Three and a half years ago, I joined Kiwibiker as I'd renewed my previous interest in Motorcycling. I had just purchased a 2001 Triumph TT600.
A few months went by and I'd soon upgraded to a brand new 2003 SV1000S and I just looooved it!
Before long I'd established myself a group of riding buddies which included Skelstar, Badlieutenant, Str8 Jacket and of course Uncle B.
Before long, I'd found that Uncle B and myself were racking up the big Kilometers out the back of the Wairarapa. Occasionally joined by various other KB riders.
As time went by, Uncle B and myself met new members that would come to form our regular riding group - Fatjim, Darkman, Pex_Adams and it wasn't long before both Uncle B and I decided to upgrade to brand spanker Gixxer Thous.
As we racked up the kilometers, the riding would become faster and faster. Soon we were reading books on how to ride faster, analysing videos on how to ride faster and attending training courses on how to ride faster.
We would be riding those back Wairarapa roads at speeds that wouldn't leave us any room for error. Every sunday we were out contributing our bit for the petroleum companies.
It was at this point, that the thrill of high speed riding had become overshadowed by concern and the competitive nature of our riding group was fuelling the twist of the throttle a little bit more each time.
Soon, I was depressed about the way we were riding and it wasn't long before I began to hate it. I talked to my wife and we both agreed it was time to pull the pin. So I bailed.
It was only a matter of weeks later that I was at home and I had received the inevitable phone call....... The greatest price had been paid.
Needless to say, I had sold the Gixxer and I was back on the trusty and reliable SV thou. But past events made riding a sad pasttime now and even riding with relatives or new groups, my like towards bikes had changed.
With Uncle B, I had developed a friendship that went beyond the regular bike ride from A to B. My wife had become good mates with Bruce's wife and we would regularly be milling around in each others garages and spreading the sausages around on each others BBQ's on friday and saturday nights.
Bruce's friendship is one I'll never forget. We loved the same bikes and even the same cars. We both loved the bling factor too. The car I've always wanted and still want to own - Bruce once owned! A 1974 Ford Coupe - Aussie Muscle Car. How ironic!
I had always felt sad about the earlier passing of Flyin (Sam). I spent 15 years attending my local church and Sam and his family had become familiar faceds to me over that time. So that black day for Sam was the first day that truely started to change the way I admired motorcycles.
Just over two years ago, I was enjoying using Kiwibiker forums to do my Labour bashing. A topic that at the time drew alot of negative response, but I loved it. I was passionate it and I bagged Labour day in, day out. Before long I had a bashing mate in the form of - Finn. Finn was equally as passionate and with his new member enthusiam, he had soon claimed my title as the number one labour basher. Well, our job is done in that regard, so I'm pleased as I feel certain now that a party change is finally inevitable.
During my time at KB, I've made some wicked friends, especially from TCWNR.
Bruce and I started TCWNR and on my most recent rides, it was really great to have returned and made my few last rides with TCWNR crew and see the mentoring process working well, as Uncle B had intended. Guys like Sels1, Buckbuck, HSVboy and RantyDave. You should all give yourselves a pat on the back for doing a fabulous job and remaining to be sensible and responsible riders.
Str8 Jacket, thank you for comforting my wife during the time of my accident at Manfield, that meant alot to me. I never got around to thanking you in person so from me to you - Thanks you very much.
With little time for bikes now, I've opened a new chapter where my career and family are my priorities and passion. I'm not ruling out a return to motorcycling 10-15 years from now, but I do doubt it as I do have a stronger desire to buy a classic/muscle cage.
To all you young fellas and fella-eses out there. Ride safe and most importantly, ride within your comfort zones. If you're feeling pressured to ride beyond that, then seriously think about the consequences.
There's riding groups to suit all riders levels and don't be afraid to go it alone until you find the group best suited to you. Peer pressure and fast bikes don't mix well and you only get the one body to see you through this lifetime.
So take care of it and don't skimp when it comes to protecting yourself, buy the best as your body deserves it.
Finally, I want to depart the Kiwibiker community with the same words that I was greeted with when I first joined.
"Be prepared to know alot of people who are going to die"
I never forgot those words and sadly, those words have had the biggest impact on my time at KB.
Farewell all.
Dafe out!
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Originally Posted by Dafe
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