Paeroa Battle of the Streets, Sunday 20 February 2011.

**skilly035** · 10th January 2011, 12:20

Originally Posted by Deano

That's not a nice name to call your boss on your last day of work !!

(Actually - are you talking about Stew or Ivan ?)

Ivan ahahaha

**avgas** · 10th January 2011, 12:34

Originally Posted by sidecar bob

You'd be surprised at the number of guys that would be happy just to watch.

I will be there, watching......and loving every minute of it.
The crashing is more fun when you watch it.

FYI I am taking the wagon down from Auckland - so if any gear or stragglers need a lift PM me.
-Stew

**Rcktfsh** · 10th January 2011, 13:03

Happy to not have a rider there this year. Cannot see the attraction for spectators top riders don't want to ride there so the racings not much chop, hot as buggery and maybe a view of 50 metres of track if your lucky. HD or Manfeild rounds the nats offer spectators a much better spectacle. Then theres the dangerous nature of the track and despite generating a good amount of cash little seems to make it back to the sport.

**White trash** · 10th January 2011, 13:15

Originally Posted by Rcktfsh

Happy to not have a rider there this year. Cannot see the attraction for spectators top riders don't want to ride there so the racings not much chop, hot as buggery and maybe a view of 50 metres of track if your lucky. HD or Manfeild rounds the nats offer spectators a much better spectacle. Then theres the dangerous nature of the track and despite generating a good amount of cash little seems to make it back to the sport.

So what's the difference with Wanganui?

(Not being a smartarse, genuine question)

**wharfy** · 10th January 2011, 13:47

Originally Posted by Rcktfsh

Happy to not have a rider there this year. Cannot see the attraction for spectators top riders don't want to ride there so the racings not much chop, hot as buggery and maybe a view of 50 metres of track if your lucky. HD or Manfeild rounds the nats offer spectators a much better spectacle. Then theres the dangerous nature of the track and despite generating a good amount of cash little seems to make it back to the sport.

Most of the spectators have no clue who the top riders are !!!
They like it 'cause there are lots of Ducatii (is that the plural of Ducati ?) racing.
They like it 'cause there are sidecars racing
They like it 'cause even though they may only see 50 m of track they can stand 1.5 meters away from it and feel the slipstream when a Super-bike blat's down the main street at 300 klicks
They like it 'cause the bikes do wheelies over the bumps
They like it 'cause there are always some crashes
They like it 'cause it is stinking hot and that means they can drink loads of beer/wine/Bourbon & coke and get shit faced.
They like it 'cause big fat slobs who have never had sex with another person in the room can swagger about wearing T-shirts with things like "If you can read this the bitch fell off" on the back and think that everyone will think it's funny.
They like it 'cause you can see about 2000 bikes in the bike park (some of them show quality and some just rare)

I like it for the same reasons (except the crashes and the misogynist T-shirts)

I believe it was started to raise money for flood-relief (or some other noble purpose) and the money raised goes to local "good causes" and the Auckland club runs it as a favour.

**skilly035** · 10th January 2011, 16:33

Originally Posted by wharfy

Most of the spectators have no clue who the top riders are !!!
They like it 'cause there are lots of Ducatii (is that the plural of Ducati ?) racing.
They like it 'cause there are sidecars racing
They like it 'cause even though they may only see 50 m of track they can stand 1.5 meters away from it and feel the slipstream when a Super-bike blat's down the main street at 300 klicks
They like it 'cause the bikes do wheelies over the bumps
They like it 'cause there are always some crashes
They like it 'cause it is stinking hot and that means they can drink loads of beer/wine/Bourbon & coke and get shit faced.
They like it 'cause big fat slobs who have never had sex with another person in the room can swagger about wearing T-shirts with things like "If you can read this the bitch fell off" on the back and think that everyone will think it's funny.
They like it 'cause you can see about 2000 bikes in the bike park (some of them show quality and some just rare)

I like it for the same reasons (except the crashes and the misogynist T-shirts)

I believe it was started to raise money for flood-relief (or some other noble purpose) and the money raised goes to local "good causes" and the Auckland club runs it as a favour.

You've pretty much just described the entire day!!
I used to like watching crashes..until I got to know the riders.

**Quasievil** · 10th January 2011, 16:45

Originally Posted by Rcktfsh

Then theres the dangerous nature of the track and despite generating a good amount of cash little seems to make it back to the sport.

Hiya Shane, im interested to know what you think would make that better, Im not being a smart arse here either.
I (in my Mobil capacity) am with the company who is the main sponsor of the event it is now called "Mobil 1 Battle of the Streets Paeroa", and as Motorsport manager for Mobil Im keen to do what I can to enable things to be better at the rider level.....................if I can.

**jellywrestler** · 10th January 2011, 17:49

Originally Posted by White trash

So what's the difference with Wanganui?

There are few points at Paeroa that you can see much action, just little sections, whereas at the Cemetery Circuit there are a number of points where you can see a full corner and the exit from the previous one and entry for the next as well.
That's what does it for me mainly.

**Gone Burger** · 10th January 2011, 17:55

I'm heading along to watch for the first time, and simply can't wait. Had a fantastic day at Wanganui, and should be able to make it to about 3 rounds of the Nationals too. And you are right - many of us spectators wouldn't have a clue who the top riders are, but also many, like me, are slowly learning the more they watch, and the longer they stick around.

What a great day it's going to be. Road trip from wellington anyone?

**White trash** · 10th January 2011, 17:58

Originally Posted by Katiepie

What a great day it's going to be. Road trip from wellington anyone?

I'd possibly look at following ya up Katie but I fear I'd get distracted and run into a ditch.......

**Gone Burger** · 10th January 2011, 18:01

Originally Posted by White trash

I'd possibly look at following ya up Katie but I fear I'd get distracted and run into a ditch.......

From my appalling riding? Oh fair call - in that case Jimmy, we can't have you in a ditch. Solo effort it is again then - CAN'T WAIT!

**Pussy** · 10th January 2011, 18:19

Originally Posted by Rcktfsh

Happy to not have a rider there this year. Cannot see the attraction for spectators top riders don't want to ride there so the racings not much chop, hot as buggery and maybe a view of 50 metres of track if your lucky. HD or Manfeild rounds the nats offer spectators a much better spectacle. Then theres the dangerous nature of the track and despite generating a good amount of cash little seems to make it back to the sport.

Personally, I prefer Paeroa to Wanganui as a spectator. I like the way the whole town gets behind it. I've given Wanganui a miss two years in a row now... but will definitely be at Paeroa again this year

**sinned** · 10th January 2011, 18:34

Can someone who has been there give advice on best area to camp and leave bike and gear where is won't get stolen. What is the security like at the camping area during the day of racing? Do most head home at the end of the day or camp another night and head home Monday?

Yep I am interested in a run up from welly.