BRONZ Slow Paced Social Rides 2012

**Ratti** · 26th September 2012, 16:05

Starting Tuesday 2nd October. can't wait!

Supported by BRONZ Wellington Branch and co-ordinated by one of the local committee members, the aims of these rides are as follows:
1. To offer safe on-road time to inexperienced riders.
2. Hazard recognition.
3. Learn how to ride responsibly in a group

During daylight saving hours we gather at 6p.m and depart at 6.30 p.m. The starting location varies depending on the intended route that evening. The routes are largely urban because of time constraints.
Although there are, as yet. no accredited mentors accompanying this ride, all rides have a Lead Rider (LR), senior riders and a tail-end-charlie ( TEC ). These are experienced riders and will look out for learners, assisting should anything go wrong.
Over the 3 years this has been running, we have had a wonderful representative sample of the variety of people attracted to motorcycling. A roll call of riders would show a 15yo lad accompanied by his Grandfather, women aged from 20’s to 40’s, young men and returning riders. Ability of the riders has varied from very nervous first-timers to those who are nearly ready to attempt the Restricted or Full license. This ride would not be able to go ahead without input from experienced riders and these marvellous folk are equally as varied in gender, age and the type of bike they choose to ride.
We have had Andrew Templeton, from Road Safe, come out with us to see what we are about. He gave us the Thumbs Up as being a safe, sensible, organised ride that he is happy to refer his students to.
Any rider ( including returning riders) is welcome to attend the gatherings and enjoy the company.
Although this is supported and sanctioned by BRONZ Wellington, everyone rides at their own risk

The Hutt runs all start from the Avalon Park Duckpond carpark.
Two runs start from the site next to the Kaiwharawhara self service pumps. This is so we don't block truck and trailer access to the pumps.
The Porirua route starts in the carpark at the big gates along from the Police college.

ALL information about these rides is available at www.bronzwellington.org.nz. Click on the link at the bottom of the page and it will take you to our new forum page where you can ask questions.

**Ratti** · 3rd October 2012, 11:16

yay, first ride went well. Thanks to Jimmy and Paul for taking time out from their schedules to be the senior riders. Although we are not certified mentors, we do our best to keep the learners on the right path and get them home safely.
to the three learners who came along, I hope you enjoyed meeting some other riders. I look forward to seeing you next week.

Starting from the Avalon Park Duckpond, we will be doing the Upper Hutt route.
Routes are here
http://www.bronzwellington.org.nz/95...-social-rides/

**BMWST?** · 8th October 2012, 21:16

Originally Posted by Ratti

yay, first ride went well. Thanks to Jimmy and Paul for taking time out from their schedules to be the senior riders. Although we are not certified mentors, we do our best to keep the learners on the right path and get them home safely.
to the three learners who came along, I hope you enjoyed meeting some other riders. I look forward to seeing you next week.

Starting from the Avalon Park Duckpond, we will be doing the Upper Hutt route.
Routes are here
http://www.bronzwellington.org.nz/95...-social-rides/

what say the weather is shitty?

**Bald Eagle** · 9th October 2012, 13:51

Originally Posted by BMWST?

what say the weather is shitty?

Then you'll know you're in Wellington ;-)

**Ratti** · 12th October 2012, 10:03

If it's a howling gale then the ride is off, but if it's pretty average for Welly, then ride on. It's Wellington, we get some nasty weather here and riders have to be able to cope with what gets thrown at them.

Nice to see riders on tuesday. Always happy to answer questions, and pleased to hear some good q & A coming out.

Next weeks ride is doing the Porirua route. Meeting at the Gates into Aotea lagoon park, just up from the Police College

**BMWST?** · 13th October 2012, 21:17

Originally Posted by Ratti

If it's a howling gale then the ride is off, but if it's pretty average for Welly, then ride on. It's Wellington, we get some nasty weather here and riders have to be able to cope with what gets thrown at them.

Nice to see riders on tuesday. Always happy to answer questions, and pleased to hear some good q & A coming out.

Next weeks ride is doing the Porirua route. Meeting at the Gates into Aotea lagoon park, just up from the Police College

that will make my arrival a little later than the last couple

**Ratti** · 16th October 2012, 07:53

No worries . BE is going to sort it at the gates this week as my work hours wont allow me to get there in time. I'll be waiting at Pauatahanui shop ready to tag onto the end. You could do the same if you like

**Bald Eagle** · 16th October 2012, 12:23

Looking like a craker day, see you all at Aotea from 6pm

**GrayWolf** · 16th October 2012, 14:30

Yup day off, so I'll mosey on up to Aotea gates... As long as there is some young pup available to help a grumpy old codger on and off his bike?

**oneofsix** · 16th October 2012, 14:33

Originally Posted by GrayWolf

Yup day off, so I'll mosey on up to Aotea gates... As long as there is some young pup available to help a grumpy old codger on and off his bike?

Yeah BE will be there and failing that I will too

you might be stuck on your bike unless someone else turns up.

**Ratti** · 17th October 2012, 14:48

Nice to see new faces, welcome along Grey Wolf. Cracker evening out and great to spend some time socialising at the other end..once we'd found parking that is. MIght have to rethink the end point for this route. Any suggestions?

glad that no-one got stuck on their bike, but after my embarrassing fall over in the car park, I had trouble getting back on Henry. Not to worry, home safe and had help to park the Ol'Fella.

Really pleased at the quality of the senior riders, well done chaps.

Look forward to seeing you again next week. remember learners, these rides are for YOU. We will ride at your pace and answer your questions, no such thing as a silly question here.

**Ratti** · 22nd October 2012, 18:04

I understand there is some confusion about starting points for these rides. It changes from week to week according to where the route is taking us. Please check the schedule so you know where to find us. Darn shame to miss out.