What to do?

[James Deuce]

I want to know what the hell a Greater Spotted Kiwi is doing riding a motorcycle. You're endangered! Get back to your breeding programme and leave the roads to us humans!

[Madness]

I think you may have ridden past my house yesterday (Alicetown).

I'd reccomend riding with other bikes. Strength in numbers etc.etc. Keep an eye out for newbie rides, organised by Uncle B.

[madboy]

but I still got passed in a 50 km/hr zone (and yes, I was doing the speed limit) by a car...at least they did it safely(ish) and with a wide road.

Bear in mind bike speedos are notoriously optimistic, much more so than many cars (particularly modern ones). So GN saying 50 may equate to car speedo saying somewhat less. Not making excuses for a car passing, but that is a reason why a car may choose to pass you.

But I haven't been game to commute to work yet (Hutt to Wgtn) even though this was the reason for getting the bike.

Well if you want a taste of the advantages a bike has when commuting, I can give you a ride to work

[Deano]

The scenario Madboy describes there is what I call "Planting". There is no better way to stick one up an inconsiderate cager than to "Plant" them behind the nearest Lada/Diesel Van/Truck/Centenarian.

The level of satisfaction I personally get from from doing this almost makes putting up with wankers worthwile.

So that's what its called.......

I did that on the weekend to put a slow poke at the end of a passing lane between me and the tailgater. Some careful timing and speed calculation and watch them spew in the rear vision mirror.

[Deano]

I want to know what the hell a Greater Spotted Kiwi is doing riding a motorcycle.

He can't fly......

[Squeak the Rat]

.........A rather pathetic statement that can only confirm my own view that most Honda riders are narrow-minded bigots!

As a late-learner, Mrs V is still riding around rather slowly and jerkily with her L-plate on. We find that the vast majority of car drivers show patience and understanding - the few that don't are usually the boy-racer type.

I actually note that the most impatient road users on such a training run, are our fellow bikers, who will agressively tailgate for a short distance before overtaking (or perhaps undertaking).

Mate, you live in Dunedin. That's not a piss take, it's a comment that things are a little more chilled down there than where the spotted kiwi who started the thread or the person you quoted are from.

(man that's a fat arse - must be a kiwi chick)

[bert_is_evil]

How about taking their plate number and making a complaint on the driving hotline? Might make them think twice next time if they get a warning letter from LTSA in the post. Of course usually when someone in a car tries to kill me I'm too busy trying not to throw up in my helmet to think about recording a plate number. Anyone else respond to near death with near vomiting?

[James Deuce]

You've got an adrenal gland problem mate.

[madboy]

Anyone else respond to near death with near vomiting?

Nope, I'm so caught up in my own glory that I refuse to accept death applies to me.

[Virago]

Mate, you live in Dunedin. That's not a piss take, it's a comment that things are a little more chilled down there than where the spotted kiwi who started the thread or the person you quoted are from.....

Fair comment - and confirmation we're living in biker paradise down here.....

[apteryx_haasti]

You're endangered! Get back to your breeding programme and leave the roads to us humans!

You obviously haven't heard that there's a man drought in Wgtn!

Ah ha ha ha....

As for the post about the advantages of bike commuting, I drove my car today and certainly saw the advantage on the way home...I was stuck in traffic...

But I made sure to leave a nice space next to me for any bikes that were going by...

[madboy]

...As for the post about the advantages of bike commuting, I drove my car today and certainly saw the advantage on the way home...I was stuck in traffic...

Yeah, some traffic that was tonight. Even I slowed down for it. In fact I think my stressful job is making me old before my time, I got passed splitting by a GN!

[XP@]

Of course usually when someone in a car tries to kill me I'm too busy trying not to throw up in my helmet to think about recording a plate number. Anyone else respond to near death with near vomiting?

What a weapon! Buy a flip up lid - when someone tries to kill you flip it up, turn your head and puke your guts out!

Just remember to warn your pillion...

Seriously, the only way to deal with any dangerous situation it to remain calm, avoid the confilct and ride within your limits.

There is no point being in the right if you are dead.

Also remember, that a car has one heluva lot more rubber on the road than you, and will, in most cases stop faster, the only question is, are they paying attention.

[Limb]

Indicate left and move over. It's in the road code!!. Try it sometime the only horn honking you will get is to say thankyou.

[bell]

Indicate left and move over. It's in the road code!!. Try it sometime the only horn honking you will get is to say thankyou.

My wife loves me even more when I do this, saves her hearing the usual muttered curses about the driving habits of some members of the driving public.
Insanity wrote "Since then I've come up with some great tricks (and been taught a few too) for dealing with ass hats in the traffic."
Teach me more tricks! A new thread? Just for "entertainment purposes" shall we?