Our riding.

[SPman]

The wheel stand display was witnessed by at lest one person that wasn't impressed and had the guts to say so.So some degree of harm was done..

Always a subjective thing, as witness some of the replies on this site.

Both crashes could of been avoided.The guys chain coming off could of been avoided.If his mates had been looking out for him that is
Some people chose not to go on that ride because of the very things that did happen.The last big ride I went on had around a hundred riders and nobody crashed,nobody broke down,Some riders rode very hard but still no incidents.
So what's going on with KB rides??

Ultimately, all crashes can be avoided. The first one was, in hindsight, a classic case of young guy on fast bike getting into a corner to fast for his subconcious survival reflex! He could probably have just put on more lean and got around with little drama,except to his brain, which would have been a valuable learning experience with no drama. However reflexes kicked in and.....! He left with the front group so most of us didnt see it. I don't know his experience levels. Sam??, Hamish??
The second bin, no one saw, he was off by himself, well ahead of the rest. (We were having frequent stops) He appeared to be a pretty experienced
rider, but he was well off ahead of most of us! His bike was new and he did hit gravel, but ????? What happened is conjecture based on signs at the scene, he cann't remember much.
The first was probably a young , testosterone, keep up with the fast guys scenario.The second was a guy riding quick, by himself.We were going to meet up in Whitianga.
As an aside, there was also a guy on a Fireblade who binned it south of Coromandel. He was riding by himself, not connected with the KB ride.
Ryans chain... I only noticed Ryans chain looked a little "flexy" shortly before it came off and then, only as a "hmmm. that looks a little bit loose", but then, it was concentrate on the twisties in hand, so it slipped my mind.Also, he was riding in a different group.
...Unlike a club, KB is a loose network of people who often dont know each other, meeting up with each other for a ride to somewhere.Most of us dont know how each other rides, levels of skill, experience,etc, or even if we can get on together in a ride.Its a bit like a lucky dip. There is no structure or hierachy as such, which is both a blessing and a bane. We all assume that we are responsible for our own vehicles. We dont check out each others bikes closely for mechanical aptitude...perhaps we should in future.
However,I have met some great people and good riders on these rides. Some, I wouldnt ride with again, and others, I would be happy to ride with, anytime.

I ride to the limit at times,I pick my place and my company,An organised ride with people I don't know is not the place

I ride the same as I do when I ride by myself. If riding with a group, I often leave last, but will invariably work through the group to a position where I feel comfortable. I like to follow a reasonably fast group, but I know my limitations - I'm no Rossi wannabe, if I feel myself being sucked in over my limits,I back off.I'm there to enjoy myself, my ego is very small and it hurts when you fall of! Subsequently, I often ride by myself or with a couple of others of similar flow. Most group rides I have been on tend to sort themselves into speed groups and KB rides are no diff.

.Our organisers go out of their way to make sure everybody has a safe and enjoyable ride.

Compared to most rides I've been on,Saturdays was good in this respect.

If we recive a complaint,we address it,we don't launch a personal attack an tell people to fuck off.

Phrasing a complaint in such a way as it can be read as a personal attack, sure doesnt help. When you come back from what most people considered an enjoyable ride and then get slagged by people whose sensibilities were offended, you tend to take it as personal abuse. Not everyone has skin as thick as a Rhino's .

I won't go on a KB ride,the chances of history repeating is just to high.

Your choice. We are all responsible for our personal choices and ultimately have to live with them. You can only go with what feels right for you.
Ive been on 4 KB rides and there have been 3 offs, none of which I saw.
I think it tends to happen more in larger, loose groups. However, as people get to know each other, they tend to get more choosy and ride with people they feel 100% comfortable in smaller groups.But if you dont know many other riders, its a good place to meet them.
Lets all learn from these.
Ive learnt to keep my mouth shut in future!!
Sorry for the rave.

[Coldkiwi]

Lets all learn from these.
Ive learnt to keep my mouth shut in future!!
Sorry for the rave.

not at all man, nice rave although a little too balanced to be considered worth of an apology. needs more hand and fist waving and untrue bigoted generalisations with slagging of some minority group

[merv]

When they lock you up for going too far with your "life is a game" philosophy Wkid, don't expect a "get out of jail free" card mate!


Zed

Why do you have to write in such big bold writing, do you think we aren't listening you pussy? Its something akin to "shouting in capitals" which is definitely not PC on-line.

[Zed]

Why do you have to write in such big bold writing, do you think we aren't listening you pussy? Its something akin to "shouting in capitals" which is definitely not PC on-line.

Listen name-caller, ever since day one I have used bold, coloured text! It's my trademark okay, so don't get all hot & bothered about it.

Just "chill out" as they say.


Zed

[merv]

Listen name-caller, ever since day one I have used bold, coloured text! It's my trademark okay, so don't get all hot & bothered about it.

Just "chill out" as they say.


Zed

... but all of a sudden you went up one size to try and emphasise your point did you not? You don't need to do that if you have confidence in what you are saying because we are reading it anyway.

[Posh Tourer :P]

Merv, pipe down... Zed is entitled to use whatever font he wants to put a point across. Be careful you dont knock him for any other bias...Would you care if the big font was for the words "Wheelies rock!!" or "Speed kills" rather than a personal comment?

SPman, good rave, we are finally getting down to some well thought out replies on this topic of KB rides.... Thanks

[V Twin Raver]

I read this thread with interest and being relatively new to the site have been somewhat surprised by the amount of 'offs' reported with minimal personal injury. I was going to join this ride on Saturday but me and my girl ended up making our own way to Pauanui later on for lunch instead.

I am relatively new to Road Biking and am on a bike that legally I should not be on, but I am a sucker for torque, cruising at speeds not quite legal and there is a little bit of ego there to satisfy as well. I do however like to think that the ego thing is restrained when it comes to me pushing boundaries that I should'nt be just to impress fellow bikers - but hey, we all have our moments.

My approach to road riding is one whereby if an outside party does something that puts me in a situation where I come off my bike - that is the risk of riding and not too much can be done about that other than being aware of your suuroundings - you can't live your life wrapped up in cotton wool. However, if I do something dumb and come off, I view it as having no second chance i.e. if I come off, there are a lot of variables against me that will see me off to another place (temp. could be damn hot, might be just right). Therefore I approach a ride by riding what I think are within my limits. Call me odd but I like my life i.e. having use of my legs & conversing with people in a socially acceptable way is kind of special.

Having read about the excursions I am wondering if maybe these reported 'off's' are just part of the deal and maybe I should re-evaluate road riding as it is only a matter of time before it will be me despite my approach, or am I reading about the typical male ego whereby we all have to out-do each other and ride the wheels off our bikes with a limited regard for life? If the later is the case I understand the situation as I too have a nasty competitive streak. I just happen to know tho that there are a heap of dudes who will kick my arse on a road bike and that it is not the medium in which I want to argue about cock size.

Due to my approach, I do sit and wonder if the true road riders do get annoyed with waiting for slower riders which could and would invariably be me. Would I be labelled as some f'wit that rides a big bike for show and can't come near to handling it's true cornering potential? This, amongst the number of incidents I read about is a reason I am a little hesitant to join large riding groups. But I am sure I will in due course just to experience the wheelie shows.

Re; wheelies and you guys who ride balls out - good on you, I don't mind saying I envy that and the wheely stuff is an awesome show, but for me to learn all that I gotta be prepared to break stuff & at my age I gotta consider work, mortgage, life........blah blah blah. I have come off plenty of bikes through pushing the limit or through fatigue - all offs were on trail rides or motorcross tracks but I just think the road has got to be approached different.

Each to their own I say. I won't judge you just as I hope I would not be judged for being on the bike that I am on for the sound and the shear torque!!

Just take it easy out there.

[Zed]

I read this thread .....
Just take it easy out there.

Well said VTR!

As I have seen you ride I would be comfortable in saying that you have good safe skills for a relatively new rider- Keep it up and don't be put off by what you read on this thread/site but rather judge what you see & experience out on the roads. In time you will know your limitations out there and also be able to recognise which riders you enjoy riding with and which ones to stay well clear of!


Zed

[Cajun]

I read this thread with interest and being relatively new to the site have been somewhat surprised by the amount of 'offs' reported with minimal personal injury. I was going to join this ride on Saturday but me and my girl ended up making our own way to Pauanui later on for lunch instead.

I am relatively new to Road Biking and am on a bike that legally I should not be on, but I am a sucker for torque, cruising at speeds not quite legal and there is a little bit of ego there to satisfy as well. I do however like to think that the ego thing is restrained when it comes to me pushing boundaries that I should'nt be just to impress fellow bikers - but hey, we all have our moments.

My approach to road riding is one whereby if an outside party does something that puts me in a situation where I come off my bike - that is the risk of riding and not too much can be done about that other than being aware of your suuroundings - you can't live your life wrapped up in cotton wool. However, if I do something dumb and come off, I view it as having no second chance i.e. if I come off, there are a lot of variables against me that will see me off to another place (temp. could be damn hot, might be just right). Therefore I approach a ride by riding what I think are within my limits. Call me odd but I like my life i.e. having use of my legs & conversing with people in a socially acceptable way is kind of special.

Having read about the excursions I am wondering if maybe these reported 'off's' are just part of the deal and maybe I should re-evaluate road riding as it is only a matter of time before it will be me despite my approach, or am I reading about the typical male ego whereby we all have to out-do each other and ride the wheels off our bikes with a limited regard for life? If the later is the case I understand the situation as I too have a nasty competitive streak. I just happen to know tho that there are a heap of dudes who will kick my arse on a road bike and that it is not the medium in which I want to argue about cock size.

Due to my approach, I do sit and wonder if the true road riders do get annoyed with waiting for slower riders which could and would invariably be me. Would I be labelled as some f'wit that rides a big bike for show and can't come near to handling it's true cornering potential? This, amongst the number of incidents I read about is a reason I am a little hesitant to join large riding groups. But I am sure I will in due course just to experience the wheelie shows.

Re; wheelies and you guys who ride balls out - good on you, I don't mind saying I envy that and the wheely stuff is an awesome show, but for me to learn all that I gotta be prepared to break stuff & at my age I gotta consider work, mortgage, life........blah blah blah. I have come off plenty of bikes through pushing the limit or through fatigue - all offs were on trail rides or motorcross tracks but I just think the road has got to be approached different.

Each to their own I say. I won't judge you just as I hope I would not be judged for being on the bike that I am on for the sound and the shear torque!!

Just take it easy out there.

Well i went on this ride, and i rode at my own speed, i was braking my new bike in and so was taking easy on bike and tires brakes learning the chartersics of my new bike. I'm not interested keeping up if i can't i don't try and push myself to keep up if i can't, i don't care i will just ride my way and they will have to wait for me, i'm there to have fun, not to get hurt myself or my baby(motorbike) just for keeping up with someone else. I must say i'm only 25 but i do most of my riding with the local ulysses club(father in law is tauranga president) or among my family(we have 6 bikes). I have found riding with the local bike shops, you get to many hoons who do many stupid things. or ride beond there limits, which ends in damage. At least riding with the local ulysses club they not as likley to do stupid things, and more concerid riders then younger people. Even tho some of them do ride hard and fast, they don't do thing to upset the slower ones.

any how thats me i better do some more work

[sparrow_34]

I'm thinking of hiring out 'white helmets' for any future KB'r orgainsed rides. Should keep everyone nice and safe and shiny side up. Statistics don't lie

[Quasievil]

And my pennies worth , it was unfortunate that a couple of the guys went a bit hard and suffered the consequenses as a result, but thats the game isnt it? we all ride to our level and beyond , and when beyond chances are that you will come of, no matter what your doing, I waterski quite hard and when I push hard I come of simple as that.
As a "average rider" I personally find it inspiring and challenging to watch guys like death and the other "better riders" do there stuff, thats how I learn and thats how I learn to do it right, I learn by the skill and the abilities of those riders. They are infact helping me and its great.
I was climbing out of Kautuna going up a hill at 130kph and following Death
(albeit momentarily) while he was accelerating away from me on one wheel.
FUCKING OUTSTANDING I say , I had a grin ear to ear, now that is inspiring .
And I thank you for the biggest buzz of my weekend,
PS
I emailed Adrain ,formally of Road &sport a wheelie video, and he knew it was you, lol

[SPman]

. . At least riding with the local ulysses club they not as likley to do stupid things, and more concerid riders then younger people.

Been for 3 or 4 rides with Ullysses. Quite frankly, some of them scared the shit out of me! Stay well away these days!

[Motoracer]

Been for 3 or 4 rides with Ullysses. Quite frankly, some of them scared the shit out of me! Stay well away these days!

Yea?

In what way? Not cause they were crazy fast and did un-thinkable stunts was it?

I have been on a Ullysses ride before. I was an honerary older person through my mate's Uni profesor. Good for them and everything but I nearly crashed cause I almost fell asleep on the bike (It wasn't cause I was tired). I would have gone away and did my own thing but I was told that since I was in a club group ride, I had to follow the rules. :confused2

Might join them a bit later on in life when I do not become a risk to myself and others when riding with them cause they were a really nice bunch of people.

[wkid_one]

I couldn't think of a better Master Chess Player than my God to put my life in the hands of...you see, those who know God personally and trust in Him don't view life as a game in the hands of an angry God, but rather a wonderful journey with a loving Father & Saviour that will last for all eternity.

Now as far as your little game your playing with peoples minds on this site- you remind me of the many times I have heard people say something wrong that they regret and then turn around giving the excuse "I was only joking." Most of us weren't born yesterday and can see through your thin veil of deceit Cincinnati.

My thoughts anyway


Zed

Firstly - I would rather be in control of my own life - than have a cop out and blame god for the bad mistakes.

Secondly - I don't hide behind anything I have said. I speak my mind - and have, and always will, play devils advocate to peoples points of view.

I have already expressed in a million other threads that I have no prob with stunting....fuck I couldn't care less what people do on bikes - so long as they are having fun (minds out of the gutters please).......who am I of all people to judge what people do on bikes....I treat the road as a race track hence why I am moving to the track.....

Please stop preaching to me Zed.....CK can - he has met me so is qualified to give me shit. JR can, coz he when he does it is is funny....yours is somewhat anane in its application....

[SPman]

Yea?
In what way? Not cause they were crazy fast and did un-thinkable stunts was it?
.

A lot of older guys with money on fast bikes (Blackbirds mainly), who thought they were bulletproof, without a lot of the skills and reactions to back it up, taking too many unnecessary risks, for my liking. Mainly B O B's.
Im not bagging them, theres some neat people in Ullysses and lots of skilled riders, just dont feel comfortable riding with them!
And as I've said, you gotta go with what feels right.