NZs next World Road Race Champion?

[Motu]

They are right - the inner city around Auckland University was covered in bikes,every student rode a bike - even Helen Clark! When I went to ATI we had a big bike park under the pre fabs.Bikes were everywhere in the 70 and 80s,trail bikes were riden on the streets - lots of potential racers,to find a young person interested in bikes these days is a real find.

[Coldkiwi]

a big part of that problem is the influx of cheap jap import cars. Bikes were popular cause they were so cheap to run but now (ok, maybe going back towards bikes with fuel and commuting time) cars are just as cheap or more so and offer added convenience.

having said that, I still don't own one and would sooner save up to by an RSV -SP *smacks Blu around the head for not doing so when he had the chance!* rather than buy a car (of course my g/f has other ideas)

Maybe the introduction of a congestion tax would start getting more people on two wheels and have flow on effects as peopel discover the other joys of biking and racing?

Go on banksie, do something useful!!

[Coldkiwi]

Motu- p.s., ya found one! (if 23 counts)

 

[Hoon]

Originally posted by bluninja
Dave, you ARE joking aren't you???

10th June 2003 AMCC AGM, at the Clubrooms, 7:30 pm

Hmmm I nominate Blu as our AMCC Event reminderer!!  I could be tempted to go along.  I been trying to get into road racing for the last 6 months and have found it very difficult.  Getting myself sorted was planned for and catered to but this lack of local races, communication and also an uncertain future is making it tougher than it should be and very discouraging!! 

At this rate Rossi will have retired by the time I reach MotoGP and I'll never fulfil my dream of looking down at him on the podium!!!

[750Y]

Just a refection of what young people are doing - they would rather do some trendy ''extreme'' sport that requires no pure guts and comitment.

I would disagree with the assumption some extreme sports take no guts or commitment. it takes a little bit of motivation. Trust me.
I think the money thing is a big issue. Some lucky kids get motorbikes for xmas but how many really? compared to say boogie boards/mountain bikes/skateboards/snowboards etc.
How many kids can just turn around and say "well I think i'll start up motorcycling today"? not many is the answer. and then when/where do they ride them?
also, let's face it, a family day at the races is pathetic because there's very little catered for in terms of family participation at ANY event.
Get the families into it and it will get better.
Honestly if You go to any race event around the country it's 50% asshole guys with serious faces on, ponsing around like they're the man, and worrying about the jetting and the gearing. when do You see those guys kicking the ball with the kids in the paddock? I took my family to puke one time and was giving my daughter rides on my bike and she loved it but she was the only kid there execpt for one poor boy whose dad was fiddling with his car all day and the kid was reading in the car.
That is not an environment that fosters participation by the kids and what heroes do they have there?
I think that it's the riders that are killing it. It's like the old boys club and that sucks.
Just look at what happens when Girls get involved, the shit they have to put up with. It's an intimidating environment not a friendly one so where's the fun? so why the hell get involved with that bull when a day at the beach with the kids and their boards and a beer or 2 in the sun is a day everyone enjoyed.
anyway what would i know.

[Nouseforaname]

I would love to get into bike racing....... im 22 ( only been riding for 1 1/2 years ) but i couldnt think of anything more fun...... problem is im skint :-) if i could afford to buy the bike and everything else that goes with it, i would in a heartbeat. Shit happens i guess.... but i diffinetly think more needs to be done to get people into it. Also what are peoples thoughts on the numbers of guys and girls buying bikes these days? Are the number of people buying bikes say in their early teens early 20's about the same as 20-30 years ago, or does everybody just go out and try to turn their mums mitsi charade into a rolling piece of shit ( more so than factory) and make it sneeze every time they change gears. Cos if what i have witnessed is correct, bugger all 'younger' people buy bikes, as somebody else said, you gota have peole on bikes before they start to race :-)

[Racey Rider]

Originally posted by 750Y
... Honestly if You go to any race event around the country it's 50% asshole guys with serious faces on, ponsing around like they're the man, and worrying about the jetting and the gearing. when do You see those guys kicking the ball with the kids in the paddock? ......

I went to my first track race at manfield on the 24th of May to check things out. Had no race licence, but wanted to ask lots of questions about the whole deal. But who to ask was the main question! Thought the organisers seemed too busy to talk to a new-be. The riders were probably friendly enough, but seemed too intimidating. I caught the end of the lunchtime lesson, but that didn't seem like the right place to ask "Basic" questions. They apointed a riders rep, but, who is he? where is he? what's he for?? Yes I allowed myself to be psyched out by the whole scene.
But I suggest, that a lot of people would feel the same way!

What could be done? Could there be a "New-be's" person, (with a big name tag so we can identify them), that would be a point of referance for starters. Whose job it is to anwer the basic questions and encourage new-comers to take the next step.
Maybe even just at the lunch break, Someone to say "Hey,, if you're new, and would like to know more, come and see me!"
The club does a good job to get volunteers to do flag duty etc. Could they find a person to do this "New-be's" job. Not important enough?? Depends if you're trying to offer the whole package.

PS. I think that if I saw a biker there with one of our logo stikers on his/her bike, I'ld be more inclined to bowl on up and say hi. I'd like to think once I get going in the sport I'll seem friendly enough to be approched, and do what I can to build the sport.

PPS

Originally posted by HO-Hoon
At this rate Rossi will have retired by the time I reach MotoGP and I'll never fulfil my dream of looking down at him on the podium!!!

GO THE HOON!!

[Motu]

I've had dealings with every form of motorcycle sport and would have to say that the trials scene is the friendliest and most helpful bunch of guys you'll ever meet,new guys are welcomed,helped and even loaned bikes to try,Dads ride around with their little kids in front,bigger kids bring their Pee Wees along and putter around the paddocks,wives take the bike out for a ride - just a fun atmosphere.I remember a little boy who used to come along with his Dad (who still can win a trial) and watch and play ride - he later became World Junior Trials Champ and World Enduro Champ.Not an arsehole to be seen,well,maybe one

[Kwaka-Kid]

hahahaha.

hmm yes we need somebody to approch, some of us have kiwibiker... but think of all those that dont.

[750Y]

It sounds like the trials guys have a really cool approach to their events. It's great to see that sort of involvement with the family etc. & it allows everyone to have a go especially kids which is sort of what this thread is about i feel. as Motu pointed out there came a champion from that environment. Maybe the roadracers could pay attention instead of being so typically selfish. It's not exactly the world GP's or anything but some kid could be up there if they were welcomed into a friendly environment.

[bluninja]

I didn't have much trouble when I went to Puke for a look see at a race when I first arrived...though perhaps asking who Robbie Dean was, and telling him he was lucky he finished 3rd wasn't a smart move I can certainly understand that it can be daunting, but there are always some nice friendly people around ...even at the track.

Sadly it's a bit hard at the race track to let somebody have a go on your bike, but there are loads of helpful people around, who will lend, donate, sell parts...or even lend a bike to someone to race. Last time at Taupo I took my kids, bicycles, soccerball, picnic table, and my kids went and played all day whilst I raced and they really enjoyed it...they even watched me race. They're not coming this time, cos my wife doesn't like sorting out the spew on the way home.

TTFN

 

[750Y]

Last time at Taupo I took my kids, bicycles, soccerball, picnic table, and my kids went and played all day whilst I raced and they really enjoyed it...they even watched me race.

nice one bluninja, hope a few more can turn on to that and make it a bigger day for everyone. That's got to be a great way forward. I guess it's like racing a bit too where You've gotta jump in there and mix it up if You wanna be part of it. but back in the paddock there's plenty of scope for everyone to be involved if it was a good atmosphere like that.
I don't want to come across saying all racers are selfish a-holes(not true) cos there are a lot of nice people in there who will share a cuppa and a yarn & help each other out, but it is a busy environment too for the serious half that really don't seem to have time for anything but themselves. After the races though they're all just normal people again.
I guess I'm saying maybe they're just very occupied at the time to try and get involved with the bigger picture. but keep chipping away at it and things will change slowly for the better. I'm not sure whether a suggestion about MNZ being more actively involved in the promotion of this is appropriate as I don't know really what they do, but I'm sure there is scope there for some consideration on this side of things.

[Dave]

Good call 750Y,Unfortunately the competition is so fierce that if I dont concentrate on working on the bike or taking time out to mentally prep.I will get wasted out on the track.Funny thing is I got into bike racing cos I love riding and watching racing,but now I dont get to watch any because i'm too busy at the track.As blue found out at manfield when he came to see us-I felt like an arse cos I didn't spare him as much time as I would've liked.
I know what you mean about intimidation,I would've started racing 5-10years sooner if i had felt more welcome at the track.
Love the idea of the newby's rep, or an information tent with calanders,basic classes,contact details,etc.
Don't feel intimidated-just talk to someone-they're just bike riders like you,me and anyone here.

[bluninja]

To be fair Dave, you did have a scuffed bike to sort Maybe if I spent more time thinking about my racing and preparing myself I would do better than just going around and saying hello to people. Still....I'm having fun.

Is it still touch and go for Taupo? or is it totally off now?

TTFN

 

[Kwaka-Kid]

hmm information tent area thing sounds like an idea...