Winter!

[jrandom]

Yerp!

man what's up with all these dead bikers on the internet

why won't you RIP already

[willytheekid]

Ice, I laugh in your face!

Having 3 wheels helps.

If you didnt drink so much Flip you could do that with only two wheels! ... (Im just jealous!)

Its only very strong wind, deep snow and the dreeded Black Ice that I don't like to ride in/on
...but then again us southern folk don't really have a bloody choice in the matter...still gotta get to work even if it is winter.
just wish I wasn't so bloody skinny!

Always ride to your own abilities, and to the conditions.

ps: I have noticed that most of the soft weekend riders just "disappear" from the roads in winter...pooftas!, theres nothing like drifting it around a slow courner while hydroplaning and seeing one the local popo bike cops coming the other way...and doing the same thing! (its called having winter fun..get into it!)

Ride safe this winter KBers....and watch the cagers!, foggy windows, speeding, poor visability etc, there panel damage...could be our LIFE!

[Gone Burger]

I had my learners and my 250 right through winter. Hardly stayed off it as it was new and something I was completely hooked on. The rain slowed me down which was good, and I took corners with caution. High winds were a little nerve racking (especially on the Rimutakas) but if you prepare yourself to be hit by a strong gust around the next corner you can position bike in the right place in your lane, to allow to be blown over a little before it backs off. Lower gear through wind and power through it. As soon as you back off the power (often from sheer fright) then you no longer have that control over your bike.

Heated grips were awesome! Used them right through winter, even when gloves were soaked. You need to keep your hands warm to have full use and feeling of your fingers. Fully recommend them.

I lived towards the summit of the Akatarawas. Up there I was very aware that there was black ice on many corners until usually about lunch time. A lot of green moss on the road too in the corners that didn't get any sunlight. On these days, I made sure I did not take my bike until I knew the ice was melting. Had the bike out once on it and it was the scariest thing I've ever done - never been so close to a cliff (oh except that one time when i went over one.... lol oops). If you know a road is tight and twisty and likely to have some black ice, give it a miss until later in the day unless you really have to take that route.

Slow and steady does it, the more pracrise you get in shocking weather the better rider you become. Good wet weather gear is choice! My favourite ride yet was through the forgotten highway in torrential rain. Wow - what a ride. My buddy and I stopped, opened our visors and were both simply grinning from ear to ear!!! Fools.

[nodrog:Me]

man what's up with all these dead bikers on the internet

why won't you RIP already

[iYRe]

its either push bike or motorbike.. if its really cold and wet I ride the motorbike.. but I try and cycle as many days as poss over winter to keep the fitness up.. because I hate stationary trainers.

[nodrog:Me]

..... because I hate stationary trainers.

I find they are really good for pushing the envelope.

[unstuck]

Got all my firewood and coal done for the year now so bring it on winter.

Someone told me once to try and enjoy all kinds of weather, that way you are never disappointed.

Get some good gear, ride to the conditions, and be aware of what is going on around you, just like every other day out on the roads of Aotearoa.

[milez1987]

Hmmm I'll take a look into heated grips. They sound very comfortable.

[unstuck]

Hmmm I'll take a look into heated grips. They sound very comfortable.

Bloody marvelous invention.

[Pwalo]

Winter's usually ok in Wellingtron. Not too icy if you don't live in the Hutt. Wind and rain are occupational hazards. I could commute by car, but it's soo boring.

[GSF]

Get some thermals, like a thermal undershirt, warm socks and glove liners. Being cold saps your energy really fast and I find that frozen hands/feet cramp up easily and make it hard to operate controls.

Also winter sunstrike can be savage at sundown, which happily enough usually co-incides with 5pm rush-hour traffic.

A battery tender is useful to keep your battery topped up and cranking hard on chilly mornings.

[Nzpure]

harden up its not like we live in alaska, even then i would prolly stil ride lol.
I even went for a wee tiki tour in the snow lol. practice for the brass you see.

[iYRe]

I find they are really good for pushing the envelope.

true.. *stamp of approval*

[Swoop]

I have noticed that most of the soft weekend riders just "disappear" from the roads in winter...pooftas!

10chars

[oneofsix]

harden up its not like we live in alaska, even then i would prolly stil ride lol.
I even went for a wee tiki tour in the snow lol. practice for the brass you see.

Alaska = Ski-mobiles

I would do more riding in Winter than any other season, less public holidays therefore more days I have to commute Still on SH1 I don't have to worry too much about ice thanks to the trucks. The wind makes thing fun but that's mainly spring and autumn, it is just that in winter if you are cold it makes reactions slower, as pointed out before.

I keep thinking about heated grips, so far the Rain-offs are the best I have for added protection for the hands as they do both cold (a little) and wet.