[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Downloadable Newsletter #15109

I don't think the Poll identifies those who ride and those who don't.  How do you know?

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Downloadable Newsletter #15107

We could identify the worst Luddites and print a few copies locally for them. This would allow such features as font size 16. The extra space needed for this could come from removing the rides calendar, as most of these people don't ride anyway. However, considering the recent growth of the "for sale" section, it may not work.

Apparently you know them already Alex, "as most of them don't ride anyway".

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Who ate all the pies?! #15020

I have a suggestion for the exec for the next Rally.  How about they ship in a couple of dozen pies from all the places listed here and we should have a best pie competition after the Gymkhana.  A few dozen beers from around the blocks would go down a treat as well.  Something like Clive does occasionally at the HAN. What do you think about that. ;D

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Sunny Qld #15029

I saw very few BMW's, actually almost more Spyders (3) than BMW's (4) A lot of HD's and quite a number of Triumphs, especially the classic style modelsHi Rob, didn't know you were away hope it was a break not work 🙂  Your observations are interesting, particularly the one about the Spyder v other bikes - I guess you'll have caught up with the posts here re the Spyder and on the CR list.  Definitely not a motorbike but I'd have one if I could afford another machine.So if you had the choice  would you live in  Queensland or Auckland?  I don't suppose you were able to find out relative wage levels to get a good idea if they are actually better off than us.  We too missed the ride on Sunday, trying to get as  much time on the water prior to our Easter sojourn on the Whanganui.  Also missed the meeting last night as we had a briefing at Canoe and Kayak. I must say I wonder what we've let ourselves in for.  Some of the rapids looked pretty torrid for a paddle that is supposed to be OK for "competent beginners".  I'm sure we'll have a ball even if a very wet one.There is an ACC sponsored breakfast at the Onepoto Basin from 6.30am tomorrow.  I plan to be there just to get some of my levies back in food and drink  😛 You pass by on your way to work don't you, might see you there eh.

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Who ate all the pies?! #15017

Haven't been to Ruatoria for a long time Phil, but if this keeps building do you think we could get a “great New Zealand Pie Run” going?.  Could be on the road for a few weeks and get home needing replacement shocks  ::)

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Can Am Spyder #14988

Well there you go, thanks for that Arne  8)

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Can Am Spyder #14985

Wallace and who? ???

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Can Am Spyder #14983

I do Alex, such neat little vehicles.  The roads are filled now with vehicles that mostly copy each other for fear of loosing sales.Your top picture has a little red car in the background that reminded me of the BMW Isetta that was quite common on the roads in Britain in the late 50s and 60s.  It's opposition was the Messerschmitt which I liked as a young man because of the likeness to the real thing.  Have to say two wheels at the front was always my preference though.

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Who ate all the pies?! #15015

Prior to the Alex rally a couple of years ago we watched the TV programme Hunger for the Wild which at the time was doing a show based around shooting and eating a deer.  The lads called in to a cafe on the main street of Mossburn called Bracken Hall where they make their own pies, the venison model got the thumbs up from Logan and Brown.As we were going to be heading south for the rally we promised to call in and try a pie.  We did and they beat the Venison pies in Te Anau hands down and having met the pie maker I can tell you she's a whole lot prettier than her counterpart in Te Anau.  Well worth the trip and we look forward to doing it again some day soon.

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Can Am Spyder #14981

The no brake on the right handle bar is a real counter intuitive failing IMO.

The point they labour at the training session Billy is that the Spyder is not a motorbike.  Presumably you drive a car? hands on wheel, right foot on throttle then move to brake when you want to stop? Similar thing on the Spyder except your right foot has nothing to do other than stop you. It's just as easy and after a few minutes in the saddle to learn the technique you can concentrat on positioning yourself on the road and getting your cornering right.  It's much more fun than your average car.  I have to say that for the first few ks I did find myself grabbing for a brake that wasn't there, but soon clicked.

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Can Am Spyder #14979

Well despite all the legal worries I did it.  I have to say it was very well organised with half an hours training around small section of cones which was much more difficult than out on the road.  The major difference is of course the need to pull the bars the way you want to go but if you've ridden a quad then you'll know how it feels.  Secondly there is no hand brake, just like on a car you only have a foot brake and this took some getting used to and I kept grabbing fresh air where the front brake would be. I rode the manual model for most of the ride then swapped with a guy who wanted to try the manual so I got to try the semi auto which is a little like Tiptronic I imagine but again no problem although I preferred the manual.  Once on the road though an interesting experience and I must say I enjoyed my ride.  There was at least one rider and passenger who was having trouble keeping it on the road and needed some help but the rest of us coped well and had an enjoyable experience.  Would I have one? not to replace the bike but if I had the spare money who knows.  Some pics for those who are interested:First to guess who the hoon below is, just after scattering cones and squealing tyres I'll buy you a beer next time we meet up.

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Ride to Work – Northcote Auckland 13/4/2011 #15001

Are you still teaching on the shore Alex? if you are then a quick detour at the Onewa intersection and you're there. Have breakfast and a chat and then back on the same intersection and up to Northcote which I imagine is your normal route?

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Opinions Sought – 1150GS or 1150RT #14966

If the Rocky stirs the spirit go for it Daffy.  If we only had what we need, most of us probably wouldn't have our bikes, kayaks, weekends away, a few beers now and again and so on and so on and so on.  You know what I mean.  😉 

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Roading Muppets #14997

Malc, Was that the Churchill/Potts concert?

It was a fund raiser for Christchurch.  Organised by Elizabeth Marvelly with Paul Potts, Dame Malvina, Golden Horse, Ray Wolf, the Lady Killers, Gray Bartlett, Tim Beveridge etc etc.  A really great line up of talent and the NZSO was in good form.  Jude Bailey and John Hawkesby co compared the show which was packed out and raised something over $150,000 for the Red Cross.  

[Richard Kuysten]

in reply to: Ride to Work – Northcote Auckland 13/4/2011 #14999

I'm just about to renew the rego on the GS  >:( so I think I'll make every attempt to be there for breakfast and eat as much as I can.  It'll go some way to making me feel better about the exhorbitant charges they are placing on motorcyclists.  Might see you there…

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