Labour day weekend ride. Sunday 21st oct.(Castle Point)

[DJ]

Hey all - I'm interested in tagging along. Since I'm a newbie and still got my "L", would that be ok? I'm guess I wont be riding as quick as everyone else as I'm still getting used to my bike, but I'm keen to ride with others to get some experience

~DJ

[NZsarge]

Hey all - I'm interested in tagging along. Since I'm a newbie and still got my "L", would that be ok? I'm guess I wont be riding as quick as everyone else as I'm still getting used to my bike, but I'm keen to ride with others to get some experience

~DJ

Hell yeah mate, see you in Pahiatua at 9:30......ish.

[NZsarge]

Just a quick note for all those new riders wanting to join us on this ride, You are most WELCOME. you do need to be aware that this will be a fairly longish day although riding time will not be huge and comfort levels will be managable (ie:sore butt) should not be too much of an issue as there will be a number of short breaks at the numerous gathering points along the way. Look foward to meeting what sounds like a few new faces turning up on this ride.
Don't forget to register for the ride in the calender section.

[chanceyy]

Hey all - I'm interested in tagging along. Since I'm a newbie and still got my "L", would that be ok? I'm guess I wont be riding as quick as everyone else as I'm still getting used to my bike, but I'm keen to ride with others to get some experience

~DJ

Hi DJ

there will be a few newbie riders on this one so perfect opportunity to come along

details will be firmed up by end of the week some will meet at ashhurst mobil rest of us coming from the south will just plan to meet at the base of the track (just around the corner there is a gravel area to stop on)

[MSTRS:Me]

Can I just make a point here about 'newbie' riders? Not wanting to put a dampener on anyone's enthusiasm....but I don't think an all day ride of maybe 300ks on some of NZs finest twisties is a good idea for L platers of little experience. What people tend to forget is how tiring motorcycling is esp in the early learning stages, and it is easy for someone in that position to become a liability to themselves and others.
Righto. As you were.

[DJ]

I've already started getting around on my bike. Done a few trips out from town to Rongotea way and done a mission to Marton couple of Sundays ago (damn it was windy that day....good way to get the hang of it. LOL ).

Biggest problem I got at moment is roads that curve right...weird. left curves are fine. Right curves I seem to take slower - think I just need practice.


Mind you - if it gets too much I can always turn around and head back?

[Monamie]

Can I just make a point here about 'newbie' riders? Not wanting to put a dampener on anyone's enthusiasm....but I don't think an all day ride of maybe 300ks on some of NZs finest twisties is a good idea for L platers of little experience. What people tend to forget is how tiring motorcycling is esp in the early learning stages, and it is easy for someone in that position to become a liability to themselves and others.
Righto. As you were.

Gee thanks
My confidence is shot now

You have a point-a day in the saddle can be taxing-perhaps I will have a rethink.
Although if I was getting into trouble -a liability and all-I think I am adult enough to turn back

[NZsarge]

I've already started getting around on my bike. Done a few trips out from town to Rongotea way and done a mission to Marton couple of Sundays ago (damn it was windy that day....good way to get the hang of it. LOL ).

Biggest problem I got at moment is roads that curve right...weird. left curves are fine. Right curves I seem to take slower - think I just need practice.


Mind you - if it gets too much I can always turn around and head back?

Yes, I posted before about the length of the day and yes there are centainly a few K's to travel for sure. What seems to be a hallmark of Manawatu rides is plenty of gathering points/smoke breaks/rest stops so fatigue will be to a minimum considering the distance. But please be aware it will be along day.

[NZsarge]

Gee thanks
My confidence is shot now

You have a point-a day in the saddle can be taxing-perhaps I will have a rethink.
Although if I was getting into trouble -a liability and all-I think I am adult enough to turn back

Hey Monaime, could you please check post #68, cheers. There is nothing to stop you from pulling out of the ride at any point should you think it's turning into a bit of a mountain so to speak. MSTRS's point is a valid one but as you point out I think were all adult enough to realize when weve had enough, i've had to pull out of a ride myself before and it probably wont be the last time considering the length of ride some of the Manawatu crew can do at times

[yod]

Gee thanks
My confidence is shot now

You have a point-a day in the saddle can be taxing-perhaps I will have a rethink.
Although if I was getting into trouble -a liability and all-I think I am adult enough to turn back

you have the right attitude, keen but cautious

IMO this ride shouldn't be too difficult, yes it is 300km-ish but when larger groups are involved, the longest stretch between stops will probably only be 60-70km, so if you can handle four to six 50-70km sections you will be fine

and like you said, if you think you've bitten off more than you can chew, just head back and take your time (but let someone know first!)

[MSTRS:Me]

Didn't mean to upset anyone. But I thought it was an important point to make in clear terms.
I've met most of the 'regulars' (right dodgy lot too, but don't tell 'em I said so) but as for new riders - tend to be an unknown quantity until they've done a ride or two with the group.
Besides, it's easy to bite off too much due to inexperience/enthusiasm, when in real terms a long(ish) group ride on unknown/challenging roads is a very different beast to going on an easypaced pootle on familiar roads by oneself.
I now see that NZSarge describes this as a relaxed social ride so all should be good.

[Monamie]

Didn't mean to upset anyone. But I thought it was an important point to make in clear terms.
I've met most of the 'regulars' (right dodgy lot too, but don't tell 'em I said so) but as for new riders - tend to be an unknown quantity until they've done a ride or two with the group.
Besides, it's easy to bite off too much due to inexperience/enthusiasm, when in real terms a long(ish) group ride on unknown/challenging roads is a very different beast to going on an easypaced pootle on familiar roads by oneself.
I now see that NZSarge describes this as a relaxed social ride so all should be good.

No offence taken- I value all opinions (until I am skilled enough to make my own).
I am feeling quite comfortable on my bike-it is a good beginners bike- and think I will be able to handle anything thrown at me (I can dodge the shite). I am not one to try and impress- I learnt long ago I don't give a #@%$ what people think of me-so won't rush off and try and ride beyond my 3wks experience.
Looking forward to meeting everyone

[MSTRS:Me]

.... won't rush off and try and ride beyond my 3wks experience.

Unlike hXc who undertook a 500k ride at that stage of riding?
Admittedly, it was mostly on real easy roads.

[NZsarge]

I've already started getting around on my bike. Done a few trips out from town to Rongotea way and done a mission to Marton couple of Sundays ago (damn it was windy that day....good way to get the hang of it. LOL ).

Biggest problem I got at moment is roads that curve right...weird. left curves are fine. Right curves I seem to take slower - think I just need practice.


Mind you - if it gets too much I can always turn around and head back?

You maybe wise to consult the local Kiwi Biker mentor at some stage to help you along with your riding, it's always good to have some insight from more exprienced rider to help you put thing into place in the head. The registered mentor is Cowboyz for the manawatu but he is not sure as yet if he will be along on this ride but i'm sure you'll bump into hom on a local ride soon. He's hard to miss, his bike is all green and wot not! (and dirty!)

[cowboyz]

I should have logged on an hour ago and I would have missed that. It looks as though I will be along with Mrs Cowboyz. More than happy to keep an eye out if needed.

Honestly, Castlepoint road is quite a twisty road but it is not that far either. Only about 70km from Masterton. If cutting through all the backroads it is only about 120km from ashhurst. Would hate to see any new riders put off. There will be plenty of hondas around so it really wont be a problem keeping up. I was going to setup a mentor ride through the valley but NZSarge beat me to it with Castlepoint. Everyone starts somewhere and if you dont just get out there and do it, it will be another 300km of experience that you will be missing out on.