the gauge slowly rose. When we left it went down. Bloody hot day it was, awesome.

Although we were going alot slower down the motorway than last year, it definitely made the ride feel alot longer than just a short blast to petone, then into wellington.

[WuZards-Eugene]

The 31st of December is a Wednesday everyone, hoping that some of us that are still wanting to stick to the Wednesday ride, want to go a little earlier and further for those that have their stats off and havn't really got anything planned. Destination suggestions would be great. Can even stick to having a learner group if anyone is interested. Im happy to just plod along slowly if needed. Possibly do the loop round to Palmerston and back, Barbeque even.

[Paul in NZ]

Ya missed a bloody good ride, everything from Vespas to V8 Trikes and everything in between. Took Mrs Insanity on the back of the trusty VTZ of doom (yes it still runs sweet, touch wood).

Might have to put in a wednesday night appearance again. Haven't seen you fellas in ages, except Sels who I saw at the toy run.

You kinda met me n Vicki too

[sels1]

The 31st of December is a Wednesday everyone, hoping that some of us that are still wanting to stick to the Wednesday ride, want to go a little earlier and further for those that have their stats off and havn't really got anything planned.

Thats an idea worth considering. (But I will wait til after Xmas before giving it too much thought...)

[BugSmasher]

Any ideas where the ride is likely to be heading tomorrow night?

I think I can fit a few more K's in before my bike needs its service - provided of course that the group for people who ride slightly slower than an elderly sloth with bad arthritis is going to be operating again :).

[WuZards-Eugene]

Weather might bee good enough to go to featherston tommorow. Im keen for it. Depends on the combined thoughts on this.

[henry]

I have the British MotoTV Superbike School TV series if any one is interested. It's six divx avi files. If you want a copy let me know.

[Wasp]

Ya missed a bloody good ride, everything from Vespas to V8 Trikes and everything in between. Took Mrs Insanity on the back of the trusty VTZ of doom (yes it still runs sweet, touch wood).

Might have to put in a wednesday night appearance again. Haven't seen you fellas in ages, except Sels who I saw at the toy run.

Yea, I hear it was a fantastic turn out.

Come one wednesday dude, we need to have a talk :yes:

[I'm motarded]

I have the British MotoTV Superbike School TV series if any one is interested. It's six divx avi files. If you want a copy let me know.

mate i'm keen as...

[Insanity_rules]

You kinda met me n Vicki too

OMG thats so trippy. I met Paul in NZ without actually realising it. Sorry mate, was a little overwhelmed. Remind me?

I know I met Hawkeye, Nasty and Nudemetalz at the sandbar (I'd briefly met nasty on the tukkas one afternoon before). Where were you? Were you the one that nude was showing the V11 to?

[ukiwi]

Me and Lilly will be there

[Insanity_rules]

Yea, I hear it was a fantastic turn out.

Come one wednesday dude, we need to have a talk :yes:

Yeah we haven't caught up in ages. I'll have to make an effort. If I get held up are you still on the same cell number? I could at the worst case catch up at the end.

[Nasty]

Working :( .. hoping to do final project releases on Wednesday and Thursday nights ...

[nigel]

I'm in :).

[ttnz]

I'll be there. great having a mid week ride

[Ms Piggy]

Poos and wees! I can't make it cos I'm getting my hair done and the only appt I can gt is at 5:45pm. A gals gotta do what a gals gotta do ya know!

[sels1]

Any ideas where the ride is likely to be heading tomorrow night?
Nah we always make it up on the night. Somewhere with a windy hill and a pub.


provided of course that the group for people who ride slightly slower than an elderly sloth with bad arthritis is going to be operating again :).
Yep, always try and do that on a Wed ride.

. I met Paul in NZ without actually realising it. Were you the one that nude was showing the V11 to?
Bound to be - he has an old Guzzi

I can't make it cos I'm getting my hair done
pffft dont know if thats a good excuse...:)

[madmal64]

Should be there tonight. The bike is still filthy after the Burt Munro but hey its made to be ridden and the cleaning can wait until the weekend.

[davebullet]

I'll be there tonight (minus fluoro vest since I've been told the glare / target fixation can cause rider problems).

[sinned]

Yeehaa.........

[flame]

Wow! what a big turn out! great night for it too, bit of a bugger tomorrow is a work day.....could easy have kept riding on the way home! Team TL had a wee bit of fun coming back! Naudy TL's! Who would have thought!:spanking:

Neat to meet so many new faces! cheers all:niceone:

[STOLLI R1]

So that was my first blat with the group. Great to see so many different types of bikes. I think its important to socialise ya bike cause it gets bored and starts causing trouble at home if it doesnt get out.
Seems to be a mix of nutters, cruisers and learners with smiles all round.

If no one minds, I think I can logistically make at least one Wednesday ride a month. It might stop me spending my wednesdays messing with guns. I'll try to be there when I can.

Cheers for the good time out on the bike.

[Hawkeye]

Yeah! Wasn't it a brilliant night for a ride. A quick tootle over the Takas, stop off at Featherston to put the food order in. A quick trip around Lake Ferry and the food is waiting when we get back to the pub.

Great turn out....

[Nasty]

Yeah! Wasn't it a brilliant night for a ride. A quick tootle over the Takas, stop off at Featherston to put the food order in. A quick trip around Lake Ferry and the food is waiting when we get back to the pub.

Great turn out....

and here I was sitting in the office working!!

[nigel]

Yep good ride.. good to meet some fellow bikers and see what the cruisey ride is all about :). Man I need to work on my cornering though, my lines are shit :whistle:

[VasalineWarrior]

Im not sure where the cruisy bit comes in. In fact, its starting to feel a lot like the Thursday night rides of old.

Nice to see you out there guys - and like a bad smell ill be back again if next Wednesday is as nice as that was :shifty:

[nigel]

Four of us at least had a cruisy journey around the lake.. until Michael decided he wanted to be Not Last (tm) ;). My god the smoke! :gob:

[Hawkeye]

Im not sure where the cruisy bit comes in. In fact, its starting to feel a lot like the Thursday night rides of old.



Don't understand that statement: There were a number of distinct groups tonight. The setup was made quite clear before we left the duckpond. Guy (BuckBuck) was going to lead the cruisey group with Sels1 running as TEC. There was a group that went off ahead who were guilty of getting closer to 110 but it was all controlled. Everyone pulled in at the top of the Takas and waited for the slower group to arrive. After ordering food in Featherston, we headed off around Lake Ferry. Again Guy took the lead and I would say I only needed to use the brakes a couple of times the whole way round. It was done at a good pace without the need to use brakes to go around bends. It only took a twist of the right hand to scrub off enough speed for the tighter bends.
The trip around Lake Ferry was done in smaller groups. I know one group went off fairly fast to try and catch the first group. Unfortunately for them, they would never catch us as we took the wrong turn in Featherston so they ended up in front of us not behind.

[Bullitt]

Don't understand that statement: There were a number of distinct groups tonight. The setup was made quite clear before we left the duckpond. Guy (BuckBuck) was going to lead the cruisey group with Sels1 running as TEC. There was a group that went off ahead who were guilty of getting closer to 110 but it was all controlled. Everyone pulled in at the top of the Takas and waited for the slower group to arrive. After ordering food in Featherston, we headed off around Lake Ferry. Again Guy took the lead and I would say I only needed to use the brakes a couple of times the whole way round. It was done at a good pace without the need to use brakes to go around bends. It only took a twist of the right hand to scrub off enough speed for the tighter bends.
The trip around Lake Ferry was done in smaller groups. I know one group went off fairly fast to try and catch the first group. Unfortunately for them, they would never catch us as we took the wrong turn in Featherston so they ended up in front of us not behind.
My experience was get to Featherston go in and que up to make a food order. As Im too polite I ended up near (but not at) the back of the que. Guy came in and asked if anyone else was going on the lake ride and I said we were which he acknowledged.

Then as soon as I placed my order I went outside and had just about made it back to my bike but without my helmet on when everyone left. So I rode with the second group (about 10 bikes which got left behind despite standing near the bikes when the first group left) which left a few minutes later....Im not going to say who they are as I dont think they did anything wrong but at 130ks they were still pulling away from me.

I ended up in a group with one in front of me and two behind who obviously should have been in the main group but got left behind. When we got to the first turn off the bike in front of me didnt take it so we folllowed for about a k (Ive never done the lake in that direction before so wasnt certain where to go) before I stopped and turned around. The two bikes behind me stopped as well but only one followed me with the other continuing on.

We got to another stop sign which I assumed we needed to turn left at but didnt know. The guy following me didnt know either but we guessed left and I followed him back to Featherston.

So basically I did the entire lake mostly not knowing where to go, partially struggling to keep up and mostly riding with only one other person. Perhaps I was riding marginally faster than the learners group but because I (and several others) had no idea where we were going we were never going to catch up.

I dont know when the main group go there but I know me and the guy I followed got there after everybody had gotten off their bikes and two other people came in by themselves some time after that.

I dont blame the second group for going fast. They were all experienced riders and were not part of the learners group that I should have been in (having a pillion makes me alot slower as shes not very confident). I place the blame for the mess on the first group leaving before everybody was ready.

Ive always been on the other side of this debate but tonight Im going to join the other side and say it didnt feel like a group ride at all. It was like a solo ride which happened to end at a pub where alot of bikers were at.

In saying that the weather was great. The company at the pub was great and nobody crashed so Im still glad I went.

[davebullet]

It was a great ride. I find going back over the takas in dark / dusk actually helps. It seems odd but I prefer going from featherston to upper hutt than the other way. Any of you find the same? Maybe in the dark my eyes aren't drawn to the scenery and I can focus on the road ahead, therefore taking lines and lean angles better.

Thanks to Ranty Dave for following me over and his advice on my riding.

[flame]

Don't understand that statement: There were a number of distinct groups tonight. The setup was made quite clear before we left the duckpond. Guy (BuckBuck) was going to lead the cruisey group with Sels1 running as TEC. There was a group that went off ahead who were guilty of getting closer to 110 but it was all controlled.

I think he was referring to the ride home :)

[RantyDave]

Thanks to Ranty Dave for following me over and his advice on my riding.
You ride good, man :)

Dave

[Hawkeye]

My experience was get to Featherston go in and que up to make a food order. As Im too polite I ended up near (but not at) the back of the que. Guy came in and asked if anyone else was going on the lake ride and I said we were which he acknowledged.

Then as soon as I placed my order I went outside and had just about made it back to my bike but without my helmet on when everyone left. So I rode with the second group (about 10 bikes which got left behind despite standing near the bikes when the first group left) which left a few minutes later....Im not going to say who they are as I dont think they did anything wrong but at 130ks they were still pulling away from me.

I was the first to leave Featherston along with 3 other riders that I normally ride with. Unfortunately I didn't take the correct turning and ended up having to double back. So ended up behind groups 1 and 2. We did the lake run at around 85-90 slowing down to 45 at places due to single lane bridges etc. No one was hitting warp speed. The sun strike was too bad to be going any faster than that. (and I'm not a fast, confident rider)
The reason I left when I did was because Guy had said we should go off in groups of around 5 so that we weren't up the backsides of each other as it got quite narrow in places. I did not expect everyone to follow me when I left. Just the small group!

I may be guilty of stepping up the pace a little after we had turned left but that was because I was with people that I know and trust and as far as I was concerned, we were in our own 'little' group.



I ended up in a group with one in front of me and two behind who obviously should have been in the main group but got left behind. When we got to the first turn off the bike in front of me didnt take it so we folllowed for about a k (Ive never done the lake in that direction before so wasnt certain where to go) before I stopped and turned around. The two bikes behind me stopped as well but only one followed me with the other continuing on.

We got to another stop sign which I assumed we needed to turn left at but didnt know. The guy following me didnt know either but we guessed left and I followed him back to Featherston.

When I reached the first left hand turn, Guy (who followed us down the wrong road and then took the lead in our group) had stopped and was directing everyone that way - or that is what I assumed he was doing.


So basically I did the entire lake mostly not knowing where to go, partially struggling to keep up and mostly riding with only one other person. Perhaps I was riding marginally faster than the learners group but because I (and several others) had no idea where we were going we were never going to catch up.

I dont know when the main group go there but I know me and the guy I followed got there after everybody had gotten off their bikes and two other people came in by themselves some time after that.

I dont blame the second group for going fast. They were all experienced riders and were not part of the learners group that I should have been in (having a pillion makes me alot slower as shes not very confident). I place the blame for the mess on the first group leaving before everybody was ready.

Again, The plan was not to go around the lake in one big group. Guy had stated we should go in smaller groups. I got ready, and our small group headed off, not expecting the whole group to set off at the same time.



Ive always been on the other side of this debate but tonight Im going to join the other side and say it didnt feel like a group ride at all. It was like a solo ride which happened to end at a pub where alot of bikers were at.

In saying that the weather was great. The company at the pub was great and nobody crashed so Im still glad I went.


As far as I was aware, that is the normal case. We ride over the hill as a group ,stopping to let stragglers and the slower group catch up. Then when we get over there, people can do their own thing. I'm sure someone will correct me if that is not the case!

[horch]

I was with Bullitt - 'lost' going around the lake. It wasn't much of a group ride (ie 2 of us).

Had to make my own fun, and gave my VTR a nudge on the straights. Had to laugh out loud when the mirrors folded in by themselves as i 'blasted' thru 130.

Still had a good night - and even rode back solo. I think south of the hill is nicer. Or maybe it was at my pace .. slightly faster than the learner group - yet slower than the racers. ...

good to see a large turn out.

[Bullitt]

As for the pace of the main group I cant comment as I never saw them again.

At no time did I hear the plan of splitting into smaller groups. All I know is the initial group I ended up riding with some people thought they might know the way and others (like me) didnt have a clue.

Ive never really understood the point in splitting into smaller groups just for the sake of it. Someone who is going to tailgate you and run into the back of you by not paying attention or pushing too hard. A group of 20 bikes on a narrow back road with not many intersections is just as safe as a group of 5. Its only when your trying to get through traffic lights etc it causes more problems.

Im sure the people in the main group had fun and to a lesser extent the rest of us did too but it wasnt a group ride for those were excluded.

[Gareth51]

What a great night it was for a ride,plenty of bikes a few new faces and some old, nice to see partners out for the ride.

[chazza404]

Picking up my new bike tomorrow evening all goes well. Will be seeing you lads next wednesday hopefully :)

[captain_andrey]

Oooh, what is it?

[chazza404]

Sounds gruntier than it is and its red apart from that you can see next wednesday. Insurance is being really anal about my gear, they say they won't compensate the gloves because gloves are considered clothing which is plain retarded, also they wont accept confirmation from a bike shop which has seen my gear and quoted the replacement costs they want to see and take the gear themselves

[captain_andrey]

Yeah thats common, they own your gear if you claim on it. So its a 250 right?

[I'm motarded]

Picking up my new bike tomorrow evening all goes well. Will be seeing you lads next wednesday hopefully :)

good stuff man

[sels1]

Im not sure where the cruisy bit comes in. In fact, its starting to feel a lot like the Thursday night rides of old.:

Oi - there was a cruisy group....and it wasnt the one you rode home with. :laugh:


I think he was referring to the ride home :)

Exactly.


was because Guy had said we should go off in groups of around 5

Yeah...about that. I didnt go round the lake but it appears to have got quite fragmented. With all due respect to Guy (who puts a lot of thought and effort into safety) I feel the cruisey group would be better to stick together in that situation. It is supposed to be a group ride after all.


Picking up my new bike tomorrow goes well.
Yay! Look forward to seeing it

[Hawkeye]

Yeah...about that. I didnt go round the lake but it appears to have got quite fragmented. With all due respect to Guy (who puts a lot of thought and effort into safety) I feel the cruisey group would be better to stick together in that situation. It is supposed to be a group ride after all.


Point taken Sels. But that road around the lake is not good at that time of day with the amount of sun strike going on. I for one felt much happier knowing that the small group of riders I was with are a group that I have ridden with before, have trust in them and who I know are not going to go into a corner too hot or try and go past me in an unsafe way. As I said in the previous post, we went along at around 85-90. I don't know where all of this talk about 130+ is coming from!

[mattathm]

Seems to be a mix of nutters, cruisers and learners with smiles all round.

It might stop me spending my wednesdays messing with guns.

I think I fit into that category!

Brings the guns... see what fun we can have.

Great Night, see ya next wed!

[Hawkeye]

At no time did I hear the plan of splitting into smaller groups.

I'm sorry but I can't comment on that. I was busy getting the gear on outside when that was discussed/mentioned. As I and a number of others that I normally ride with were all ready to go, we set off.
I also didn't expect Guy to leave with my group. He was the one doing the organising. I'm not into the whole organise to the max scenario. That is why I immediately went off with the first group when we left the duckpond.



Ive never really understood the point in splitting into smaller groups just for the sake of it. Someone who is going to tailgate you and run into the back of you by not paying attention or pushing too hard. A group of 20 bikes on a narrow back road with not many intersections is just as safe as a group of 5. Its only when your trying to get through traffic lights etc it causes more problems.


I have to disagree with you on this one. Having followed less experienced riders along similar roads, I have found them to be constantly covering the brakes. Lights are on, off, on, off. As a following rider, you do not know if they are braking or just touching them 'just in case'. I like to 'try' and flow through the bends without the need to constantly use the brakes. Not having faith in the rider in front takes away my enjoyment.
Also, less experienced riders who are not used to group riding may be comfortable on SH1 in a group as there is more room, but bring a bigger risk when the road narrows or bends tighten.
I prefer to leave the 'mentoring' to more experienced riders than myself and just ride my own ride.

[VasalineWarrior]

Oi - there was a cruisy group....and it wasnt the one you rode home with. :laugh:


Hehe yeah I wasn't complaining or anything. I knew you Velox and Flame weren't going to do anything silly and you left me plenty of following space so that was a nice comfy speed. Its nice just on dusk, you can see the headlights approaching (giving you warning) but can still see a fair bit as well beyond the headlights.

[WuZards-Eugene]

Awesome ride last Wednesday, be great to see another turn out like that.

Was going to stick with the cruisy group when we left the park, but made a bit of an oops and went past the leaders when we got out of the car park, so I just carried on and had a blast up the hill.

Down at the pub I think I was one of the last people to order food, whilst doing this, every last man and his dog had already fucked off round the lake. Finally back on the bike, with three others in tail that had no idea where to go, we leave on such a sedate ride round the lake that by the time we got back to the pub, most people had eaten, had a drink, had a smoke, ate some more, and were now buggering off lol. Still a good ride tho, didn't really mind going slow for the others.

Bloody 2smoker gave me a scare at one bit, I got ahead a bit, then look in my mirrors to see this plume of smoke just erupt, then the little KR1 comes screaming out of it, jezz it was coffing out something ridiculous lol.
Gotta laugh tho, we get to the pub, and he asks "wheres the nearest petrol station". I point behind him ;) then tell him its closed :( . Next stop, Rimutex :lol: .

[captain_andrey]

Haha, I was out of petrol as well, but the nice man in the station was still there and opened it up for me. I would not have made it to rimutex.

[WuZards-Eugene]

Let the fun begin again. Who's up for tomorrow. Weather is supposed to be clearing up for the afternoon.

[WuZards-Eugene]

Just remember everyone, if you have a "she'll be rite mate" attitude, things just seem that much better.

[Str8 Jacket]

Let the fun begin again.

*Ahem* Let teh FIGHT Begin again!

DING DING Round 999999999999 :spanking:


Just remember everyone, if you have a "she'll be rite mate" attitude, things just seem that much better.

I much prefer the TUI attitude myself.... :chase:

[driftn]

I hope all that go on this ride do as you are told!. I am getting sick of hearing "He was going to fast" or "I wanted to lead that group".

Have fun kids and :Playnice:

[Hawkeye]

I hope all that go on this ride do as you are told!. I am getting sick of hearing "He was going to fast" or "I wanted to lead that group".

Have fun kids and :Playnice:

'Do as you are told!' I didn't know that this was kindergarden'. I gave up 'doing as I'm told' the day I left school back in the 70's. Maybe ride safe and consider others is more appropriate.

[Drogen Omen]

I'm in for the ride this arvo but only if the weather fines up.
I hate riding in the rain.\

Who's bitching and moaning again...? Stop it and just F**kin ride...

People's atitudes wont change most of them already have their habits...

Like my ride in to welly this morning... had a guy on a yamaha 250 in front of me and as we came up to the ferry terminal area he went and started passing all the cars on the inside of the inside lane.... so he was basicaly huging the rails... that is obviously what he does every morning and he will keep doing it...
Maybe one of you guys wana wast your time and talk to him and see if you can get him to change his ways...

[Rev DJ]

Season's Greetings. Its looking good for a cruise today :cool: - but not for me - argh! I will miss this evenings run as I will be in a recording studio bashing out some favourite tunes for our bands new demo CD :rockon:

So, have fun out there and be safe - and no :girlfight:. DJ

[Freakshow]

I think I will make it finally! I need to give the bike a good thrash before 1200km weekend

[driftn]

Hope you dont thrash to much you will end up getting told off.

[RoleyPoleyGNBoy]

:doh:hey its Sam here the guy who just came off on the Takas! :doh: well i have a nice load of lumps and bruises and its gunna hurt 2moro but till then its fine so the bike, well im thinking of cliaming on the insurance and i think that they will pay up so that will be nice, i am trying 2 put up some fotos of the bike but it's throwing a tanty at me so ill give 1 more go before i have to pick the munted bike up. See ya next time!!

[quallman1234]

:doh:hey its Sam here the guy who just came off on the Takas! :doh: well i have a nice load of lumps and bruises and its gunna hurt 2moro but till then its fine so the bike, well im thinking of cliaming on the insurance and i think that they will pay up so that will be nice, i am trying 2 put up some fotos of the bike but it's throwing a tanty at me so ill give 1 more go before i have to pick the munted bike up. See ya next time!!

Hey mate, sorry to hear about your off! I was wondering what happened to you. Looks like minimal damage, those bar's are mega weak naturally. If you can't get insurance you could easily buy some straight bars and new indicators and probabaly fix it up for under 200 =).

-Kyle (DDC guy).

*Waits for thursday night thread to abuse this thread for yet more off's.

[Fatjim]

This ride looks far too dangerous. You guys are going to start getting the po po's attention. One has to wonder whether the ride leadership is out of step.