Motorcycling and An Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

Over the following eighteen months there were numerous rewarding activities both out riding and here at the Kiwibiker website where I maintained several riding activity logs:

Where Did You Ride and What Did You Practice 2007
This was a regular fortnightly event: I created an inter-active participative forum whereby members would ‘write up’ their weekend riding and what they practised. From the pool of entries two were selected and copied across to the Newbie Training Update Blogg. The two members would then be the selectors for the following fortnight. This activity ran through the winter of 2007 and there was very good participation and many aspects of riding were presented.

Within the Kiwibiker community I would like to think that leading into the 2009/2010 summer daylight saving season, somebody may be enthusiastic enough to resurrect this topic.

Motorcycle Safety Videos
In 2007 I got two videos. Both the New Zealand ACC and also the Australian Transport Safety Bureau - ATSB produced the videos. The NZ video focused on group riding, and the ATSB presented a new approach to safe rider training. These videos were chain-handed on through the last daylight saving period to numerous riders on their Learners and Restricted licences.

Saturday Morning Riding Practice 2007
In September I volunteered my time to meet riders at the entrance to Stokes Valley and lead them on a predominately left hand turning riding circuit commencing part way into the valley then taking all streets off to the left. The participants were very thankful for the opportunity to explore my original training circuit and expressed encouragement for other riders to join.

Honda Rider Development Day – Manfeild – September 2007
Having purchased my Honda in August 2007 I took up the opportunity of attending this rider development day the following month. This was a totally rewarding experience and provided not only an appreciation of the power of my motorcycle, but also, the fundamental principle of learning to ride in a controlled environment – from this came a tremendous respect for the overall dynamics of riding and the knowledge and skills development ahead.

Kiwibiker Birthday Party – October 2007
A thoroughly enjoyable time with many Kiwibikers that met for drinks at a downtown hotel to celebrate Kiwibiker.

Mentor Dedication
On the first anniversary of the death of My Mentor a brief dedication was held at the Duckpond where a memorial seat was put in place adjacent the carpark.

The world will very little note nor long remember what we say here; but it can never forget what they did here.

Ride Safety – Concerns [January/February 2008]

Extract
Last month I received some constructive feedback and advice from a moderator on this site, who does not live in the Wellington region. It addressed the ongoing need to maintain the Newbie Update Blogg.

How was I going to approach that challenge? This required some stimulus and in the last 24 hours several important things occurred. An underlying theme is conflict and resolution as it directly relates to group rides.

The importance of reducing risks and feeling safe when on a group ride are paramount.

Take whatever steps you feel are necessary, and if you see a potential hazard/s occurring on group rides regularly, then step back and speak up, and then if necessary create your own safety margins.

Group dynamics within the community, may not necessarily be to your personal liking, but if the potential exists to reduce risks, then hopefully the group will take appropriate action to improve and reduce the risks with compromise and open communication.

Wellington Wednesday Night Smaller Group Ride [February – March 2008]
Without a shadow of a doubt in my own mind, looking back now, I can see that for myself there was a need to do something I was very very concerned at the riding behaviour of those who attended what was intended to be a ‘Wednesday Night Cruisie Ride’. For the remainder of the daylight saving period a smaller group departed earlier from the Duckpond.

With confidence – with unbounding determination of the Kiwibiker community at large, there is room enough, on the roads, in the carparks, and at the cafes for all who enjoy the spirit of riding, no matter wherever or whenever. And if BuckBuckNo1 wants to co-ordinate a ride that will be limited to five riders on a Wednesday Night between now and end of daylight saving then, please God, may we ride safe.

Wellington Wednesday Night Cruisie Ride [Sept 2008 – April 2009]

Except for inclement weather I attended every Wednesday ride departing the Duckpond at 6.30pm.

No I didn’t leave earlier with a smaller group. I rode with the main group and more often than not rode at the back of the group. There were times when I would ‘push the envelope’ and do an extended ride from Featherston around Lake Wairarapa, or indeed extend the social ride to Greytown.


So what happened through the winter of 2008 that gave rise to this change of riding safety [for 'riding safety' read ‘riding perspective’]…….?


Heads Up and Enjoy
Epilogue to this Review to follow.