Riding In The Bay of Plenty

[Slim]

After 2.5 months living in Te Puke & commuting to work in The Mount on my bike, I just have to send some Kudo's the way of my fellow BoP drivers. They're a top bunch.

About 95% of the cars that drive SH2 at the times I do, move over to the left to let me pass without crossing the white line. When I first started commuting, I used to check over my shoulder after this happened for 5+ cars in a row, just in case there was a set of red & blues causing this astonishing effect!!! For real! And then I got the biggest grin on my face.

Now, this might not seem like such a big deal to you lot, but you have to realise that all these cars moving out of my way means something pretty big ...


95% of BoP car drivers USE THEIR MIRRORS!!!!

And unlike Auckland drivers, they don't need to obnoxiously block my way, but helpfully let me past them to get to my destination ..... ..... before them!!!

I have noticed this tendency towards courteousness, even whilst driving my own car. Instead of moving over to let me pass as they do when I'm on my bike, they will let me in from a side street, even though they're in crawling traffic, and other similar courtesies. Strange, but most certainly true.

Not only is the Bay sunny, but it houses a great majority of nice drivers.



Ps. When I can, I like to watch my mirrors after passing someone & giving them the . Yesterday I got an acknowledging wave of my "thanks" from 3 trucks, an ambo & a 4x4. It's nice to arrive at w*rk in a good mood.

[Blackbird]

On the recent Southern Cross ride covering the country, we found that the majority of car drivers were really good, pulling left to let us past and we always acknowledged the courtesy with a wave. Truck drivers were also great but if I can generalise a bit, it was commercial van drivers and 4x4 owners who were least courteous; I have no idea why. Perhaps certain vehicle types attract certain personalities. A bit like the stereotype of Rottweiler and Pit Bull owners I suppose

Geoff

[DingDong]

But wait!... they're luring you into their trap, then they'll flip-out and try to KILL you

Nah, most drivers are great... but it only takes one fool to make you splat.

Have you ever rode through Tauranga on a Friday night... they come out, yes they do

[Waylander]

That's why I like it out there. The life style of mostof the people is VERY different to Hamilton, Auckland and such. Even out of the cages they are nice and pleasant to talk to. Beautifull place too.

Only thing I can think of to compare it to is a small country town in south texas where I grew up. Kinda like that everybody knows your name thing and strangers are just friends you havn't met yet.

[ajturbo]

so where were you on sunday???? ...

but i must agree, the drivers here are good!! they move without hesation! (sp?)

[What?]

Just watch it during the kiwifruit season Lisa - you can never tell what the :raghead: will do...

[Slim]

so where were you on sunday????

On Sunday, I had to wait for The Man to emerge from bed after the rather good engagement party of a friend of mine in Auckland, before we could finally hit the road after a very late breakfast to attend my nieces 11th birthday in Hamilton. We got home about 3 minutes before Top Gear started.

Just watch it during the kiwifruit season Lisa - you can never tell what the :raghead: will do...

??????

[clint640]

Are you in a paralell universe????

But is is better than Auckland.

Clint

[ajturbo]

On Sunday, I had to wait for The Man to emerge from bed after the rather good engagement party of a friend of mine in Auckland, before we could finally hit the road after a very late breakfast to attend my nieces 11th birthday in Hamilton. We got home about 3 minutes before Top Gear started.


??????

WOW.. that is a great excuse!!!!
how long did you take to think that one up???

[What?]

?????

Kiwifruit-picking gentlemen from foreign shores where driving standards do not exist...

is right!

[Slim]

WOW.. that is a great excuse!!!!
how long did you take to think that one up???

It just rolled off my tongue like honey.


What? - Ahhh yes, I see what you mean. Although I haven't yet had occasion to experience this phenomenon first hand yet.