Road Rage

Here is the text of a letter that I sent to the police last week. It often surprises me the hatred that some motorists have for those of us who choose to cycle, it is not logical and obviously not well thought out. Most of those who scare us do so accidentally, but from time to time I encounter people like this guy, who does not realise how easy it is to track down a signwritten vehicle.

The thing is, that this guy (and others like him) is likely to hurt one of us, and if we let the police know what he is like, they will know where to look. They will also make contact and and let him know that they have been notified.

I think that if you encounter drivers like this you have a responsibility to collect as much information as possible and pass it to the Police. After all, it could be your riding buddy that you save.

"A complaint against a motorist;

This morning, at about 9:15, I was cycling from Link Drive to my place of work in Ashfield Road, a short trip that requires me to be in the right lane when turning into Wairau Road from Target Road. I could see that the traffic lights up ahead were red, so I proceeded into the middle of the right lane in Target road (an action that is necessary to prevent drivers of cars from trying to squeeze past when there really isn’t room).

I heard from behind me that most threatening of noises, an impatient driver revving his engine. The vehicle did squeeze past, so I approached the driver who indicated his lack of patience by accusing me of being all over the road, and saying that bastards like me should be banned from the road. He then said that he should get bull bars so that he could run us down and kill us. At this point, I decided that best I get the hell out of his way, so I took off in another direction.

I was unable to record the registration or brand of vehicle, but it was a light truck, sign written with the name “Sign Erections Ltd” on it. The sole director of that company is Rodney Kenneth SCHOU, whose address is 3-62 Kitchener Road, Milford. A quick check of the street view in Google Maps reveals a similar style of vehicle parked outside this address.

My point is this. I am a regular cyclist who is in touch with many others, and this guys comments are similar to those reported from the driver of a white ute who the police are seeking for the killing of a cyclist in Peak Road. This arrogance tends to permeate through all aspects of driving, making him a danger on the roads.

I would appreciate it if one of your officers could visit this person, and let him know that such threatening behaviour is unacceptable, and that he is not anonymous. His actions should have consequences."

Event planning

It occurs to me that there is a need for a comprehensive website that organisers can consult when deciding the dates for their events.

Last year we had conflict between the n-duro events in Rotorua and the Auckland Secondary Schools events, and the planning for 2010 is also problematic. The Dual, the Rotorua to Taupo 100k Flyer and the National Secondary schools MTB Championships all planned for the same day.

Those of us who are keen to do these iconic events will have to make unwelcome choices and event promoters will lose revenue.

As a cyclist, I want all of these events to succeed – they are good fun. So I have been maintaining an events calendar on the Auckland Mountain Bike Club website that can be consulted.

THE SPORTING ADVANTAGE

I often use my bike to commute the 33 km to work (if I were able to use the harbour bridge it would reduce the distance to 16 km) and as it is a regular ride that is pretty much the same, I am able to compare the effects of different foods on my ride. The wind makes a bit of a difference, but the overall return trip is pretty neutral.

I have been using this product for some time as a replacement for milk products. It gives me an advantage in that it helps maintain the energy levels that I would otherwise find difficult. I very rarely get cramp during a ride, although sometimes after I do. I need a fair amount of energy during the day.

The real beauty of this product is that the normal amount of mucus build up that I used to associate with milk consumption is absent. I know of a number of people who have milk allergy or are lactose intolerant who are using this product and are feeling benefits from it.

We make this at our factory and sell it in 750 gram resealable bags for $25. Contact me if you are interested in buying some.

2008 Day Nightmare

Taupo Day/nightmare

Well here we go. Its quarter past 12, and I said that I would get Charlotte from school at half past, better check that everything is sorted. Bikes on the rack, nice and secure. Shoes, helmets, gloves Check. Food? Yep. Off we go Collect Children from their schools.

Fuel up at In-laws in Hamilton, looking to build up for tomorrows ride. I know that I should eat during the event, but I just can’t handle it, but I have some pikelets just in case, and I’ give them a go in the early part of the ride. If no ill effects, I will have every second lap until they run out. Hope I have done enough fitness work. I really want a podium in this, even though it is really just a build for the Whaka 100. Otherwise going round and round the same lap every 25 minutes is boring. Yep, I think that I can do it, I am going better than I was last year (13 laps, 4^th place) and I think I can do 14. That should do it (I later found that Jamis had entered their sponsored riders in this event, so I didn’t have a hope!)

Just leaving Hamilton, and Crash!! A car is parked in our boot! Not my beautiful bike! (was that out loud?) “You OK Elliot?” “Yep”. Better check the damage. Hey, they look ok. Get them off the rack. Oh, no, the frame is damaged, but I think I can ride it. No, a closer look reveals more damage; I don’t think it is worth the risk.

“How’s yours, Elliot?”

“Knackered. What do we do now?”

“Go home, I guess. Nothing to ride, it’s all a bit pointless”

“I want to go anyway. It will be fun”

“Ok, but no point in taking the bikes. We’ll leave them in Hamilton. A couple of phone calls, and we have a bike for Elliot from Avantiplus, meanwhile a policewoman has arrived at the accident, and asks for details. I hand her my license, and say that I busy trying to arrange the loan of some bikes for the race tomorrow. She says ok (turns out she is a bit of a roadie, and completely understands our distress).

More phone calls, and Jamie till say “yes I will turn back and get my other bike” I make sure that he is comfortable with the idea that I may decide tomorrow morning that I may be too despondent to ride “I’ll get it anyway”, he says. Good bloke.

Saturday morning, I am still a bit flat, you know, and I don’t want to do the event. However, I get caught up in the atmosphere at the park and decide to go..

“10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 go!” We’re away! Bit of a struggle getting through to camp ground, Jafakids yell support (feels great) down the hill, across the bridge to the climb. Legs hurt, but they always do at the start, and then finally get into a rhythm. I’m away, I can do this and enjoy it – this is why I like to ride. Bike feels good, corners really well for what is essentially a jump bike, Bugger! I am down, didn’t make it round the corner, how come? Back on and then the reason is obvious – front tyre is soft. Oh well, If I ride gently, it should make it to the end of the lap…..no off again! Stuff this, I will walk it out and take the day off. Yep, that is what a loser would do!

I choose to run it out I hope someone from the club passes me so I can send a message to ask someone to help with a tyre change. Check with a marshal to see if I can short cut, no, she tells me you have to follow the course. Damn. Shortly Roy passes me and I tell him about the tyre. Running is starting to hurt, but I have thought for a long time that I should practise, but too late now. Finally, I arrive at the campsite to find that Roy and Pete are ready with a tube and pump, and Birgitte is ready with the soothing words “that was a bit slow, Martyn, you need to improve a little.” Nice. Good thing is that it is not hard to improve on a 38 minute lap! I think I can. I tell her.

Tyre back on and it turns into a good day on the bike completing 12 laps ( I thought it was 13). I am happy that I did it.