Katiepie graduates

[sinfull]

What is that you are trying to say?

Perhaps he's seen it !

[sinfull]

My sentiments entirely.

I also was not thrilled to see Katie buying her R6 back.
Not thrilled when she bought it initially either. Not a very tractable bike by any stretch of the imagination. Unsure if they can be made so.
Dani Pedrosa can use his 47kg to pilot a rocket and maybe Katie will be able to use hers in a similar vein. It's a big challenge though and I think it may be an unrealistic goal.
To go further I think it is foolhardy to even contemplate riding to 'the Burt' alone. There is certainly plenty of ride buddies available to accompany her there. Riding alone and slowly is possibly even more dangerous than riding alone quickly. Riding with buddies is definitely safer either way.
We can assume that a lack of sleep may contribute / result in questionable decision-making and a common aversion of people to criticize may be construed as approval of those decisions.
My 2c worth.

I have to dissagree with these comments (though i won't call you a dick) An R6 is just a MC, sure it's quick, agile and possibly more bike than some should ride, but it can be tamed, as can any bike !
I firmly believe Kate was unlucky with the when where and how's of her accident. If you haven't been there yet Hinny, with the doubt that hits mid corner with a new bike, an unknown road, and any other circumstances that may evolve within that corner, your doing it wrong !
Sure, Kate has no recolection of what happened that day, but i have been there (see above) on numerous occasions and can well imagine what went west when it should have gone east and if this did occur, it would have occured on a 250 also.

Riding in a group won't stop that sort of doubt in the bike/riders ability to make a corner (if what my imagination says could have happened, did) but nor do i think it would endanger any other riders riding responsibly as a group.
Group riding does have it's advantages, that being the visual aspect of another rider ahead being seen taking the corner, the brake lights etc, Add back up support of having others there in case of break downs and the like, it has it's merits. But so does riding alone, do what you want, go where you want, as fast as you want, stop where you like !

Who are we to Judge or decide what others ride, it's about support for what others decide, An R6 is a great bike in my book and it'd be just a matter of time in the saddle (just like you or I) before Kate has the ability to throw that bike around like you or I can our current bikes, the only comparable difference would be at slow (foot down) speeds !

And speaking of support, Do you still do the Motott days Hinny ? I'm currently on a (Ahem) fitness regime to get back in shape for a summer of track and Manfeild test days, as i've decided to strip the speed 3 down for track again and would love to challenge ya kate, to chasing me round the track on yr R6 (if yr finanicial and time restraints allow) I know your interested in the racing side of M/Cycling
I've tried to get Heidi involved but she aint a Sports bike lady and is not into the track (one pillion ride and she was over it lol) So prefers just to watch from the pit wall !
Who knows, ya could end up slapping a race number on the side of it Bwahahahaha
The least that could happen is that you'll learn the R6's limits ! As i've said above and i'm sure others will concur, when ya mind says Oh shit, that little bit of it's limits knowledge, can help change them thoughts to, I think i can, know i can, i fuckin have to !

[Dodgy]

Katepai, Dave and I are riding down to the Bert Munro and would love you to join us. Average speed may be a bit lower as there will be plenty of stops for coffee and cake! Perhaps the first evening in Hanmer Springs (a great place to soak, relax and heal).

I would recommend that you do ride with some people. You dont all have to ride at the same pace, but at least meet at the same stops (for coffee and cake! - oh an wedges!)

[Ocean1]

Perhaps the first evening in Hanmer Springs (a great place to soak, relax and heal).

What I've found to be a stirling idea is to leave the decision to go down the east or west coast until as late as possible, keeping an eye on the weather. If it's going to be shite one side it's invariably OK on 'tother.

[pritch]

What I've found to be a stirling idea is to leave the decision to go down the east or west coast until as late as possible, keeping an eye on the weather. If it's going to be shite one side it's invariably OK on 'tother.

On that basis Hanmer Springs is still not a bad choice you can head either way from there with relative ease. Nice pub and good coffee too.

Bugger! Next thing I'll be deciding to do the Burt.

[ajturbo]

What is that you are trying to say?

yeah.. had a "bit" of a vent.. sorry all...

[Bald Eagle]

yeah.. had a "bit" of a vent.. sorry all...

not like you , you been a jaffa too long

[Crasherfromwayback]

To go further I think it is foolhardy to even contemplate riding to 'the Burt' alone. There is certainly plenty of ride buddies available to accompany her there. Riding alone and slowly is possibly even more dangerous than riding alone quickly. Riding with buddies is definitely safer either way.
We can assume that a lack of sleep may contribute / result in questionable decision-making and a common aversion of people to criticize may be construed as approval of those decisions.
My 2c worth.

I'm sure you mean well...but give it a rest.

[Maha]

not like you , you been a jaffa too long

....now known as SOAP's...
Stressed Out Auckland Pricks.......

[Hinny]

I have to dissagree with these comments
Obviously not with my first line where I agreed with your earlier post!
An R6 is just a MC, sure it's quick, agile and possibly more bike than some should ride, but it can be tamed, as can any bike !
I still maintain that tractable is not an adjective that one could assign to an R6.

Group riding does have it's advantages, that being the visual aspect of another rider ahead being seen taking the corner, the brake lights etc, Add back up support of having others there in case of break downs and the like, it has it's merits.
That's where I'm coming from.

But so does riding alone, do what you want, go where you want, as fast as you want, stop where you like !

I was thinking of Katiepie lying in the grass when I was racing through the night to Ohakune recently. Wondering how I would fare if I crashed. I was traveling fast, realistically far too fast, as it was getting very cold and I just wanted the pain to stop.
Assuming I had cell phone coverage and could get to my phone ( a big assumption), would I be able to tell would-be rescuers where I was? Did I know where I was? Ahh! After Te Kuiti and before Taumaranui... Like that would be really helpful. Nobody knew I was going there so there was nobody to raise the alarm if I didn't turn up when expected etc. These thoughts made me slow down and reconsider my penchant for the freedom of solo high speed traveling without plans, routes or timetables.

As you said, it's bollocks to think that riding with others to the Burt would be inconsiderate etc. and make her a burden on her fellow travelers. I'm sure there are plenty of people that would love to ride with her and who would feel good about doing it. Like the joy one gets from giving.

[Gone Burger]

i would just like to say... for about the 5th time THE R6 IS NOT THE REASON BEHIND MY CRASH AND I WOULD HAVE STILL HAD THIS ACCIDENT ON THE M50. Only difference there is it would have killed me - almost gauranteed. So, I just beg you all the back of on this choice of bike. There has never been a single moment when I thought to buy it for power, for speed, for image. No. The ONLY reason I brought it is I have never felt so well fitted to a bike. The right weight for me, and an incredibly comfortable riding position for my bad wrists and sore back. Thats it. So Please do not go on about the R6 being the wrong choice for me. Yes, they have their reputation. But they can also be ridden gently and smoothly and it doesn't always have to be full tit as many think they do. Plus, I am not that sort of rider, not by a long shot. I will also point out the I was travelling 30km below the speed limit on the day of my crash. Yet some of you were happy to see me on the M50? With its mass of weight yet less power? That bike was becoming dangerous for me. And if you knew me as a rider you will agree that I brought the R6 for the right reason. They dont always have to bite. Only I know the facts behind the crash. No one else. I couldnt have been more thankful that I HAD made the switch on that day. I thank my blessings every single day.

And as for riding solo to the Burt... who the hell says I can't do it? Or shouldn't? I did almost the same trip on my own last year. Was anyone worried about that at the time? No. Because I have done 34,000ks of travel mostly on my own in less than 2 years. So riding south is not a big deal, and something I have already done on my own very successfully. I meet people along the way. ride with them for a day or two, carry on on my own, then meet some new people and ride with them. It has helped to shape who I am today, and for others to keep saying it's not something I can do, or shouldn't - I'm sorry but you obvously do not know me as a person nor a rider.

Not being grumpy here - just defending these points I am now very passionate about. If I were a guy, I KNOW not a single person would be concerned about with of these two aspects. So why shoud it be any different that I am female?

Thanks for listening - love Pie xx

[Ocean1]

On that basis Hamner Springs is still not a bad choice you can head either way from there with relative ease. Nice pub and good coffee too.

Bugger! Next thing I'll be deciding to do the Burt.

True.

I've established a traditional base camp at Raurimu, in Cloudy Bay. Nothing flash but its free, and it puts me on the road of a morning rather than a boat.

There's spare bunks if you're interested.

[007XX]

What is that you are trying to say?

Move over and hand over some popcorn...

[Gone Burger]

Move over and hand over some popcorn...

Oh now you've done it!

[Paul in NZ]

Oh it aint the R6 for the sake of R6's and it definately aint cos you is a girl. I raised 3 strong ones and have had my arse handed to me on a plate by lots of ladies.

My reasons are my reasons and your are quite right - I shouldn't have said a thing - its your ride after all but please know its out of concern for someone I respect NOT some kinda condecending shit.

Anywho - my last post in this thread....