Speaking of skill levels out on the road - I posted earlier in this thread about a trip I did around the South Island a few years ago on whiich one of our group was killed.
I am now reminded of another incident earlier in that same trip that still haunts me.
We were headed for a night at Glenorchy and I had just started to enjoy the ride out from Queenstown - having never seen that glorious road before. I started out on my own but was soon joined by another member of the group riding a fairly new Fireblade. I had a very well set up Aprillia Tuono (Ohlins etc). I was travelling at a pretty quick pace but well within what I considered my own comfort zone - had done countless track days on this bike.
The Fireblade rider (who I did not know other than to say hello to) obviously wanted to chase me and was up my backside on most of the straights but then fell back on most of the twistie bits. When we arrived at Glenorchy I was quite exhillarated after a great ride on an awesome road surrounded by such beautiful scenery.
The Fireblade rider arrived shortly after and almost fell off his bike. He was visibly shaking and could hardly speak. He said some words to the effect that he was mighty pleased that trip was over?????
A few days later our group did a track day at Levels and I was absolutely horrified watching this particular rider - he had almost no skills at all. He ran off the track at least 6 times at the end of the front straight and God knows how he managed to hold it up on the grass each time. It was clear that he had no idea of his own or his bikes capabilities.
I felt pretty bad about the part I might have played in him riding well over his head earleir in the trip and couldnt help but wonder how much I would have been responsible if that ride had ended badly.
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Originally Posted by blueblade
Kick the tyres, and light the fires!
...so there!
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