Wellington's Weds night group ride RANT

[Laxi]

As far as Eugene goes, I think we should buy him a pair or rollerskates and one of us should tow him up the hill.

funny you should say that after the discussion I had with him after showing him this

seemed rather keen to give it a shot on the takas

[centaurus]

funny you should say that after the discussion I had with him after showing him this
...
seemed rather keen to give it a shot on the takas

Dude, that is awesome.

Are you sure that's not actually Eugene? It definitely is his style. You just need to imagine the guy wearing a red cape and you can swear it's him . On the other hand, if it were him we would have had a second video with the guy trying the same thing but backwards (face down but feet first)

[ecko_nzed]

I think people worry about being held responsible for co-ordinating a group ride that results in rider harming themselves or others. So it tends to be a every man/woman for themselves kind of ride. Which is fine because I trust no one and still have fond memories of not being able to sit down for days because of gravel rash on my arse, when my ego outweighed my abilities. I would have to say I think it has gotten worse since the road works started on the hill. Less legit passing opportunities, resulting in plenty of dodgey-arse overtaking.

With any group there are always implict norms (the rules no one talks about), most people with a regular size ego joining a new group sit back and observe the group in an attempt to learn the rules. How about we stop being so secretive and educate the newbies and people with ego based learning disabilities on these rules?

That way, it's just an unorganised group ride that has a few simple rules that won't stifle people’s fun.

The only other thought I had was too get people who are up for a cruise, and are at the front of the pack, to stick to the left in single file on the kaitoke straights before the hill. If they then back off slightly ,people wanting a more spirited ride can overtake them SAFELY on the right. This would mean less bunching up.

[Laxi]

I just hang back and let the majority go 1st, that way the guys that are in a hurry are 1st out and I get left with the cruisy 1s, it's worked well for me so far, can be a problem coming back though, just keep a good eye on your mirrors

[Gareth51]

so who won?

Some old dude on a Harley,he went pass me like I was going backwards half way down the hill and by the time we got to the pub he was already siting down enjoying a pint

[Trudes]

That's how this ride orginally was, however as it's popularity grew and numbers swelled it needed to be made more structured, especially as it used to be a good place for new riders to come along and experience riding in a group and receive some tips and help from other more experienced riders. It sounds to me like nobody is taking any responsibility to let new comers know what is expected of them on such a group ride, and possibly the reason why no L platers turn up is because of the lack of organisation and fear of being wiped out by experienced riders who should know better as they haven't been told that it is a CRUISEY ride, not a race to the pub in Featherston or wherever. It doesn't need to have a zillion rules, but someone has to step up and say something before everyone roars off about GROUP pace, venue and having a little consideration for other riders..... something everyone could do with having a little think about at times.

I think people worry about being held responsible for co-ordinating a group ride that results in rider harming themselves or others. So it tends to be a every man/woman for themselves kind of ride. Which is fine because I trust no one and still have fond memories of not being able to sit down for days because of gravel rash on my arse, when my ego outweighed my abilities. I would have to say I think it has gotten worse since the road works started on the hill. Less legit passing opportunities, resulting in plenty of dodgey-arse overtaking.

With any group there are always implict norms (the rules no one talks about), most people with a regular size ego joining a new group sit back and observe the group in an attempt to learn the rules. How about we stop being so secretive and educate the newbies and people with ego based learning disabilities on these rules?

That way, it's just an unorganised group ride that has a few simple rules that won't stifle people’s fun.

The only other thought I had was too get people who are up for a cruise, and are at the front of the pack, to stick to the left in single file on the kaitoke straights before the hill. If they then back off slightly ,people wanting a more spirited ride can overtake them SAFELY on the right. This would mean less bunching up.

[Laxi]

yep id agree with trudes on that, I went on my 1st wncr 3 days after passing BHS and liked it for the social asspect and I got to drill some advise out of experienced riders. If my 1st ride had had any dodgy manouvers I dont know if I would have been on as many as I have,

[Toaster]

That's actually what upsets me the most about TCWNR turning into a potentially dangerous and unpleasant experience for especially newer riders. This regular group ride was started as a way for new riders to build confidence and for others to have a nice easy cruise. UncleB always made others feel comfortable and safe when on one of his rides and it sounds like this ride has become anything but that. Sad really.

The cruiser group went the same way. Cruisey rides became much faster over time.

Simple solution is either split the group and ride behind at your own pace or start a new ride group at a more relaxed pace. I'm all for a comfortable cruise. That way you can enjoy the bikes around you and heaven forbid even the scenery!

[Badjelly]

...they haven't been told that it is a CRUISEY ride...

Mind you, you'd think the name "Cruisy Wednesday Night Ride" would give them a clue.

[davebullet]

All right. The challenge has been laid. Weather permitting, I'll be at the next ride and I DARE anyone to ride slower and safer than me!

Then I will organise the t-shirts with "I survived TCWNR!"

[Toaster]

All right. The challenge has been laid. Weather permitting, I'll be at the next ride and I DARE anyone to ride slower and safer than me!

Then I will organise the t-shirts with "I survived TCWNR!"

You're on. What's the wager?

[Swoop]

So. There has been no mention of the "dreaded ginger cop" from Hazzard county yet...

[centaurus]

So. There has been no mention of the "dreaded ginger cop" from Hazzard county yet...

I guess he has just been mentioned

[Number One]

So. There has been no mention of the "dreaded ginger cop" from Hazzard county yet...

Probably because we don't suffer from that 'particular' upper north island affliction down here.

[Swoop]

Probably because we don't suffer from that 'particular' upper north island affliction down here.

He likes KB group rides... or so I've heard!