Thread: Lost for a month

Originally Posted by kotuku

back to original thread .
I read somewhere that DOC had in fact instructed these two that the route was closed and they were not to attempt it .
seems they ignored that instruction
.if so ,well sorry ,but youre the bloody author of your own misfortune ,.the matter is further complicated by her claims both are experienced mountaineers
'-HMMMM-other experienced mountaineers/trampers i know all say they wouldnt hesitate to follow DOCs instructions.
mother nature is a cruel bitch to the foolhardy

I hadn't read anywhere that they were experienced mountaineers, where was that from?

To be honest most DOC office/visitor centre staff don't have a clue about anything that isn't in a pamphlet and I (along with many other experienced trampers/mountaineers) ignore them quite often, much better to check weather & avalanche forecasts etc and make your own decision. I've been through plenty of DOC tracks that were 'closed' by someone sitting in an office when there was no issue at all on the ground, and I've turned back due to obvious avalanche hazard when they hadn't mentioned it.

If you can get information from a ranger who actually frequents the area you're planning to go then its useful - otherwise you often may as well save some time and ask the bloke at the local petrol station.

I ride a bike, mostly as a commuter. I wear Hi Vis and not lycra and there are some situations where cyclists have to ride wide for safety. I use the cycle lanes and let cars past as I would rather them in front of me. Yes there are a few dicks on bikes that can be proper cnuts as there are drivers that are the same cnuts that run red lights, dont give way and hit stationary objects that clearly did not jump out in front of them. Same as there are some knuckle headed posters on here that simply dont know how to drive.

Bear in mind those that say "cyclists dont own the road", every cyclist I know owns a car, I own three and a motorbike as well. I pay my fair share, or more if you consider I can only use one at a time.

Cycling can be practical, as I save gas money, get some exercise, and save on parking at work. Just think next time you pass a cyclist in town that if they were in the car instead of the bike, they would get to "your" car park spot before you will.....

I live 6km from work and it takes me the same amount of time to get there in the car as it does the bike.

Finally, a message for those who dont like slowing down a bit, the speed limit is just that, a limit. The rules are you can drive at speeds up to that limit ONLY if it is safe to do so. It does not mean that it is safe to do so because it is signposted 100.

If you get angry at Cyclists, old people, trucks, delays, roadworks when driving, or anything else, then you should probably think about why you get angry while driving. Driving angry can be as dangerous as driving drunk. It affects your judgement and your reactions, it clouds you mind. Calm down, you will live longer....

Drive safely, everyone deserves to get home safe and unharmed.

Originally Posted by timattalon

Finally, a message for those who dont like slowing down a bit, the speed limit is just that, a limit. The rules are you can drive at speeds up to that limit ONLY if it is safe to do so. It does not mean that it is safe to do so because it is signposted 100.

.

I hope your not one of those " drive at 80 on the open road people"
Cyclists I have time for roadhogs have a special hell

Originally Posted by Steve123

I hope your not one of those " drive at 80 on the open road people"
Cyclists I have time for roadhogs have a special hell

Most of the time I sit as close to 100 as I can without getting a ticket. But if anyone catches up on me I will let them by regardless of what speed they are doing as soon as I can, even if it means I pull over and stop. If other people want to go fast then that does not bother me and I do not want them behind me. One of my vehicles struggles to sit at anything faster than 100 and I do not want to hold others up. (my other two struggle to stay below 100 which is a whole other challenge...)

Finally, I am happy travelling at whatever speed the vehicle in front of me is travelling (usually) and if someone wants to pass, then I will let they by me so they can try. In fact on the motorbike, I am happy following trucks even though they are slow as the occasional idiot racing through the hills and crossing the centre line can deal with his crash bars rather than me anytime.....its saved my ass more than once. I just make sure I sit far enough back that I dont piss off the trucky.

I was taught a philosophy around riding motorbikes that I use on all vehicles. Ride as though everyone is out to kill you because a few of them are and you dont know which ones.

Originally Posted by timattalon

Most of the time I sit as close to 100 as I can without getting a ticket. But if anyone catches up on me I will let them by regardless of what speed they are doing as soon as I can, even if it means I pull over and stop. If other people want to go fast then that does not bother me and I do not want them behind me. One of my vehicles struggles to sit at anything faster than 100 and I do not want to hold others up. (my other two struggle to stay below 100 which is a whole other challenge...)

Finally, I am happy travelling at whatever speed the vehicle in front of me is travelling (usually) and if someone wants to pass, then I will let they by me so they can try. In fact on the motorbike, I am happy following trucks even though they are slow as the occasional idiot racing through the hills and crossing the centre line can deal with his crash bars rather than me anytime.....its saved my ass more than once. I just make sure I sit far enough back that I dont piss off the trucky.

I was taught a philosophy around riding motorbikes that I use on all vehicles. Ride as though everyone is out to kill you because a few of them are and you dont know which ones.

That is exactly how I drive too.

+1 timattalon: very astute comments.

The inherent blind spots inside cars are what cause drivers not to see bikers and cyclists. I've nearly hit riders in my car and I am also a biker (so I am on the lookout).

Originally Posted by Dead is better

The inherent blind spots inside cars are what cause drivers not to see bikers and cyclists. I've nearly hit riders in my car and I am also a biker (so I am on the lookout).

Yes. I agree there are blind spots and all drivers should be aware of where these are. As a cylist I also know where those spots are and I stay out of them so the driver can see me. On the motorbike I do the same. I would also point out that some dont bother to look regardless and will never see me (or you) anyway. The proof of this is cars getting "hit" by trains. Trains are huge. They have bright lights at the front, they dont travel horrendusly fast and they are located on tracks. If car drivers cannot see a train coming, what chance to any of us have (Car drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians all included). If they dont look, they wont see.....