To ride or to drive, that is the question.

**kneescraper** · 10th August 2008, 16:52

It might be a bit silly to ask this question in a biker forum but there must be some un-bais people in here.

In a years time I will have to complete around 1000kms every 2nd weekend for 5 months. The 1000kms is all open road riding...the reason for this is not important

Any who, would you ride or drive (bike or car)...I really want to ride but am alittle worried about not making it because of other morons on the road (get my drift). Once I deicde one which mode of transport I will be using I can not change to the other...

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Would you trust yourself, bike, enviroment and other road users to make this trip this many times. Or would you have to have a metal barrier around you (cage)?

**avgas** · 10th August 2008, 17:01

to be honest with you - if i could and it was more convieniant i would be on the bike for every trip.
As it stands, i have a g/f who doesnt want to get wet/cold, a laptop that is required for work (along with formal dress code at work) and a company car with fuel card. So i keep the riding for the afterhours.
as long as you stick to safe limits - "commuting" on a bike can be quite fun.

**R6_kid:Me** · 10th August 2008, 17:02

A 500km trip either way is a fair decent distance to travel.

To be honest I would say that the reason for travelling the distance is important. Riding is generally more physically draining than driving a car, and you are also at the mercy of the elements when it comes to the condition you are in when you arrive at the destination.

Personally if I would drive, assuming that it was going to be cost-effective enough. There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination after 5hrs + of riding, soaked through, cold and tired, and then having to start work/socialise with people. And for the return, if it's been a bad weekend and you then have to gear up knowing that you have a 6hr ride in the wet ahead of you it can bring you down, and thats not a good head space to be in when travelling long distances. Also if you are tired you can always pull over and sleep for a bit in the car, tough luck on the bike.

**JMemonic** · 10th August 2008, 17:04

It does not matter with regards to the damage other morons on the road can potentially do whether you ride or drive a cage, I am making an assumption here that when you say other morons on the road you were not considering yourself as a moron?

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Take what you prefer and enjoy life

, consider road conditions and weather etc then decide on what to take on the day.

**avgas** · 10th August 2008, 17:06

try it once - if you dont like it use a car

**Dave Lobster** · 10th August 2008, 17:11

Who's paying for the petrol?
How much gear do you need to carry?
Is there a rush for your trips?

**kneescraper** · 10th August 2008, 17:14

Ahhh R6 Kid, you make many a good points

I will be working away from home for this time and will travel home on a Friday night (500kms) and ride back Sunday night (500kms) so most riding will be done at night..

I spose a car would be the best way, just interesting to get others views on these things!

**Oakie** · 10th August 2008, 17:17

Depends if you want to have a memorable trip or if you just want it to be a comfortable trip.

Wayward road users will ruin your day if you're in a car too remember ... just not as much.

**<Rhino>** · 10th August 2008, 17:19

I would look at the weather and probebly take the bike every other trip maybe every third or somthing like that.

try it a couple of times and see how you feel at the end of it. Even though I commute rain or shine coz i have too, i would only do a trip like that in forcast fair weather! (I know you can't really trust them, but in summer it should be ok)

**Griffin** · 10th August 2008, 17:22

Trip of that distance on a regular basis - Id be flying. Cantstand being in a car for that length of time and although I commute on the bike I wouldnt want to ride it that long and often that it became a chore...

**Trudes** · 10th August 2008, 17:22

I would decide about two hours before having to leave from your house based on general mood, weather, health etc. Sometimes you just can't be arsed and want to sit back in the car and dribble along with the radio on, and other times you may feel like going for a ride etc. Just go with the flow bro!

**<Rhino>** · 10th August 2008, 17:24

Originally Posted by Trudes

I would decide about two hours before having to leave from your house based on general mood, weather, health etc. Sometimes you just can't be arsed and want to sit back in the car and dribble along with the radio on, and other times you may feel like going for a ride etc. Just go with the flow bro!

Actually thats pretty good advice, so is griffins idea of flying if you can afford it!!

**Mom** · 10th August 2008, 17:28

PM Unit. She has been doing a big regular trip like that for a while now, she can give you the reality of it.

Most of the trip at night, tired from working one way, and hard to be leaving the other? Weather and this considered, if you cant pick and choose between bike or car, I am going to say take the car.

terrible thing to say

**kneescraper** · 10th August 2008, 17:29

I wont be flying, the cost is to high at this time also I dont mind driving for that distance...kind like seeing the different parts that NZ has to offer... Because of the money side of things I wont beable to afford both a car and bike...so thats why Im racking my brain trying to make up my choice early on.

**smoky** · 10th August 2008, 17:32

I have a bike for the sheer fun and exhilaration of riding, as soon as it becomes a ‘have to’ or ‘only option’ then it looses it’s appeal for me.
1000 K’s every second weekend will certainly increase the chances of being involved in an accident statistically. Mind you it would also give you a lot of experience and should improve your riding.
I’d use a car