Accident in Akaroa (6 January)

[Mikkel]

RIP to the rider! That is a bad way to go... My thoughts go out to the friends and relatives who have gotten a rather shitty beginning to 2008!

But as D said, no surprise. If there is any surprise, then it's that it doesn't happen more often along that stretch of road. Been out that way with a start 9-10ish from Halswell and won't ever do it again (at least not in summer). Get up early, beat the crowds and have an enjoyable trip would be my recommendation.

and I always see stupid riding heading out to Little River. Hope he/she wasn't though.

I'm curious... so you'd rather have people who ride sensibly be the ones to draw the shorter straw? Or...?

[Shadows]

NZ Police CommCens Alert 14:30 6-01-2008 Canterbury

Location of incident: Hilltop

Incident Type: Fatal Crash

At about 1430 hrs on Sunday 6 January 2008 police were called to a fatal crash on the Christchurch - Akaroa Road near Hilltop. The crash involved a head on collision between a car and a motorcycle. The motorcyclist received fatal injuries as a result of the crash. The motor cycle involved is believed to be a hired motorcycle. The road has been closed near Hilltop to enable scene examinations to be completed but is expected to be opened by 1930 hrs tonight. Anyone with any information about this crash is asked to call the Southern Police Communication Centre on
03 3637400
Issued By: Senior Constable Dean Lawrence

[Meanie]

Met a guy in Hunterville the other day riding a hired KTM 900.He was from Ireland and touring the country, he was on his way to catch the ferry south, Im just wondering now if it could have been him Anyone know what sort of bike?

[imdying]

Met a guy in Hunterville the other day riding a hired KTM 900.He was from Ireland and touring the country, he was on his way to catch the ferry south, Im just wondering now if it could have been him Anyone know what sort of bike?

Yes, could very well be him, if you have any more info, you know what to do.

[u4ea]

...........................rip

[TOTO]

RIP rider. So sad. I always hope its the last time I read something like this. so sad...

[TonyB]

RIP rider. So sad. I always hope its the last time I read something like this. so sad...

Yes it is sad, but it definitely wont be the last time. Motorcycling is not without risk- that's one of the key reasons why we love it so much, because it gets the senses firing and the adrenaline flowing.

May the fallen rider rest in peace, and may his family and friends find comfort in the knowledge that he was doing something he loved, in a beautiful part of the world.

[scumdog]

, and may his family and friends find comfort in the knowledge that he was doing something he loved, in a beautiful part of the world.

Meh, at the end of the day he's still f'kkn dead - the thought may help the grieving family in some way I guess, give 'em a crutch to lean on.

(In cynical mode today)

[pritch]

(In cynical mode today)

Watching the TV News over the holiday: stabbings, shootings, rapes, drownings, traffic accidents, etc etc. The thought ocurred that if I had to deal with the crap that you guys do, I might be cynical too.

I have pleasant memories of my only ride to Akaroa. Thoughts are with to the rider's family.

[vifferman]

Meh, at the end of the day he's still f'kkn dead - the thought may help the grieving family in some way I guess, give 'em a crutch to lean on.

(In cynical mode today)

To be perfectly honest, I agree with you scumdog.
I don't see how morbid/maudlin threads like this help anyone, and posting 'nice' stuff like "My thoughts go out to the family" and "RIP rider, whoever you are" is rather pointless.
Is it just that 'we' are nosy, and actually secretly enjoy bad news, but post trite "how sad! Poor biker! Their poor family! OH no not another one!" stuff to prove we care and show we're not just Interdweeb-based gawkers?

Flame away if you will, but you know I'm right.

[dangerous]

To be perfectly honest, I agree with you scumdog.
I don't see how morbid/maudlin threads like this help anyone, and posting 'nice' stuff like "My thoughts go out to the family" and "RIP rider, whoever you are" is rather pointless.
Is it just that 'we' are nosy, and actually secretly enjoy bad news, but post trite "how sad! Poor biker! Their poor family! OH no not another one!" stuff to prove we care and show we're not just Interdweeb-based gawkers?

Flame away if you will, but you know I'm right.

Na Im with you aye (cept if the dead is knowen to the poster) but when ever I say something like this I end up with certain people on my case... maybe people post rip cos it makes them feel beter? I know on ocasion familys do get to read these threads.

ya know thats 3 fatel accos involving bikers (6 biker deaths) in as many weeks each case its been a visotor the NZ... whens the GVT going to do something about it?

[ManDownUnder]

I don't see how morbid/maudlin threads like this help anyone, and posting 'nice' stuff like "My thoughts go out to the family" and "RIP rider, whoever you are" is rather pointless.

Disagree, but then I always maintained funerals are for the living...

[dipshit]

"My thoughts go out to the family" and "RIP rider,

I think they just copy and paste such crap from one week to the next.

[onearmedbandit]

To be perfectly honest, I agree with you scumdog.
I don't see how morbid/maudlin threads like this help anyone, and posting 'nice' stuff like "My thoughts go out to the family" and "RIP rider, whoever you are" is rather pointless.
Is it just that 'we' are nosy, and actually secretly enjoy bad news, but post trite "how sad! Poor biker! Their poor family! OH no not another one!" stuff to prove we care and show we're not just Interdweeb-based gawkers?

Flame away if you will, but you know I'm right.

I got to thinking about this this morning, and tbh I disagree with what you say. Motorcycling to me is more than a means of transportation, it is my love, my lifestyle, it is what drives me. Now when I explain that to non-motorcyclists, they just don't get it. But talk to another motorcyclist and they will understand perfectly. So there is an understanding amongst motorcyclists that goes further then even amongst mates you may get together for a beer with occasionally etc. So when a motorcyclist is killed on his or her bike, I do stop to think about them momentarily. Sure I don't know them, nor their families etc. I don't know whether they were s great person or a scum sucking leach. But I do know they also understood the joy of motorcycling, and died chasing that experience. So I will express my feelings of sadness at a strangers death. Because of the understanding we shared.

I think they just copy and paste such crap from one week to the next.

You know dipshit, you could've choosen another username and nothing would've changed, you'd still be a dipshit.

[Ixion]

You lift your hat when you see a funeral procession, do you not? Out of respect for a total stranger.

So what is wrong with showing the same respect to a stranger with whom you had at least one thing in common.