Wet manhole covers on bends...

**Molly** · 4th July 2009, 20:14

If they've got to be there, why the fuck aren't they covered with something that at least gives us a fair chance of getting around the bend without near f'kin' binning a brand new bike?

Can you tell I had an arse-clenching moment today???

**Thunder 8** · 4th July 2009, 20:21

Originally Posted by Molly

If they've got to be there, why the fuck aren't they covered with something that at least gives us a fair chance of getting around the bend without near f'kin' binning a brand new bike?

Can you tell I had an arse-clenching moment today???

Yea pretty unbelievable that they put slippery shit like that on the roads,including thick white lines etc

**monkeymcbean** · 4th July 2009, 20:23

bummer! I just don't think motorcyclists are part of councils think tank, or who ever decides where manholes are placed, im always hopeful when you find out some council members or people who make decisions to do with transport or roading ride motorbikes.

One of the main roads i ride on i have noted there are a few manholes but at least they have placed them in from the road centreline at the same distance.

I'm sure i read there is coverings for manholes used overseas? that make them less slippery but off course are expensive as they need to be hardwearing like steel manholes.

**hayd3n** · 4th July 2009, 20:28

yes they are a pain, i tend to avoid them without realising now
some are tar sealed over but not many

**mattian** · 4th July 2009, 20:29

we should just wrap ourselves and our bikes up in cotton wool..... in fact, why even ride them at all ! just get them out on sunny days and park them in the drive for everyone else to admire......... hehehehe... sorry.
I consider riding in wet conditions a challenge of my skills as a rider.... quite frankly, I relish all of the tests the road can throw up at me. How about looking at it that way?

**monkeymcbean** · 4th July 2009, 20:29

Here we go, found it, composite manhole covers (non slip)

www.eccles-uk.co.uk/newProduct.htm

**Katman** · 4th July 2009, 20:31

The fact is - they're there.

The trick is - ride so you can avoid them.

**YellowDog** · 4th July 2009, 20:38

Originally Posted by Katman

The fact is - they're there.

The trick is - ride so you can avoid them.

Yes they are best avoided however if you are moving at a reasonable pace and don't change anything, you get your grip back pretty damn quickly.

**Molly** · 4th July 2009, 20:42

Originally Posted by Katman

The fact is - they're there.

The trick is - ride so you can avoid them.

Yep. I know. I know... Managed to avoid them for twenty odd years but just got caught out today. Harder to see when the whole surface is wet and shiny and your visor is soaked too.

**Guided_monkey** · 4th July 2009, 21:39

There are regulations/guidelines that councils and Transit are supposed to pay credence to the siting of service manways.

I find that the response is usually not very helpful. Unfortunately you only know they are planning/installing them mid-corner is after they are finished.

Newton Rd in Ak is a complete bear as within 200 m there is approx 7 holes..... rang ACC and there response.... oh those are telecom and not our problem.... real helpful when they control the road.

**Dare** · 5th July 2009, 00:25

Originally Posted by Guided_monkey

Newton Rd in Ak is a complete bear as within 200 m there is approx 7 holes..... rang ACC and there response.... oh those are telecom and not our problem.... real helpful when they control the road.

I love how they always seem to be where the wheels are meant to go...
Nearly had an off on the metal plate here, in the left lane behind the blue car.
Bloody big rectangular jobbie too!

View Larger Map

**Indiana_Jones** · 5th July 2009, 00:45

Originally Posted by Molly

Can you tell I had an arse-clenching moment today???

lol been there, done that.

Hit one mid corner on my FXR150 with fucking useless nylon tyres!

Back wheel went out about 60cm and kicked back in, I didn't come off thank fuck, but I pulled over and cleaned my pants

-Indy

**MaxB** · 5th July 2009, 00:59

Ride to the conditions is the answer but maybe the conditions are getting worse?

I think the truth is somewhere near the fact that they don't care enough about bikes as a separate group because caring costs $$$.

Non-slip covers along with properly built and maintained bike friendly roads are just a dream for bikers because there are not enough of us for them to care, not enough votes in it.

**caseye** · 5th July 2009, 10:45

And there ladies and Jennelemen is the nakid truth! money dictates everything done by councils and gubbermints and as we contribute far more per person than any other road user I feel we should be heard the LOUDEST!
Tui's, ah Tui's anyone?
Of course that isn't going to happen so carry on regardless and ride around em if you feel the need.

**James Deuce** · 5th July 2009, 11:04

Originally Posted by caseye

And there ladies and Jennelemen is the nakid truth! money dictates everything done by councils and gubbermints and as we contribute far more per person than any other road user I feel we should be heard the LOUDEST!
Tui's, ah Tui's anyone?
Of course that isn't going to happen so carry on regardless and ride around em if you feel the need.

We don't pay the most and we don't pay enough to pay ACC what we cost them.