Chch Wednesday Evening Cruises - 2008

[MIZXR]

People like "Mr D" comming along for the rides and helping with riding positions, line choices by NICELY pointing out their faults - or suggesting improvements and a debrief after could benifit some of the riders that come along. Several people were asking for help and as I didn't see much of everyone elses riding I need more advice on lines and body position. And speed limits

[dangerous]

Looks like Dev and Phinox both had beerish looking drinks in front of them but can't see what anyone else has, and as for my drink, as usual it was orange with nothing added, not even ice.

Hey look, asusual a little offence was taken with my last post... dont take it like that, I was mearley commenting on a possible flaw in the plan, hell when I have been with you guys I have 'a' beer aswell, complements a good ride... and ya certinly dont need to explain ya selfs.

[T.W.R]

Taking all things in account of what individuals on the rides want to achieve there are ways that the W.N.Rs could be improved that would cater for younger less experienced riders & those wanting to learn more by suggestion & observation by senior riders. I'm not criticizing the W.N.R but there are ways it could be improved to help those less experienced and wanting to learn, my journey up to this last one was merely an observational ride but enjoyable all the same.

D for instance even with his slightly abrupt manner in getting points across to people, knows what he's talking about even if what's said does ruffle a few feathers people should take heed of what is being said instead of seeing it as comment to detriment of their capabilities, the points are put forth for the betterment of the individual. D does a brilliant job always taking the reigns on longer rides and rally trips but shouldn't have to step up to carry the likes of this also.

I've got a few ideas for helping the younger riders & those wanting to learn a bit more but to implement it would mean a separate event held at another time. Specifically thinking of the younger less experienced I have got an idea for a reward type system that I'd put forth at my own expense.

[Transalper]

Hey look, asusual a little offence was taken with my last post... dont take it like that, I was mearley commenting on a possible flaw in the plan, hell when I have been with you guys I have 'a' beer aswell, complements a good ride... and ya certinly dont need to explain ya selfs.

You just quoted me but but but... I don't sound offended do I?
Well I'm not.

[dangerous]

You just quoted me but but but... I don't sound offended do I?
Well I'm not.

using you as an example man, thats all

[SVboy]

Considering Daves "off", there is a hell of a lot of really positive suggestion and comment in the last 3 pages of this thread. I think it would be a shame not to build and change things using the advice of D,twr and Transalper. No, we may be a bit concerned about being nannied, but if these rides are to succeed, perhaps some of the advice needs to be put into practice. More suitable meeting place? 2 groups? Mentors available for nubes[I will take you up on that offer,Mr D-all advice gratefully recieved]. Even ideas around alcohol. I have been really good myself, in not drinking on runs, but had a pint at Jacksons last week. Wastnt proud of myself......And what about a leader? Phonix and Devient have done great work in making these rides happen, but perhaps it is time for someone to pickup their mantle.
Perhaps we should all go to the pub{LOL} and sit down and talk this stuff through.....no bike though!

[Shadows]

Uhoh....

Nah thats cool. It will be good to see you again

Looking forward to it.

Might be a while before I get the bike down though, need to find somewhere to live first...

[headlesschicken]

how about outside ami stadium? easy in, easy out and all of stevens st (main access point) will be deserted

[cruza]

Hey look, asusual a little offence was taken with my last post... dont take it like that, I was mearley commenting on a possible flaw in the plan, hell when I have been with you guys I have 'a' beer aswell, complements a good ride... and ya certinly dont need to explain ya selfs.

Yeah I learnt long ago , Have a one beer limit now . Riding needs 100% concentration. Seen to many incidents due to drinking on rally trips, some have been bloody funny, But going back looking for one of your riding group and picking up the pieces when things have gone wrong isn't, stuffs the whole weekend.

[Oakie]

Yeah I learnt long ago , Have a one beer limit now .

Yeah. I'm quite comfortable having one beer but that's it. The licence is still safe after two beers but the judgement probably isn't.

[Subike]

being the first ride with you people, I had no idea what to expect.
what I found was a basically well ordered bunch that did not take what I call risks.
Being at the back of the group,for the first half of the ride,I found that the pace for me was slow enough to practice keeping pace without using my brakes for a lot of the corners relying upon the engine braking and trying to keep the same distance behind the bike in front of me. Good fun.
After the wheatsheaf i moved further to the front for the run to Diamond harbour,and enjoyed the road albit using the brakes a bit more often, Down side of the ride being that my clutch is on its way out, and the Xsessive's top end power made it slip...bugger!
One beer , a sarsparella/coke and half a basket of chips with a fish at the pub was all that I needed for that little energy boost. anymore would have been a waste.
The ride home at dusk did command a much slower pace, as the constantly changing shadows, light and narrowish road meant a more concervative approch to all situations was a must.
After leaving the main group and heading home from Governers bay, I missed daves bruseing up himself and his ride, really glad you are OK Dave.
Had an awsome run from Belfast to Gretta valley home, with a warm night, clear skys and a half moon, very very light traffic, buzzed along really comfey at 110kph, getting home at 11.30.

My comment upon BK being the starting point for the rid?
I think that it is a good place because of the congestion, traffic volumes and its semi awkwardness of entry and exit.
We have to ride with these conditions often, and having the first 2 -3 k's in heavy traffic can tend to calm down the initial ego rush of riding in a pack. Especially for that new rider, who is wound up and ready to run!
So being forced to stay at 50kph max, forced to be totally aware of your enviroment, forced to keep a close eye on the other riders in your group, is a much an important training time as learning to corner well or brake smoothly.
I think that to have the rally point in an easier place could result in some ego driven foolishness within the first 1 k of a ride.
BK might be all those bad things suggested, but its good for keeping you alert from the start.
As for who should lead ...each week draw straws amoung the more experianced riders,
the long straw drawn becomes the road captain for the ride, and he/she sets the pace, with no one being allowed to pass the road captain, control of the pace and speed is able to be achieved. its also good exp for the captain

Thanks again for the ride peoples! I hope that I can make some more in the future
Bring on Woodstock!

[scumdog]

Bloody good write-up Subike, clear and to the point.

See ya at Woodstock (while my eyes are still working I guess)

[cruza]

Shit thats a good effort subike, what 100 odd k's just to turn up for a ride!! . See ya at woodstock , remember to put those keys for the bike away before ya open the bottle of bourbon!! can't have ya arsing of ya bike again.

[fireliv]

Nice subike! Well said with good points brought up to.
So where to this week people? Hope to be along this week, now the holidays have ended

[phoenixgtr]

Sorry I've taken so long to post this. I've been a busy boy.

Firstly, good on ya Transalper and the others who helped Dave out!!

T.W.R you've brought up some valid points about the rides but I'm not sure how far we need to take these rides. You talk about reward systems??

Help should always be offered to the newbies, but I consider it to be implicit, as in: everyone on the ride should know that if they need help then they only need to ask. Of course the explicit offering of help at the start of the rides may be a step in the right direction.

Let me just describe a typical TCWNR in Wellington...

Everyone arrives at the carpark, they chat, talk shit and decide where they want to go that night. Some of the experienced riders might make sure those less experienced are ok. Someone volunteers to be tail end charlie. Everyone gets on their bikes and rides to the chosen destination (usually a pub), they chat, talk shit and then they get on their bikes and go home. Pretty simple really. A good time is had by all.

In the end Transalper is right. I'm not a leader. I started these rides down here because I loved the rides up there so much. They're a great opportunity to get out for a ride and socialise with like minded people. In saying all that I don't believe there needs to be one "leader" for these rides, but perhaps a few of the "regulars" should step up and take control, (that probably includes me). Of course systems such as buddying up etc. requires that some of the more experienced riders step up. Without their commitment to it, it isn't going to work. Don't look at me either cause I've said all along I'm not one of those experienced riders!! Ultimately, I think the most important thing is that everyone knows that if they want help they just need to ask someone.

I'm happy for others such as T.W.R input their ideas to this, so don't worry mate. The way I see it I'm just one of the regulars.

I hope you get the bike sorted quick Dave. I guess the new chain etc. next week is a bit forgotten