KB = Mourning

[Quasievil]

Some good comments out of all this I think.
Alot of comments saying thats what we do, its a numbers game, it better to die on a bike than from depression etc etc etc, and yes maybe valid but many also selfish, just a quick point though, and that is to be the dead one is the easy bit, youre dead........gone and final, the pain and suffering is amongst the families and friends who you care for, so just to throw this into the fold, Those of us that do ride on the edge abit from time to time or choose to take risks are essentially being extremely selfish.
For Example, during the day when Loosebruce took out Dss3 he was basically being selfish dick and was not really thinking of anyone else apart from his gaining that sqilly second BUZZ (and another and another), Infact he usually rode in this way.
So the Point is, ride for your families and freinds sake as well, it not just your life you have on the line, its the lives of many.

[Disco Dan]

And that's why, a while ago, I tried suggesting that this site takes a far more active role in condemning irresponsible behaviour on motorcycles. (And I believe there has been a noticeable improvement in that respect of late).

I agree, but not over the top PC stuff...

We - as a community of motorcycle enthusiasts we have an obligation, a duty to look after each other... I dont agree that we should allow posts about 'how to wheelie' or 'how funny it is to annoy cars' etc etc but I do understand that others have different opinions and think that it is ok. Which is fine, we are a very diverse group and KB is a unique forum for bringing together such diversity. I am not requesting a change, mearly voicing my opinion.

As others have said - as the population of KB increases the amount of riders being seriously injured/killed will increase.

Look at the transport ministry - they squel on about road deaths increasing without looking at the increase in vehicles on the roads.

It still does not make accidents ok but just a bit of perspective?

[nonferrous]

Coming home from work this afternoon 5.00pm on southern between Otahuhu and Mt wellington the traffic was almost stand still - like walking pace - and I get rear ended in the car by another car - she was so sorry etc - this car is a loan car for my other car which is in the panel beaters atm after being T boned as I exit roundabout by a car rushing to airport - they were so sorry too - if I was on my bike and couldn’t escape I would be either dead or seriously injured -

Everyone please stay conscious of the insanity out there on our roads

[Grahameeboy]

Lost 6 mates before I was 20 and still riding...

To put it in perspective, how many mates do we know who have suffered serious non-bike related issues, cancer etc...

Life and Death are what we are about...life goes on...death ends..,

[FROSTY:Me]

The thought in my mind when a fellow rider dies is usually -There but for the grace of God go I.

[twotyred]

I too have been thinking about this alot lately...

cheers Quasi

[Brett]

Quasi, I know exactly, 100% what you mean as it is something I have been struggling with since Patrick (Oarbreaker) died earlier this year. There have been a lot of injuries and deaths in our community, and it is hard to adjust to it.
Like you, I sit here wondering who will be next and when. And when it happens, I am not surprised, gutted/hurt but not surprised. And I sit here wondering whether it will be me next that gets done. It is very easy, one slip on concentration, automatic/robot riding in traffic for a single minute, one missed line at a trackday when you are pushing too hard etc. and it could lead to life long consequences.
Now, I dont say any of the above as a bleeding heart, I know this is biking, we know the risks and rules and we choose to play the game. The thing for me, as I am guessing it is for you, is whether it is a game that I want to play or be involved with anymore.
That aside, the companionship and friends that you meet from all over the country make it so incredibly unique and one can only wonder whether it is a case of 'where the risks are greater, the rewards are too'. Would we want to undo the losses and subsequently undo the gains?

[Okey Dokey]

Very thoughtful post, Quasi. I guess I agree with manxman that although kb biker down threads are mourning, the overall kb site encourages bikers to think about what they are doing, and how they ride.

As has already been said, the sensible among us have probably reflected in a mature manner about the risks vs pleasures of biking and made our decisions to carry on motorcycling.

The less sensible among us just may not be among us very long; either they will become sensible or they will cease to be.

Thanks for giving us another opportunity to reflect on our freedom of choice.

[James Deuce]

There's so much hypocrisy on this site I just threw up in my mouth a little.

Thanks very much.

[MadDuck]

So i read the first few posts at work today and the last few tonight and anything in between doesnt really count.

I hear what you are saying Bret and respect what you say as I always have.

BUT heres my thoughts. Yes we have a kind of hobby that may get us killed. I have done a lot of scuba diving over the years and theres big fish with sharp teeth want me for supper. I have lost a few mates through diving. Why do I do it ...because I love living on the edge..else I will wrap myself in cotton wool and oh what a boring life that would be.

A site like KB means we actually get to know more bikers than we would meet normally. Unfortunately it also comes with its negatives. I know or have met every person you mentioned and am sad at losing such good people. But my life is enriched by meeting them.

[nonferrous]

There's so much hypocrisy on this site I just threw up in my mouth a little.

Thanks very much.

care to elaborate ?

[Ixion]

Hm. A "time to reflect " maybe.

Nothings changed since then. Nothing will. This'll be in PD soon enough, or the darker vaults where its forbears lie buried. There'll be more funerals before the year's out. Yep, you, and you and , hm, yes you. And maybe more.

[James Deuce]

care to elaborate ?

Yes, OK.

I don't smell of stale piss because I wet my pants.

It's because I've been pissing this message into the void for years, only to have the massed KB exhalation of , "Fuck Off Grandad", blow it back in my face.

[MadDuck]

perhaps you and Paul in NZ need to go for a drink together real soon

[James Deuce]

perhaps you and Paul in NZ need to go for a drink together real soon

Our respective and respected wives wont let us do that anymore. We're too annoying. Apparently. We seem to have a good time, just no one else does. Apparently.