HRC ride out - two bikes down

**Biff** · 21st March 2005, 12:23

Not to worry though as they weren't Hondas, and nobody was hurt.

A great ride out from Christchurch, throught the Lewis pass, then back over Arthur's pass. Beautiful roads, great company (including Rider in Black, Zapf and Skyrider). Forget your track rides, this is where the Bird showed her strengths, powering through orgamiscaly long and windy twisties and up n down bits.

The first 'off' was a slow speed tumble by a lady on a GSX750 while pulling up in a petrol station. It looked as though she simply forgot to put her foot down when she stopped. Minor damage to bike, pride slightly dented The second off was a funny one. A pom (riding a 1200 Bandit) had been drooling over a KTM 950 Adventure being ridden by another gentleman. The KTM owner kindly offered to allow the pom to have a ride of it through Arthurs Pass. "You break it it's yours" were the last words I heard, before the pom jumped on board, from the left hand side of the bike, totally underestimating the height of the KTM, then failed to touch the ground (which in all honesty was slopping away from him) with his right foot, and the bike tumbled. There was virtually no damage to the bike whatsoever. A good giggle though. Sorry.

Thanks HRC and to the members and non-members that joined in the fun

I’ve decided I don’t like group riding. More specifically riding in large groups. Too much happening for my brain I’m afraid, wondering if the guy or gal in front is going to misjudge a corner, brake suddenly and hard (how many fkin times did this happen for no apparent reason) and not enough time concentrating on enjoying the road and the scenery. Oh, and I also hate sheep. Especially the ones that gather in large groups in the middle of the road around fast, blind corners.

**Maximus** · 21st March 2005, 12:42

[QUOTE=Biff Baff]Not to worry though as they weren't Hondas, and nobody was hurt.
QUOTE]

That's good to hear!

**Hitcher** · 21st March 2005, 12:45

Great roads indeed!

**Zed** · 21st March 2005, 12:46

Originally Posted by Biff Baff

...Forget your track rides, this is where the Bird showed her strengths, powering through orgamiscaly long and windy twisties and up n down bits...

I suppose if you do have a gripe with group rides and being concerned about fellow riders abilities an option is to stay out in front of them all...which should be easily manageable on the flying bird, yes?

**Biff** · 21st March 2005, 14:36

Originally Posted by Zed

I suppose if you do have a gripe with group rides and being concerned about fellow riders abilities an option is to stay out in front of them all...which should be easily manageable on the flying bird, yes?

Oh yes, very easily done, and I did lead the pack for quite a distance, but I started to feel guilty about there being such a big gap between myself and everyone else, so I'd slow down again. But it got soooo boring.

I know we weren't racing, and I don't blame the others for being slower, but when you have such beautiful open roads, sweeping corners, the sun is shining, there's very little traffic and you're sitting on a BiffBird you just can't help but pick up the pace 'a bit'.

Thankfully after I waved RIB through, in order for him to take the helm, he and I and a guy on a old school VTR (a real beauty, the bike that is) broke away and we built up a lovely smooth & speedy pace.

The best fun I had was actually playing catch up after our first stretch stop. I let everyone go off ahead, then after some 5 minutes set off after them. Wooohoooo!!

**Madguitarist!** · 21st March 2005, 15:31

Sounds like you had a blast Biff! Hope I can make it for the next SI ride out. Good to hear abt the 'Hondas' staying right side up!!

**SPman** · 21st March 2005, 17:26

Originally Posted by Biff Baff

...
The best fun I had was actually playing catch up after our first stretch stop. I let everyone go off ahead, then after some 5 minutes set off after them. Wooohoooo!!

Thats great fun - the best way to ride in groups - as long as those in front you have "let go", arent Firefight, Motoracer and chums!

**RiderInBlack** · 27th March 2005, 12:11

Originally Posted by Biff Baff

Oh yes, very easily done, and I did lead the pack for quite a distance, but I started to feel guilty about there being such a big gap between myself and everyone else, so I'd slow down again. But it got soooo boring......

Thankfully after I waved RIB through, in order for him to take the helm, he and I and a guy on a old school VTR (a real beauty, the bike that is) broke away and we built up a lovely smooth & speedy pace.

You weren't leading, I was following

Didn't know the way

"Roxanne" was sticking to the BB quite well. In the hard twisties the KTM 920 was more than putting most of the other bikes in their place as was evident on the track day in the twisties centre feild @ Ruapuna

**Biff** · 27th March 2005, 12:23

Originally Posted by RiderInBlack

You weren't leading, I was following

Didn't know the way

"Roxanne" was sticking to the BB quite well. In the hard twisties the KTM 920 was more than putting most of the other bikes in their place as was evident on the track day in the twisties centre feild @ Ruapuna

Glad to hear you made it home in one piece Doug. Twas a pleasure meeting you.