of ‘ 76 when I simply decided to take the dear old CB500 out for an evening jaunt across the seafront landscape . In a T-Shirt , light cotton trousers and sneakers . But helmet of course . Like the other times I ’ d embarked on a casual evening ride it was warm , and the passing air was barely cooling . Visor up , and aim for the nearby horizon . But unlike the other seven or eight occasions this time I gave the buzzing four a bit more of a squirt on the final corner from home and accordingly gave it a bit more braking , and presto ... locked front wheel and down it all came . The only silver lining was that I only had to hobble about 15m to the house to alert the old man that I wouldn ’ t mind a lift to the outpatients department . Three hours and about 25 stitches scattered across elbows and knees later dad got the second request for a lift ... home . The following day I was as sore as it could get , but still managed to ride the damaged 500 down to the local Honda shop ... sidesaddle . And I called dad again for another lift home . “ Bloody motorcycles ,” he

mumbled during the drive back . There was another silver lining however . Because from that day onwards it didn ’ t matter how far I was intending to ride or in how much summer heat , I always kitted up . Even if it was a light jacket it had firm sleeves , and equally firm jeans , and gloves . Once bitten ( by the tarmac ), twice shy . Which is why I shudder during the summers of the “ ouch ” when I see young guys darting about the streets on their bikes as if dressed for a warm evening barbecue party . I also shudder when I see kids darting off to high school upon their scooters . Scooters , of course , are practical means of transport for a young person as they are cheap to run and maintain . But they are also capable of keeping up with traffic flows of course , which means they will keep up with other very big items of road-using hardware . I think we ’ ve all seen them ... those kids whose minds are still forming and who love to weave and gas it in little packs . All bare knees and elbows . Ouch . Some simple advice kids ( and errant summer evening riders )... cover it .

Take advantage of the Kiwirider pro image machine and let us create an individual riding image for you . Over thousands of bike photo shoots we have built a list of suitable locations for any bike , or alternatively we can use one you suggest .

We can show you several techniques to make you look good on your bike to create a dynamic image . We will then deliver a small selection of images from which you can choose your favourite . This will be delivered as a high-res digital file , or we can print it at extra charge . This is a unique opportunity to create a memorable image of you using your machine . We cater for all types of bikes from scooters to hypersports and have environments that work for them all .

Total cost : $ 250.00 Currently this is only available in the Auckland region Contact Geoff : ospics1 @ xtra . co . nz or call 0274937411