Now is that an impossibility, I think it might be but one surely needs to be super aware of so much when out playing on one's bike.
Had me another interesting ride today, travelling through Wakefield when all of a sudden BANG! Like big bang right on my arse, car pulling out in front of the vehicle I was in front of! Lucky lucky me. Was one of those big 4x4 trucks things and it got a hell of smash, glad it was him and not me. Did I notice the little white car about to pull out? No I didn't. There is so much to be aware of and there is so much to see. I was watching the cars pulling out from the garage over the road and coming into the traffic flow in front of me. Another lesson learnt. The more i learn the more I want to learn!!!
Well, after that wee moment (I went and took a pic of smashed up truck) I continued on my merry way traversing mountains and discovering new lands. Did you know the hawk population out the south of Nelson is flourishing. Saw about15, dont see them in the car but the whole world is there to be seen on the bike.
Ahhhh, the bike. What a little pearler. Purring away like a contented pussy cat. Seriously, it's sounder so much sweeter and is starting to really open up for me. Or is it me opening up???? Starting to trust myself a hell of lot more too. The little things I learnt on Tuesday with Karel are also coming into pllay. Feeling so much more in control and steadier.
Can't wait until tomorrow's adventure with Mr Peasea and his mate Harley.
the pic is up Korere down some new road I'd never been on before.....it was a fun road!!!!!
There is so much to be aware of, when in traffic, always have an 'out-route'.
Always better to be out in front away from pending danger, but that cant always be the case.
To the left is pehaps the better option to take if things get ugly.
Genie... if its not already been said and if you only follow one rule, make sure you... treat every bastard as if they want to kill you
cheers DD
(Definately Dodgy)
In this case I was very fortunate to be out front. Nothing quite like hearing that big BANG and looking in my mirror to see the vehicle behind me smashed across the road. Yep it was a moment. I've had about 3 of those 'moments' where I have seen just how different it could have been, oh but for a second!!!!!
Anothergood thing about that happening was that when I turned the corner to go back and take a pic - for prosterity - there was my sweetest and most dearest great aunt, love her dearly and haven't seen her for a couple of weeks so not only was I still in one piece I got a kiss and hug and she got to see me special new toy!!!!
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Does this sound like what your after Genie ?
Motorcycle maintenance - Friday 5th March
Fundamentals of motorcycle maintenance – what you need to know if you own a motorcycle or scooter to keep your bike running and looking good. Simple techniques on how to avoid breakdowns and how to customize the bike to suit you and your riding style. Course notes provided. Bring old clothes, rags, own tools including bike tool kit and you bike. Bring spark plugs and 500mls of brake fluid if wanting to change these. Start time for the maintenance course is 5.30pm for 2 – 2.5 hours, being held at ENZA on Nayland Road.
If you are keen on attending this please contact Andrew or Lynne at Roadsafe - admin@roadsafe.co.nz or 027 245 9510
See you on the road sometime![]()
Imagine you are invisible to other road users (brains don't come out of auto mode unless a threat is percieved. Bikes being relatively small don't often register as a potential threat). Try imagine what you will do in different scenarios like where your outroute would be , what you would do if that car did a U-turn in front of you,etc,etc as it can buy you valauble time if such an event actually occurs. Also once you are a little more comfortable with your riding do a Ride right ,ride safe course to get your emergency braking and countersteering sorted and practice ever so often when safe to do so , so that they become instinctive.
Take care and have fun.
Oh what fun I had.
Yesterday young Peasea and I met up out the beginning of open road land and we went out to play.
Oh what fun.
It was all backwards for me, I had travelled the road but coming from the other direction. It is so cool (for me) to follow someone, I see them do the corners and know - yes - I can do that corner too. He lead me a right merry dance and we even found another new road.....there are so many around here!!! This one had some nice corners and if it weren't for the gum nuts and gum leaves all over the road I think I would have gone a little faster hehe. Then we found some gravel, I'm not scared! Was a little but hey I did it. was rather interesting to see just how much that skinny little tyre wiggles, had to make sure I didn't.
Onto some familiar roads again and we found a nice building that sold beer so we had us a nice cool one. It was Friday beer o'clock time. ahhhhhhh, went down a right treat and then we had the discussion on the learner licence, learner must not have any alcohol whilst on the bike, but hey in my car I can have 2. Kinda weird but hey that's the law, so once again I have been bad and broken the law. I seem to be breaking a few of those lately. It's this bike, it is such a bad influence on me. It releases this excitement and this amazing energy that has been dormant for far to long and I think to restrain that energy is more of a crime!!!! If you know what I mean...
After that tasty wee beer we're mounted and away again, loads of commuter traffic between Nelson and Motueka at the time of the day, I'm usually in the kitchen at the time so had no idea, glad I don't live in Auckland. And glad I was on my bike, my bike!!!!
Got myself on my home road and guess what? Bloody bike wouldn't come in the driveway until we'd had one more blat around the motorway!!! Jolly good bike I've bought.
Don't worry Genie, one beer wont get you unless your under 20.....
"If you're under 20 years old, the legal alcohol limit is 150 micrograms per litre of breath and 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. This is effectively a zero limit – consuming one drink will mean you can be charged with drink driving.
If you're 20 years or older, the legal alcohol limit is 400 micrograms per litre of breath and 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood."
Spent yesterday showing young Grubber around the sights of Nelson. Wow, this place is awesome. I think as we get older we really do appreciate the simple things in life. Like how the sun shines down on the crystal clear water that has just sprung forth from the side of the mountain. We went and found the Source of the Riwaka River at the base of the Takaka hill. Absolutely amazingly beautiful.
We met up down at the Tahuna Motorcamp about 9.15am and set off in the direction of Motueka. Was a stunning day with clear skies and the traffic wasn't too heavy. Made our way over to Ruby Bay, man that place is beautiful. The sea was the most gorgeous blue. Couple of seagulls munching down on a dead fish, nature at it's best. On the road and wee detour out to Kina, oh that place is gorgoues. The sea seems to change to this deeper blue, same sea, different location. We carried on through Mouteka (really main street is the worst raod in NZ) and zipped around a few hills and made our way to Kaiteriteri. That place is sooooo nice. Shame it's kinda got all commericial but it still retains it's naturalness. Had some yummy food for lunch and then we popped through the hills to Marahau. I haven't been over there for about 12 years and that place has changed. I'm pleased the tide was high as it's pretty yuk at low tide. Grubber got to see it at it's best.
Started to amble our way back home when I clicked about the Source of the Riwaka River. Had been there as a child and thought it so boring. It's not. It is stunning. Great little road and I could really feel my confidence start to grow. Loved that quiet wee twisty road. With the wee walk at the end it is a place I shall be going to again very soon. Filled up my water bottle while we were there and the water is soooooo nice. Real water, fresh, new virgin water.
On the bikes and a another new road was found, began to wonder just where I was leading this fellow when I finally found a familiar road. Phew. After a couple a mishaps (wrong turns) I found the road I was looking for, Old Coach Road, the veiws over Nelson and the bay are phenominal. Stunning, amazing, awesome and a lovely wee twisty raod. I'm beginning to get the gist of these twisties and learning to trust just what me and the bike can do.
Anyway, here we are parked up admiring this view and I check out the time, I have 10 minutes to get home for the kidlets. Yep, fast trip home, oh I love my bike. Gives me what I want just when I need it.
Home we got, had a cool beer and then Grubber set off to get a good night's sleep before he starts the rest of his south island tour. Safe and happy travels.
His parting words were to explain to me just what Chicken Strips were.....hmmmmmm. I did wonder. I have them. I don't want them. Apparently they're not too bad, but they're there. Kinda makes me feel like I have wrinkles. Don't want them either. Guess I best get out there and wipe them away. Not with sandpaper.
Do I hear Ruapuna calling me down for Easter with Karel. I think it's screaming at me
You dont need a map now ... just get on and ride in a (any) direction... the bike knows its way home (just doesn't like going home)Chicken strips and wrinkles ... you can live with both ...
When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...
You are lucky, you have so many roads to play on around Nelson, don't you hate it when time for the kids ends your fun early.
Don't worry about the chicken strips, from what you've posted so far they'll take care of themselves soon enough.
Riding cheap crappy old bikes badly since 1987
Tagorama maps: Transalpers map first 100 tags..................Map of tags 101-200......................Latest map, tag # 201-->
These great segments of your riding diary should be blogs Genie. It would be a shame for them to be buried.
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