AKL's Westpac Run Sunday 13th Feb [Archive]

Will

5th February 2005, 07:33

Sunday 13th February at Karaka Bloodstock
(Motorway, Papakura Turnoff)
leaving 11 am.

Meet at Papakura Autobahn at say 9.45am...

Leave there by 10 am all fueled up....

:spudwave: Just reminding everyone that it is on next weekend.

I can see everyone getting geared up for the races at Paeroa and maybe forgetting about this special event.

I would like to meet with some of you like Holy Rider and Grumpy. I will be wearing a black T-shirt with the "Look out for Motorbikes" sign on the back. There are only 50 of these :lol: so may be we could arrange a meeting spot and time?

Register your attendance here. (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2005-2-13&e=409&c=1)

Holy Roller

5th February 2005, 08:06

I'll have my KB tee shirt on denim vest over my leather jacket white open face helmet and possibly have Jr on the back if he is good (bribery and corruption can at times be a good thing).

crashe

5th February 2005, 08:32

I will be there as well.. :banana: :spudwave:

So now to arrange a place to meet at before hand...

Midnight 82

5th February 2005, 08:39

:brick: I work weekends and cant get away to these rides. Have a good one. Just remember go easy go well go safe, an have a good time :wari:

Riff Raff

5th February 2005, 08:42

Buggery bugger, I forgot about this. Am working on that day. Might be able to get a shift change, but might not have a bike - will have to see what happens.

Will

5th February 2005, 09:01

I will be there as well.. :banana: :spudwave:

So now to arrange a place to meet at before hand...

Can you arrange that because I will be there bright(?) :whistle: and early as I am involved in organizing the event.

I was thinking of a spot at the grounds, say at 10.30am :spudwhat:

crashe

5th February 2005, 11:43

Will

Can you add/edit into your first post, in big red bold letters, where and what time its all starts from.

So that others will get all the info as well. Cheers.

:wari: :banana: :wari: :banana:

Will

5th February 2005, 13:15

How do I get the words to go big and red?
Hey, I said "words"

crashe

5th February 2005, 13:32

How do I get the words to go big and red?
Hey, I said "words"

Ummm ya have done it...lol...

Thanks.. :banana: :wari: :spudwave:

Will

5th February 2005, 15:56

Funny that. Must have had a senoir moment.
I pushed all the right buttons (good at that) but nothing happened at my end. Mind you, I wasn't getting all the smilies etc in your text and I couldn't add any.
It must have been the little people, just when I wasn't looking. :niceone:

DEATH_INC.

5th February 2005, 16:06

We normally meet at the a/b beforehand,but I guess that's no good for you....you better reserve a KB area at the start :wari:

Big Dave

5th February 2005, 16:35

yep - I'll be there - covering/photographing for Kiwi Rider. (and KB)
I'll have my KR shirt and cap on and prolly be on the tbird.
Say g'day, & stick wif me and I'll make youse stars, kids.
bd

crashe

5th February 2005, 17:05

We normally meet at the a/b beforehand,but I guess that's no good for you....you better reserve a KB area at the start :wari:

Well if its starting at 11am on the dot....

Then why not meet at Papakura Autobahn at say 10am...

Leave there by 10.15am all fueled up....

Then we have plenty of time at the start of it to get badges and check out other bikes etc etc....

How about that?????
Any other suggestions???

:wari: :banana: :spudwave:

Will

5th February 2005, 20:50

Sorry but it will be too difficult to reserve an area for KBers.
But if you arrive in one mass, as from Autobahn Papakura, you should be in the line up together. :banana:
My experience with the ride is only of a few years but I would say to move your times forward by 15 minutes and leave the Autobahn by 10 am. You will have to go down to Drury and come back up the motorway. :ride:
There will all ready be heaps of bikes there and you will know half the people which is a lot of talking to catch up on. :banana:
There are portaloos and some refreshments available at the beginning. And more at the end.
Usually about 1000 bikes are there. :wari:

DEATH_INC.

6th February 2005, 20:57

OK,let's meet up at the a/b 9.30-10.00 then leave for the rally at 10..... :wari:
(Will,can you update your first post to cover this?)
And maybe someone can put it up on the homepage too... :spudwhat:

MadDuck

9th February 2005, 20:32

Blast I missed this thread. I am meeting peps at Mt Wellington at 9.30am. I will try and delete my one and see you guys at Papakure between 9.30 and 10am

Blakamin

9th February 2005, 20:37

Blast I missed this thread. I am meeting peps at Mt Wellington at 9.30am. I will try and delete my one and see you guys at Papakure between 9.30 and 10am
consider it sorted!!!

Krusti

9th February 2005, 20:54

Blakamin

9th February 2005, 20:57

We hope to come along as long as we get up and milk the mooooo's early enough. If we dont catch up with any one before hand look out for my bike, sons 03 RS250, or her highness' VW trike with the 70's blue metalflake paint. Come up and say high,we dont chew after we bite...lol :spudwave:
why, oh why does the aprillia have pillion pegs??? :spudwhat:
look at what they'd have to sit on!!!!

(I want one....)

crashe

9th February 2005, 21:02

We hope to come along as long as we get up and milk the mooooo's early enough. If we dont catch up with any one before hand look out for my bike, sons 03 RS250, or her highness' VW trike with the 70's blue metalflake paint. Come up and say high,we dont chew after we bite...lol :spudwave:

Well I can vouch that they don't bite at all....

As I have already meet them.
Nice folks and the youngster is a cool young man as well.

Look forward to seeing you all again.
:banana: :wari: :spudwave:

Krusti

9th February 2005, 21:06

why, oh why does the aprillia have pillion pegs??? :spudwhat:
look at what they'd have to sit on!!!!

(I want one....)
They supply a seat that bolts on, a solid piece of plastic the same shape :killingme Told son if he finds a girl to go on back, she's a keeper! :love:

Blakamin

9th February 2005, 21:08

They supply a seat that bolts on, a solid piece of plastic the same shape :killingme Told son if he finds a girl to go on back, she's a keeper! :love:
hehehehehe :yeah: :niceone:

limmy

9th February 2005, 22:50

Just wondering...apart from being a good get together is there any other reason for doing this? i guess i mean is this a charity type thing?

Big Dave

9th February 2005, 23:31

Just wondering...apart from being a good get together is there any other reason for doing this? i guess i mean is this a charity type thing?

Jimmy, the funds raised are entirely in support of the westpac rescue helicopter service.

Sunday's ride itself is not the important thing for mine. This one is about the cause.
The ride is all freeway, queen street and over the bridge whilst being shepherded by the Police (the bike cops donate their time) and the Ulysses club - and i can't tell you how much i enjoy being given direction by an old bloke on a leadwing in a flouro vest - but I urge every rider to come - buy a badge, chuck yer change in the bucket and support it - big time.

When your mate is lying by the road bleedin' - that big red and yellow sucker dropping out of the sky is a grand, grand sight.
They have 'scraped up' 2 of my Ducati riding buddies now.

I'll be there and drag along everyone I can. And it will be a hoot - that many bikes is a buzz - and we get the freeway to ourselves - 3 lanes of wall to wall bikes.

'Party on, Garth'

bd

Will

10th February 2005, 05:53

Jimmy, the funds raised are entirely in support of the westpac rescue helicopter service.

Sunday's ride itself is not the important thing for mine. This one is about the cause.
The ride is all freeway, queen street and over the bridge whilst being sherpherded by the Police (the bike cops donate their time) and the Ulysses club - and i can't tell you how much i enjoy being given direction by an old bloke on a leadwing in a flouro vest - but I urge every rider to come - buy a badge, chuck yer change in the bucket and support it - big time.

When your mate is lying by the road bleedin' - that big red and yellow sucker dropping out of the sky is a grand, grand sight.
They have 'scraped up' 2 of my Ducati riding buddies now.

I'll be there and drag along everyone I can. And it will be a hoot - that many bikes is a buzz - and we get the freeway to ourselves - 3 lanes of wall to wall bikes.

'Party on, Garth'

bd

Can't put it any better myself :niceone:

crashe

10th February 2005, 08:42

Big Dave..... well said......couldnt have said it better either. :banana:

limmy

10th February 2005, 22:00

yeap. i suspected that it was about the westpac chopper. just wanted to confirm. guess i'll be there.

Sparky

11th February 2005, 00:18

Well said Dave, so who is going?
Jaybee and I will be there and bringing a friend. Come on guys how often do we get the chance to be among that many bikes for such a good cause. Lets hope none of us ever need them but it's good to know they are there if we do.
See you all Sunday :yeah:

Zapf

11th February 2005, 00:41

Hmm.. I'll be Mt Well ambo that day.. might have to convince the partner that a wee wander is in order... BTW if anyone falls off on this ride So help you God as it will prolly be me to your aid.. And i cut leathers :yeah:

just make sure you cut the stitchings so we can sew it back together :P

Holy Roller

11th February 2005, 08:10

Whats the weather forcast for Sunday the way my shifts are at the moment I don't get to see the weather

Big Dave

11th February 2005, 09:45

Whats the weather forcast for Sunday the way my shifts are at the moment I don't get to see the weather

Extended Brief Forecast for all New Zealand
Issued at 10:24 am 11 Feb 2005 NZDT
Sunday
For the North Island, a few morning showers in western districts, but fine in the east.

crashe

11th February 2005, 10:24

just make sure you cut the stitchings so we can sew it back together :P

Yeah I reckon.... and Zapf has brand new riding gear.
Not even a speck of dust on it yet....

Zapf just has to repaint his bike to match the new outfit.....lol.
:wari: :banana: :spudwave:

bugjuice

11th February 2005, 10:42

what's the route this is going? I'm busy in the morning, but if it goes near by, then I'll catch up if I can..

Da Bird

11th February 2005, 18:34

I hope to be there as well with the missus on the back no doubt - on the 'Bird, not the work bike.

Anyone know roughly how long the ride takes? Have to start work at 3pm.

Will

11th February 2005, 18:52

:spudwave:
Leaves Karaka, going north on motorway 11 am.
Off motorway at Wellesley, down Queen St, along Fanshawe Street and back onto the motorway, over the Bridge and off at the campus.
That is a very general rough route. It is what we did last year.
Will be over with about 1 pm roughly. Then some go to the Puhoi :apint:

Big Dave

11th February 2005, 18:59

Whats the weather forcast for Sunday the way my shifts are at the moment I don't get to see the weather

hey roller - bookmark these for starters:

http://metservice.com/default/index.php?pkey=190511&ckey=193000

http://www.metvuw.com/radar/radar.php?location=nz

http://weather.yahoo.com/img/aus_sat_440_mdy_y.html

Invaluable for deciding what Helmet & jacket!
bd

Arven

11th February 2005, 20:58

MacD

11th February 2005, 21:14

So what exactly is this 'event' will there be any actual riding in it? where we going? (except for into town!?)

And whats this about "Usually about 1000 bikes are there." Now that would make one big pileup!! :P

The gallery has lots of pics of last year's ride (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=30&page=1).

crashe

11th February 2005, 22:07

WOW what awesome pics.....

I too was there last year ..... and it really is a great ride.... to be with so many others suporting the Westpac Helicopter... We never will know when we may need it to help us out...

Will

12th February 2005, 06:00

So what exactly is this 'event' will there be any actual riding in it? where we going? (except for into town!?)

And whats this about "Usually about 1000 bikes are there." Now that would make one big pileup!! :P

The event is the ride itself. :2thumbsup
And it will be a big pileup should anyone have an oops.

erik

12th February 2005, 08:42

Is there a participation fee or is it just donations/purchase of t-shirts and badges that raises the money?

crashe

12th February 2005, 09:12

Morning Erik,

Yep you can purchase a badge for $10 plus there usually are T-shirts for sale... Not sure how much the t-shirts go for.. maybe around $25 ??

The proceeds from the sale of these items plus whatever extra money is thrown into the collectors buckets as they wander around... all go to the Westpac Helicopter to keep it running.

At the end of the run, there are speeches and thank you etc plus when you buy a badge there is a piece of paper with a number in the little bag the badge comes in... keep that and at the end when the speeches are happening they draw out the wining numbers and you may win a prize.

At the end you can also purchase hotdogs and chips etc and drinks (non alcaholic) (sp)

It really is an awesome run, in past years I have been at the front of the pack, at the end of the pack and also in the middle of the pack... I can see miles ahead of me, hundreds of bikes and miles behind me hundreds of bikes... especially when in the middle.

If you have never done this run before... you will be amazed at the view of so many bikes...

justsomeguy

12th February 2005, 10:28

I'm in :wari:

See all you's dodomuffins tomorrows:banana:

Badabye

jaybee

12th February 2005, 12:48

Big Dave awesome speech dude !!! can't wait until tomorrow allways been a spectator but thats all changed and have been waiting for this event to come along :banana:

jaybee

12th February 2005, 12:55

ps...... me and sparky and a phone in will be at the autobahn at about 9:15 , grabbing a cupper and no doubt some photo taking

Posh Tourer :P

12th February 2005, 13:55

So what exactly is this 'event' will there be any actual riding in it? where we going? (except for into town!?)

And whats this about "Usually about 1000 bikes are there." Now that would make one big pileup!! :P

Its a slow cruise up the motorway, not a "ride" as such..... 1000 bikes and you ride up the m'way waving to people as they stare at the bikes going past

Zapf

12th February 2005, 15:19

anyone keen on a ride afterwards then?

I'll be up for 1 :niceone:

Krusti

12th February 2005, 15:30

Me and son got up real early this morning, milked the cows, just about finished her royal highness called up and said it was tomorrow! What a bunch of wallies. Practice makes perfect. Got home read thread, oh look it says Sunday.....Duh :Oops:

crashe

12th February 2005, 20:02

crashe

12th February 2005, 20:03

anyone keen on a ride afterwards then?

I'll be up for 1 :niceone:

I would love to, but I have to be somewhere else....
but I am sure that someone will join you....
:spudwave: :wari: :banana:

Big Dog

13th February 2005, 00:22

Doh. Nearly missed this one again.
Only just found out today.
Will do best to make it though. :banana:

Arven

13th February 2005, 01:10

anyone keen on a ride afterwards then?

I'll be up for 1 :niceone:

Yeah! I'm Keen for a ride afterwards! Where shall we go? :niceone:

DEATH_INC.

13th February 2005, 06:37

May be in for a ride,but it'll have to be south and no more than four hours.....maybe the hunua-kaiawa loop or perhaps a quick lap of 22.....
We'll have the little one along for the chopper ride(on the gixx,bugger i'll have to behave myself....) and will need to leave her at the manukau chipmunks for the ride afterwards......

Riff Raff

13th February 2005, 06:45

Enjoy yourselves today everyone! Must remember to go up GSR if we have to take patients to Middlemore!

Holy Roller

13th February 2005, 19:16

Great to catch with some of the peeps from this site again.
Some pix from the day I', sure that others will have some to add as well.

Posh Tourer :P

13th February 2005, 19:17

Interesting ride..... I dont think it was as good as previous years..... The ride was too fast on the motorway, and the MCs were uninspiring, with only 3 spot prizes.....

Still a great event, just needed polish this year. It'd be sad to see it go the way of "Bike the Bays" which turned to crap as the time was made earlier, roads not closed, and people generally discouraged...... fewer spot prizes etc etc etc....

justsomeguy

13th February 2005, 19:33

Great to catch with some of the peeps from this site again.
Some pix from the day I', sure that others will have some to add as well.

Oh NO:brick: now everyone knows my face :angry2:

............ SO that's why my mum always asks me to square my shoulders and stand upright.....

Anyway after we left...... Zapf, Eric, 3 other KB'ers (sorry I am useless with names... thats why I have mine on my shirt so I don't forget it...) and me headed of to Puhoi......:apint:

Had something to eat and then Zapf, Eric and me started off as the others had to head home.

After about an hour of getting frustrated we turned around and went of to Silverdale. Zapf left us at this stage so Eric and me headed through SH16 through Old North Rd and some others towards bethells beach and then down through scenic drive......

Managed to shave a few more millimeters off the chicken stripes........ one day I'll have none left:banana: but when????:brick:

All in all Great Day

Krusti

13th February 2005, 19:41

Your fault.If you didn't have that T shirt on everyone would think it was just some guy in the crowd! :laugh:

Was good to meet you guys. Had one hell of a boring trip home down SH27 :angry2:

justsomeguy

13th February 2005, 19:48

Your fault.If you didn't have that T shirt on everyone would think it was just some guy in the crowd! :laugh:

Was good to meet you guys. Had one hell of a boring trip home down SH27 :angry2:

yah, but I am proud to be me...... so......

crashe

13th February 2005, 19:51

Holy Rider - Great pics ...

Yep "justsomeguy" now everyone will know your name and your face...
and fancy forgetting to fill up your bike before the run....lol.

Well after the run, I had another event to head to, which went til 7pm, BUT at about 4.30pm my cellph rings.... and I had to race up to AK hospital as my daughter had to have her appendix out. They got them out just before they burst.... so she is doing ok now. Nothing like speeding around to find all your bike gear and putting your socks and boots back on when ya feet have swelled up in the heat... and then running out of breath... and then trying to find the key to unlock the lock on the wheel ..... but I got there..
I parked the bike just outside the front door, locked her up and pounded in the hospital and headed up the lifts.... Hospital reckons she will be sent home torrow....they dont keep you in for long these days.

Krusti

13th February 2005, 19:59

Hope she recovers OK. Never rains....eh? Thanks for the friendly welcome etc today. Keep cool :grouphug:

justsomeguy

13th February 2005, 20:02

Holy Rider - Great pics ...

Yep "justsomeguy" now everyone will know your name and your face...
and fancy forgetting to fill up your bike before the run....lol.

HEY!!!!! My tank was about 60% full already...:angry2: . If you wan't to tease me about something focus on my inability to corner...... :brick: Oh Shit!!! now she knows that too.....:whocares:

BUT at about 4.30pm my cellph rings.... and I had to race up to AK hospital as my daughter had to have her appendix out. They got them out just before they burst.... so she is doing ok now. Nothing like speeding around to find all your bike gear and putting your socks and boots back on when ya feet have swelled up in the heat... and then running out of breath... and then trying to find the key to unlock the lock on the wheel ..... but I got there..
I parked the bike just outside the front door, locked her up and pounded in the hospital and headed up the lifts.... Hospital reckons she will be sent home torrow....they dont keep you in for long these days.

Sorry to hear about your kiddo...... but on the bright side they did get it out. So she doesn;t have to worry about it for the rest of her life.

I hope she got into the hospital soon. Hated the pain when I had mine taken out bout X years ago..........

Nice to know you were around for her.... sometimes having your mum in the room does more good than a ton of morphine......:2thumbsup .

Good Luck

justsomeguy

13th February 2005, 20:04

Hope she recovers OK. Never rains....eh? Thanks for the friendly welcome etc today. Keep cool :grouphug:

Just read your signature:
That deserves a rep point......... for making me :killingme:killingme:killingme:killingme:killingme :killingme

Sparky

13th February 2005, 20:22

WOW!! A 1000 bikes!!
What a day, it was awesome to be among all those bikes. Great to meet up with some of you again.

Plenty of sun, plenty bikes. Hey must be photo time :cool:
Did the usual and took too many to upload here so take your pick (95 to choose from):

http://community.webshots.com/album/272707988yyhSNJ

I wish I had a camera on the bike (Hmm, a winter project maybe) Then we could have had some photo's of "CRASHE" going down Queen Street with both hands in the air waving at the crowd!! :niceone:

Hope you all made it home safe and had a great day, cya all next time.

Big Dave

13th February 2005, 20:36

Had a great day.
Big ups to all :niceone:

We took heaps too.

http://www.davidcohen.co.nz/copter_renders

bd

Big Dave

13th February 2005, 20:47

Interesting ride..... I dont think it was as good as previous years..... The ride was too fast on the motorway, and the MCs were uninspiring, with only 3 spot prizes.....
etc etc....

Did we go to the same event?
I never went over 110.
and there's only ever been 3 prizes - i print the vouchers.
Unispiring - there was one of everything.
We started at Karaka, right?
bd

Posh Tourer :P

13th February 2005, 21:03

Did we go to the same event?
I never went over 110.
and there's only ever been 3 prizes - i print the vouchers.
Unispiring - there was one of everything.
We started at Karaka, right?
bd

Correct. I seem to recall an event where there were more spot prizes, but I may be wrong. There was also a V-Rod + Ute raffle going on, the motorway ride was at about 70kmh, not 100 with interspersed patches of 30kmh, and occasional huge gaps between riders. When I got onto the motorway at Fanshawe, I could not see the bikers ahead of me by the end of the bridge, and I was doing 80-90 (the speed limit).

Still a good event, maybe I was in the wrong place.... The MCs didnt seem to be able to get people excited about the awards.... Apart from the cheque for Westpac Heli..... Maybe I'm expecting too much?

erik

13th February 2005, 21:23

For the type of ride it was, I agree it seemed a bit fast at times.

But it was good fun riding in such a big group. :)
Not something I'd want to repeat too often though as it is also rather restrictive having to ride steadily with the group, maintaining following distance and road position. I was getting a sore hand from holding my fingers over the front brake, and a sore arse from sitting in one position on the seat for so long.
It felt good to go for a bit of a ride afterwards and have some fun in the corners of Old North road and Scenic drive.

Big Dave

13th February 2005, 21:25

Maybe I'm expecting too much?

No, you aren't, but it was a sterling effort conducted by *volunteers*, and too much hype would be worse.

My lament is that they sold out of badges and tee shirts and didn't have any buckets going around - or the figure could have been higher.

But I had a fine day and said gday to half a dozen KB'ers.

When we're old enough to be Ulyssi.........oh shit! I already am. Bug-ger

bd

Posh Tourer :P

13th February 2005, 21:30

No, you aren't, but it was a sterling effort conducted by *volunteers*, and too much hype would be worse.

True. I definitely appreciate the effort put in by the volunteers, but comparing it to prevoius Heli runs, I didnt think it was as well run.

MacD

13th February 2005, 21:34

I wish I had a camera on the bike (Hmm, a winter project maybe) Then we could have had some photo's of "CRASHE" going down Queen Street with both hands in the air waving at the crowd!! :niceone:

I was following Crashe most of the way up the motorway and she did the double arm wave at every overbridge! :banana:

Crashe - hope you daughter's feeling better now! :) :doctor:

Zapf

13th February 2005, 22:39

Photos!.....

Zapf

13th February 2005, 22:41

More photos!!!!

limmy

13th February 2005, 23:02

crashe

14th February 2005, 06:07

Awww thanks guys, for your well wishes for my daughter...
My granddaughter has just arrived for the day....
Gee getting up early two days in a row.....lol

Yep t'was me doing the two arm wave down the motorway....
infact at the event I was at after the bike run, I ran into a friend whose bike is off the road, and she spotted someone doing that (laughed when she found it was probably me) and took a pic... so just have to wait til she gets them developed.... She said it was awesome sight from up on the overbridge.
It gave her another perspective as she has also done the run.

:wari: :banana: :spudwave:

Holy Roller

14th February 2005, 10:23

Coldkiwi

14th February 2005, 11:37

Ahh, so it was a faster M'way ride was it? That explains why Aff-man and I couldn't catch the tail end till the CBD (and then, with the most careful of efforts, he manages to hold us both up so we loose it again!) On ya mate! :P

We'd forgotten about the ride till a cager asked us what all the bikes were on the road for while we were having a cuppa at the Mangatawhiri Castle at about 10:55. Thought we could get up to karaka in time for catching the tail of the rally leaving but despite some dubious lane splitting and a hidden camera van (don't ya LOVE not having a front licence plate?) we didn't see the rally until town (stopping for a minute or two to ask him whether it really was a 11 or 11:30 ride out didn't help)

Anyway... nice day if rather disorganised from our point of view!

Big Dave

14th February 2005, 14:18

Yep t'was me doing the two arm wave down the motorway....
:

Ha!
Going to the drags last friday I was cautioned by the Motorway support cop for taking both hands off the handlebars whilst rolling down Ladies Mile.
He told me I could kill myself and loose my licence immediately for such a wreckless act. I'm not sure about the particular order.

I was getting some air in the vents on the sleeves of my leathers - hanging them out in the airflow.

When he saw I was a more mature, polite person he softened and I was told never to do it again or it would be serious and he left it at that.

Be careful mate, it's a hangin' offence.

I also figured it was best not to mention the standing on the seat episodes.

bd

MikeL

14th February 2005, 14:58

Ha!
Going to the drags last friday I was cautioned by the Motorway support cop for taking both hands off the handlebars whilst rolling down Ladies Mile.
He told me I could kill myself and loose my licence immediately for such a wreckless act. I'm not sure about the particular order.

I was getting some air in the vents on the sleeves of my leathers - hanging them out in the airflow.

When he saw I was a more mature, polite person he softened and I was told never to do it again or it would be serious and he left it at that.

Be careful mate, it's a hangin' offence.

I also figured it was best not to mention the standing on the seat episodes.

bd

Interesting. Ages ago I posted something here after I had read on an American bike forum about someone over there getting a ticket for taking both hands off. The general consensus of replies here, if I remember correctly, was that it was unheard of. Exactly what regulation were you supposed to have breached? Immediate loss of licence can only be for seriously dangerous or reckless actions, surely?
I often do the "look ma no hands" thing as I'm sure do many others...

SPman

14th February 2005, 16:12

I often do the "look ma no hands" thing as I'm sure do many others...
Indeedy yes - as well as standing up and having a stretch and a fart.

MacD

14th February 2005, 16:19

A few more pics of the day...

Big Dave

14th February 2005, 16:26

Exactly what regulation were you supposed to have breached? Immediate loss of licence can only be for seriously dangerous or reckless actions, surely?
I often do the "look ma no hands" thing as I'm sure do many others...

As I was only receiving a caution - I didn't argue the toss - suggest it would be the same set of rules that gets you arrested for wheelstanding type thing?
bd

Big Dave

14th February 2005, 22:51

I've submitted this - you may note it evolved on KB!
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Supporting pics: http://www.davidcohen.co.nz/copter_renders/index.htm

Helicopter Experience

There’s probably a name for someone trying to sound wise by quoting platitudes from a desktop calendar, but I have to admit that my experience with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter reminds me of one of the few I can remember - ‘Experience is a good school – but the fees are high’.

I’ve always supported the service, participated in the occasional run, bought a badge, even reported in KR, without really appreciating what a bloody marvel the whole thing is.

The revelation came one Sunday morning, travelling up SH16. Bob was lying, bruised, broken and bloodied, by the side of the road, after a particularly nasty mechanical failure.

Our girls administered top-notch first aid, the ‘Ambo’ was there in minutes, and yet I don’t think I’ve seen a grander, more welcome sight, than that big red and yellow bird dropping from the sky. Particularly when we were miles from anywhere.

I realised then, just how important to motorcyclists it is, resolving to be more enthusiastic in support – even if Bobby was paying the fee. One of these days, that could be any one of us, being whisked away to the best care available.

So when Vege asked me to represent the Mag in the Ed’s absence (in Aussie gathering scoops) it was with some pride that I flew the publication’s colours at the ‘2005 Ulysses Club Westpac Rescue Helicopter Run’.

We rode into the marshalling yards at Karaka and it was another truly grand sight to see so many bikes and people turn out to share our support.

Brilliant, outstanding effort from all of you motorcyclists, trike-ists, scooter dudes, classics, post classics, sports, tourers, cruisers, hybrids, trailies, choppers, adventurers, everything and everyone else that made up the huge numbers on the day.

The number floated was ‘more than 1,000 bikes’, but KR believes 1,200 may be closer to the mark.

The Ulysses boys conducted the run with their usual skill and the pace up the freeway to Queen Street was steady and an absolute joy to have the freeway open to nothing else but motorcycles.

The pace even quickened over the bridge and was quite brisk up to the AUT North Shore campus where the presentations took place. (See what happens when the Vespa guys go in front!)

Chris Hyland of Motomail handed out spot prizes to the value of $1,000, Sponsors John Baker Insurance, Kiwi Rider, Motomail, Radio Hauraki and the NZ Police were presented certificates of appreciation, and then the big cheque – $11,000 raised on the day – was handed over to the service.

Well done, all of you Ulysses guys, girls and all your happy volunteers. You did it again.

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:cool:
$8.95 on your news stand.
chz
bd