AKL's Westpac Run Sunday 13th Feb

**Holy Roller** · 14th February 2005, 10:23

Originally Posted by Krusti

Your fault.If you didn't have that T shirt on everyone would think it was just some guy in the crowd!

Was good to meet you guys. Had one hell of a boring trip home down SH27

Should have gone through Gordonton and Morrinsville great ride even better up and over the Kaimai's

**Coldkiwi** · 14th February 2005, 11:37

Ahh, so it was a faster M'way ride was it? That explains why Aff-man and I couldn't catch the tail end till the CBD (and then, with the most careful of efforts, he manages to hold us both up so we loose it again!) On ya mate! :P

We'd forgotten about the ride till a cager asked us what all the bikes were on the road for while we were having a cuppa at the Mangatawhiri Castle at about 10:55. Thought we could get up to karaka in time for catching the tail of the rally leaving but despite some dubious lane splitting and a hidden camera van (don't ya LOVE not having a front licence plate?) we didn't see the rally until town (stopping for a minute or two to ask him whether it really was a 11 or 11:30 ride out didn't help)

Anyway... nice day if rather disorganised from our point of view!

**Big Dave** · 14th February 2005, 14:18

Originally Posted by crashe

Yep t'was me doing the two arm wave down the motorway....
:

Ha!
Going to the drags last friday I was cautioned by the Motorway support cop for taking both hands off the handlebars whilst rolling down Ladies Mile.
He told me I could kill myself and loose my licence immediately for such a wreckless act. I'm not sure about the particular order.

I was getting some air in the vents on the sleeves of my leathers - hanging them out in the airflow.

When he saw I was a more mature, polite person he softened and I was told never to do it again or it would be serious and he left it at that.

Be careful mate, it's a hangin' offence.

I also figured it was best not to mention the standing on the seat episodes.

bd

**MikeL** · 14th February 2005, 14:58

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Ha!
Going to the drags last friday I was cautioned by the Motorway support cop for taking both hands off the handlebars whilst rolling down Ladies Mile.
He told me I could kill myself and loose my licence immediately for such a wreckless act. I'm not sure about the particular order.

I was getting some air in the vents on the sleeves of my leathers - hanging them out in the airflow.

When he saw I was a more mature, polite person he softened and I was told never to do it again or it would be serious and he left it at that.

Be careful mate, it's a hangin' offence.

I also figured it was best not to mention the standing on the seat episodes.

bd

Interesting. Ages ago I posted something here after I had read on an American bike forum about someone over there getting a ticket for taking both hands off. The general consensus of replies here, if I remember correctly, was that it was unheard of. Exactly what regulation were you supposed to have breached? Immediate loss of licence can only be for seriously dangerous or reckless actions, surely?
I often do the "look ma no hands" thing as I'm sure do many others...

**SPman** · 14th February 2005, 16:12

Originally Posted by MikeL

I often do the "look ma no hands" thing as I'm sure do many others...

Indeedy yes - as well as standing up and having a stretch and a fart.

**MacD** · 14th February 2005, 16:19

A few more pics of the day...

**Big Dave** · 14th February 2005, 16:26

Originally Posted by MikeL

Exactly what regulation were you supposed to have breached? Immediate loss of licence can only be for seriously dangerous or reckless actions, surely?
I often do the "look ma no hands" thing as I'm sure do many others...

As I was only receiving a caution - I didn't argue the toss - suggest it would be the same set of rules that gets you arrested for wheelstanding type thing?
bd

**Big Dave** · 14th February 2005, 22:51

I've submitted this - you may note it evolved on KB!
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Supporting pics: http://www.davidcohen.co.nz/copter_renders/index.htm

Helicopter Experience

There’s probably a name for someone trying to sound wise by quoting platitudes from a desktop calendar, but I have to admit that my experience with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter reminds me of one of the few I can remember - ‘Experience is a good school – but the fees are high’.

I’ve always supported the service, participated in the occasional run, bought a badge, even reported in KR, without really appreciating what a bloody marvel the whole thing is.

The revelation came one Sunday morning, travelling up SH16. Bob was lying, bruised, broken and bloodied, by the side of the road, after a particularly nasty mechanical failure.

Our girls administered top-notch first aid, the ‘Ambo’ was there in minutes, and yet I don’t think I’ve seen a grander, more welcome sight, than that big red and yellow bird dropping from the sky. Particularly when we were miles from anywhere.

I realised then, just how important to motorcyclists it is, resolving to be more enthusiastic in support – even if Bobby was paying the fee. One of these days, that could be any one of us, being whisked away to the best care available.

So when Vege asked me to represent the Mag in the Ed’s absence (in Aussie gathering scoops) it was with some pride that I flew the publication’s colours at the ‘2005 Ulysses Club Westpac Rescue Helicopter Run’.

We rode into the marshalling yards at Karaka and it was another truly grand sight to see so many bikes and people turn out to share our support.

Brilliant, outstanding effort from all of you motorcyclists, trike-ists, scooter dudes, classics, post classics, sports, tourers, cruisers, hybrids, trailies, choppers, adventurers, everything and everyone else that made up the huge numbers on the day.

The number floated was ‘more than 1,000 bikes’, but KR believes 1,200 may be closer to the mark.

The Ulysses boys conducted the run with their usual skill and the pace up the freeway to Queen Street was steady and an absolute joy to have the freeway open to nothing else but motorcycles.

The pace even quickened over the bridge and was quite brisk up to the AUT North Shore campus where the presentations took place. (See what happens when the Vespa guys go in front!)

Chris Hyland of Motomail handed out spot prizes to the value of $1,000, Sponsors John Baker Insurance, Kiwi Rider, Motomail, Radio Hauraki and the NZ Police were presented certificates of appreciation, and then the big cheque – $11,000 raised on the day – was handed over to the service.

Well done, all of you Ulysses guys, girls and all your happy volunteers. You did it again.

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$8.95 on your news stand.
chz
bd