2011 TT2000 (26-27 Feb 2011)

[Gremlin]

So? Who's in?

Had a look at the website (http://www.tt2000.org/) earlier today, and noticed they have the dates up (but nothing in detail on the route yet). Mark 26-27 February in your calendars :ride:

Looks like there is no overnight stop (ie, stop when you wish), route goes from Dunedin to Christchurch (ie, not starting and finishing in Chch. Flyers aren't listed yet, but apparently 24, totalling an extra 1000km (so, Jantar, are you? :shifty:)

From a blurred map on the route page, its Dunedin > Waikawa > Riverton > Tuataupere > Milford Sound > Alexandra > Palmerston > Oamaru > Omarama > Haast > Hokitika > Christchurch. Mapsource says about 2043km, but we have to wait for the proper details.

Just had a mad thought... Doing the basic TT2000 plus ALL flyers seems possible this year :blink:

And for those that like pretty pictures... here's a rough google idea http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=dunedin&daddr=Waikawa,+Southland+to:riverton+to:Tuatapere, +Southland+to:Milford+Sound,+Southland+to:Alexandr a,+Otago+to:Palmerston,+Otago+to:Oamaru,+Otago+to: Omarama,+Canterbury+to:Haast,+West+Coast+to:Hokiti ka,+West+Coast+to:Christchurch,+Canterbury&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-41.244772,172.617188&sspn=50.080679,135.263672&ie=UTF8&z=7

[KoroJ]

Pity it's the week before the Southern Cross.

I think I'm leaning that way....for 6000Kms in a week, once we add a couple of nice pootles on the way to and from.

[FJRider]

I might give this one a go this time ...I've not far to go to the start point .... the best roads in the country this(next) year ...

[Gremlin]

pity? I just have to convince my boss that trotting up to auckland for 2 days isn't worth it. Ideally stay down there and be in invercargill sunday arvo.

[NinjaNanna]

What time do they set off on the Saturday morning?

[Gremlin]

What time do they set off on the Saturday morning?
Start on Saturday the last couple of years was between 6 and 8am. Ie, you have to start between then. Arrive after that, you just missed out :yes:

[STJim]

Pity it's the week before the Southern Cross.

I think I'm leaning that way....for 6000Kms in a week, once we add a couple of nice pootles on the way to and from.

I am really excited by next years TT2000 route. The trouble is if I do both I'll have to fly back to Hamilton and do a weeks work:angry:

[Gremlin]

I am really excited by next years TT2000 route. The trouble is if I do both I'll have to fly back to Hamilton and do a weeks work:angry:
The way I see it, its 1 day to travel Auckland to Wellington (or vv). Two days for the South Island (or 1 for Chch/Dunedin). So therefore, if I left Monday morning for Auckland, I'd be at work Wednesday. Probably need the bike serviced, then leave Friday morning to be in Invercargill Sunday night (club night :sunny:).

Maybe he makes me fly back I guess... hope not. Spend the week riding the South Island and probably get a service (oh, and some work on the side, but ideally a proper holiday). Ask your IT about working remotely... I am the IT :yes:

[Shadowjack]

Finished the 2010 TT2000 on the Sunday and was sore enough to say I didn't need to do another one - until the Tuesday after, when the (possible) 2011 event seemed like a damn good idea...
It's pencilled in.

[Gixxer peter]

Got gold last year so what choice do i have??

[Jantar]

...Looks like there is no overnight stop (ie, stop when you wish), route goes from Dunedin to Christchurch (ie, not starting and finishing in Chch. Flyers aren't listed yet, but apparently 24, totalling an extra 1000km (so, Jantar, are you? :shifty:) ....

The 2011 TT200 dates clash with the annual goldfields cavalcade. I always do the cavalcade as back-up for my wife, so unfortuantely I've just had to break the news to her that she'll be starting it alone this year and I'll join her mid week. :yes:

[Gremlin]

Full details have been put on the website now. Spiffy looking, but can't browse on phone (bit disappointing, but it does look very flash :yes:)

Key differences to previous years:

no mandatory Sat night checkpoint - you start at 6:00am on Saturday and finish between 6:00-10:00pm on Sunday. What you do in between is up to you.
no formal scrutineering at the finish which detracts from having a social gathering - the scrutineering takes place electronically after you get home
$40 pre-registration when booking on website (still need to pre-register)


Pics from 2010 are also up... got a lot of reading ahead, not to mention all the route planning. Photos are also now more specific, so for those using GPS, take extra care when plotting stops.

edit: doesn't look like Flyers Vol 2 is up yet... must take mucho work to prepare all this

[Gixxer peter]

Looks like an awesume ride.
Paid my reg tonight.
Got to go for diamond this year, who needs sleep??

[Gremlin]

Got to go for diamond this year, who needs sleep??
You bugger, thought no-one else would be crazy enough to try for it... Have to do the sums re route, gas availability etc and see whats possible. 3000km in 40 hours sounds insane even to 1 or 2 GC'ers I have talked to, and I'm not using a busa. Using a naked supermoto :D

Again, a little annoyingly, I don't see many flyers near the end of the route, which makes route and time planning more crucial. Don't want to have diamond in the bag and arrive at 10.15pm :blink:

[Jantar]

Looks like an awesume ride.
Paid my reg tonight.
Got to go for diamond this year, who needs sleep??
I know all those roads that the flyers are on. :D
Somehow, I don't think I'll try for diamond, gold will be enough. I also know what fuel availablity is on those long overnight sections if diamond was to be attempted, and it aint good.

Anyway I also paid up tonight. So I guess I'd better give it a go.

[banditrider]

The routes look great and some of the flyers are awesome! Unfortunately I'll just have to read about - the Southern Cross will be enough for me. Definitely keen on 2012...

The piccys are great too - just wish they were bigger...

[Gremlin]

All the ride info is up, all flyers etc.

Been shoved into Mapsource to get some initial feel for the route... and the entire route has been estimated to be 44 hours... wait :shit:

Amusing thing is, there are good sections of the trip where you're not doing the basic route, hehehehe. Time shouldn't be too much of a problem, I've had my 2x GC so far say 25 hours, and its been around 22 hours. West coast flyers are roughly 4 hours, so if it starts getting desperate, the entire west coast can be removed, save 4 hours, end up on gold.

Will need to ring Te Anau to find out when they close in summer, going to be a reasonably important deadline (ie, I'm working on 400km ranges (excluding reserve, assuming perhaps I use more gas than planned), so I go out to Milford Sound, then come back and fill. This needs to be before closing time). Time back to Milford from start is approximately 15 hrs, which equates to about 9pm Saturday night. Rest of the night will probably be asking a good kb'er in the relevant town if they could be a fuel dump, and I pay them whatever they need. Queenstown Shell 24hr will probably be the first night stop, 2nd would be around Ranfurly (anyone know anyone? :D), then you're back into day. Currently the route stands at 3235km, but will alter once fuel stops are calculated in, and probably lengthen a bit.

[Gixxer peter]

So the planning begins with only 6 month to iron out the details.
I to have started to put it into mapsouce.
I agree the fuel will be the biggest issue on this trip, it is very cleverly done so the fliers tend to divert you away from fuel stops , Invercargal, Oamaru and Wanana ETC.
Fuel dumps may work but calculating it so you have enough fuel to get to the dumpsite is the next challenge.
Last year i carefully worked out the fuel for the busa and was not even close, i think i may have not ridden as economically as i would normally. I can get 350+ plus to tank but was down around 250.Over 3200km this is quite significant.
But we will give it crack, I am pleased that they have added another class (diamond) because after gold last year there is little choice to try and better last year, now we have something else to aim for.
My other thought was to do it on the C50 stepthu (the basic route only) but after the 2000km to the brass this year on a scooter i think i will (thankfully) accept the challenge on the busa.
Cant help myself do or die --- Diamond or a did not finish.

[Pumba]

What time do they set off on the Saturday morning?

Why mate you keen? Might have to see how I enjoy the GC before I sign up for somthing else:whistle:

[NinjaNanna]

Why mate you keen? Might have to see how I enjoy the GC before I sign up for somthing else:whistle:


I'd briefly considered it - but that was before I'd read much about it. The route was what got my interest but they cover it in to short a timeframe for me.

Looks like I'll need to do it as personal SI tour rather than large format group ride.

[Gremlin]

Looks like I'll need to do it as personal SI tour rather than large format group ride.
It's not really a group ride. You see bikes, sometimes catch up to them or get past, but with the optional extras, and turn arounds, you were never really sure where everyone else was, and stuck to doing your own thing.

And yes, riding 1000km a day is not everyone's cup of tea. For some people, its freaken awesome. With something to "do" per se, its easier than just doing it yourself. Sort of like racers only being able to get their best lap times when chasing someone.

[TOTO]

I should be in with a grin. May try for silver or gold this year since done bronze last year :ride:

Gremlin, you are Nuts :weird:

[Gremlin]

I should be in with a grin. May try for silver or gold this year since done bronze last year :ride:

Gremlin, you are Nuts :weird:
Thought you only did the basic route?

Give diamond a go this time :yes:

I'm all paid up for another...

[gijoe1313]

And people think I'm loopy for the things I do, this is sponsored madness! :rofl: Gremlin is going to be the one to watch for (but definitely no updates whilst he is on route, no time for that!)

Good thing you have a GPS to record all your various stops and timings!

[Mr Triple]

Finished the 2010 TT2000 on the Sunday and was sore enough to say I didn't need to do another one - until the Tuesday after, when the (possible) 2011 event seemed like a damn good idea...
It's pencilled in.

Good to see that you're on the list SJ, Em and I are going to do it on the Tiger again this year and we hope to go for Gold. If the weather is rubbish we can always back it back a peg or too, we will just see how it goes. As long as we finish the 2000, that is the main thing... everything else will be a bonus :)

[STJim]

I simply couldn't resist. The bottom of the South Island is home for me. I have looked carefully at the flyers and again this year I will do just enough for Bronze. By comparison the Southern cross will be boring and it isn't on next years agenda.

I am planning on flyers 2, 5, 6, 11, 15, 17, & 23.

I will stay over in Alexandra on Saturday night and start at 5.30 am on Sunday morning.

With an ST 1300 I don't expect petrol to be a problem. My intended fills will be at Winton (my home town ) on flyer 6,
Te Anau, Frankton, Alex, Omarama and Fox Glacier.

I expect to finish at about 8.30 p.m. or earlier on Sunday evening.

[LBD]

I am in...but not on monster or 1098....:yes:

And I beleive if you are going for gold or diamond there is a degree of flexibility with the route. I have plotted 7 vairations, shorthest is 3163 km longest is 3276...any one got shorter?

The shortest requires fuel in Cromwell/Alex in middle of night, and so far all the servo's are shut...

[Jantar]

I am in...but not on monster or 1098....:yes:

And I beleive if you are going for gold or diamond there is a degree of flexibility with the route. I have plotted 7 vairations, shorthest is 3163 km longest is 3276...any one got shorter?

The shortest requires fuel in Cromwell/Alex in middle of night, and so far all the servo's are shut...
It appears that fuel is available after hours in Alexandra at the Caltex truck stop. Its off the main road, but should be OK to use. There is also now 24 hr fuel in Ranfurly at the truck stop there.

[LBD]

It appears that fuel is available aftyer hours at the Caltex truck stop. Its off the main road, but should be OK tio use. There is also now 24 hr fuel in Ranfurly at the truck stop there.

Great news thanks, are you talking about Alex?

[Jantar]

Great news thanks, are you talking about Alex?
Yes, Alex. I've edited my previous post to make it clearer.

[Mr Triple]

Have done my first warm-up ride for the season, getting my bike fitness up for the TT 2000 2011 by completing the Southern Rider Escapade... a great start but I think I may be a wee way off fitness yet! lol :)

[LBD]

Don't know what you are complaining about....my preparation consists of sitting the Northern Hemisphere winter out at a mine at 15000 feet, then jumping on a plane to Istanbul/Dubai/Bankok/Sydney/Christchurch, arriving Thursday, riding to dunedin Friday and TT2000 on Saterday.....

[Gremlin]

well, you're clearly insane ;)

Jantar, do the truckstops include petrol as well as diesel? Method of payment? Good to hear tho!

[LBD]

You do not need to thrown the "clearly" in there as an exclaimation mark....:facepalm:

[Gixxer peter]

Hay at least riding through the night wont be a problem your body clock will think its the middle of the day, pity during the day here you will wanna sleep.
there should be a prize for the furtherst traveled to get to the starting blocks.

[LBD]

Hay at least riding through the night wont be a problem your body clock will think its the middle of the day, pity during the day here you will wanna sleep.
there should be a prize for the furtherst traveled to get to the starting blocks.

Good point....and norimison helps sleep the air travel away

[FJRider]

well, you're clearly insane ;)

Jantar, do the truckstops include petrol as well as diesel? Method of payment? Good to hear tho!

As there are still petrol powered trucks around (although not many) ... petrol is almost always available at truckstops. Eftpos is the usual method. The garage at Haast has a cash reader.

[FJRider]

Great news thanks, are you talking about Alex?

This is the link to google maps showing the Alexandra truck stop fuel point.
http://maps.google.co.nz/?ie=UTF8&ll=-45.246289,169.39487&spn=0,0.001714&z=19&layer=c&cbll=-45.246147,169.394647&panoid=n044Ei3WT1YnomlAoJPGFQ&cbp=12,326.74,,0,12.31
I tried this one today ... Caltex card only.

This is the link to the Cromwell truck stop fuel point.
http://maps.google.co.nz/?ie=UTF8&ll=-45.047556,169.176496&spn=0,0.001714&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=-45.047556,169.176496&panoid=odPRDQOFnyoBo4uz02XgwA&cbp=12,225.02,,0,-3.17

This is the link to the Ranfurly truck stop fuel point.
http://maps.google.co.nz/?ie=UTF8&ll=-45.129001,170.096851&spn=0,0.001714&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=-45.129001,170.096851&panoid=QG0-ek62yt-33gKBHDD44g&cbp=12,192.47,,0,-6.41

ANOTHER handy link is this one for a truck stop fuel point at Mossburn.
http://maps.google.co.nz/?ie=UTF8&ll=-45.670259,168.241501&spn=0,0.001714&z=19&layer=c&cbll=-45.67021,168.241294&panoid=DzphUfM9gL_5qDlXuVntWw&cbp=12,130.46,,0,11.34

24 hour fuel is available here too (Maheno)
http://maps.google.co.nz/?ie=UTF8&ll=-45.165543,170.838524&spn=0,0.001714&z=19&layer=c&cbll=-45.165561,170.838394&panoid=_tNS9FjPz3kAohVf27SZIA&cbp=12,324.06,,0,-4.15

The Waitaki valley can be a very lonely place in the middle of the night. And a 24 hour fuel sign can be a VERY welcome sight. Otamatata has one. Here's the link ...
http://maps.google.co.nz/?ie=UTF8&ll=-44.605718,170.205616&spn=0,0.001714&z=19&layer=c&cbll=-44.605718,170.205616&panoid=beSfhm5do8F6i9c1HAM_8A&cbp=12,145.57,,0,7.39

[STJim]

It appears that fuel is available after hours in Alexandra at the Caltex truck stop. Its off the main road, but should be OK to use. There is also now 24 hr fuel in Ranfurly at the truck stop there.

Jantar or FJ Rider can you tell me what the opening hours are for the Mobil station in Alex?

[Jantar]

I'm not sure, but I'll be going there in about 30 minutes so I'll ask.

[FJRider]

Jantar or FJ Rider can you tell me what the opening hours are for the Mobil station in Alex?

Not sure when they open (around 7am I think) but they close at 8pm. There is a (MOBIL card) machine for after hours ... when they are NOT open.

[Gremlin]

This is the link to the Ranfurly truck stop fuel point.
http://maps.google.co.nz/?ie=UTF8&ll=-45.129001,170.096851&spn=0,0.001714&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=-45.129001,170.096851&panoid=QG0-ek62yt-33gKBHDD44g&cbp=12,192.47,,0,-6.41
Having just spoken to McLarens Transport in Charlemont St W, I can confirm 91, 95 and Diesel are available. 24hr access is possible, EFTPOS, credit card, fleet card etc.

They have been loaded to Zenbu. :yes:

Further to this, can anyone advise on the roads just south of Ranfurly, namely Kokonga Rd and Gimmerburn-Waipiate Rd? Sealed/unsealed, and the condition? Looking for a shortcut that stops me having to go back to the main route, but if the road is really rough then it doesn't make any sense to do it as it would slow me down too much.

Also, way south, on Flyer 8, Two Rivers, there are roads between point 1 (the bridge) and Dipton, namely Affleck Rd, Castle Downs Rd, Dipton Mossburn Rd and Gerrard Rd. Are they all sealed, if not, which ones are not, etc, much appreciated... can't pop out and check them on weekends :D

edit: Jantar, do you know what time the Mobil in Te Anau plan to stay open until? I know you were going to put in a nice word... :)

[FJRider]

Further to this, can anyone advise on the roads just south of Ranfurly, namely Kokonga Rd and Gimmerburn-Waipiate Rd? Sealed/unsealed, and the condition? Looking for a shortcut that stops me having to go back to the main route, but if the road is really rough then it doesn't make any sense to do it as it would slow me down too much.

Also, way south, on Flyer 8, Two Rivers, there are roads between point 1 (the bridge) and Dipton, namely Affleck Rd, Castle Downs Rd, Dipton Mossburn Rd and Gerrard Rd. Are they all sealed, if not, which ones are not, etc, much appreciated... can't pop out and check them on weekends.


The road into Waipiata (gimmerbur-Waipiata rd) IS sealed ... after that the road out to Kokonga is NOT ... It follows the Central Otago Rail Trail, so is well used/graded. (but on the day ... your guess is as good as mine ??? )Its use may save 15 minutes (even in poor condition)... but only if you intend to do the Macraes flyer ...

On Flyer 8 ... The Wreys Bush pub is another compulsory "photo stop" ... the roads you mention are not worth the effort (unsealed I believe). Hundred line road is the only really practical route to return to the main route.

[LBD]

On Flyer 8 ... The Wreys Bush pub is another compulsory "photo stop" ... the roads you mention are not worth the effort (unsealed I believe). Hundred line road is the only really practical route to return to the main route.

The Dipton to Mosburn road (west dipton to 5km north of the Apirima bridge) is sealed.

[FJRider]

The Dipton to Mosburn road (west dipton to 5km north of the Apirima bridge) is sealed.

Yes it is ... but two photos are required on that flyer.

[Jantar]

..
Further to this, can anyone advise on the roads just south of Ranfurly, namely Kokonga Rd and Gimmerburn-Waipiate Rd? Sealed/unsealed, and the condition? Looking for a shortcut that stops me having to go back to the main route, but if the road is really rough then it doesn't make any sense to do it as it would slow me down too much.

....

edit: Jantar, do you know what time the Mobil in Te Anau plan to stay open until? I know you were going to put in a nice word... :)
As FJRider has stated, the Kokonga Rd is gravel, but I'll be taking it. Even at 80km/h it will save over 15 minutes for the McRaes flyer.

Mobil in Te-Anau is open till 8:00 pm, and I didn't even bother to ask Mark to open a bit longer as the Caltex Station is open to 9:30 pm. Any riders not back out from Milford by 9:30 shouldn't be on this ride. :D

Also just reported in the local paper, the station at Waikouaiti is re-opening with a 24hr card pump.

[FJRider]

I went over Kokonga rd today ... 8 km's of gravel. Hard packed with a loose surface in places ... mainly between the wheel tracks. That 8 km's took me 12 min's on the FJ1200.

As has been stated in the Macraes flyer ... the one lane bridge between Hyde and Macraes could be a problem for the unaware ... The road rises steeply onto the bridge ... which is level. This means at the moment of bridge entry ... (at speed) your suspension will be un-sprung. Not good if you need traction to brake because you've got it wrong. A sunken area between the wheel tracks (about 200mm wide and 50mm deep) which means I advise not to enter the bridge in the middle. The exit of the bridge is a sharp left hander.

In the Macraes Flat area is a number of patched seal with loose (unmarked) grit. Due to the large amount of vehicular traffic in this area ... as such, those patches may still be there for the TT2000.

The speed advisory signs (on the corners) mean what they say.

[Jantar]

.......
The speed advisory signs (on the corners) mean what they say.
In particular, one downhill right hander marked at 45kmh has grit over the entire left hand lane. :shutup:

[LBD]

Yes it is ... but two photos are required on that flyer.

Last I looked there were 3 photos on that flyer.....:innocent:

[FJRider]

Last I looked there were 3 photos on that flyer.....:innocent:

My mistake ... I WAS wrong ...

But the only reason that the OP may have for asking about those roads .... was if the Wreys Bush photo was not going to be taken on THAT flyer ... (maybe taken after the Winton cematary photo-but before the Otautau photo)

The roads that were asked about ... seems to be on the wrong route ... if all THREE photos were going to be taken on THAT flyer ...

[LBD]

My mistake ... I WAS wrong ...

But the only reason that the OP may have for asking about those roads .... was if the Wreys Bush photo was not going to be taken on THAT flyer ... (maybe taken after the Winton cematary photo-but before the Otautau photo)

The roads that were asked about ... seems to be on the wrong route ... if all THREE photos were going to be taken on THAT flyer ...

Smarty pants since ages ago?....just dishing it back....

We should see who can plot all the flyers and check points in the shortest total distance....to kick it off....
3153 km for Diamond.....

[Gremlin]

A smidgen over 3200 for me. Any less and it becomes too much gravel. Shortcut around mossburn is because the middle photo has already been taken. :D

[FJRider]

Smarty pants since ages ago?....just dishing it back....

We should see who can plot all the flyers and check points in the shortest total distance....to kick it off....
3153 km for Diamond.....

:lol: :lol: :lol:

The shortest distance is not the key ... route's that take the shortest time are needed ... aren't they ... :innocent:

[LBD]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

The shortest distance is not the key ... route's that take the shortest time are needed ... aren't they ... :innocent:

Agreed, and being on familiar roads at night and conventent fuel stops.

[Jantar]

My mistake ... I WAS wrong ...

But the only reason that the OP may have for asking about those roads .... was if the Wreys Bush photo was not going to be taken on THAT flyer ... (maybe taken after the Winton cematary photo-but before the Otautau photo)

The roads that were asked about ... seems to be on the wrong route ... if all THREE photos were going to be taken on THAT flyer ...
I'm looking at combining those two flyers into one. It saves 8 km directly, and allows taking the back road from Mossburn to Five Rivers saving another 10 km.

Edit: I just noted LBD's comment on the Dipton-Mossburn Rd. That makes a huge saving in distance.

Just how many of us are registered so far?

[Shadowjack]

Just how many of us are registered so far?
91, as at 20/01/2011, according to the website.

[Jantar]

Yes 91 total, but I should have been more specific. How many KBers?

So that's:
Jantar
Gremlin
Shadowjack
LBD
KoroJ
Gixxer Peter
SarahTvet
Redklr650
Mr Triple and Em
JMemonic
Andybandit
Toto
lockhead83

[Gremlin]

1 :lol: <nothing>

[Shadowjack]

2 :niceone:

[andybandit]

Thanks for all the tips.
Since Mike posted the route so early, you mainland guys have had a real advantage over us in the North. Being able to test ride various sections and the Flyers.
I'll be trying for the Diamond, but I realise it may be possible but is it doable. So many factors could slow you down. I've got bail out options and just go for Gold and finish.

Something to consider it that to get the Diamond you need to take 52 photos. How fast can you stop, compose the photo with your T-shirt and get going again. At one minute per photo thats 52 minutes just taking photos. On last years TT I fluffed around and probably took 5 to 10 minutes at the photo stops. Can't do that on this rally.
The main thing I'm concentrating on is navigation. Good navigation will save time. Losing time is allways the issue. Riding fast will never make up lost time.

Hi LBD, I think you were on the Ferry with me after the rally last year. Were you heading for Turangi. See you in a few weeks.

Andy

[Jantar]

... On last years TT I fluffed around and probably took 5 to 10 minutes at the photo stops. Can't do that on this rally.....

Last year I averaged 5 minutes per photo stop, and I didn't think i was fluffing around at all. I'm planing on gold this year with a 7 hour overnight stop.

[Gremlin]

My stop was probably quicker, as I had my camera in a pouch in front of me. All were photo stops, no receipts. One glove off, take photo, camera away, glove on, and onwards. Rules change this year, needing the shirt, so you have to drape that, etc.

[TOTO]

all signed in and paid on this end as of a week ago. Anyone know if we get the shirts sent out to us or do we collect them on saturday morning as we leave ?

[Gremlin]

Anyone know if we get the shirts sent out to us or do we collect them on saturday morning as we leave ?
We collect on the morning. As part of the entry fee you'll have specified the size of the shirt.

[TOTO]

I hope that the English guy on the italian racing scooter is at the TT again. I had the greatest of time while still being passed by him in the twisties :killingme

[Jantar]

Last chance to enter. This email arrived today:


Afternoon TT riders

This is a mass email to all 105 entrants with a reminder that the strict cut-off date for entries is 11:00pm 31/1 being tomorrow night, in case you:

1. have any buddies that are thinking about entering but have not yet done so through the web site
2. have changed your own plans and want to withdraw – a full fee refund is available but ONLY if you withdraw by return email prior to cut-off tomorrow
The reason for the strict cut-off is that on 1 Feb I am ordering shirts and badges for ONLY THOSE who have entered, so I don’t end up with a surplus supply.

No need to reply to this email unless you’re in (2) above.

Further info about confirming timings/formalities at the Dunedin start + how the electronic scrutineering will work on completion, to follow next 2 weeks or so.

A full list of registered riders (except those are wanted their names suppressed) are displayed on the site here http://www.tt2000.org/registrations-list

[Gixxer peter]

Well thats it.
Entries have closed, too late now to change your mind.
After the last few days of riding in the wind , some doubt is creeping in, can it be done (diamond, that is.) :scratch:
I was buggered just doing a 300km ride today in the wind.
Adrenalin can only carry you so far, my average speed for the last few days was not high enough to complete the ride.
Can it be done?????:scratch:

[Jantar]

Yes,it can be done. Provided you are prepared to go without sleep. :innocent:

[Gixxer peter]

It Can??
So who is seriously going to go into this and attack it looking for diamond??

[KoroJ]

It Can??
So who is seriously going to go into this and attack it looking for diamond??

Someone that has done a lot of thorough study and route planning, traded his beloved Katie for something more suited to the task and has embarked on 10,000Km over the month leading up to the event to prepare himself and the bike for the ordeal!!

An absolute nutter!

[TOTO]

Yea, nutter he is. Just got back from riding with him. He has only 4000km left till gets to the desired 10 000km, indicative his rediness to tackle the 3300km in 40hr challenge. When there is a will, there is a way :yes:

[Gremlin]

No, it just needs to be at 10k for the service. I picked her up with 4080km on the clock 2 weeks ago, she stands at 6318km now. Bloody work is getting in my way, so I'm going to have to do some evening rides. Pace isn't a problem, just maintaining for up to 40 hours, even maintaining normal concentration is an ask for that length. Don't forget there is also gravel and a lot of pics. Route is set (a snitch under 3200km), only weather will hold me back.

Bike is almost kitted out, some extras still to come and be fitted. Pace will aim to be maintained irrespective of time of day, and I will have 8 forward facing lights.

After its completed, I have a weeks break, probably more riding and then I do the Southern Cross coming north (hence needing service before I go, as it will probably be just over 10k in 17 days).

With you possibly out, I know of one other who's also set (and also changing bike) and we've been chatting a lot on route, equipment etc.

[Gremlin]

Oh... and if you want any proof as to my mental capacity (most think I'm nuts already), here are some numbers:

The bike change cost just under $36,700 (traded old bike as part of number) and included first few accessories, fitting of some existing accessories (GPS, Radar etc) and some spare stuff.

Accessories ordered from USA and Germany seem to have totalled a little under $2100, fitting fees for some not yet factored in (not everything has arrived yet).

The TT2000 (or should I call it the TT3200) alone will need approx 200L of gas, at a very conservative cost of $400. Tyres, due to the bike being new to me, and other subjective items (ie, stuff that varies from one rider to another), I can't trust the performance of tyres getting over 10,000km (dry, wet, ok with gravel etc), so I'll go with Pirelli Scorpion Trails, which will last more than half distance. 2x sets of Pirelli, add $1000 (ish). One set will be pre-ordered and waiting in Chch for fitting during the week off.

On top of all that is the usual side effects of big distance riding, depreciation, servicing bills, consumables etc. For the trip, accomodation as well.

I could calculate all those costs (or I will know the bill afterwards anyway) but I sort of don't want to. You only live once and you can't take your money with you.

:facepalm:

[Jantar]

.....

I could calculate all those costs (or I will know the bill afterwards anyway) but I sort of don't want to. You only live once and you can't take your money with you.

:facepalm:

For rides like this, I work on $0.40 per km to cover tyres, fuel, servicing, food and accomodation.

Incidentally, last time I rode the gravel section connecting flyers 1 and 3 it had just been relaid and graded with a thick coarse gravel (for the logging trucks). It was a struggle even on the VStrom with scorpion tyres, but still saved 15 minutes on the main route. I'll ride it again closer to the date and see if the gravel has settled down at all.

[Gixxer peter]

With you possibly out, I know of one other who's also set (and also changing bike) and we've been chatting a lot on route, equipment etc.

Im not out, just a lot of doubt creeping in, Johan and i will be going for diamond.
New tires and chain and spockets in ChCh on the way down, no accomodation booked during the night.
New jacket, pants, boots and gloves, HID lights.
GPS programmed, route picked, fuel dumps sorted, i have even given up coffee until the ride so that the caffine has maximum benefit.

[Devil]

I can't trust the performance of tyres getting over 10,000km (dry, wet, ok with gravel etc), so I'll go with Pirelli Scorpion Trails, which will last more than half distance.

You haven't tried those either :P
They'll do the 10k. So will Anakee 2's. I'd get 10k out of the Tourance or Tourance EXP as well. Definately get the 10k with the Conti's.

[gijoe1313]

Ahh the madness! If I wasn't getting so damned sensible these days, I would be right in there! :weep:

[Gremlin]

For rides like this, I work on $0.40 per km to cover tyres, fuel, servicing, food and accomodation.

Incidentally, last time I rode the gravel section connecting flyers 1 and 3 it had just been relaid and graded with a thick coarse gravel (for the logging trucks). It was a struggle even on the VStrom with scorpion tyres, but still saved 15 minutes on the main route.
That would be appreciated, but I know you're really good on gravel... How would you propose to do Flyer 2 then? Zig zagging isn't efficient, but back tracking is worse. Last time I calculated my costs (just running costs for the bike) it was around $0.75 per km...


You haven't tried those either :P
They'll do the 10k. So will Anakee 2's. I'd get 10k out of the Tourance or Tourance EXP as well. Definately get the 10k with the Conti's.
I haven't use the Trails, but I have used the Syncs (more than 7 sets) which is the predecessor to the Trails. I really doubt they would do 10k, especially when the South Island roads eat tyres far more than the north. I squeezed 6500km out of a set when most was in the South Island. In North Island I was somewhere between 7500 and 8500km per set.

[Jantar]

Of course, I forgot about Flyer2 which you will need for diamond. If the gravel is in good order then I would suggest Flyer 2 to Waihola, back across the Taieri plains to Flyer 1, then via Mahinerangi to Flyer 3. It would need to be very good order to save the 20 minutes it will take to get back from Waihola to Outram. If the gravel is still rough then Flyer 1, back to Fairfield to get onto Flyer 2, then main Rd to Lawrence for Flyer 3.

[Devil]

I haven't use the Trails, but I have used the Syncs (more than 7 sets) which is the predecessor to the Trails. I really doubt they would do 10k, especially when the South Island roads eat tyres far more than the north. I squeezed 6500km out of a set when most was in the South Island. In North Island I was somewhere between 7500 and 8500km per set.

Apart from them being entirely different from the syncs :P They're designed for big scary bikes.

[Gremlin]

Well... Mike's recent couple of emails has changed things a bit from when I emailed him last year. I had "optimised" some of the flyers and re-ordered stuff.

:bye:

Another 24km and 20min has magically been added to my route, so about 3320km.

In other news, the bike is up to 7800km, so nearing the 10k mark. :woohoo:

[lockhead83]

hi guys!!

i have registered for TT2000. This will be my first time.. Any tips?? i did a bit of south island this dec in 4 days!
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=
205549585616509776656.00049b984252fc5d0d42a

anything in particular that i need to take care off??

Any suggestions welcome
Also I am not too sure of when to start from here(welly)? Rally starts @ 6am from dunedin? picton to dunedin is 670 kms.... not too sure whether to do this in one go a night before the actual rally start.... what say? :confused:

Cheers!

[Gremlin]

i have registered for TT2000. This will be my first time.. Any tips?? i did a bit of south island this dec in 4 days!

anything in particular that i need to take care off??

Any suggestions welcome
Also I am not too sure of when to start from here(welly)? Rally starts @ 6am from dunedin? picton to dunedin is 670 kms.... not too sure whether to do this in one go a night before the actual rally start.... what say? :confused:
Tips:
Keep the stops short... you can't gain a lot of time, but you can sure lose time fast. Stay hydrated, avoid bad things like caffeine, coffee etc, and eat well (not sausage rolls and pies)
If you're just doing the basic route, 1000km isn't too hard, depending on how you typically ride (ie, if a normal day is 200km and pub time, then yeah, it will be hard).

Myself and a mate are doing Picton to Dunedin on Friday...

[Jantar]

hi guys!!

Any tips?? ...

.... not too sure whether to do this in one go a night before the actual rally start.... what say? :confused:



Any Tips? That depends on how much you intend doing. Is it just the basic TT2000 or are you going for bronze, silver, gold or diamond?

The higher the award you are aiming for, the more planning you need to put into the route and your timing. Generally try and ride at a smooth consistant pace, keep your stops as short as possible, and keep your fluids up.

I would suggest planning to arrive in Dunedin around midday Friday so that you have time for that one last check of your bike while the bike shops are still open.

[LBD]

Hi LBD, I think you were on the Ferry with me after the rally last year. Were you heading for Turangi. See you in a few weeks.
Andy Yup thats Smee heading to the start of the 10K super....had a blast. See you in Dunners


I hope that the English guy on the italian racing scooter is at the TT again. I had the greatest of time while still being passed by him in the twisties :killingmeI will be on an Italien racing scooter....:innocent:


It Can??
So who is seriously going to go into this and attack it looking for diamond??
I may be mad but I am not...stupid....:shit:...maybe I am


Oh... and if you want any proof as to my mental capacity (most think I'm nuts already), here are some numbers:...:
Sounds familiar!


I do the Southern Cross ...

With you possibly out, I know of one other who's also set (and also changing bike) and we've been chatting a lot on route, equipment etc. I've heard of him too...
Southern Cross? ...wife and I as well....got tickets for the CCR and Dr Hook concert on the 5th?


Ahh the madness! If I wasn't getting so damned sensible these days, I would be right in there! :weep:

She insists the older I get the more the madness is setting in


hi This will be my first time.. Any tips?? anything in particular that i need to take care off?? Cheers!

Physatric...physick...sighkeyhatrick.....shrink evaluation may be in order for any attempt above silver....:weird:

[Gremlin]

I will be on an Italien racing scooter....:innocent:
That's one very powerful scooter... I'm inclined to believe with 150hp on tap, it could be a motorbike? :sunny:

Southern Cross? ...wife and I as well....got tickets for the CCR and Dr Hook concert on the 5th?
Southern Cross starts on the 7th, surely you've heard of it? Monday midday Bluff, Wednesday midday West Cape, Thursday midday East Cape, Friday midday Cape Reinga? Route is entirely your choice, as long as you get to each checkpoint between midday and 1pm.

[Gremlin]

I've booked a room at the Yaldhurst (end of the ride) for Sunday and Monday night (27/28 Feb).

They have a double and two singles in the room, mate and I have a bed (each - he's a honda rider :blink:), so one bed remaining. Anyone interested flick me a pm, reply here, whatever.

[FJRider]

To ANY entrants on the tt2000 ... if a bed (even for a few hours) ... or fuel dump ... is required in ALEXANDRA ... or a possibility of help might be needed ... PM me and we'll see if I can be of assistance.

[andybandit]

Wonder what Mike will do with Flyer 17, now that the Kurow bridge across the Waitaki River is closed to all traffic. Only pedestrians can cross during daylight hours. The river has undermined the wooden structure. As reported on TV3 news tonight.
Riding from Waimate back to SH1 to Seven Mile Road to SH83 to Kurow, adds an extra 23 Km or 10 to 12 minutes to the Flyer compared to using SH82.

[FJRider]

Wonder what Mike will do with Flyer 17, now that the Kurow bridge across the Waitaki River is closed to all traffic. Only pedestrians can cross during daylight hours. The river has undermined the wooden structure. As reported on TV3 news tonight.
Riding from Waimate back to SH1 to Seven Mile Road to SH83 to Kurow, adds an extra 23 Km or 10 to 12 minutes to the Flyer compared to using SH82.

The chances of diamond status is slim at best ... now just less so.

Just another flyer to be ignored.

[Jantar]

Its only closed for a week to 10 days. So should be open by the time the TT is on.

[Gremlin]

The chances of diamond status is slim at best ... now just less so.

Just another flyer to be ignored.
You wash your mouth out :weird: I've chosen to do that flyer...

... wait... I'm doing them all... :blink:

I'll wait to see what Mike says. This is probably the disadvantage. The odd people are affected by each flyer changing (like Hump Ridge), but I get affected by every single change. The cunning side of me says drop it, to make the route shorter, but on the other hand, I intended to fill up there...

[TOTO]

I think I heard somewhere that dual purpose bikes, could sometimes cross rivers...

[Gremlin]

I think I heard somewhere that dual purpose bikes, could sometimes cross rivers...
You obviously didn't see the pic in the email... Heading into that with mine would only destroy the bridge support as it went down stream

[Gixxer peter]

Been thinking....
If the TT2000 is completed (diamond), and if all the right information is collected, then there is a couple of ïronbutt" http://www.ironbutt.com/ridecerts/ goals that will be achieved, and the rider could send away for a badge from them also.

if my maths is near correct the "saddlesore" (1000 miles in under 24 hours) , the "bedburner"( 1500 miles in under 36 hours) and the "ss2000" (2,000 documented miles in under 48 hours) could all be acheived on this one ride.
It may be worth looking into.
Maybe Mike could assist with the "witness" side of things.

[LBD]

Been thinking....
If the TT2000 is completed (diamond), and if all the right information is collected, then there is a couple of ïronbutt" http://www.ironbutt.com/ridecerts/ goals that will be achieved, and the rider could send away for a badge from them also.

if my maths is near correct the "saddlesore" (1000 miles in under 24 hours) , the "bedburner"( 1500 miles in under 36 hours) and the "ss2000" (2,000 documented miles in under 48 hours) could all be acheived on this one ride.
It may be worth looking into.
Maybe Mike could assist with the "witness" side of things.

I had a look at the link and you are possibly right except for the proviso's...to acheive the SS2000 you need to have completed a bed burner and to achieve a bed Burner, you need to have completed a Saddle sore 1000.....Many of us will have done the RNGC and last years TT that would suffice as the prerequsits...but I doubt we could get those recognised by the Yanks at this late stage....

[LBD]

So the Waitaki bridge is almost certainly out, meaning a double back....and we leave after we pick up our shirt and take the photo...after 6 am....diamond is looking harder all the time.

[Gremlin]

So the Waitaki bridge is almost certainly out, meaning a double back....
live in hope young padawan... unless there is something in that thread I haven't seen :blink:

[LBD]

live in hope young padawan... unless there is something in that thread I haven't seen :blink:

I am sure you out young me by a good bit....

From TTHQ....

Update on Flyer 17 Waitaki�

Seems like the bridge at Kurow is definitely going to be out so if you’re planning this Flyer, you’ll be retracing steps back to the SH1 bridge at Glenavy & find the quickest route up to Omarama.

AND....I think Mikes choice of bike to model the Tee Shirt on leaves a bit to be desired

[Gremlin]

and we leave after we pick up our shirt and take the photo...after 6 am....diamond is looking harder all the time.
That is a bit of a pisser... I was expecting to turn up before time, and be geared, taped etc, ready for the figurative flag to drop at 6am. I understand re leaving, but really, to muck around with shirt after the start... damn... I may resort to begging on the day... :lol:

AND....I think Mikes choice of bike to model the Tee Shirt on leaves a bit to be desired
You must be blind... That is a most excellent choice of steed :bleh:

[Mr Triple]

I see on Campbell Live the Bridge at Kurow is open for traffic... good shit! Didn't mind the extra Km's but I was bothered by the extra time! Didn't seem to matter how I tried to change flyers around it was still the best option despite the time thing, no longer an issue :woohoo: See ya all inside a week!! :shit:

[LBD]

I see on Campbell Live the Bridge at Kurow is open for traffic... good shit! Didn't mind the extra Km's but I was bothered by the extra time! Didn't seem to matter how I tried to change flyers around it was still the best option despite the time thing, no longer an issue :woohoo: See ya all inside a week!! :shit:

Buggar....now I have to reprogam the GPS....again!

Weather forecast is looking promising as well....

[Gixxer peter]

[QUOTE=LBD;1129991415]Buggar....now I have to reprogam the GPS....again!
QUOTE]

Hmmm now, 20 kM shorter is not a bad thing, i have happliy gone back to plan "B".

Me and Johan got togeather last night and we have finalised the route, new tyres and chain/sprockets in Dunedin and we are good to go.

[Gixxer peter]

Hmmm now, 20 kM shorter is not a bad thing, i have happliy gone back to plan "B".

Me and Johan got togeather last night and we have finalised the route, new tyres and chain/sprockets in Dunedin and we are good to go.

[LBD]

Hmmm now, 20 kM shorter is not a bad thing, i have happliy gone back to plan "B".

Me and Johan got togeather last night and we have finalised the route, new tyres and chain/sprockets in Dunedin and we are good to go.

I am not really complaining.....although doubling back makes for a straighter ride.

So.... how many km for your route....if I may ask?

I have 3234 as my total, will start planning the lot, but happy to start dropping flyers off as I go if I am not up to it.

Weather still looks good ...on www.metvuw.co.nz

[KoroJ]

......I have 3234 as my total, will start planning the lot....

You're one sick puppy!......you and Gremmy both!

We've dumped Waimate and settled on an easy 1300+Km for Sunday.

[LBD]

You're one sick puppy!......you and Gremmy both!

We've dumped Waimate and settled on an easy 1300+Km for Sunday.

Maybe but unlike gremmy, I have 6 months biking abstenance to make up for....whats his excuse?...And besides....these are my home roads....yeeeehaaarrrrr!

[Gremlin]

Maybe but unlike gremmy, I have 6 months biking abstenance to make up for....whats his excuse?
Since when do I need an excuse? :scratch: :weird:

Since January 15th, I have put the required km on, and from about 4000km, she now stands at 9930km, going in tomorrow for her 10k service.

My route stands at about 3184km (I have yet to do my final check, with latest mapset etc). Very happy to hear Kurow is open again.

[LBD]

:scratch: :weird:

Sums it up nicely....

....and we all have our reasons....I for one tend to follow the voice's instructions

[Gremlin]

....and we all have our reasons....I for one tend to follow the voice's instructions
Ah... you're lucky... you have one.

My mates seemed to have agreed I have about 40-50 personalities... :yes:

[Gixxer peter]

My total stands at 3204KM + wheelspin + getting lost = ??????

Some people out there think you need to be crazy to attempt this, however my imaginary friend thinks you must be crazy to miss out on this ride.

[LBD]

My total stands at 3204KM + wheelspin + getting lost = ??????

Some people out there think you need to be crazy to attempt this, however my imaginary friend thinks you must be crazy to miss out on this ride.

I am now on 3223....be fun to see the actual distance compared with predictions.

My frie....constant companion....is not imaginary....should have heard him burr up when I suggested he was...

Tomorrow 9.30 am, leave the minesite and drive 6 hours to Bishkek, midnight tomorrow we get picked up from home, driven to Almaty (4.5 hrs), fly to Bangkok, and Sydney the arrive Chch 1515 Thursday...and pick up the toy at 1615....Normison is your friend.

[LBD]

arrive chch 1515 thursday...and pick up the toy at 1615.....

Well......Buggar!

[Gremlin]

woss up LBD? Airport? Or bike damaged?

[LBD]

Family is all well....that is the main thing....

The bikes are in the shop in Chch city

Not sure if the airport will be open to international flights so may end up in Wellington or Auckland...

We will see what happens on Thursday.....

[RedKLR650]

Family is all well....that is the main thing....

The bikes are in the shop in Chch city

Not sure if the airport will be open to international flights so may end up in Wellington or Auckland...

We will see what happens on Thursday.....

It appears tonight the city s cordoned off between the one way streets, but by morning the cordon will go out to the 4 avenues

the airport must be opening in the morning as air nz is putting on a 747-400 Ak-Chc for anyone that needs to get there

Air NZ has also generously offered anyone needing to get to or from Chch to any other NZ airport until friday for only $50

What shop is your bike at ?

Stu

[RedKLR650]

Family is all well....that is the main thing....

The bikes are in the shop in Chch city

Not sure if the airport will be open to international flights so may end up in Wellington or Auckland...

We will see what happens on Thursday.....

News just on TV, Airport expected to be open for domestic flights at 8am tomorrow, and a decision re international flights is expected to ba made at around lunchtime tomorrow

[LBD]

Casbolts....still standing?

[TOTO]

My Big bike has developed an electrical problem that is too late to be fixed. Look out for one heavily loaded GN250 :woohoo:

[Gixxer peter]

Nailed it!
<> (suppose to look like a diamond) :first:




note- ignore the "max speed"that cant be right , can it???
and the stopped time i left running after the ride but we finished easily in the allocated time, 4 minutes to spare.

[Gixxer peter]

Full ride report to come too buggered to think at the moment.

[Jantar]

You deserve the diamaond after that brave decision to continue with Brunner and so little time left. :first:

[Gixxer peter]

You deserve the diamaond after that brave decision to continue with Brunner and so little time left. :first:

Sorry it was all a blur at yaldhurst did we meet?

And yep at Brunner we thought we were stuffed, 225 km to go and less than 2 hours twenty to finish, no sleep for 40 odd hours and more than 3000kM under the belt at this point.
We had decided early on that we were going for a diamond or a DNF.
Riding on instinct at the end.
I reset one GPS for that run home so i could keep the average up above the 100kM mark, on any other day this would be fairly do-able but was not an easy task on this night. (attached)

[Jantar]

Yes, we did chat briefly at Yaldhurst.

[Gixxer peter]

Yes, we did chat briefly at Yaldhurst.

Sorry was on auto pilot i can hardly remember finishing, how did your quest go, did you acheive your goal??

[Jantar]

Gold attained. That was my aim. :woohoo:

[Okey Dokey]

Great work Jantar and Peter! Congratulations to you both :)

[Shadowjack]

Congratulations to the participants in this year's TT2K. Some huge efforts by the look of it. :niceone:
For a number of reasons, I wasn't able to participate this year, which was disappointing considering how much I enjoyed the ride last year.
I do, however, look forward to living the 2011 TT2K vicariously through the various ride reports and comments.

[Mr Triple]

We were going for Gold but wore out our tyre. Thanks to Jantar for pointing us to Two Wheels Unlimited in Alexandra, they stayed open and changed the tyre for us.
Got silver, to go with last years bronze, happy as! :)

Well done to Gixxer Pete.. what an awesome effort! :chase:

[Gixxer peter]

Gold attained. That was my aim. :woohoo:

Well done, it was quite a demanding ride, gold was not an easy option either, but the scenery was worth the trip, i need to spend more time in that end of the island:niceone:

[Jantar]

Well done, it was quite a demanding ride, gold was not an easy option either, but the scenery was worth the trip, i need to spend more time in that end of the island:niceone:

KoroJ and I planned our ride right to the point. 7000 needed and that's what we got. We even managed to maintain a very legal :innocent: 98.6 kmh moving average speed and had 4 1/2 hrs sleep :sleep:.

[FJRider]

KoroJ and I planned our ride right to the point. 7000 needed and that's what we got. We even managed to maintain a very legal :innocent: 98.6 kmh moving average speed and had 4 1/2 hrs sleep :sleep:.

Well done Jantar ... :yes:

[Vgygrwr]

Well I had a much more conservative goal of Bronze, appropriate to my advancing years and more sedate riding. Surprised to average around 93 kmh Haast to Yaldurst to get in before 9, late starting after more than 7 hours sleep. Had forgotten how spectacular the Milford road is, the great sections to Glenorchy and the Crown Range. TDM surprisingly comfortable, seemed to keep above 20k/l, biggest pains wearing ear plugs for so long and the stretch from Springfield to Yaldhurst.

[Mr Triple]

Well I had a much more conservative goal of Bronze, appropriate to my advancing years and more sedate riding. Surprised to average around 93 kmh Haast to Yaldurst to get in before 9, late starting after more than 7 hours sleep. Had forgotten how spectacular the Milford road is, the great sections to Glenorchy and the Crown Range. TDM surprisingly comfortable, seemed to keep above 20k/l, biggest pains wearing ear plugs for so long and the stretch from Springfield to Yaldhurst.

Good on you and well done.:niceone: We must have just missed you at Yaldhurst, we were home just before 9.30pm. Totally agree re-Springfield to Yaldhurst, seemed like forever on the Old West Coast road! :)
Was good to catch up breifly in Alexandra, catch you again soon out there somewhere. :chase:

[LBD]

Nailed it!
<> (suppose to look like a diamond) :first:




note- ignore the "max speed"that cant be right , can it???
and the stopped time i left running after the ride but we finished easily in the allocated time, 4 minutes to spare.

Yup me too....3239km.....I beleive there were 4 of us who got the lot. Was a great ride...can't wait till next year.

A VFR 800...or a Busa for that matter are not quite the appropriate bikes for this type of run...with those evil gravel flyers and all. Dorothy falls, Waipapa point....and Gilespies....I still have a stutter.

Tally....3 birds, one Possum, 2 rabbits, and very nearly a deer.

[STJim]

My goal was Bronze and I achieved it. I am looking forward to everyone's stories.

I will try and get my own report done in the next few days

Congratulations to all the Gold and Diamond achievers.:woohoo:

[KoroJ]

As usual, it's a rather long winded affair like riding on interminably long, arse numbingly boring straights. Therefore the system made me split into two sections.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1971-That-Was-Nice!!-(TT2000-Ride-Day1)

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1972-That-Was-Nice!!-Part-2-(TT2000-Ride-Day-2)

I'll put the piccys into the Ride Report section later.

[Emlyn]

Hi there, I was pillion with Mr Triple on the Blue Tiger 1050 :) This was our second ride in the TT2000 having acheived Bronze last year. I think we were the only 'two up' to acheive a trophy last year which was great :)

We were going for gold this year, we don't have GPS so spent HOURS on google maps working through all the options that suited us best... sadly we didn't count on the softer compound of the tyre we had not handling the 'Southern Chip' or the 'two up' riding, so we had to drop a couple of flyers to get to Alexandra for a tyre replacement. :bleh:

After re-working our plans we had a pretty cruisy Sunday back to Yaldhurst and achieved enough points for Silver. A bit dissapointing, however the silver will look good between last years bronze and next years GOLD!! Bring it on!:eek:

Awesome to chat to some of you, and great effort to you guys who achieved what you set out to achieve.. that is the aim of it after all! :niceone:

Take care out there :msn-wink:

[DRL]

I was a first time rider on the TT2000 this year, and had set a Bronze as my goal. Managed to achieve it too with two flyers to spare.

Scariest moment of the trip for me was the 3 black cows in the middle of the road at 6:30am on the road to Kurow in the morning fog. I must have been still half-asleep because I don't even remember braking for them, just throttling off and dodging them.

[LBD]

Hi there, I was pillion with Mr Triple on the Blue Tiger 1050 :)

Aha...the blue triple with the interesting exhaust odor

[Jantar]

Aha...the blue triple with the interesting exhaust odor
Yes, I too was wondering just what they had mixed with the fuel. It sort of reminded of Castrol R from my 2 stroke racing days.

[Emlyn]

Yes, I too was wondering just what they had mixed with the fuel. It sort of reminded of Castrol R from my 2 stroke racing days.

Haha.. pure skill gets that thing ticking along.. go Mr Triple! :msn-wink:

I read your ride report.. it was not us that went straight past the corner for GKMD (flyer #1) we had given way to another speedy so it must have been him that went straight through.. we saw you and KoroJ ahead. When you suggested we had come the long way at Gabriels Gully we thought you meant in comparison to the gravel road that you had considered when we last spoke, and must have decided against. We were pretty stocked to have caught up to you again. :) All good fun and part of the challenge. :bleh:

Nice getting the message from Mike H last night confirming our results, makes it real aye? Awesome! :)

[Jantar]

Yes, it was the other rider that went straight ahead on Dukes Rd, but I'm sure you didn't follow us when we turned off immediately after the Outram bridge.

[Emlyn]

Yes, it was the other rider that went straight ahead on Dukes Rd, but I'm sure you didn't follow us when we turned off immediately after the Outram bridge.

We did turn off immediately after the Outram Bridge. You were about a km ahead of us when you were climbing the other side of the Gully shortly after :) We slowed down alot... have you ever tried a Tigers headlights in the dark?? Terrrible at diving into the scrub on the side of the road, reduced visability on an unfamiliar road doesn't bother me... on the back lol :)

[LBD]

Nice getting the message from Mike H last night confirming our results, makes it real aye? Awesome! :)
Officially 4 of us...Diamond

[FJRider]

Officially 4 of us...Diamond

Well done fella ... :yes:

[whatastoner]

If only, if only. Should have done the Jacksons Bay flyer.
Not to worry, gold will do.
My reason for posting is to applaud everyone for taking part in the rally,
and to apologise to the riders I'm sure I pissed off on the way round.
Namely the white suzuki on the return from Dart river, and the guys with the mohekans near Arthurs Pass. Sorry...

Mark
P.S Be advised, I shall be attending next year.

[TOTO]

Well done fellas. I was well on my way of completing the basic route on a GN250, but had to unfortunately pull out of the second day as was helping a friend who decided to go and plow some fields. Plenty of adventures and laughs were had and it was great meeting most of you at the checkpoints and gas stations.

All going well I'll be back next year on the GN to set the record straight for the smallest and most underpowered bike to finish the TT2000 yet (And one of the biggest guys riding a GN too). :ride:

Cherio :)

:violin:

[Gixxer peter]

If only, if only. Should have done the Jacksons Bay flyer.
apologise to the riders I'm sure I pissed off on the way round.
Namely the white suzuki on the return from Dart river Sorry...



Hmm ...white suzuki, was that me, no body pissed me off cant be me,
Why did you miss the jacksons bay flier you had it sewn up.???
Jacksons Bay was a great flier, we were in and out pretty quick for a 96kM round trip, it was a race track through there, a real rush that was needed after the tight winding stuff (with loose gravel)it could have been 5 diamonds.

[Gixxer peter]

All going well I'll be back next year on the GN to set the record straight for the smallest and most underpowered bike to finish the TT2000 yet
i dont know about that.
Me and Johan (completed diamond on a goldwing) are considering trying it on stepthroughs next year.
We managed the brass last year, and plan to do it this year, we will do a bit of time trial to see if it can be done

[RedKLR650]

If only, if only. Should have done the Jacksons Bay flyer.
Not to worry, gold will do.
My reason for posting is to applaud everyone for taking part in the rally,
and to apologise to the riders I'm sure I pissed off on the way round.
Namely the white suzuki on the return from Dart river, and the guys with the mohekans near Arthurs Pass. Sorry...

Mark
P.S Be advised, I shall be attending next year.

And my reason for posting is to apologise to Mark for holding him up and costing him Diamond. It had been a hectic week and I was very unprepared, still working on the bike until early friday evening how ever I did put new rear rubber on. Gave the chain and sprockets a cursory check before lubing and concluded they had plenty enough life in them. WRONG...... :angry: chain started slipping just out of Hawea, and when I finally caught up to Mark in Haast, he gave up his time and tools to adjust my chain up tight enogh to get me home, although I must admit to babying it through the coast twistys in an effort to get back to Christchurch. It was then Mark made the soon to be regreted decision to skip Jacksons due to the holdup

Again Mark, thanks for the assistance, it was much appreciated, and sorry if it cost you Diamond..... :facepalm:

[Gixxer peter]

All going well I'll be back next year on the GN to set the record straight for the smallest and most underpowered bike to finish the TT2000 yet (And one of the biggest guys riding a GN too). :ride:



i dont know about that.
Me and Johan (completed diamond on a goldwing) are considering trying it on stepthroughs next year.
We managed the brass last year, and plan to do it this year, we will do a bit of time trial to see if it can be done

Sorry i have re- read this and i wish to say i dont mean to belittle your effort on the GN i was in awe as i saw it cruise by, well done.
And i have to admit i will be trailering the steppy to an from the finish/ start if i use it next year.
Was a great weekend what an adventure.