KB Krashes!!

[Zed]

I think it would be beneficial to have a discussion about why there seems to be so many bins on KB rides? I say “seems to be” because I have ridden on multiple KB rides (well over 50) and the percentage of accidents is relatively low to the number of rides, probably around the 5-10% mark, which is too high anyway in some peoples minds I suppose? I hear too often nowadays that KB rides are dangerous and full of wannabe road racers who endanger themselves and others, and this is just not true imo.

I’m more interested in the thoughts from those Kbers who have frequented our group rides and actually witnessed the accidents, but of course opinions are welcomed from anyone here regardless of how ill-informed they may be!

So why are there bins on KB rides?

[soundbeltfarm]

So why are there bins on KB rides?

they are normally at the servo's for tidy kiwis to stick their rubbish in.

[Motu]

Testosterone....

[vifferman]

Testosterone....

... causing macho male posturing bullshit?

[bugjuice]

I'd also like to point out that people crash. The fact it's their turn (if there is such a thing) is on a KB ride, is just crap luck.

But I also think with some, a competitive spirit arises, and those in front (while they may not know it, and they're just riding and havin a blast) are the pace setters, and those behind, are out to get them..

If you're prone to crash, polish one off before the ride.. Could save your skin..

[Colapop]

I don't have bike to ride.....

[ManDownUnder]

As an "outsider" to the rides (let's face it... I ain't a regular - maybe more fibre?)...

I think Motu hit it on the head. There's a lot of posturing goes on in KB (online) and without doing all those fun statistical analyses... there seems to be a reasonably strong correlation between the people getting in trouble with their mouths (in here), and those getting in trouble on the road.

It's a maturity thing - I've noticed it affect my riding as I've aged...

Check out the carnage rate of the squids.... check out the insurance rates of the squids (the insurers have done the maths... they possibly give the most accurate indication of all). There IS an age group and gender influence on accident... and I'm picking those same risk taking people are the ones that start off riding bikes.

I think there is usually a basis for stereotypes - albeit one we don't want to acknowledge - being non PC and all.
White men can't jump, girls can't read maps etc

Funny how, after science has caught up, a lot of these things can actually be proven. We recognise pattern subconsciously LONG before they hit the front of our brains.

Where I'm going with this is that I know of a number of groups that "ride by invite only" - people of similar style, bike and ability. A number of them have been set up by people pissed off with the levels of risk (and carnage) associated with some rides. They generalise - but often for good reason.

I think there is basis to the "KB carnage" theory. It's something we need to look out for... I'm not a fan of funerals.

Which leads me to my closing thought - a very serious one, and something I'd like to organise if possible. A visit to the morgue and enbalming rooms of a funeral home. It's very sobering, and it helps put those risks in context.

It scares me how a couple of folks in here remain "bulletproof", and I'll bet they've been a split second from death/injury - either to themselves or others.

rant over... and to Quote Hill Street Blues... "Let's be careful out there"

You don't have to ride like a nana... but realise you ain't Rossi either...
MDU

[Fishy]

People just don't wanna look like pussies infront of everyone else and try to keep up with the front runners even though its beyond their abilities and just get themselves in trouble.

You just have to accept that there are some naturally fast riders and experienced fast riders and then there aren't. If you aren't that fast and or lack the confidence to keep up with the faster guys then don't do it.

Never try to outride your ability (unless on a race track - where its safer and its the best place to push your ability to improve on it), its only a matter of time before it will end in tears.

[enigma51]

I reckon its a conspiracy from the goverment and the police. Thats what I reckon! We should watch it they might be "taping" into kb and put the evil plans in place for the big KB rides hmmmmm

[Grahameeboy]

I don't have bike to ride.....

.................................

[bugjuice]

I think there is basis to the "KB carnage" theory. It's something we need to look out for... I'm not a fan of funerals.

Which leads me to my closing thought - a very serious one, and something I'd like to organise if possible. A visit to the morgue and enbalming rooms of a funeral home. It's very sobering, and it helps put those risks in context.

Some good points there.
Personally, I hate funerals too. Just no fun in funerals. But to visit a morgue, as sobering as it is (i kinda know), I think would be forgotten in the heat of the moment. when you're hooning around, it's the moment that you're in, nowhere else..

People just don't wanna look like pussies infront of everyone else and try to keep up with the front runners even though its beyond their abilities and just get themselves in trouble.

as sad as that is, it's true for a few. Those people need a good reality check. But it's something most riders go thru. I probably went thru it, but now I don't care who's faster than me. I ride my bike at my pace. I'm faster than some and slower than some. Don't care.

everyone will be faster than someone, and slower than the next. that's the way it goes. if a newb thinks they're gonna keep up, then they're destined for the ditch. But if that's the only way they're gonna learn, what can you do?

[aff-man]

Been on qite a few rides..

I think a lot less crashing actually occurs than peoples perception.
If you think about it we hear of maybe lets say 3 crashes on a weekend and we think hit that was a bad weekend..... but then 200 people were riding so as a percentage probably a lot more cars crashed than bikes did.

I have also noticed that most of the people who crashed when I go on rides are learners/Noob's. And the most comman reason is that somethings happens and they panic. It's something that only time and experience will sort out so there is no quick fix.

[Goblin]

IMO it's not just Kb rides....every time you ride anywhere there's risk involved. We hear more of Kb crashes because we get on our computers and read about them. Non-Kber's often crash too but we dont hear about them.

The warm weather brings out more riders so the crash rate will obviously be higher. I have noticed the "North of Bombay" riders seem to have more bins than other areas

Motu hit the nail on the head too....Testosterone does do strange things to some blokes.

Roll on winter I say! Cold weather sorts out the men from the boys.

[bugjuice]

I also think there's a distinct difference between a newb crashing and an experienced rider crashing. Sometimes, shit does just happen, despite our best efforts.. Not every bin is cos of the manjuice within

[Mental Trousers]

Just over half of the crashes on KB rides that I've been on have been people who are still on Learners/Restricted licenses. A good size chunk of the rest (and the actual reason for a large number of the Learners/Restricted crashes) have been people trying to keep up. The remainder are just bad luck (ie Tony dropping the VStrom on his foot at 5kph).

Just from what I've seen, KB rides tend to have a wider range of abilities and experience then most other groups. Don't know why but it's probably something to do with being a website with no real world organisation and fluid rules, unlike clubs etc.

A very, very big emphasis needs to be put on riding at your own pace not someone elses.

Time for a coffee break. Might add more when I get back to my desk.