Nongs on the 'takas

[Hitcher]

Yesterday Mrs H and I went for a ride over the Rimutakas to see what was happening in the Wairarapa. Although neither of us lays claim to being the world's best bikers, but we were both a bit upset by some dangerous and inconsiderate riding by a bunch of riders heading in the same direction at about three-times the pace -- not just for the effect a couple of these riders had on us but also for the effect they had on some car drivers who were clearly upset and intimidated.

Our general approach descending the 'takas in either direction is to generally ride with the traffic, usually only overtaking if a vehicle pulls over and lets us go, or if there is a clear stretch that allows the manouvre to be completed safely. When following other bikes, I also work on the assumption that the bike in front "owns the line", and only overtake where circumstances make this safe. OK, this is pretty a pretty conservative approach and yes, it's fun at times to attack this great stretch of highway, but surely only when conditions allow?

The skill in riding surely isn't to complete overtaking manouvers on blind corners, cutting in front of cars when there is oncoming traffic, and riding alongside other bikers through corners, or am I missing something?

We are surely all ambassadors for the "Brother/sisterhood of Bikers" and we all get judged by the lowest common denominator.

I also wince when older riders who should know better are acting as role models/ride leaders for younger riders on less powerful machines who are expected to keep up.

I assume that everybody got home alive, despite some extremely close calls.

[moko]

I also wince when older riders who should know better are acting as role models/ride leaders for younger riders on less powerful machines who are expected to keep up.

With you there mate,biking`s bloody expensive here and the average age of bikers is in the high 30`s as a result,cant remember the number of times I`ve seen idiots wheelying,riding flat out in a built up area with race cans and other such stupidity only for it to prove to be someone supposedly old enough to know better when they pull up.there`s a crowd of them hang around outside my local bike dealers in the summer,I guess no-one can see your gut and bald patch once you`ve forced yourself into your leathers and got a helmet on.they look flash on the bike,more than pathetic when you see them loudly swapping tales of gross stupidity with the rest of the "Mid-life crisis chapter"

[James Deuce]

Yeah, I hate "race swarms" too.

Moko, I'm bald, and I have a gut, and I also can admit to gross stupidity on occasion, but I've never gone for the blind corner overtaking thing, or the force my way in front of people. If I get myself into a situation where I need to pop in front of a car, it is done with indicator and a friendly wave.

[merv]

My advice to anyone though is, if someone like those Hitcher mentioned passes you, just don't bother trying to chase after them and keep up. That is where a few inexperienced riders come to grief.

However, there are a few that do look like an accident waiting to happen. The ones passing on blind bends or crossing over no-passing lines they amaze me and I think "wonder how many will get home?" That was exactly the scenario of the fatal Sawyers ride - we were on a ride and I was passed by about 6 bikes that day with them crossing the yellow line into the big sweeper into Featherston (where the passing lane used to be heading back out of town) and they left no room for error at all. No point them all trying to keep up with Gary Winn but they gave it a good go.

Sure enough we came across the carnage later that day and some didn't get home on their bikes.

Take care dudes!!

[pete376403]

Hitcher, did this group include a silver SV1000, Aprillia Pegaso or F650?

[Hitcher]

Hitcher, did this group include a silver SV1000, Aprillia Pegaso or F650?

Not that I saw. There were some 250s and I think a GSXR with a dealer plate.

[wkid_one]

I won't comment through fear of self incrimination

[SPman]

I won't comment through fear of self incrimination

Self incrimination?....never!
Nice avatar!

[FROSTY:Me]

Thanks for the reminder hitcher.Sometimes in the heat of the moment you tend to loose sight of common sense.

[White trash]

Yesterday Mrs H and I went for a ride over the Rimutakas to see what was happening in the Wairarapa. Although neither of us lays claim to being the world's best bikers, but we were both a bit upset by some dangerous and inconsiderate riding by a bunch of riders heading in the same direction at about three-times the pace -- not just for the effect a couple of these riders had on us but also for the effect they had on some car drivers who were clearly upset and intimidated.

Our general approach descending the 'takas in either direction is to generally ride with the traffic, usually only overtaking if a vehicle pulls over and lets us go, or if there is a clear stretch that allows the manouvre to be completed safely. When following other bikes, I also work on the assumption that the bike in front "owns the line", and only overtake where circumstances make this safe. OK, this is pretty a pretty conservative approach and yes, it's fun at times to attack this great stretch of highway, but surely only when conditions allow?

The skill in riding surely isn't to complete overtaking manouvers on blind corners, cutting in front of cars when there is oncoming traffic, and riding alongside other bikers through corners, or am I missing something?

We are surely all ambassadors for the "Brother/sisterhood of Bikers" and we all get judged by the lowest common denominator.

I also wince when older riders who should know better are acting as role models/ride leaders for younger riders on less powerful machines who are expected to keep up.

I assume that everybody got home alive, despite some extremely close calls.

They know who they fucken are and I for one can't understand the mentality of a few dickheads who "hide" at the bottom of the hill waiting for other bikers to come past, just to "show" them who's boss going up the hill.

You want to race me, cockhead, see you at the track. You are a pack of dangerous, inconsiderate, pricks who do nothing to improve peoples perceptions of yourselves or our awesome sport.

Coming from me, that's saying something. Let the flaming begin.

[scumdog]

Quote:"They know who they fucken are and I for one can't understand the mentality of a few dickheads who "hide" at the bottom of the hill waiting for other bikers to come past, just to "show" them who's boss going up the hill.

You want to race me, cockhead, see you at the track. You are a pack of dangerous, inconsiderate, pricks who do nothing to improve peoples perceptions of yourselves or our awesome sport.

Coming from me, that's saying something. Let the flaming begin."

Woo-Hoo Mr. W-T!!!, you sound just like me after I gave the Glenlivet a hammering one night a couple of months ago!!

I know what you mean about that style of riding, I don't appreciate being unexpectedly overtaken on the inside while heading around a left-hand bend etc either. If that kind of rider would have the good grace to bin themselves once they are a bit on front of you it would at least provide some sort of entertainment but too often they tangle with another innocent party when they arse-off.
Save it for the track guys, not everybody has your "ability"
__________________

[pete376403]

That wasn't Hitcher, 'twas WT. Fair enough comment though, regardless of who made it.

[scumdog]

That wasn't Hitcher, 'twas WT. Fair enough comment though, regardless of who made it.

Thanks for pointing that boo-boo out, I've now corrected it

Bit of a mouthful that name - pete376403, is it you licence no. or what? or is it secret :sneaky2:

[pete376403]

Nah. All IBM people have an employee number. That was mine, and like army ID numbers (got one of those, too) it stays in my mind. When I joined this site, I was trying to think of a unique ID and *bing!* up popped that. I'd change the ID to something better if I could.