Originally Posted by
325rocket
.... the rimutaka hill is a mental barrier for a lot of people and it shouldnt be. i remember the first time i rode over the hill (cheers buckbuck) and i was pretty stressed.
Originally Posted by
Quasi
I had been stressing out about riding it and in the end- I just jumped on my bike and did it, on my own. Took it real quiet, did it during the week when less traffic around, did it on my own so no pressure from anyone else. So what i suggest is that perhaps you go for a wee ride up there on your own. Or with Stoney or someone to keep you company. Go at a time when you know it will be reasonably quiet ie 2pm during the week and just ride it at your own pace, and dont ride out of your comfort zone.
....With some 65,000km up now since May 2006, and no further north than Hunterville on SH1 or south than Island Bay, my recreational riding regularly takes in the Rimutaka Hill and Wairarapa. I enjoy this ride several times a week and every time generally enjoy an excellent ride. There have been times I have abandoned the climb if it is too windy, misty, or drizzling. The CB900 Hornet has just clocked 42,000km in the last two years and it is an excellent road bike providing a good upright riding position for me, and so unlike some of the sports bike riders I tend to maintain a more conservative pace with cornering setup entry and exit. More often than not I ensure I have the correct gear selected on approach, looking through the corner to the shifting vanishing point and maintain a smooth steady on throttle. I rarely use my brakes, nor power off, nor coast on the winding bends - I am not racing but using throttle and gear control practically and wisely.
A key observation is:
Be mindful of your tyres if you have stopped at the summit for quite a while to have a chat - remember your tyres will lose heat and leaving the summit in either direction you will need good traction (those tyres may not perform as well immediately as they did when you arrived at the top) so take it easy.
Scanning not only at and through corners but being alert for any hazard: oil, deisel, rocks, and there are some bends where the larger trucks are extending out over the centre line so be mindful entering right sweepers and take a wide line until you can see beyond the apex and toward next vanishing point.
Cheers 325Rocket, I can still remember wiping the excess chain lube off your back tyre....look forward to catching up this spring/summer.
Quasi, read your comments with interest. I recall my first few times riding the hill with my late Mentor, looking back now I don't know what made me more nervous, the hill or the fact my Mentor was with me...just kidding. It is good to get some feedback from a fellow rider/mentor, and in time I encourage riders to attend an Advanced Rider Refresher course.
Both the Rimutaka Hill and Paekakariki Hill roads, as well as around the inlet, in this region, require vigilance. For all riders taking on the challenge of these hills treat them with respect and choose the quieter times of day as Quasi has mentioned if you are riding the hills the first time.
I usually get out earlier on a Sunday with my brother-in-law and back home by midday however, I look forward to catching up with you all on an occasional Sunday lunchtime ride from the Haywards to Martinborough.
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Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy...The Eagles
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