Went for my first hill ride and then....

**fireliv** · 28th July 2007, 19:45

Ok so since I got my learners I have basicly been a round town rider. Been waiting for Phoenixgtr to take me around but been a bit difficult with the christchurch winter. So today after work I decided to go for a ride up to The Sign of the Kiwi and back to see if I could handle it.

Made it up ok, and was pretty happy with the ride up. Turned round and started to head back down. If you dont know the area, basically at the summit of the hill there is an intersection, so if you are coming up either side, you can't really see untill you get over the edge of the hill. A lot of Cyclist stop there for a breck, and people go for lunch and to look around.

SO had just dropped over the edge of the hill heading down, to find a motorcyclist on my side of the road, overtaking a car, going tooth for nail. I wasnt to worried about that since I was able to move over to allow him room, but was more worried about his speed being so close to the top. I look in my mirror to see him back on his side of the road and heading over the top. The next thing I hear is brakes locking, and look back to see the car he had just over taken had stopped on the road, and a cloud of dust.

I couldn't stop and turn round cos there was a car behind me, and my confidence level just evaporated so I had to continue on, extremely slowly, untill I could pull off and get my nerves back together. Got down had heard sirens coming towards me....

I am sure the guy went down, but if anyone knows who he is and could let me know if he is ok that would be great. But a part of me knows that he was asking for it due to his speed, and overtaking at the most stupidist place..

The more worrying thing for me is that I know there were some cyclist behind me waiting to cross the road, and people with children who may also have going to be crossing, and I hope non of them were injured.

Anyways if anyone could let me know that would be great...it may may help me feel better.......

**onearmedbandit** · 28th July 2007, 20:01

I know the stretch of road well, and he's a fucking idiot for overtaking there. Plain and simple. Don't let it knock you about, be responsible for yourself not the actions of those you don't even know.

**miSTa** · 28th July 2007, 20:08

That's a nasty intersection that one, pretty sure its a 70k speed limit through there as well. Pays to be slower than that.

As OAB said (more or less) think about what you're doing not what everyone is doing.

**T.W.R** · 28th July 2007, 20:13

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

I know the stretch of road well, and he's a fucking idiot for overtaking there. Plain and simple. Don't let it knock you about, be responsible for yourself not the actions of those you don't even know.

Yep!!! definate deathwish doing that sort of crap so close to the crest of Dyer's pass

Sounds like a prime example of what not to do, just take the experience on board as that

Unfortunate for whoever it was to learn a lesson the hard way but that's karma

**fireliv** · 28th July 2007, 20:14

Thanks guys

I tried to just concentrate on getting down safely but it just rattled me. I am honestly more concerned for anyone who may have been hit, I really hope noone was injured

**NZsarge** · 28th July 2007, 20:14

Nice of you to be concerned about others but it sounds like he was being foolish so what happens to him is his problem. Just hope he did'nt hurt anyone else in the process.

**Jantar** · 28th July 2007, 20:17

As someone who isn't from Christchurch, I also know that piece of road. It seems to get busier every year yet is still a very enjoyable ride. I don't think I'd like to go over the crest with any sort of pace on though. I hope the rider isn't too badly hurt and with luck he has learnt a valuable lesson.

Good on you fireliv for getting out and extending your ability.

**fireliv** · 28th July 2007, 20:21

Thanks Jantar.....

Phoenix is trying to talk me into riding with him over to greymouth for the street race, but not sure I'll be ready by then......

Talked to my sister who was playing sport next to Christchurch hospital, she said that the Westpac Helicopter took of just after the time it happened, heading in the direction of the hills..

**onearmedbandit** · 28th July 2007, 20:21

Yeah that is one section of the hill I'm super cautious about, so blind through that bit, lots of foot traffic, cyclists, confused tourists.

**Trudes** · 29th July 2007, 09:15

Originally Posted by Jantar

I hope the rider isn't too badly hurt and with luck he has learnt a valuable lesson.

Good on you fireliv for getting out and extending your ability.

I'll second that!! And hopefully someone will shed some light on how this other rider is, to put your mind at ease. Happy riding chick!

**Oakie** · 29th July 2007, 09:35

Silly part of the road to do anything but be sensible. As others have said, it's a busy intersection with tourists, cyclists and other bikers crossing the road there.

Don't let someone else's mistake knock you around too much. Just keep it on the fringes of your memory for the time in a few years when you may be tempted to pull the same manouever.

If you're looking for someone to have a short learning ride with out of the city on a Saturday or from mid Sunday afternoon drop us a PM. Mrs Oakie (who has just got back into biking after a 20 year break) and I get out most Saturdays or Sundays to put a few more kilometres under her wheels. She has a Kawasaki Eliminator 250 so it's more of a gentle cruise than a fast blast.

**nigelp** · 29th July 2007, 09:46

What time did you go over the hills? I went over at about 4pm last night and it was all clear. Saw a couple of other riders also going through there.

**FruitLooPs** · 29th July 2007, 12:41

Originally Posted by fireliv

Thanks Jantar.....

Phoenix is trying to talk me into riding with him over to greymouth for the street race, but not sure I'll be ready by then......

Give it ago, I rode over last year on my 150cc 2-stroke bike only to have it pour down with rain from Arthurs on

Bit hairy in pouring rain at Otira, but loads of fun and experience to be gained overall. Highly recommended, plus the racing at the end is awesome!

Oh yeah and that guy is a nutter for trying that over the crest at dyers, I don't like that intersection a whole lot when people are being sensible let alone ripping through there.

**fireliv** · 29th July 2007, 12:51

Originally Posted by Oakie

If you're looking for someone to have a short learning ride with out of the city on a Saturday or from mid Sunday afternoon drop us a PM. Mrs Oakie (who has just got back into biking after a 20 year break) and I get out most Saturdays or Sundays to put a few more kilometres under her wheels. She has a Kawasaki Eliminator 250 so it's more of a gentle cruise than a fast blast.

Thanks Oakie! Can always use the company!