2009 Rusty Nuts Grand Challenge

[insomnia01]

Due to unforseen circumstances I cannot participate in the GC this year so my entry is up for sale if anyone is interested

Cost = $120 + I will throw in a cabin I have booked at the venue for the Sunday night for free

Starting in Grp 3

If you have never done a GC then maybe now is the time :rockon:

[Hitcher]

Hard luck mate. If you're like I was missing last year's, you'll realise that Grand Challenges are an addiction.

[insomnia01]

Hard luck mate. If you're like I was missing last year's, you'll realise that Grand Challenges are an addiction.

your telling me, I was going for my hattrick this year.. Oh well I'll have to wait till next year now & look forward to 2011 for the 25th running of this event which Lee has something special in mind for :niceone:

[cowboyz]

Im keen. Been keen on the GC but havent got my shit together enough to register. Ill take your ticket.

pm me and we can sort it out.

[Lee Rusty]

Im keen. Been keen on the GC but havent got my shit together enough to register. Ill take your ticket.

pm me and we can sort it out.

to send me an entry form with a note of whose ticket you have brought so I can change start sheets etc.

I will post you a new starters card - entry forms can be downloaded of the RNMC website.

for those intersted there are still places available.

Cheers

Lee

[cowboyz]

good stuff. will do...

will be my first time out and Bandit rider has been on at me for ages to give it a crack so ......... this yeah will be it! Looking forward to it.

[banditrider]

good stuff. will do...

will be my first time out and Bandit rider has been on at me for ages to give it a crack so ......... this yeah will be it! Looking forward to it.

About freekin time!

[cowboyz]

just did a bit o practice. went to rotorua for a burger. 656k in 8 hours including dinner and TWO chats with police..............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[nallac]

just did a bit o practice. went to rotorua for a burger. 656k in 8 hours including dinner and TWO chats with police..............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Two chats with the cops....boy aren't they friendly,any tickets?????

[cowboyz]

1 ticket but I gonna put a bitch about police thread up cause it was seriously dodgey. he was following me for about 20k and i knew he was there.
he said I sneaked up to 111k/hr and my GPS says I was doing 105. (got it on file too)

$80 fine 20 points.

the other was my fault at 118k and he let me off.

[sinned]

1 ticket but I gonna put a bitch about police thread up cause it was seriously dodgey. he was following me for about 20k and i knew he was there.
he said I sneaked up to 111k/hr and my GPS says I was doing 105. (got it on file too)

$80 fine 20 points.



No way would I let a cop follow me any distance when on the bike - just too risky, even if you are being extra cautious. In the cage I am okay with cruise control set for true 100kph but even then would prefer to stop and let her past.

[Hitcher]

Any Wellington riders up for a decent night ride in the next few weeks? Leave Wellington about 8:00pm, head up either to Waiouru and back through Wanganui via Fields Track, or to Waipukurau via Route 52 and back down SH2? I'd appreciate some company.

[cowboyz]

depending on the date I could be up for it.

[Hitcher]

depending on the date I could be up for it.

Probably a Friday evening.

[cowboyz]

sounds good. did 700k in 8hours last fri for a practice. more practice the better.

[ajturbo]

i could be keen... but only after Nov..... when it is my turn for the 1125CR....

i get it from the buell rally for a few months...

[insomnia01]

Im keen. Been keen on the GC but havent got my shit together enough to register. Ill take your ticket.

pm me and we can sort it out.

Your set Lance, have this morning spoken with Gail advised of new rider, you will still need to send in entry form stating that you have taken my place in the GC as well as the accomodation which is booked for you on the Sunday night, but you can uplift your key for cabin on your arrival & leave any items you don't want on the ride in there.... Good luck !!! remember a good pace will see you to the end of the race, 0200 - 0500hrs is the hardest part of the night section, sunrise will give you a lift.. look forward to hearing how you get on

[cowboyz]

good stuff. got the form sitting on my desk in front of me all ready to go.

Be interesting for a first timer. I have done a few 1200k days in the daylight but not alot of night riding TBH.

[LBD]

good stuff. got the form sitting on my desk in front of me all ready to go.

Be interesting for a first timer. I have done a few 1200k days in the daylight but not alot of night riding TBH.

I am a virgin too.....Ah....um....make that a GC virg.....first timer

[Blackbird]

For newbies, there's a good thread here which contains a lot of collected wisdom: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=54752.

[KoroJ]

Any Wellington riders up for a decent night ride in the next few weeks? Leave Wellington about 8:00pm, head up either to Waiouru and back through Wanganui via Fields Track, or to Waipukurau via Route 52 and back down SH2? I'd appreciate some company.

Might be......but I'd hate for the truck to dampen a spirited Shiver ride! ...and then there's the hassle of of stopping for fuel every 5 minutes but then I'd hate to have you out late at night by yourself. Steve would possibly be a starter as well and for what ot's worth, he has to stop every half a tank.

[Hitcher]

Might be......but I'd hate for the truck to dampen a spirited Shiver ride! ...and then there's the hassle of of stopping for fuel every 5 minutes but then I'd hate to have you out late at night by yourself. Steve would possibly be a starter as well and for what ot's worth, he has to stop every half a tank.

You guys with Vast and Capacious Panniers(TM) could perhaps carry a fuel can for me? If I gas in Masterton I should easily do Waipukurau via Route 52 -- albeit with the last bit illuminated by a fuel warning light!

[KoroJ]

You guys with Vast and Capacious Panniers(TM) could perhaps carry a fuel can for me? If I gas in Masterton I should easily do Waipukurau via Route 52 -- albeit with the last bit illuminated by a fuel warning light!

Hmmmm....200km range huh. You better carry a camelback with fuel on the GC? ...just in case!

[Hitcher]

Range is actually over 250km. The warning light suffers from anxiety.

[LBD]

Range is actually over 250km. The warning light suffers from anxiety.

250km....If your riding to Milford from Te Anau....hopalong Dave at the BP (Top Bloke) Will lend you a small container for extra fuel as there is none available in Milford...

[ajturbo]

250km....If your riding to Milford from Te Anau....hopalong Dave at the BP (Top Bloke) Will lend you a small container for extra fuel as there is none available in Milford...
where else in NZ would you need this sort of assistance?

think it would be the only place in NZ?

[LBD]

where else in NZ would you need this sort of assistance?

think it would be the only place in NZ?

Its the only one I can think of during daylight/business hours....unless maybe Mount Cook...is there fuel there?

[ajturbo]

in the "old" days... we never had this problem... there was a small "gas station" en route to Te Anau......

[Gremlin]

Milford to Te Anau and back is fine... what, quoted at 234km, and despite being nervous, my supermoto did it OK. It has normally hit reserve before 220km.

I'm wondering about Arthur's Pass. That station apparently runs out quite often, and my route for TT2000 (if Arthur's is dry) takes me past Lake Coleridge... She's an area devoid of gas. Fill at Kumara Junction, then the next place is Mayfield... a good 230+ km as well. :crazy:

[WuZards-Eugene]

Any Wellington riders up for a decent night ride in the next few weeks? Leave Wellington about 8:00pm, head up either to Waiouru and back through Wanganui via Fields Track, or to Waipukurau via Route 52 and back down SH2? I'd appreciate some company.

I could be interested in that if its on a Friday or a Saturday night. I've got the panniers aswell if you need gas.

[KoroJ]

250km....If your riding to Milford from Te Anau.......


.......... en route to Te Anau......


Milford to Te Anau and back is fine....

I'm wondering about Arthur's Pass...............

Ahem!!......and the references to South Island fuel problems with respect to a GC are???

Riders with a marginal fuel range usually carry fuel when doing a GC, but just for 'peace of mind' as I don't think they normally need it. I had 11 fuel stops when I did it on the Intruder (8 in the first half and 3 in the 2nd half) because I kept topping up 'Just in Case'!

[ntst8]

Riders with a marginal fuel range usually carry fuel when doing a GC, but just for 'peace of mind' as I don't think they normally need it. I had 11 fuel stops when I did it on the Intruder (8 in the first half and 3 in the 2nd half) because I kept topping up 'Just in Case'!

I did it on a bike which has the fuel light come on at around 180-190km and anything approaching 250km is getting risky. Didn't carry any spare fuel, "Just in Case" worked well.

[sarahtvet]

For newbies, there's a good thread here which contains a lot of collected wisdom: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=54752.

Will have a good read, I booked and now in a panic :sunny: 3 is a lucky number though so I am sure it will be all fine :sunny:

Practising around the south island next week :ride:

[xgnr]

Seriously pissed off at the moment, but have to face reality and accept that I will not be able to complete the Grand Challenge 2009.

I have an entry (cost $ 120) + Friday/Sunday accom ($50) up for grabs.

Group 3 depart 3.06pm

If interested, let me know and we can go from there. All offers considered (also I have to advise the Rusty's.)

Great opportunity to do something different for 24hrs :-)

Cheers

Stu

[banditrider]

Sorry to hear that, hope you find a buyer.

[xgnr]

Sorry to hear that, hope you find a buyer.

Thanks, it's not the end of the world.

I may still head down to meet the guys at the start/end but its a bit like being on the reserve bench after the team has won the big game.:weep:

Worst thing is the fact that I will not be able to talk it through with a couple of my mates with beers after the event.

This was to be my 3rd but after getting my diagnosis today I realise that its over.

To all, have a great ride.

Stu

[Meanie]

Seriously pissed off at the moment, but have to face reality and accept that I will not be able to complete the Grand Challenge 2009.

I have an entry (cost $ 120) + Friday/Sunday accom ($50) up for grabs.

Group 3 depart 3.06pm

If interested, let me know and we can go from there. All offers considered (also I have to advise the Rusty's.)

Great opportunity to do something different for 24hrs :-)

Cheers

Stu

Had my arm twisted, and am seriously considering it. PM sent

[banditrider]

Had my arm twisted, and am seriously considering it. PM sent

Stop considering, start packing...:clap:

[Meanie]

Stop considering, start packing...:clap:

Fark, that was a quick response

[banditrider]

Packed yet?

[cowboyz]

packed? he already left!

[banditrider]

You got a room mate now?

[cowboyz]

i heard he was with you! I snore!

[KoroJ]

i heard he was with you! I snore!

So does Banditrider!! He and Steve were harmonising at Waipapakauri in March and my ears are still ringing!

[banditrider]

Never! Stop spreading vicious rumours. It was probably your MP3 player and music selection...

[KoroJ]

Who else is keenly watching the weather develop for next weekend?

Lee Rusty's connection with the weather gods appears to be as strong as ever as at this stage it looks like we're in for a liberal dose of normal GC weekend weather....rain, gales and more rain ....but will we get a touch of snow, sleet and ice? (or sneg as LBD advises is the urkadurka expression).

[Hitcher]

Next weekend is a bit too far ahead for the prognosticators to predict with much accuracy. MetVUW got this weekend pretty right. Mrs H and I have managed a return trip to New Plymouth with comparatively little harm done. It certainly pissed down coldly up there last night. There was a dusting of snow on the ranges this morning. Now THAT is cold. It was blowing a screamer of a southeaster all the way from New Plymouth to Eltham this morning but turned out not too bad from there to home.

[Gremlin]

a week out is too far out to be accurate, the weather will almost certainly speed up or slow down in the next week...

It would make it rather interesting if it was flipping snowing... but I'm a wanting a nice sunny event, make a nice change from last year...

[KoroJ]

I thought it would be good to help the new GC riders get a little more anxious....Oh well, what a difference a day makes!

[cowboyz]

had me worried there for a bit!

[Hitcher]

If it rains it rains. Lee Rusty does a good rain dance, bless him.

[WuZards-Eugene]

Please, please, please you two, don't bloody jinx it. I don't want to go through no bloody snow.

[Hitcher]

I don't think that Lee's dance routine runs to snow.

[Mystic13]

No snow? Last year coming through the desert road it was damn well sleeting. I had a snow cone building up on the front of the bike. Funniest thing to watch.

I really hope we have a Northern run. Far East would be good. I was through there a couple of weekends back and the roads were in great nick.

[Meanie]

Well looks like i,m joining you :woohoo: hope i dont regret it XGNR cant do the ride so has sold me his entry and accomodation. I wasnt planning on comning but after a nudge from Bandit rider and Cowboyz and the ticket falling into my lap i decided to give it a go
See you all there

[cowboyz]

it wasnt that much of a nudge................

[Hitcher]

Here's hoping this forecast weather blows through quickly or comes to nought.

[xgnr]

Had my arm twisted, and am seriously considering it. PM sent

done... see you on Saturday!

[ynot slow]

Well looks like i,m joining you :woohoo: hope i dont regret it XGNR cant do the ride so has sold me his entry and accomodation. I wasnt planning on comning but after a nudge from Bandit rider and Cowboyz and the ticket falling into my lap i decided to give it a go
See you all there

Thought it was monie's birthday yesterday!Don't get lost,and you guys enjoy the ride.

[Meanie]

Weather forecast sounds good, :oi-grr:
A seven day low is about to cross the middle of the north island taking seven days to cross the country with heavy rain warnings :clap: Awesome

[cowboyz]

Every forcast I have seen has said clearing at worst.

18deg with a 10 deg low so at least it not going to be real cold

[KoroJ]

Yep, yep, yep yep yep! She's looking pretty good alright and back to square one only worse.

I reckon I might have to pack the trusty yellow jacket as well as the new blue jobby, keep the liners on standby and I better clean the visor 'cos it looks like I'll have to ride with it shut.

[banditrider]

Yep, yep, yep yep yep! She's looking pretty good alright and back to square one only worse.

Yeah, perfect weather for me to scrub in my new rubber...

I reckon I might have to pack the trusty yellow jacket as well

Oh no, not the yellow jacket!

[KoroJ]

Oh no, not the yellow jacket!

Yep, as well as its fine $13 water repelling capabilities, it will provide Meanie with a beacon of brightness to keep him on track.

[banditrider]

Yep, as well as its fine $13 water repelling capabilities, it will provide Meanie with a beacon of brightness to keep him on track.

So you're saying we might have a chance of keeping up with you this year?

[KoroJ]

Not if you insist on sitting at 80kph to use up the whole 24 hours....and if you're not in or before Gp 3, Meanie & I won't be keen to sit around in the rain waiting for you.

[banditrider]

Doh! Looks like we'll be eating dust again!

[Meanie]

Yep, as well as its fine $13 water repelling capabilities, it will provide Meanie with a beacon of brightness to keep him on track.

Wont get lost now :2thumbsup , a little sun struck maybe

[WuZards-Eugene]

Who's going up from wellington on friday arvo. Im looking to head up not too long after 6pm. Any takers?

[cowboyz]

will see ya up there. Meanie, Banditrider and co and myself are leaving Pn at 2. Everyone praying for fine weather?

[LBD]

So who is riding down from Auckland Friday afternoon?....other than me?

[86GSXR]

Have a good one you lot!

[Meanie]

Woke up to some pretty heavy rain and thought. OMG what have i done :rofl:

Bring it on :headbang:

[banditrider]

Woke up to some pretty heavy rain and thought. OMG what have i done :rofl:

Bring it on :headbang:

Yep, you can't back out now! :devil2: :shake:

[cowboyz]

its official... god hates me.

[insomnia01]

all the best fellas !!!:headbang::headbang:

[banditrider]

YicD1yCyNQU

[Meanie]

its official... god hates me.

You only just worked that out

[LBD]

its official... god hates me.

After my last week riding....I am starting to wonder if I have pissed off the rain God myself....

[WuZards-Eugene]

Look on the bright side, it can't last forever {insert Tui Ad}

[banditrider]

it would be nice if it lasted til 1:30 today...

[Maha]

So ah, what's thier plan?...are they heading up this way or where?
And....when?....I have been told all this (the other weekend) but perhaps I wasn't listening...:rolleyes:

[banditrider]

Ride starts 3pm tomorrow. Won't know the route until later tonight. Looks like East would be better weather wise - so we're probably going West...

[Maha]

Yes I recall something about maybe they will be way up north at Labour weekend.

[banditrider]

Been in Turangi for a couple of hours now. A bit of rain and a lot of wind on the way up. Bikes have been scrutineered, just waiting for the map to go up...and then 3pm tomorrow.

[cowboyz]

the 9 passed with flying colours.. except I didnt realise my indicators werent working.. Ummm. repaired and all go.

[ynot slow]

the 9 passed with flying colours.. except I didnt realise my indicators werent working.. Ummm. repaired and all go.

Shit thought for a minute was something else,another ticket or along those lines.

[xgnr]

Good luck and ride safe fellas, wish I was doing it with you.

Methinks it will be another classic...

[puddy]

Good luck and ride safe fellas, wish I was doing it with you.

Methinks it will be another classic...

+1!
Stinks being at home and not in Turangi aye Stu?:weep:

[xgnr]

+1!
Stinks being at home and not in Turangi aye Stu?:weep:

Sucks indeed

[BMWST?]

take care guys and i hope the weater aint TOO unpleasant if it isnt nice.Must have a go at this.

[TerminalAddict]

any one know the route?

if they pass by near, I might go get some pics

[xgnr]

Saw me mate off along with a number of others. Loaded his GPS with the route and screen shot attached.

They go north then south I think. If any one wants the garmin route file let me know and I can email it to you.

Btw Mike was at Waihi 7.30pm


Route deails (thanks to Puddy)
Out via Whakamaru, Kihikihi, Whatawhata, time check at Te Uku on 2aglan road. Rotowaru, Huntly, Ohinewai, Kopu, CP1 at Whangamata.
Waihi, Bethlehem, Pyes Pa, Rotorua, SH30 to CP2 at Te Kuiti.
SH4 to CP3 at Wanganui. CP4 at Caltex Spotwood in New Plymouth.
SH3 to Kihikihi, Putaruru, Kaimais to Mt Maunganui. CP5 at Paengaroa.
Home through Rotorua and Whakamaru.



Cheers

Stu

[banditrider]

All done. Number 8 in the bag. Theme for the ride was water world. Barely a dry road for the entire route. Our track attached - a couple of unexpected diversions due to inexperience with Mapsource...

[sinned]

All done. Number 8 in the bag. Theme for the ride was water world. Barely a dry road for the entire route. Our track attached - a couple of unexpected diversions due to inexperience with Mapsource...
There are a few quirks and tricks to know with mapsource that are best learn t through trial and error.

[banditrider]

Yep, had issues where the route crossed paths or repeated the same roads etc. Never went too far wrong though - did 1681km to the 1639 on Lee's route sheet.

[gizmo]

Yep, had issues where the route crossed paths or repeated the same roads etc. Never went too far wrong though - did 1681km to the 1639 on Lee's route sheet.

Well done. Hope the others went ok to.

[ynot slow]

Yep, had issues where the route crossed paths or repeated the same roads etc. Never went too far wrong though - did 1681km to the 1639 on Lee's route sheet.

Assuming you'll sleep well tonight,the rain overnight had me thinking you guys are legends in it.

[cowboyz]

fantastic weekend. The 9 ate the ks up easy. got home last night and crashed big time! best nights sleep I had in ages! It was tough though. esp rotorua to Te Kuwiti in the lightning storm but after 8 mile everything just flowed nicely. Huge thanks to Meanie, KoroJ and Duncan for keeping me company on the way round. Ill do a writeup soon.

[insomnia01]

way to go :2thumbsup:2thumbsup seen a few groups come through Kihikihi got all :mad::mad: seeing them come through knowing I SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE :weep::weep: heres to next year then :clap::clap:

[Meanie]

What an awesomen experience, i hurt in places i didnt know existed. The biggest suprise for me is how well my tyres handled the constant wet roads, once i gained cofidence the only issue was avoiding the shiny bits of which there was a lot. A big thanks to everyone including the Rusties for putting on such a well organised event. Thanks to Bandit rider for annoying me until i relented and joined in, xgnr for his GC ticket and accomodation, Cowboyz, KoroJ and Duncan for the company and everyone else i met there who made it such an awesome experience Ill be back next year

[banditrider]

Just got home about an hour ago. Came home via Taupo & Napier so we could have brekkie at the summit. FMS: free coffee with our brekkie cause we were on bikes!

Much nicer weather - had an awesome ride, didn't want to stop...

Connie did it in one hop fuel wise too!

My write-up here: http://banditrider.blogspot.com/2009/10/2009-grand-challenge.html

[86GSXR]

FMS guys. Huge up's to you all for getting out and doing it. May just join in next year :yes:

[sarahtvet]

Fantastic fun, on the calendar for next year for sure , have to keep one ahead of Horse now (as Lee informed me):yes:

Proved that the Daytona is the bike for me when I was still bouncing around as I got off at the end. Barely more stiff than after 200k, I love my bike :love:

Added bonus to be first lady home and that the first lady to ever do it, Sandra I think, got her 10 ride mug.
Jane was an inspiration and fun to ride with, thanks for the smiles of encouragement and friendly chats at the many stops we shared. It was nice to hang with you and Brett through some of those twisties.
Lady riders rock :rockon: So all you ladies out there who think you would like to try it but are conviced that you can't do it, you can if I can :yes:

Nobody would say it wasn't a challenge thats for sure, need to sort the gloves so my fingers are less prune-like at the end. FIGJAM has me totally convinced on the 2000K but LBD will be doing the 10K in 10 days without the Daytona for company in 2010, maybe next time when I am a litle more flush with cash.

Special thanks to all the Rusty's for making me so welcome and looking out for me at the stops and laughing at me, made the ride even more special.

HUmbled to have ridden with the only person to have completed them all and the oldest rider of 74!!! Hope I have his zest for riding in the rain in 32 years:2thumbsup:

LBD, Shay, Dawson and all the other veterans for showing me the way (literally in some cases) and for keeping me company on some of the stretches. It was a good mix of riding with people and playing alone too.

I was spoilt by having a welcoming committee who were as ecstatic as I was about my achievement. One of a few this year and we have two months left :ride: Couldn't have done it without such support and having a lift home and a great friend to take my beautiful bike back in the rain to Plamie made me feel extra special.

I shall do it more often if I come home to dinner, wine, hot bath and chocolate cake all waiting thats for sure. Much as I would have enjoyed downing a few at the apres ride.

3 points this weekend will be just a mere pootle around the block now. I hear it might not rain :lol:

[sarahtvet]

some pictures of the fun

[sarahtvet]

Some more pictures as we got ready for the off

[sarahtvet]

Now we are on our way

[sarahtvet]

Some final pictures and Banditrider will be pleased to note that despite constantly meeting in the bathrooms of the central north I didn't take photos of him holding his wets up :lol:

[banditrider]

Banditrider will be pleased to note that despite constantly meeting in the bathrooms of the central north I didn't take photos of him holding his wets up :lol:

Well I s'pose so but a there's plenty of people that did get that treat!

[LBD]

some final pictures and banditrider will be pleased to note that despite constantly meeting in the bathrooms of the central north i didn't take photos of him holding his wets up :lol:

wot an inglorious photo...thanks mate!

[sarahtvet]

Well I s'pose so but a there's plenty of people that did get that treat!

Good to hear that you kept well hydrated in such 'Dry' conditions then:lol:



wot an inglorious photo...thanks mate!

You were smiling and having ridden near 1700K ready for a further few what more do you want. If I had known you wanted a pin up pic I would have worked harder on it :lol:

[ynot slow]

All you people doing the ride are either mad or masochists.Bloody hard to do in favorable conditions,let alone attrochious ones.

Congrats from this kiwi,great admiration to all finishers,hell the 1600km is tough let alone the ride to and fro.

[xgnr]

What an awesomen experience, i hurt in places i didnt know existed. The biggest suprise for me is how well my tyres handled the constant wet roads, once i gained cofidence the only issue was avoiding the shiny bits of which there was a lot. A big thanks to everyone including the Rusties for putting on such a well organised event. Thanks to Bandit rider for annoying me until i relented and joined in, xgnr for his GC ticket and accomodation, Cowboyz, KoroJ and Duncan for the company and everyone else i met there who made it such an awesome experience Ill be back next year

On ya James

Looked for you on the day but could not find the meanie bike!

Glad to hear that you did the business.

Catch you next year (you can pay full whack yes !)

Cheers Stu

[Gremlin]

Better late than never they say... so I should probably take a little time out to write up my take on the 2009 Grand Challenge.

Last year, the KTM was 3 weeks old, with the run in and a few parts fitted in a rushed stressed fashion. GPS had been barely used, and it showed during route planning. Promises were made to myself to know this much better when the 09 came around.

True to my pedantic self, I had done more than 20,000km on the GPS since 2008 GC, and knew it muuuch better.

Our planning started off great. Last year, Zapf and I had only left at 6.30pm, getting down to Turangi just before midnight, when we planned to leave at 5pm, and no later. This year we wanted to leave at 3pm since we had a newbie with us (red cbr600). We left just before 7pm. :pinch:

Hell pizza for dinner in Taupo, then down to Turangi. On our way into the kitchen, Lee was on his way out, which panned out nicely, since we were bring our laptops in ;) Shortly into the plotting, XP@ turns up, which meant we weren't last in like last year! The cheeky bugger wanted us to copy the route to him, but he wasn't using mapsource, I didn't have google earth etc... Zapf and I reckon we should be getting there at a proper time and selling the route in Garmin form :lol:

Finished around 2am and fell into bed.

Was woken by all the crazy early risers in the morning, a few rolls and I was back asleep. Got up late morning, staggered into the shower, bike check, check card etc, then talked shit, reviewed the route and adjusted a few points via Mapsource, as I felt that having fuel stations as waypoints when we weren't filling up could make it confusing when tired. Even met Hitcher for the first time in the kitchen having a late breakfast.

Eventually the briefing came around, everyone bolted for the last nervous toilet break and prepped. Dressed mostly for wet and waited for Group 5 (which didn't come... somehow we became Group 6). First leg past Kuratau was OK, passing a few bikes early on, but did the stop for extra wets like plenty of others.

TC at Te Uku was long enough to get names checked off as gas had already been taken on. Thankfully it was still dry, so we got to have a great play on the next leg to Huntly (cheers to those bikes that let us 3 lead off from Te Uku :2thumbsup)

More bikes overtaken and stayed in the lead onto the Kopu straights. A wise decision, as I got very early warning of the cop when he was barely a set of headlights in the far off distance. I believe others did stop and chat tho :(

All in all, good time was made in the first half, with 950km put on in 12 hours. Knowing this, we took it a bit easier, with newbie in tow, we could afford longer stops. Met LBD in Whangamata, his bike made it easy. Before Te Kuiti, XP@ had joined on the tail, making it 4 bikes. Around 11.30pm, before reaching Te Kuiti, my low beam blew, pissing off Zapf using my +90% high beam :D Good on KTM for making it easy to change bulbs, I think I had it all done in under 10 min at Te Kuiti.

Said hello to Mystic13 for the first time (looks like I was being social on this ride) at Te Kuiti as well. The route from here was very slippery, having two slides mid corner when I got too close to the centreline on right handers, and hit tar snakes. The trip down to Wanganui hammered our moving average (before then, it had been sitting at 93+kph).

From Opunake to New Plymouth the weather got really bad, fighting strong winds and some incredible rain that reduced visibility at times to 10 odd metres. At least we weren't there when the lightning was (which we could see in the distance earlier).

At New Plymouth we'd already dropped XP@ and cbr600 and Zapf were really beginning to feel it. I was still really chirpy later on for an unscheduled toilet break around 7am. Come 9am... I hit the wall, struggling to keep my eyes open. 10am ish, it was pretty much over, but the others were still knackered. After that, I don't remember much, other than traffic getting to Paengaroa, and the cbr600 making Rotorua for gas (one of the longer legs at 230km).

Total time was 21.75 hours ish, with 3-4 hours of stopping at least I think (haven't pulled the data from the GPS yet). cbr600 crashed in his room after the Rusty's plate of food. I walked into ride control and cheekily declared to Lee: "Is that all you got?". Lee emphatically said no, he had plenty more for next year :lol: Zapf and I napped until 7pm, wanting dinner. Similar to us last year, cbr600 was out for the night, and even when offered food, a mumbled burger was accepted, but no more talking :D

Zapf and particulary I, with the amount of stopping (I have covered over 40,000km in the last year) felt fantastic after the ride. Could have done more riding except for the thought of clambering into the wet gear again. With the GPS, barely any deviations from route, and things ran very smoothly.

Monday, had to be up early (I'm not an early riser) around 8am to get the Rusty feed. After much faffing about and talking to people, we eventually got on the road at 11am... and got as far as Shell Turangi. Several phone calls later, some bloody road workers had taken a digger through an internet cable, cutting services to the office, affecting emails, and connections in the area (along with our hosted services).

Left Shell Turangi at midday, and spent a great 2 hours doing the back roads to Cambridge. Late lunch, then more back roads (repeated some of the GC) up to Kaiaua and more back roads home. Bit of work in the office, home around 10pm, and I guess I can consider the 2009 GC over :weep:

Forgot to mention... also met Wizards-Eugene... he took oh his first, unfortunately didn't complete, but he should be back next year to try again (just the spirit!). Haven't seen the stats posted... 84 took part, 73 finished. 1 had mechanical failure, 1 minor crash and 9 pulled out. Of significant note was that 1 was 1 of 2 who had done all previous 22 GC. Good on him for knowing his limits.

[TOTO]

wohoo cool. cant wait till next year :)

[Meanie]

Nice write up Gremlin..........

[banditrider]

Nice write up Gremlin..........

Still waiting for yours....;)

[LBD]

. Met LBD in Whangamata, his bike made it easy.

The route from here was very slippery, having two slides mid corner when I got too close to the centreline on right handers, and hit tar snakes. .

You doubted?

....and hit tar snakes. ....me too...front end stepping out made for a few nervous moments.

I was impressed with Dougs style on the big Triumph....And a GPS is a must for me next time, being a stranger to the Norf.

Good to meet a few KBers...Hornet, Gremlin, Sarahvet, and other whose names, because of the increasing ratio of grey / active brain matter, have slipped from me.

And then there were the little special touches like ...Speights Old Dark...Big thanks to Lee and the RN for organising all but dry weather...

Winter has arrived in Urkadurkastan...at least I now have some fond memories to help me through.

4 1/2 months to the 10 000km...bring it on!

[XP@]

Hell pizza for dinner in Taupo, then down to Turangi. On our way into the kitchen, Lee was on his way out, which panned out nicely, since we were bring our laptops in ;) Shortly into the plotting, XP@ turns up, which meant we weren't last in like last year! The cheeky bugger wanted us to copy the route to him, but he wasn't using mapsource, I didn't have google earth etc... Zapf and I reckon we should be getting there at a proper time and selling the route in Garmin form :lol:

Well, it was worth a try!
But If you could convert it to a KMZ file then i would be thinking about it...


From Opunake to New Plymouth the weather got really bad, fighting strong winds and some incredible rain that reduced visibility at times to 10 odd metres. At least we weren't there when the lightning was (which we could see in the distance earlier).

So that is what it was like me had been forgetting.


At New Plymouth we'd already dropped XP@ and cbr600 and Zapf were really beginning to feel it.

Actually you had dropped me, caught me, dropped me and caught me as i went off for a sleep :zzzz:. I still havn't worked out how after that I passed you, you passed me, passed me again and then I arrived back before you... all too confusing! :crazy:
Probably a good idea I didn't get the route off you :whistle:

[Gremlin]

Actually you had dropped me, caught me, dropped me and caught me as i went off for a sleep :zzzz:. I still havn't worked out how after that I passed you, you passed me, passed me again and then I arrived back before you... all too confusing! :crazy:
Probably a good idea I didn't get the route off you :whistle:
Same with a naked bike and a concours that were travelling together. Leapfrog is a common occurence on the GC, but fark, the number of times we passed them, they must have been wondering how many ktm's, blackbirds and cbr600's there were :wacko:

Suppose I could install Google Earth especially for you next year

[Meanie]

Same with a naked bike and a concours that were travelling together. Leapfrog is a common occurence on the GC, but fark, the number of times we passed them, they must have been wondering how many ktm's, blackbirds and cbr600's there were :wacko:

Suppose I could install Google Earth especially for you next year

What colour Connie?

[banditrider]

What colour Connie?

T'was me & Mark :pinch:. They must have stopped more than us...:whistle:

[Meanie]

T'was me & Mark :pinch:. They must have stopped more than us...:whistle:

What ever happened to GC mode you spoke about

[banditrider]

What ever happened to GC mode you spoke about

We were in it - dunno what you guys were doing...

[cowboyz]

We were in it - dunno what you guys were doing...

well we never stopped long enough for you to pass us so we must have been doing something right!

I am a little surprised at that tbh

[banditrider]

We were enjoying the ride and conditions...

[Meanie]

We were enjoying the ride and conditions...

as were we :whistle:

[KoroJ]

Hmmm....this has just become the Manawatu Talk Shit thread.....or whatever you call it!!

Mr Meanie...I can assure you/we weren't in GC mode, expecially after Spotswood!

Mr Banditrider...maybe you guys were in GC mode but...even then you tend to dither around taking photos of guys cutting corners on the wrong side of the road etc, etc.

Mr Cowboyz...You would have to be the most inconsistent - hard-on/hard-off rider I've ever had the pleasure to follow, but yes you did do something right....you finished!!

[banditrider]

Hmmm....this has just become the Manawatu Talk Shit thread.....or whatever you call it!!

Mr Meanie...I can assure you/we weren't in GC mode, expecially after Spotswood!

Does that explain the ticket?

Mr Banditrider...maybe you guys were in GC mode but...even then you tend to dither around taking photos of guys cutting corners on the wrong side of the road etc, etc.

Not this year - you were in front of us...

Mr Cowboyz...You would have to be the most inconsistent - hard-on/hard-off rider I've ever had the pleasure to follow, but yes you did do something right....you finished!!

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[KoroJ]

What ticket??....Who didn't get off their ticket??...What's that got to do with GC mode??

[Meanie]

Hmmm....this has just become the Manawatu Talk Shit thread.....or whatever you call it!!

Mr Meanie...I can assure you/we weren't in GC mode, expecially after Spotswood!

Mr Banditrider...maybe you guys were in GC mode but...even then you tend to dither around taking photos of guys cutting corners on the wrong side of the road etc, etc.

Mr Cowboyz...You would have to be the most inconsistent - hard-on/hard-off rider I've ever had the pleasure to follow, but yes you did do something right....you finished!!

First time ive been called mister for a while :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Gremlin]

T'was me & Mark :pinch:. They must have stopped more than us...:whistle:
Ah, nice ta errr meet you... (over and over)

I don't bother trying to compete with you bigger tanked bikes, the important thing is, I stopped one less time than last year (9 this year, 10 last year).

Tis a great ride, except the more fun you have, the more you have to stop... vicious cycle and all that :oi-grr:

There were some sections, especially earlier on, where your pace was quite satisfactory, and there was no need to overtake (especially that long line of bikes before the waters edge, in the pissing rain), however, in some of the tighter sections, your whale slowed you a little, so the intersection was a nice handy place to safely pass :2thumbsup

[LBD]

What ticket??....Who didn't get off their ticket??...What's that got to do with GC mode??

There was one on a black bike I passed having a conversation with an officer....he did not look pleased....I later learnt the officer was asking if his boots were comfy cause he was going to be walking for a while...

[cowboyz]

Hmmm....this has just become the Manawatu Talk Shit thread.....or whatever you call it!!

Mr Meanie...I can assure you/we weren't in GC mode, expecially after Spotswood!

Mr Banditrider...maybe you guys were in GC mode but...even then you tend to dither around taking photos of guys cutting corners on the wrong side of the road etc, etc.

Mr Cowboyz...You would have to be the most inconsistent - hard-on/hard-off rider I've ever had the pleasure to follow, but yes you did do something right....you finished!!

thanks! I think! ummmmmmmmm.......... yeah

[KoroJ]

There was one on a black bike I passed having a conversation with an officer....he did not look pleased....I later learnt the officer was asking if his boots were comfy cause he was going to be walking for a while...

He didn't walk far but...! And Meanie did well to keep all his toys in the cot too!



thanks! I think! ummmmmmmmm.......... yeah

I was just saying it was lucky you kept slowing down 'cos I'm not used to going over 110kph and I was able to stick with the group!!??