https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blog.php/23303-KiwiPhoenix Kiwi Biker - New Zealand motorcycle community en Sun, 03 May 2026 11:39:24 GMT vBulletin 20 https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/images/BP-Brown/misc/rss.jpg https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blog.php/23303-KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2647-Biker-chick-is-back Thu, 22 Nov 2012 21:54:26 GMT :woohoo: As the title says, the biker chick is back. Was away for a while after a wee accident involving the bike, long story short, don't try starting the bike whilst it's in gear. They don't seem to like that! Have myself 2 small fractures in my right tibial plateau Got the all clear to start riding again about a month ago..... so cue, waiting on bank account being healthy (can it ever be) and getting the bike back up and running.

So not having ridden for about 10 months, I'm rusty to say the least..... so I spent all of last week trying to get him up and running. I say trying as it was a job and a half till someone (actually a few folk) pipe up, have you checked the spark plugs! :facepalm: Nope, but very glad I did. They were black!!! So a new set in and yep, fired first time. So with some fresh oil and fresh fuel, off we go.

Now there is one huge difference, I've lost a lot of weight, 26kg to be exact in the last 10 months and I knew this would affect how I handled him, and boy was I right! Thankfully I'm stronger than I was but by goodness the bike feels very strange! I'm having to learn all over again, which is actually a good thing.

Who knew that having to drive in peak time traffic would get your confidence up again! LOL Done some town riding, mainly to get the WOF done but by goodness, I have some wonderful Popeye muscles going on in my left arm with the clutch!

I've got the Magpie this weekend so a nice short ride there and back to break me in again, get the confidence back in the sweeping corners. I'm looking forward to it but nervous as heck. Will be interesting to see how he handles and how he is running....

Will pop up a ride report after the weekend! ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2647-Biker-chick-is-back https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2109-Brass-Monkey-ride-report Sat, 11 Jun 2011 10:51:19 GMT So having passed my full licence I decided to treat myself and take my ass down to the Brass Monkey (done it last year as a pillion) so having the XJ750 sitting in the garage decided it would be great to give him a good run and catch up with some friends. :2thumbsup So the week before the Brass... So having passed my full licence I decided to treat myself and take my ass down to the Brass Monkey (done it last year as a pillion) so having the XJ750 sitting in the garage decided it would be great to give him a good run and catch up with some friends. :2thumbsup

So the week before the Brass I got the bike organised, oil change, new battery and got him all ready. So the plan was to leave at 10am and tootle on down to Alexandra and stay with a friend.

The journey down was very uneventful, thankfully. I did however drop in and see the guys at The Battery Centre in Timaru, the look on the guys faces was priceless! I think they were glad to see me, so had a coffee and then on my way! :killingme

By the time I got through Ranfurly my hands were so freaking cold and the fog was very thick, so a nice slow ride through to Alex. Arrived in Alex and spent 30mins trying to get heat into my hands. An early night for the rally was in order, not to mention the long ride down had left me exhusted!

Packing up the bike we got ready to go but the bike wouldn't start, he was being a temperamental bugger. Trying to jump start the bike didn't work but it was enough to get the piston going so I hit the starter button and he fired up! :mad:

The rally itself was good, great company, some dancing and an early night. The weather was pretty good till the early hours when it started pouring down. Thank god for a waterproof tent!

Getting up and we packed up the bikes, then the ride back to Alex for a shower and some lunch (thanks to Jantar and his Mrs for the hospitality!) Jumped on the bike and with the wet grass and a novice rider I came off in a slow speed accident! :weep:

So now lying on the grass wondering what the heck happened I saw a few guys coming to my rescue. They picked up the bike and made sure I was ok but the bike had more damage than me. it had a broken mirror and the indicator lens was cracked. As for me I had a bruised knee and a twinge in my ankle.

Winston001 was kind enough to get me some coffee, this helped calm the nerves and let me assess the damage. I was definitely not looking forward to the ride to Alex, sore ankle and my confidence had taken a knock. FJRider was kind enough to give me some space on the road and let me take the ride at my own pace, he realised that I was nervous.

I made it to Alex and fixed the bike the best I could and then jumped in for a shower, the ankle started playing up so after having some painkillers and some lunch it was time to get myself organised for the 6 hour ride back!

The ride back was as uneventful as the ride down except that part of the ride home was in the dark! I'm used to night riding but nothing like this as I was tired, sore and getting cold. It was turning into an endurance ride for me and I can tell you that I was never so happy to get home as I was that night! After unpacking the bike, a quick hello to the other half, I jumped into bed and slept like the dead!!

The following morning I didn't even think about the bike, more about my ankle which was playing up, so strapped it up and took some painkillers.

The accident was definitely a learning curve for me and it has emphasised the need for me to be more aware about what the bike is doing. Granted the bike being heavy and the grass being extremely wet didn't help, but I can honestly say, if this is the only accidents I have I would be more than happy! ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2109-Brass-Monkey-ride-report https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2092-6F-done-and-passed! Thu, 26 May 2011 04:05:09 GMT So I finally got my ass into gear a couple of weeks ago and booked my 6F. The waiting game started and today I turned up to sit it! :yes:

Like most tests, I was extremely nervous and the weather wasn't making it any easier!

Woke up this morning, looked out the window, it was wet. No rain at that point, I could cope with that. So after dropping of the daughter at preschool, I jumped on the bike and headed to the test centre. That's when the nerves really kicked in.

It had started to rain and with my wee wobble yesterday I was taking it easy. Got to the test centre with 15 mins to spare, which is just as well as the tester shouted out my name as I walked in the door. He introduced himself and headed out to check the bike. With that all done it was time to proceed.

Jumped on the bike and done the first bit of the test, no problems and after the first corner I settled down and got on with the job at hand. The rain was off and on so made the riding conditions interesting! So coupled with the traffic my speed was well down.

He took me round the streets in Riccarton and upon turning a corner I hit a wet manhole cover and the bike slipped (thankfully after yesterdays wobble, I felt confident) We stopped and done the u-turn and hazard detection bit. Downside was at the time of doing the hazard detection there was no-one about except a couple of seagulls! So used that! He laughed and asked if there had been any hazards to the rear, I said that he could be a potential hazard and was rather pleased that I used that as an answer, not many people do apparently. So done that and it was time to move on.

Up to the 80km speed limit and with the weather getting worse, it was raining hard and I was getting cold so when asked to another u-turn I felt that I cocked it up, ended up in the hard shoulder after doing the u-turn, so had it in my head that there was no way I was passing the test. We travelled back to the test centre and I have to say I was feeling cold, wet and miserable. :weep:

Upon reaching the test centre, I got off the bike and told myself off for the u-turn but would have to wait for the testers result. He got out the car and told me it was time to go and get my licence. The smile on my face must have said it all!

So I walked out with a huge smile and a paper licence once again thinking about the organising I would have to do over the next week to get prepared for the Brass Monkey rally. :woohoo: ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2092-6F-done-and-passed! https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2072-More-bikes-to-add! Thu, 05 May 2011 21:25:39 GMT So last Sunday sees me on the back of a couple of more bikes, so I thought it would be a good idea to list them here.

Flip's BMW sidecar (great for doughnuts!)
BMW R100GS (Beamer89)

K1100RS (MaxF)

Thank you for letting me ride pillion!

Although, is being in a side car classed as a pillion??
]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2072-More-bikes-to-add! https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1657-6R-Passed Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:38:50 GMT :Punk:I passed my restricted test today!! Go me!!

So continuing on with my journal I'll do a write up on the test.

I booked my test last week and done the usual eyetest, photo and signature on that day and was given a piece of paper with the date and time. When I came out I looked skyward and prayed that the weather played ball! Oh, how wrong was I that anyone was listening.

So fast forward to today, woke and it was cloudy, thought yes, I can cope with this as long as it doesn't rain. I tried to entertain myself by setting up our broadband connection (got the modem delivered this morning) man, broadband is awesome!

So come 1145 I decided to go and get some lunch and try and settle the nerves. Lunch done, I headed to the test centre (AA Riccarton) and arrived there at 1225pm, my test appt was 115pm, so alittle early! I thought it would be a good idea to go for a ride but given that it was raining, I thought nah, I'll sit and wait in the dry! I know not being very biker like, but when you feel like you want to throw up, well you get the idea.

I sat there and waited, trying not to be sick. At 1245 the examiner guy (was actually not as scary as I thought) he took a look at me and said "restricted motorbike" I nodded and he said "be back in 20 mins" I felt some what relieved that he was a nice guy! Still felt extremely nervous...

So 115pm rolls by and he comes out again with his clipboard and an intercom. We done the usual sign the paperwork, quick test of the intercom and then out we got to check the bike.

After checking over the bike it was time to go, we done the usual stuff you do during the test, turn left, turn right, straight ahead, do a u-turn then back to the centre.

Got off the bike, took the helmet off and sighed, hopefully it was enough to pass!

As it turned out he was rather impressed with my riding and the confidence. Just to watch my lines but other than that he was giving me a restricted licence, so I now have the lovely paper licence and my L plate is mow gathering dust on the kitchen table!

So onwards and upwards to the full.... ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1657-6R-Passed https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1324-Bikes-I-have-been-on-the-back-of Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:40:27 GMT I've realised that after having my licence for 4 months now that I still enjoy jumping on the back and riding pillion. Now if you had read the article in Your Weekend Magazine, I have been blessed ?? with the nickname "bike whore" and having thought about it I realised that I have been on the back of a few bikes, so here is the list with the amount of times I have been on the back in brackets, in no particular order:

Kawasaki EL250, my own bike
Test rode a Yamaha SRV250
1998 Ducati ST2 (1)
Harley Road King (I think 3 times?)
Moto Guzzi mrk III (2)
Yamaha XJR1300 (3-4?)
Yamaha XJ750 (4?)
Honda GB400 (At least 5 times, poss more)
Yamaha FJ1200 (4-5?)
Ducati ST3 (1)
Truimph America (4?)
TDM850 (2)
Yamaha XJ600 (1)

So there is the list and after tonight I will be able to add one more to the list!!

Now adding in the Boulevard M109R
:woohoo: ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1324-Bikes-I-have-been-on-the-back-of https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1115-Weekend-ride-Sat-and-Sun Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:22:36 GMT Having completed the ride on Wednesday night I felt more confident about getting out and about on the bike. Done a few trips round town, visiting people for coffee whilst I had the chance. So with the weekend looming I got to thinking about a proper ride on my wee bike. On Sat morning looked out... Having completed the ride on Wednesday night I felt more confident about getting out and about on the bike. Done a few trips round town, visiting people for coffee whilst I had the chance. So with the weekend looming I got to thinking about a proper ride on my wee bike. On Sat morning looked out the window and saw some pretty crap weather so maybe it would be a good idea to stay in but my partner had other ideas. We needed to get some shopping so it was a great excuse to get some practice in with the wet weather. So hopped on the bike, him and DD in the car and headed to Countdown on Riccarton Rd, then after picking up the shopping decided since I was well that we would head to Northlands Mall for lunch. After lunch, a quick trip home to unload the car then saw the weather was clearing so dropped a txt message to FJRider to see if he fancied a short ride!

So meeting at my place we decided to head out to Kaiapoi via the back roads (since I'm a learner ) gave me some practice in getting the feel of the bike at higher speeds. Felt pretty comfortable at a certain speed to stuck to that. On the way back we came back through Brighton then onto Moorhouse Ave, Blenhiem Rd, Avonhead Rd back to my place. So then I decided that since I felt more confident it was time to do a longer ride.......

Todays ride, if you have seen the thread starting at the Peg in Belfast through Kaiapoi (again using the back roads) onto Rangiora, onto Oxford and through the Waimak to the Old West Coast Rd. As it turned out it was only FJRider and myself so we went at a steady pace, took a couple of hours to do this route, so by the time we got to McLeans Island, I was looking to do more!!!! So we decided to go to Waipara, again using the back roads and then a short blat on the motorway through the Weka Pass to Culverden. All in all we done about 333km today!

As for how the bike handled, she done brilliantly. Kept a steady pace (not going to post the speed, since I'm a learner) managed to pass 3 cars/trucks and even received a few waves from some Harley riders!! There were times that I was leading and others I was following. The Weka Pass, I have to say is a fantastic road! I think this is going to be my favourite road!!! Some nice winding roads and of course some lovely straight roads with spectacular views. I do have to say though there is a huge difference in doing a certain speed on the motorway and doing the same speed on a back road. All in all, I really had a blast today!! Thanks to FJRider for the company!

Although, how many points to I get for dropping the bike this morning?? :blank: ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1115-Weekend-ride-Sat-and-Sun https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1114-My-road-report-Wed-Night-Ride Sun, 11 Oct 2009 07:55:15 GMT So as you all know I picked up the new bike on Wednesday night, just in time for the Wed night ride. I wasn't planning on going along on the ride, I was more than content to see everyone off and pottle on home, but it wasn't meant to be. Another biker chick thought it would be great for the two of us to head through the tunnel and follow the bay road round to the Wheatsheaf. Cool, nice slow ride. The sun did manage to catch me on a couple of occassions but I coped pretty well considering.

We arrived at the pub about 15mins before the rest of the rabble and I have to say the look on their faces when they saw me sitting there was priceless. They didn't realise that I had come on the ride!! So the next thing for me was coming home in the dark. Thankfully one of the bikers stays about 5mins for my house so followed him home. We came back through the Gebbies Pass (a journey that I had done the Sat before, going the other way, when I took the bike for the test ride) then through Tai Tapu and home. Felt ok in some bits and alittle nervous in others but in the whole felt very proud of myself!

So, on to the next trip..... :niceone: ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1114-My-road-report-Wed-Night-Ride https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/994-Woohoo Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:59:30 GMT I haven't been posting much in the blog as I have been with riding pillion with some of the fine men and women (?) from Chch. I've had a blast doing it as well but I think it's time to take the next step....

ride for myself!!!

So today saw me on a dirt track with WOFman and LongWheely and I had a blast!!! :Punk: At first I was sh&tting myself. I had no idea how I would be on the bike but you know what I eventually got the hang of it and even managed to get up some speed, not much considering it was a dirt track but enough for today. I didn't even fall off, although I would imagine that will happen soon enough. I really expected to fall off. I did have a few wee slides and I felt fairly comfortable. I can't wait for the next time! ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/994-Woohoo https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/857-Maintenance Fri, 22 May 2009 22:28:54 GMT I've come to realise that motorbikes are so much easier to maintain than cars! Well, in saying that, Dave might disagree with me on that!:laugh: See the Chch Main thread for info on that!

So I've been going along to these Wed nights and I have to say the amount of information that I'm learning is great and thats just about the people!! Nah, I'm learning so much about the bikes, the gear and the maintenance. It's fantastic that we can go there and do this (not to mention the trip to the pub afterwards!!

I feel more as ease now and I'm looking forward to the day when I get my licence and can join them all in a ride!

So as far as the licence goes, I'm waiting on a tax rebate which would cover my wobble test and buy me helmet and gloves, so I'll be booking the test as soon as that money comes in and then no-one can stop me, well on the bike in the profile bike, a kid could run faster!! :bleh: Still, onwards and upwards.... ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/857-Maintenance https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/812-St-Johns-Ambulance-ride Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:37:06 GMT So through the Chch maintenance night last week I was told about the St Johns Ambulance run to Little River. Thank you Wayne!!!

Wayne said the magic word "spare helmet" He offered to let me ride pillion to which I jumped at the chance! So we organised to meet at the mall at 12.

My DF, my DD and I were there at 11am, just enough time to get some breakfast. I had a severe case of butterflys and as the departure time loomed, the stomach was doing flips!

So I met Wayne and a few others and got sorted with my helmet and had a look around at the bikes! Wow, there are some stunning bikes out there!

Then at 1pm we set off! We were at the start of the pack and according to my DF it took about 15-20mins for the bikes to set off!

We regrouped at Halswell and what a sight to behold. I got off the bike and I have to say the sight of all these bikes lined up was awesome!

We set off for Little River. The weather was nice, not too hot and not too cold but as we were leaving Halswell the wind picked up!!!!

I still felt nervous, I was riding with someone that I had only just met and I really was placing my trust in this person. The one thing that I did realise though was it's not just about the person riding the bike but also the pillion has to be trusted as well.

After stopping at Little River I did apologise to Wayne for the helmet clunking (when we set off) and the tight hugging, although I don't think he was too bothered about the hugging! Again I was able to have a look at all the bikes! :woohoo:

So after having a wander around it was time to go and a couple of them made the decision to come back through Gebbies Pass, I wasn't bothered, I just wanted back on the bike! We set off and I felt alittle more relaxed, well at least for a bit until we were coming up to a corner and then these two harley's overtook us and then because of the corner they had to brake pretty hard, not a good thing especially when we then had to brake hard. Now being new to riding pillion, I was partically sitting on Wayne's back as he had to brake!

By the time we had got back to Christchurch my heart rate was through the roof! I haven't come over the Gebbies Pass for a couple of years and that was in a car so doing it in a bike, wow I didn't realise how scary it was!!!! :gob:

Sitting in the pub afterwards and after my heart rate got back to normal, I had to again apologise to Wayne for the tight hugging and then the steering! I was grabbing his jacket and every time we went round a corner I would steer the jacket! He did say though it was funny!

Now having had a beer and still not wanting to go home we decided that we would do the summit round from Sign of the Kiwi through Sumner and back into town!!

Now, if you want to share the living crap out of a new rider take them over this road especially as it's getting dark, there is a strong wind, it's cloudy and you have a new pillion rider! Oh and add in a sheep jumping out and you have the most scariest ride ever!

After doing the Summit Road and getting back to the level 50kph roads I have realised that you do need to work up to getting your licence and it's something that can't be rushed! I will eventually work up to riding the Summit Road again but for the time being I'll stick to the roads I know! ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/812-St-Johns-Ambulance-ride https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/811-amp-* Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:57:52 GMT whoever said that Chch is flat obviously hasn't ridden a mountain bike through the city! :argh:

So let me explain.....

... as you know I borrowed a friends mountain bike to get get back in the saddle, which was fantastic. I have been down to McLeans quite abit and I'm getting faster! So anyways, I decided that since I was going to a work course, which started at 7am, I would cycle into work. DF dropped off DD at pre-school so I didn't have to worry about that, hence the reason for the decision to cycle in.

So I left at 6.20am, had on my orange hi-vis vest and switched on my lights and away I went.

So about 15mins in I realised that it was harder than I thought and I had no choice but to keep going and get into work! :sweatdrop

Thankfully I work at a pool as a swim teacher so I didn't have to worry about being all sweaty as I could just jump into the water.

The coach got us started and as a warm up said to do 6 x 25m :gob: I just put up my hand and said "but I cycled in! I'm already warmed up!" he laughed and then said to do just what I felt comfortable with. 4 x 25m was good for me!

So after 2 hours of swimming I had to jump back on the bike to get back home! :crybaby: I certainly have lots more respect for cyclists than I ever had! The ride itself was cool and generally the motorists were good! ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/811-amp-* https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/790-I-m-well-and-truly Sat, 18 Apr 2009 06:42:43 GMT .... hooked! :clap: I went along to the training day at Ruapuna and I have to say I am completely and utterly hooked! I was so jealous watching everyone going round the track! I am definitely going to get my licence now!!! Just have to save up some money! I also met some really nice... .... hooked! :clap:

I went along to the training day at Ruapuna and I have to say I am completely and utterly hooked! I was so jealous watching everyone going round the track!

I am definitely going to get my licence now!!! Just have to save up some money!

I also met some really nice people, not scary at all, maybe ruined a few reputations by saying that :lol: ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/790-I-m-well-and-truly https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/779-The-next-step Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:37:09 GMT I decided that since the feeling had well and truly returned to my ass that I would go for another ride. So yesterday the roads being somewhat quiet I decided that I would brave the open road and go for a ride. I was quite scared and :sweatdrop but it was all good! It was quite nice to just... I decided that since the feeling had well and truly returned to my ass that I would go for another ride. So yesterday the roads being somewhat quiet I decided that I would brave the open road and go for a ride.

I was quite scared and :sweatdrop but it was all good! It was quite nice to just cycle along and take it all in. I can understand now why people like cycling and riding! My ass did go numb again but I didn't care! I really didn't want to go home! Is this what it's like!?

Now living in Chch I have heard many people talk about McLeans, so I decied to brave it and went there today! :woohoo: My god, I loved it! I wasn't as fast as some of them but it was great to ride along, up and down, side to side. There were a few moments that I was sh*t scared but I felt the fear and done it anyway! When I finished the ride I was knackered but wanted to go round again! Will have to do it another day as I had to get home for my daughter. I really do understand the feeling of just riding and it makes me more determined to get my licence.

It did feel strange driving home. I have been driving for about 13 years and never once have I felt strange in the drivers seat. I have driven other peoples cars and different cars but today It felt strange driving my own car, I didn't want to drive I wanted to get back on the bike and ride. :scooter:

Could this be the makings of a true rider? ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/779-The-next-step https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/766-Cycling-my-way-to-being-a-biker Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:40:18 GMT I decided that now the feeling has returned to my ass that I would sit down and write about my journey to becoming a biker.

I borrowed a mountain bike from a friend, my thinking that was since I haven't been on two wheels for about 6 years it might be a good idea to reaquaint myself with a saddle. So anyway this morning I jumped on the bike and thankfully the sun was out and I have a quiet housing estate on my doorstep, thank goodness I did. Talk about shaky!! :laugh: I honestly thought that I was going to fall off! If you have seen TG in Vietnam, Jeremy Clarkson was very shaky, well that was me!

After about 5 mins I got into the stride and started enjoying it. Having a new found confidence, I ventured out onto the road. It is such a strange feeling being on a bike and having cars driving by. I was somewhat nervous but managed to keep my cool.

The things I realised quite quickly was that having baggy track pants on doesn't work, they get caught up in the chain cogs :doh: I'm glad that I wore gloves and you do have to have eyes on the back of your head! And also that you do have to have alot of confidence.

I think I will continue to build up my confidence on the mountain bike (probably a month) before even thinking about getting on a motorbike! :scooter: ]]> KiwiPhoenix https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/766-Cycling-my-way-to-being-a-biker