Motorcycling and An Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

For those of you that know me, my riding history is short as I commenced riding as recently as May 2006. Shortly after starting to ride there was a monumental mind shift in my attitude when my mentor of six months was killed riding his motorcycle.

Over the recent years The Wednesday Night Cruisie Ride has changed and so I pray that his legacy can in some way continue.

At last night’s TCWNR (10 Feb 2010) there was a small gathering and generally all were experienced riders with one novice Learner. Though the ride was up Paekakariki Hill and to Gordies Bar in Paraparaumu, I was content to ride TEC over the Haywards Hill to Pauahatanui from there I lead to Battle Hill, where I had announced before leaving the Duckpond that was my turnaround point. Approaching Battle Hill I indicated left and slowed down to let the group pass, and was very pleased to see on my way back that the novice rider was being followed by a TEC experienced rider – cheers Sels1.

Now to move on:

Read with extreme interest.

Attending last night’s ride, 10 February, someone at the Duckpond drew my attention to Rant and Rave thread started on 27 January by Str8 Jacket - Helen well done, and well said. I have just found it this morning.

That particular evening when you stopped at the top of the Rimutaka Hill and I met you there, I most certainly could empathise with you, your feelings and views.

With the utmost of respect reflecting upon the legacy that was left by Uncle B, and with thanks to Trudes and many others, by having a bench seat placed at the Duckpond carpark, I have agonised over these past few weeks about the future of The Wednesday Night Cruisie Ride TWNCR and the legacy attached to this event.

Some may say that society changes and so TWNCR has changed too. Well I don’t think it is the bikes that have changed, nor so much the riders, that have been attending for years, nor the new faces of ‘experienced’ and novice riders that attend (ah hum haven’t seen too many 250cc bikes or novice riders…wonder why) – but rather what has changed are the various attitudes. Sadly some may think that the original intent of TCWNR has been lost and that Wednesday Night is for the more experienced riders on larger bikes wanting to do their own thing. Well there is nothing much more I can say about that…but I have agonised about what I could do and to maintain the legacy of why we have a mid week ride that was established to assist newer riders and to provide a social environment.

I was reminded last night of the recent years when I attempted to establish a slower paced group ride leaving the Duckpond on Wednesday evenings fifteen minutes before TCWNR. Back then there were strong opinions basically ‘take your ride meeting point somewhere else attitude’. And last night it was reiterated that TCWNR has changed. Perhaps another way of looking at it is that TCWNR has a reputation and riding behaviour now that unfortunately does not openly encourage slower riders.

Well this past weekend I thought the time was right to setup a Tuesday evening ride program through to the end of the current daylight saving season geared very much toward those that want slower paced rides. Destination, routes, and optional turnaround points.

After the first ride Tuesday this week, I was encouraged by the enthusiasm displayed by the five novice riders that attended and one other experienced rider -thank you Toaster for your assistance much appreciated.

I will attend both the Tuesday and Wednesday rides, and one thing will not change at either ride and that is my riding attitude.

On a Wednesday I will be happy to lead any TCWNR on one or more occasions between now and the end of daylight saving. The decision by consensus of the group on the evening and that the group is tolerant enough to ride behind a 250cc bike and remain behind the lead rider, but I think that is most unlikely to occur…but please prove me wrong.

Safe Riding Everyone