Ulysses guys on TV1 news

[Trudes]

Because so many of us put on all our other gear, get on our bikes, start them up and twist the throttle a little then turn it back off, get off and take all our gear back off. The guy on the Ducati who was wearing even less gear rode off BTW.

[george formby]

If anyone can link the article you will see that he did not ride away, he got on the bike, turned it on then gave the throttle a wee twist, (for the camera) I didnt see him ride away....

Thats what I thought I saw too, a quick blip for the good folks at home.

[Maha]

Thats what I thought I saw too, a quick blip for the good folks at home.

Its possible he rode away, but the clip (the way beemer saw it, didnt show that) and its not a legal requirement to wear gloves. Given the article content, he should have been wearing gloves I guess. When I saw the clip I did however say '' mate, ya gloves'' yeah I noticed that very point.

Its like looking at a photo of two men standing in a doorway holding a TV. Are they taking it out, or are they taking it in?

[peasea]

ive been trying to decide what to wear on the wellington protest ride. my leather with denim vest, or armoured jacket?
decided to try and compromise, the armour and the denim, but the denim wont do up, and it was mega heavy anyway. so decided to finally wear the armour to the event, then put the denim on once we get there and leave the jacket in the top box. lol.
so much thinking in the interests of image. lol. might even have to try and wear my best boots that dont have holes in em.

Speedos and crash helmet for me. Legal, but dumb.

[george formby]

Because so many of us put on all our other gear, get on our bikes, start them up and twist the throttle a little then turn it back off, get off and take all our gear back off. The guy on the Ducati who was wearing even less gear rode off BTW.

Oy believe he had shorts on.. I also thought Ulysses were the responsible & considered face of motorcycling. The commentator also came up with some tripe about how these riders like their bikes big & fast & enjoy a fast ride. That makes us look good! NOT! I guess that was stereotyping on the commentators part, hard for us to change that onion. And what was the comment about the toll coming down because their are more older bikers? I thought born again bikers were over represented.
I'm looking forward to getting some clarity on these stats & positive, eloquent representation in the media.

[Skyryder]

We might be missing an opportunity here actually.

If thousands of us turn up on the day wearing shorts t-shirts and jandals, saying this is what we'll be wearing when we have to spend the extra dosh on on rego.....

THAT would make a point

Yes it would. But I'm not too sure it's the one that you want to make.

It's just the sort of thing that would give Smith and his acolytes the ammunition they need to justify the increases.

Skyryder

[rebyl]

By people wearing Fluro vests and looking like lollipop men on a work site...LOL

[Beemer]

...note, the borrowed full face helmet will only be used for the protest ride. all for the sake of appearances. after that, will go back to my trusty open facer. the boots on the other hand are desperately needed, but only steel caps will do... wont ride without them.

I wonder if anyone who has ever suffered facial injuries while wearing an open face helmet has ever gone back to one afterwards? I used to wear one for rallying only - mainly because they are easier to get on inside a roll cage and cooler - I was told to get one in case I threw up but I never did! I'd NEVER wear one on the open road because I hate getting hit by bugs, stones, etc, they are cold at open road speeds, and they provide fuck all protection for your chin and lower face if you come off. Not to mention how much fun an open face would be in the rain.

As for steel capped boots, I vaguely remember being told not to use them on the bike as the forces involved when you crash could result in you losing your toes. Not 100% sure on that, but not prepared to take the risk.

Gloves, boots and protective gear other than a helmet may not be compulsory, but that doesn't mean they should be optional. Maybe ACC could look at refusing to cover those who don't take every effort to protect themselves when riding.

As to whether the guy actually rode off in the news item is irrelevant - as Trudes pointed out, how many of us get geared up and on the bike then NOT ride off? (Apart from when you realise you've left your wallet behind...)