South Island 2006?

[Paul in NZ]

Oooo I didnt know you could book ahead .....

Apparently you can book any body part you can afford!

[Posh Tourer :P]

Apparently you can book any body part you can afford!

Personally, I'd prefer it collective, in advance....
I'm not sure ahead could infact be virgin....

[Paul in NZ]

My little exchange in the insurance thread opened my eyes a little to the perils of public forums. I dunno how I was dim enough to even post on that quagmire and dimmer still to respond! (sigh)

But I did! (kicking myself) Vicki rightly points out I tend to be full of enthusiasm for projects and causes and that while my endless enthusiasm is the fuel that I run by, it does cause short circuits in my judgment and discretion modules.

Now what worries me about this trip is this. It’s a bloody good idea but as most of you know that a long tour is also a good way to loose friends. It is tiring and can be a little stressful. Opening this up to all and sundry? Is this REALLY such a good idea?? Do we need the grief of just one malcontent? (that’s a bit harsh but a simple disagreement over how far to ride in one day can turn ugly)

I’m going to have a good think about this and propose a cooling off period.

If anyone has a suggestion on how to manage this, please let me know!

Paul N

[TonyB]

Could be keen on this, but there's no way I can plan that far ahead. Anyhoo, here's some pics from my recent quick blat from Chch over Arthurs Pass, over Haast Pass, to Wanaka and back to Chch to wet your appetite. Please note that these were taken with a crappy diposable camera with a wide(ish) angle lens that flattens anything in the distance. Mount Cook for instance looked awesome on the day, but is barely noticeable in these pics. Wish I'd remembered to take the digi camera....

[Ms Piggy]

Could be keen on this, but there's no way I can plan that far ahead. Anyhoo, here's some pics from my recent quick blat from Chch over Arthurs Pass, over Haast Pass, to Wanaka and back to Chch to wet your appetite. Please note that these were taken with a crappy diposable camera with a wide(ish) angle lens that flattens anything in the distance. Mount Cook for instance looked awesome on the day, but is barely noticeable in these pics. Wish I'd remembered to take the digi camera....

Drooooool! Droooooooool! OMG!!! I can't wait!!!

[Zapf]

My little exchange in the insurance thread opened my eyes a little to the perils of public forums. I dunno how I was dim enough to even post on that quagmire and dimmer still to respond! (sigh)

But I did! (kicking myself) Vicki rightly points out I tend to be full of enthusiasm for projects and causes and that while my endless enthusiasm is the fuel that I run by, it does cause short circuits in my judgment and discretion modules.

Now what worries me about this trip is this. It’s a bloody good idea but as most of you know that a long tour is also a good way to loose friends. It is tiring and can be a little stressful. Opening this up to all and sundry? Is this REALLY such a good idea?? Do we need the grief of just one malcontent? (that’s a bit harsh but a simple disagreement over how far to ride in one day can turn ugly)

I’m going to have a good think about this and propose a cooling off period.

If anyone has a suggestion on how to manage this, please let me know!

Paul N

At the risk of stroking up your enthusiasm :P

You'll have to learn "PATIENCE" as master grass hopper will say.

And to let things go, then you'll find "PEACE".

In order to take a step fowards, it is sometimes nessary to take a step back.

[Skunk]

My little exchange in the insurance thread opened my eyes a little to the perils of public forums. I dunno how I was dim enough to even post on that quagmire and dimmer still to respond! (sigh)

I don't think Oscar READS very well. Too much skimming...

Now what worries me about this trip is this. It’s a bloody good idea but as most of you know that a long tour is also a good way to loose friends. It is tiring and can be a little stressful. Opening this up to all and sundry? Is this REALLY such a good idea?? Do we need the grief of just one malcontent? (that’s a bit harsh but a simple disagreement over how far to ride in one day can turn ugly)

I’m going to have a good think about this and propose a cooling off period.

If anyone has a suggestion on how to manage this, please let me know!

Let's get together and see if a few can agree. If not, THEN there is a problem. Sort the details early then everyone knows what up and can decide for themselves if they can fit in. If THEY can't - they don't have to come.
It's your baby... You decide the course. (That's a confused whatever-it-is )

[StoneChucker]

The South Island is beautiful! I really can't wait to go now, I'll be needing to take a few camera stops. (I might get one of you to take pics of me too And, no, not THOSE kind of pics either)...

Paul, I know what you mean about extended exposure to people, over "stressful" times. But I don't think it's going to be a problem. If anyone gets ratty, the rest of the group can excecute a good dose of kangaroo justice. The punishment could be thought up by the group "elders". This should nip any misbehaviour in the butt, before anyone gets upset

Honestly, I think with the beautiful scenery, nice roads, our bikes and GOOD people, I doubt there will be any of that.

[Ms Piggy]

Now what worries me about this trip is this. It’s a bloody good idea but as most of you know that a long tour is also a good way to loose friends. It is tiring and can be a little stressful. Opening this up to all and sundry? Is this REALLY such a good idea?? Do we need the grief of just one malcontent? (that’s a bit harsh but a simple disagreement over how far to ride in one day can turn ugly)

I’m going to have a good think about this and propose a cooling off period.

If anyone has a suggestion on how to manage this, please let me know!

Paul N

I can see what you mean Paul but, maybe a few simple guidelines will make it enjoyable, relaxing and stress free.

I think the key is for people to be self managing.

You can suggest a route and maybe arrange group accomodation but I don't think anything else should be your responsibility.

Guidelines like: everyone is responsible for themselves, their gear, their bike. If people choose to deviate from the agreed route that is their responsibility etc, etc.

Of course possibly you underestimated how many of us would be keen for such an adventure. I was surprised myself.

[TonyB]

Drooooool! Droooooooool! OMG!!! I can't wait!!!

Wait till you see the stuff I couldn't photograph 'cause I was too busy riding. 90% of the west coast roads would be classified as heaven on earth for a biker- so long as it's not raining.
As for stops, I think you'll find the SI lends itself to logical stopovers. There's not alot in between the major centres or tourist traps, so you kind of go where you have to. Be aware that finding a cheap place to eat anything other than greasy's in the tourist traps is difficult- I gave up in Wanaka and paid something like $28 for a bloody steak.

[Paul in NZ]

I can see what you mean Paul but, maybe a few simple guidelines will make it enjoyable, relaxing and stress free.

I think the key is for people to be self managing.

You can suggest a route and maybe arrange group accomodation but I don't think anything else should be your responsibility.

Guidelines like: everyone is responsible for themselves, their gear, their bike. If people choose to deviate from the agreed route that is their responsibility etc, etc.

Of course possibly you underestimated how many of us would be keen for such an adventure. I was surprised myself.

Yes I was a little intimidated! (gulp)

I thought maybe 2 or 3 would be keen!

You might just be right. Publish the route and some guidelines.

Cheers

ps - BTW - Vicki and I are doing a recce mission early march.

[Paul in NZ]

The South Island is beautiful! I really can't wait to go now, I'll be needing to take a few camera stops. (I might get one of you to take pics of me too And, no, not THOSE kind of pics either)...

Paul, I know what you mean about extended exposure to people, over "stressful" times. But I don't think it's going to be a problem. If anyone gets ratty, the rest of the group can excecute a good dose of kangaroo justice. The punishment could be thought up by the group "elders". This should nip any misbehaviour in the butt, before anyone gets upset

Honestly, I think with the beautiful scenery, nice roads, our bikes and GOOD people, I doubt there will be any of that.

Dave, on the right day it is better than you can imagine! And I say that not because I was born there but because it is a biking paradise that needs to be ridden while are still allowed to.

Stay tuned!

[Hitcher]

Mrs H's suggestion is that rather than having a detailed itinerary, that people could arrive at a common destination every second or third evening. This would allow people to ride at their own pace, take any detours they wanted to go sightseeing, shopping, family visiting, etc. The regular get togethers would be a good opportunity to debrief and share experiences with other riders.

[TonyB]

Mrs H's suggestion is that rather than having a detailed itinerary, that people could arrive at a common destination every second or third evening. This would allow people to ride at their own pace, take any detours they wanted to go sightseeing, shopping, family visiting, etc. The regular get togethers would be a good opportunity to debrief and share experiences with other riders.

Mrs H is indeed wise. If everyone rode in a tight group, you'd all go nuts! The fast riders would just want to GO, people would loose the oppertunity to stop and take pics when they want, and the slow riders would feel rushed. You may as well travel around in a bus. When I did my wee trip, my riding buddy rode an XV750. Very early on the second day we realised that by trying to stick together we were ruining eachothers ride- I was riding sedately, and the poor old XV was struggling to keep up. So we agreed on a "See you in Dodge in the Fall" approach. It worked well- you can see from the photos that we were still in the same place at the same time quite often. Plus imagine trying to book accomodation for 15 or so people...

[Paul in NZ]

Yes the old freedom ride idea all very true but please remember that we are talking about an open invite ride and it looks like we will attract a wide variety of riders of all skills levels. From R1’s to 250’s

So I see several ways of handling this.

1. Have a daily ‘official’ route map. On it will be marked the start point, lunch stop and finish point along with phone numbers etc etc. You can ride by your self, in groups or join the official group which will have a point person and a tail end sweeper. Pass or fall behind neither of these people. There will be measures in place to prevent people getting lost. That way, any people with flat tyres or incidents will not be abandoned and can be assisted. Should we choose to use a chase vehicle it will be the sweeper.

2. Publish a list of every ones cellphone numbers or we set up a txt group (ie one txt goes to the group). If you are in trouble txt to let people know your status.

3. Assign a riding buddy. You look out for each other?

4. Have a check list of everyone. No one leaves the lunch spot until the last person arrives.

5. Break into sub groups, fast, super fast, outrageous and Moto Guzzis. Each group assigns a leader for the day. Their job is to make sure everyone in their group makes it!!

I don’t want to play the old ‘Wheres Bill?’ game in bum buggery nowheres ville and ruin a trip because we have no way of helping people with a minor mechanical issue or (god forbid) an accident. (it happens). Worst of all I don't want to ride back to Wellington looking for some poor lost soul that decided to shag some nubile romanian back packer they just met and could not be arsed calling in!

Nor do I want to be the ‘Road Kaptain’ BUT I do want to make sure the group has shared resources like first aid kits, tools, puncture repair kits, jumper cables, tow ropes etc etc. Sorry. I used to be a Boy Scout.

I guess I am a bit odd about this as my bikes are all elderly and I plan for minor stoppages!

Paul N