14th May '05 - SH22 ** PICS AND VIDEOS

[Ixion]

Thanks, it's great for getting into Uni but I regret to say not so flash for SH22. After every curve you have to drop to 4th and hope to get back up to 100 (which can take a while especially if it's uphill) swap to 5th then get ready to take another turn at 70 (*cough* that I shouldn't as the signs usually said either 30 or 45 */cough*) and repeat. ..

Hm. Word to the wise. On a 250 (prolly any bike but certainly a small one) you should be changing down BEFORE the curve. As you approach the curve change down to whatever gear will keep you in the upper third of your rev zone (on SH22 on a 250 usually 3rd or 4th, sometimes second). Apply power hard as you clear the curve apex and change UP after the curve. You should never need to change down after a curve - only exception is, obviously, if you're going to stop, or if the curve is followed closely by a second, tighter cureve, or, maybe, is very steep uphill and needs second or first. (in my humble opinion, but I'm quite relaxed if one of the sports bike guys wants to set me straight and tell me I'm quite wrong this is for nana riding , not necessarily the fastest way through the corner).

Coming out of the curve on the overrun then trying to change down after curve exit will mean you are constantly trying to get back to speed then washing it off again for the next curve.

[StoneChucker]

Since the TV I was watching is finished, here's my $9.76

I know Blakamin and MR from meeting them in person. Both are nice guys, and both have alot to offer in terms of experience and character. I can understand where Blakamin is coming from. Now, DON'T get the wrong idea from the next bit... I can see how people have the impression MR and TS treat the road like the track, and worse. To be honest, I got that impression at FIRST (ages ago). After meeting TS, and specifically MR I firmly believe that they are not what some think they are. Look Chris (TS), I have to be honest, up until recently I still thought you rode a little fast on the road, BUT this is based on posts you write, posts people write about you and things people talk about. So as you can see there is alot of room for assumptions, which lead to fuck ups. Now, I'm happy to ride with you as I firmly believe that your riding style has changed somewhat (as you said to me in your xmas thread).

Organised rides are a great way to meet people and increase your riding abilites. I think that the onus is mostly on the individual rider to keep themselves safe. If someone is riding solo on the road and a boyracer pulls up next to you at the lights, YOU have to make a decision whether to race him or not. MATURITY in MY opinion is the issue here. Someone said earlier that they were glad they waited till their 20's to get a bike licence, and I'm 100% in agreement with them. I think I was almost 22 when I got my learners, and 23 when I got my full (and my current bike). I think I would have been alot more reckless had I started at 16!

In saying this, organising a big ride is a huge undertaking. I for one appreciate the effort made by MR, and HOPE TO HELL that he isn't put off, and the same goes for TS. Any assistance you guys give to newer riders is appreciated. I'm not sure if I agree with never having another "ride for all" again. That would be a great pity, as has been said it's a great social occasion and skills devellopment opertunity. I think the organiser needs to be VERY sincere and vocal about the riding style. The rides I go on often have HUGE differences in rider ability. The fast guys take off into the distance, medium paced riders cruise along happily and the newer riders ride at a pace that suits them. They also have someone riding with them who is more experienced. This isn't hard to achieve, it takes but a little organisation and some maturity. There is NO problem of someone being lost, as EVERYONE knows that the front and middle guys will be waiting at the next turn off the road they were on. It gives them some time to talk shit, which as we all know everyone loves to do This gives the newer riders the confidence that they can take their time, and not be lost or left behind.

There are some good guys/gals on here who I've noticed don't ride in the KB groups anymore, which is such a pity.

Going wide on a corner? Shit happens, the guys just so happened to have a camera with him. I've done it once or twice, and learnt from it (hasn't happend for ages now). I didn't read anything that made me think he thought it was funny. Infact, having the "badcorner.avi" posted is a good thing imho. People can learn from it, and I'm pretty sure he will endeavour to not do it again. The "crash.avi" looks a little alarming/disorganised but inexperience always does. This was the route that he instictively took at the time. While I (and most) think it was the wrong choice, his experience and the circumstances chose it. I'm sure he will have looked at the video, thought about it and realised what went wrong, and will learn from it in the future.

Rickster, only a couple of people on here had a go at you, and that in part may have been in light of recent events. Please don't be put off by this, it was very unfortunate timing. I thank you for posting what many people might just keep quiet. I bet atleast one person learnt from your video!

Above all, we need to remember how easy it is to "have a go" at someone on here. It's sometimes a little impersonal, so you don't realise how you make other people feel. I've never met someone on KB who I don't like, and I keep that in mind while posting. I've said it many times, KB is a great community, offering skills, experience and most importantly friendship and support. Lets not loose sight of that, and jeapordise a great thing.

So the moral of my story is, maturity I think that, or the lack of can be blamed for alot of the problems we face. With that, we can continue to gain experience.

[Jeremy]

By the way who passed me and then did a wheelie up the hill?

[StoneChucker]

By the way who passed me and then did a wheelie up the hill?

When? On the SH22 ride?

[Jeremy]

When? On the SH22 ride?

Yes, after the second stop. There was a long straight for about 300m or so after a right hand turn.

[Ixion]

Flipping heck ! I spend one day offline, caging, and World War VII breaks out. And I miss it.

I think that I was the first to have a little hissy this morning about the crashs , but come on guys. Don't lets get the whole thing out of proportion. Yes , it is important that the new riders learn to cool it a bit (I'm avoiding "slow down" because speed's not the whole story and although "slow down" is a good shorthand, it can be misinterpreted).

Guys (novice ones), that's not because we want to diss you or shit on you, it's because we care and we want to keep you around. We lost one of our family the other week and don't want to lose another. But in no way is that saying that you shouldn't go on rides, or that you should leave the group. And for what it's worth I don't think that SH22 (or any road) is "unsuitable" for new riders. You just have to be willing to take things slow and careful. Then as you get some experience you take them a bit faster (or, like, me, you decide to be a permanent nana). Please don't anyone go leaving the group or being put off riding anywahere - just take it easy, OK.

Guys (experienced fast riders), please, loosen up. Yes , I personally do think that the experienced guys need to take some responsibility for helping new chums . But from the reports, that IS what happened. And this wasn't a training ride - all the fast riders along were there because they wanted to have a bit of fun. That means they will be riding a shit load faster than the beginners (or nanas like me). So, that's part of the deal. If Mr Motoracer goes past someone a bit fast, well, I'll warrant that before long boi racer will go past even faster. There's only ever one guy riding the bike, and he's the one making the calls. I suspect the crashs would have occurred even if none of the fast guys had been there

Having so many crashs happen is not good. It's bloody scarey, and we ALL need try to make sure that there are no more. But life's life, and sometimes shit happens. (FWIW, I don't class Mr danb's incident as a crash. Dropping the bike on the gravel when stopping happens to the best , it's like dropping it off the centre stand.)

The guys that crashed didn't do it on purpose to piss people off. They made mistakes, like we all did when starting off (or, in my case still do ).

In this case the biker gods were kindly and nobody got hurt. Let's just sacrifice an old inner tube and a burnt exhaust valve to the biker gods, and move on.

Please, nobody quitting, walking away from the site.

But , new riders, PLEASE do take care. Taking a corner at 20kph is perfectly acceptable (hell, I do it all the time) We just don't want you getting hurt.

[Quick, another container load of oil, there's still a heap of troubled waters out there I suspect]

[Ixion]

Since the TV I was watching is finished, here's my $9.76
..

Hell's bells. Two cents to $9.76. That's inflation for you. (as a matter of interest Mr Stonechucker, why the hell such an odd amount?)

[TLDV8]

I don't post much on this site but will say this..after reading this thread i remember why i ride alone mostly these day's (the exception being riding with people i trust).... there is a lot of talk about so called newbies trying to keep up with those in front,where from my experiance the pressure can be from behind,and have come across folk out on the open road who when you catch up to them then start to watch their mirrors instead of looking where they are going,which is why i then pass them in a sensible and considerate way as to not spook them... there is a major difference between a fast rider and a experianced fast rider in a group situation,smoothness and that word again consideration being the key (22 is a road where smooth is paramount)....(fwiwimho)..

[StoneChucker]

Hell's bells. Two cents to $9.76. That's inflation for you. (as a matter of interest Mr Stonechucker, why the hell such an odd amount?)

Well, you said it... inflation. 2c has been around for way too long And not to mention, I way over value my opinion j/k

Most times instead of the 2c I put a random amount. I'll make my election promise to never reach or go over $10.00.
*EDIT* And NOW I must go to bed. Later all!

[Motu]

Wow,bit of noise going on here eh? But my name hasn't been mentioned yet so it's all sweet as far as I'm concerned.

I don't ride in groups much,and saturday was a good lesson for me stay away from them.I'm not fast enough (well,it's all the bikes fault,I'm probably the fastest rider of them all,but I ride a slow bike on purpose) to mix it with the big guys,and just rode at my own pace by myself at the back.I ran into some bikes at some stages,but after a couple of passes I just pulled over and let them go,then started again a bit later,doing this kept me out of most everyones way most of the time.I did push my way though a group of bikes - sorry 'bout that,a gutless bike on knobs needs a different approach to passing,and I plowed through everyone when they were going slow for roadworks too...sorry,for me roadworks means go fast,not go slow.

I heard the bike go down in gravel,not nice for him,but these things happen,even to superstars like myself.The worse thing about it is that for a gentle learning episode about gravel over seal and how to brake - on a modern bike it becomes so bloody expensive.After we left that rest stop I saw a bike in a ditch,I stopped to see how they were,but it looked like they had it under control,so I buggered off before they asked for assistance.That's the bins.

At the rest stop at the SH22 turn off I waited until everyone left....along time it was too - if you slower riders don't want the other guys to wait too long how about you move out smartly instead of chin wagging with your helmets off? Then I went down SH22 to Te Uku and on to Raglan for some lunch,coming back onto SH22 I then went up Ruakiwi Rd down to 22 at Dunmore,then onto Huntly via Pukemiro.Lower SH22 is nearly all sealed now,a couple of bits done since I last rode it,another being readied for seal,which leaves only one small bit about 1/2km long.Pretty soon someone will ''discover'' a new way to Raglan and rave about how fantastic this ''new'' road is - sorry,it's always been there.I saw some bikes at Te Uku coming back,sports bikes and a red Tiger,on the road I passed a yellow GS 1150 on a one way bridge (we don't give way,2 bikes can fit eh?) and a blue sports bike coming the other way.

I didn't do much at Huntly,except get depressed with how much work needs to be done in not much time - I think I spent most of my time sitting on the back steps with next doors kitten (he has an endless capacity to give and recieve love,much appreciated) watching the black hen who also seems to have adopted our place.

I came back the same way,via Pukemiro,and came up 22 again - what a dull dismal day,the cat's eyes were reflecting my headlight it was so dull (I left at 4.00pm) Hardly a car,and of course no bikes on the road.At Tuakau it started to spit,and on the uphill right hander into Tuakau I was slipping and slidding all over...shit,better be careful eh? On the otherside of Tuakau I was sliding on the corners,and even had wheelspin coming out in a straight line - I waved the Pajero behind past,I had to get to grips with the slippery road.

377kms for my SH22 ride - all on one tap,I still haven't had to go onto reserve with the Acerbis tank.I enjoyed my weekend ride,I'm not getting much riding done this year it seems.

[Motoracer]

Hey MR, I've met you before and I'll probably see you at Manfield this weekend, so you should know that what I have to say now is not meant with any ill intent... there is no need at all to be cutting up junior riders with riding that you feel is calculated and within your own limits. The road is public and it's not all about your own percieved limits, it's about those road users around you and the limits that are set for them. And did I read somewhere that your bike has no speedo? Why?

Just some random thoughts for you all. Ride on and chill out.

Yep, I've met you and you are a pretty cool dude from what I gathered but here's my say as well (not specificly directed at you Mark):

Why isn't anyone reading my write up????? I know I was drunk when I wrote it but I think it's worth a read, specially if you want to know what happened!!!!!

I had said in the write up that AFTER leaving the n00bs in capable hands I passed EVERYONE ELSE, which included the faster and VERY experienced riders!!! What kind of an idiot does everyone think I am? I was as gentle and as careful I could be around the n00bs to make sure they were fully comfertable and no I am not trying to make it sound pretty right now just cause it is in my defence.

Anyway, I had already apologised for making the passing manuvours which I had already said was not the best thing to do! But just for the coment of Blakamin and others of me passing n00bs, please read my write up first! I was only passing the experienced fast riders at speed!!! These are people who have been to the track etc etc. YET still I thought it was wrong to do so myself and still I apologised for it!! I don't think many would have bothered to apologise openly in public just for something minor like this but I did and got shot for it.

No point in getting knee down or scraping pegs? I wish I could have fun like some of you while traveling at a slower pace but I can't. I am not an exception either cause there are quite a few of us who feel this way. If I wasn't allowed to get my knee down or scrape the pegs etc. I'd rather have my road licence taken away and cut up in half cause I reckon personally, if I am just riding at a slower pace than what I find enjoyable, it would just be a waste of fuel and time quite frankly. However we are not just some loons. Heck I am so fuken poor that I can barely afford the daily nessesities. But I still have big dreams that I want to reach out to so I CAN NOT afford to crash anyway. I don't think many people who haven't seen me ride know how anal me and most of us who go fucken fast are about safety. What does everyone think? We are rich suacidal cunts who don't give a fuck and can afford to crash? I LOVE life and I am a poor fucker who CAN NOT afford to crash and I am the sort of person who wouldn't harm a fly either so there is no way in hell I'd do something to endanger other members of the public and even more so my mates!! Everyone is different and from what I have seen in the real world I have tired my very best to be as "good" as I can be for the good of everyone else, which is far better than a lot of other cases I have seen. However some of you seem to have unrealistic guidlines based upon what YOU think is how it should be done. I am really sorry but I have my limits too as to how "good" I can be.

Anyway, the above message is only for people who haven't seen me ride. The rest of you who have seen me ride, already know the truth so there's no need for any explanations for you guys/gals.

[Motoracer]

Anyway, the past is past and please except my humble appologies to anyone I have offended.

All of us have definetly learnt a lot from our experience from yesterday.

I don't have any of you in my bad books and I hope I am not in anyone's bad books either. If I am, then tough shit. I have tried my best and that's all I can do.

Peace out, ride safe and have a good night everyone.

P.S. A million thanks to the guys who PMed me and supported me in the threads. Your vote of confidence means a lot to me!

[Ms Piggy]

Jesus wept. This is one of the reasons why Mrs H and I rarely do group rides. They usually end in tears.

And while it may well be the inexperienced riders who end up offing themselves and getting hurt (or worse), the experienced riders in the group need to take a good hard look at themselves and their behaviours as well.

Group rides are intimidating. Valentino Rossi and co generally take off into the distance, shiftlights flashing as they go. The 250RR gang generally gives pursuit. The old farts and other blouses bring up the rear, to be sniffed at when they arrive at rendezvous points a few minutes after everybody else. Some experienced riders like flouncing their "skills" at the less able. These "skills" occassionally feature wheelies and stoppies, overtaking moves that are entirely sub-optimal, and flagrant and reckless disregard for road conditions and the mental well-being of other road users.

It's all very well to say "ride at your own pace", but that's not the expectation on some group rides.

We all need to get our collective shit together here. Our first objective must be to get to wherever we're going alive and unscathed. Our second-most important objective should be to enjoy the ride. Peer pressure and generally irresponsible behaviour will see more of our number dead or maimed. The effect that this has on family, loved ones and fellow bikers who give a shit is devastating.

Think about it. Please.

I believe we all should be listening to this chap.

[Ms Piggy]

we have a lot of people in this forum who don't want to learn from the experiences of others.

Just because you've raced on the track, in what ever class you like, doesn't make you experienced on the road. I'm lucky enough to have raced (buckets and forgotten era) and done ride days with supersport and superbikes on some of the best race tracks in the world, but all the guys in Wellington that have ridden with me know that I don't ride on the road anything like I do on the track. Nine times out of 10 I will be the last guy to the destination... but I always get there.

Noobs, find out who the experienced riders are in your area, and ride with them for a while. Don't go riding with racers who treat the road like the track.

And don't stop riding on roads like 22 because it might be too difficult. Just ride them at the right pace and you will learn heaps. The tight and twisty roads are the best ones to learn on.

Getting your knee down on the road is bullshit. If you do that, you're riding too hard for the environment, simple as that.

Likewise if you start scraping the pegs... it usually means you're about to crash.

If you're going to organise rides, do so bearing in mind the standards and experience of the various members, and plan accordingly.

Hey MR, I've met you before and I'll probably see you at Manfield this weekend, so you should know that what I have to say now is not meant with any ill intent... there is no need at all to be cutting up junior riders with riding that you feel is calculated and within your own limits. The road is public and it's not all about your own percieved limits, it's about those road users around you and the limits that are set for them. And did I read somewhere that your bike has no speedo? Why?

Just some random thoughts for you all. Ride on and chill out.

And this one too.

[FROSTY:Me]

Anyway, the past is past and please except my humble appologies to anyone I have offended.

All of us have definetly learnt a lot from our experience from yesterday.

I don't have any of you in my bad books and I hope I am not in anyone's bad books either. If I am, then tough shit. I have tried my best and that's all I can do.

Peace out, ride safe and have a good night everyone.

P.S. A million thanks to the guys who PMed me and supported me in the threads. Your vote of confidence means a lot to me!

MR -_you and I know the old phrase -the bullshit stops when the flag drops
I've ridden with you so I am speaking from experience.
Your overtaking in my experience to ME is just fine -well inside my comfort zone. To some less experienced riders its pretty scarey.
I've seen the lil wobble as ya zoom past them.
They do the matcho bullshit but for that little window of time they were not under control of their bikes.
Again I emphasise--I have NO issue with how you ride with me (or was that pst me lol) -just maybee give the new guys a bit more room /warning.