Advice wanted on heading to Brass Monkey

[yoyo 2wheels]

now i have your attention :bleh:
brass monkey.... being a learner from chch, can i get there and back in one piece and what do i need to be prepared !
any tips would be appreciated :) but not the grammer kind of tips or the your a girl you wont make it kind of tips, or the youve posted this thread in the wrong part.....

[EJK]

<img src="http://cdn.instanttrap.com/trap.jpg" />
<font color="1a1a1a">adfmasdkfmaldmfasdfa</font>

[nathanwhite]

Girls can't do long bike trips. Sad fact of life. :yes:

ok seriously, can you define 'learner' ie time riding and overall distance travelled?

Things I found most helpful for long group bike trips was to do several day trips gradually increasing the distance. For me I started at about 170km on a trip and pushed that up to ~350k's.
I worked in breaks every ~80km, which I also pushed up to abot 120kms in a sitting.

Then again maybe you shouldn't take advice from me. I did a 200km group ride 3 weeks after I got my bike :shit: :innocent:

[DODO``]

I wrote this else where but yeah,,
Ive done AK to Welly while ago.

Id say most important thing is comfort, make sure you are comfortable on the bikes with All weather gears,, make sure your cell phone stays alive too.

below is me from previous post
"ended up with bugs ALL over me.. not a biggy, arm-ache, backache, cramps,, on that sports bike.. use go cruise throttle control if you can on motorways, bigger bike than 250 would be less vibration etc etc more comfortable.. my mate told me he almost fell asleep so yeah ride fresh, take it easy slow, I remember lot of pain here and there haha.. have top box or saddle bags,, Id say do it, its fun, and if you want to enjoy the trip stop by at lots of places rather than sticking your head down and riding straight to the destination.":msn-wink:

and the cold weather ain't gona help either !

[HenryDorsetCase]

now i have your attention :bleh:
brass monkey.... being a learner from chch, can i get there and back in one piece and what do i need to be prepared !
any tips would be appreciated :) but not the grammer kind of tips or the your a girl you wont make it kind of tips, or the youve posted this thread in the wrong part.....

You can't get pregnant if its just the tip.


fact.

[5150]

Take a nice clean skimpy white Tee for the wet T-shirt contest :msn-wink:

[yoyo 2wheels]

Girls can't do long bike trips. Sad fact of life. :yes:

ok seriously, can you define 'learner' ie time riding and overall distance travelled?

anything boys can do girls can do better :msn-wink:
few thousand ks in the last 4 months.
but were talking ice, snow, brrr!
maybe a few more thousand post on here should get me down there at least aye :rolleyes:

[yoyo 2wheels]

ok fml i cant even get the quote posts right :laugh::clap:

[nathanwhite]

add [/QUOTE] to the end of where you quoted me.

[Maha]

add to the end of where you quoted me.[/QUOTE]

Like this? [/QUOTE]? :eek:

[nathanwhite]

to the end of where you quoted me.

Like this? [/QUOTE]? :eek:[/QUOTE]

No.

[bogan]

you're probly going to need a she-wee for the long trips

http://www.funinthecountry.co.uk/acatalog/sheweesh01-lrg.jpg

[Maha]

Like this? ? :eek:[/QUOTE]

No.[/QUOTE]

Damn this shit [/:shifty:] is not easy ['-']

[nathanwhite]

? :eek:

No.[/QUOTE]

Damn this shit [/:shifty:] is not easy ['-'][/QUOTE]

Too many close quote tags. It's starting to do my head in.
That's it. I'm walking away.

[Nzpure]

now i have your attention :bleh:
brass monkey.... being a learner from chch, can i get there and back in one piece and what do i need to be prepared !
any tips would be appreciated :) but not the grammer kind of tips or the your a girl you wont make it kind of tips, or the youve posted this thread in the wrong part.....

warm really warm.


Did i mention warm?

Oh and dry too, Warm and dry.
That way it will prolly be nice and unseasonally warm and dry and you'll feel like a giant retard arriving all rugged up lol.

[HenryDorsetCase]

at the risk of being on topic the key to winter riding is preparedness. You will need decent gear. Your bike should have enough ergs to run heated grips: totally worthwhile investment. think about something to keep the wind off your chest: one of those little givi headlight fairings that go on and off in minutes. if you're camping on site, a thermarest to insulate from the ground and a couple of decent sleeping bags (or, you know, a friend). Alcohol does not warm you up by the way: you just feel better while the hypothermia gets you. I can lend you a thermarest if you need one.

a pinlock visor might be useful: cold air plus warm breath = fogging and fogging sucks. bad enough with specs on.

ride at your own pace, and see how you go. I cant think of anything I'd like to do less than ride a motorbike in the middle of winter and freeze my tits off for a weekend, but each to their own.

[nathanwhite]

warm really warm.


Did i mention warm?

Oh and dry too, Warm and dry.


+1 Been cold out in the middle of nowhere before. A little wet too I think. Very not nice.
now, unless the weather is going to be prefect for the next few days I carry something extra warm JIC.

[HenryDorsetCase]

+1 Been cold out in the middle of nowhere before. A little wet too I think. Very not nice.
now, unless the weather is going to be prefect for the next few days I carry something extra warm JIC.

Its New Zealand in winter: dont bet your life on the weather doing what you want. Prepare prepare prepare.

[Nzpure]

Its New Zealand in winter: dont bet your life on the weather doing what you want. Prepare prepare prepare.

extraspecially the south island lol.

[EJK]

Oh you so silly! This is how to fix a quote box!


No.[/QUOTE]

Damn this shit [/:shifty:] is not easy ['-'][/QUOTE]

Too many close quote tags. It's starting to do my head in.
That's it. I'm walking away.

[Fast Eddie]

just bring a good attitude and nice undies. fellas there will keep you warm

[rossirep]

your going to do the brass on a lil wee vtr250..?? good luck with that, ..
warm bike gear, a tent and sleeping bag is all ya need, oh and lots on money for hot coffees...

but chch to the brass on a vtr... hahahahaha, really or are you taking the piss..?? ;-p

[Maha]

...speaking of tits...^:corn:

[yoyo 2wheels]

she wee, white t shirt and a fella to keep me warm.. think il be able to manage that... :Punk:

[Coldrider]

your going to do the brass on a lil wee vtr250..?? good luck with that, ..
warm bike gear, a tent and sleeping bag is all ya need, oh and lots on money for hot coffees...

but chch to the brass on a vtr... hahahahaha, really or are you taking the piss..?? ;-pbeen to the brass on XR250's from the norf island, some dudes go on c50 stepthru's from CHCH and Blenheim.
Much of a rider yourself?

to the OP the biggest on road risk is ice inland from Palmerston to the rally site, and that not only scares learners.

[yoyo 2wheels]

your going to do the brass on a lil wee vtr250..?? good luck with that, ..
warm bike gear, a tent and sleeping bag is all ya need, oh and lots on money for hot coffees...

but chch to the brass on a vtr... hahahahaha, really or are you taking the piss..?? ;-p

bloody hater! let me guess you ride a big gold wing coz your trying to compensate for your lil penis... bet your to pussy to even ride your bike in the winter... yeah thats right, i said it:bleh:

[unstuck]

Breast warmer.:niceone: got to look after the girls.:Punk:

[FJRider]

ok seriously, can you define 'learner' ie time riding and overall distance travelled?

anything boys can do girls can do better :msn-wink:
few thousand ks in the last 4 months.
but were talking ice, snow, brrr!
maybe a few more thousand post on here should get me down there at least aye :rolleyes:

It's about 400 km's from Christchurch to the Rally site. Weather ... and weather related road conditions, ARE important factors to consider prior to leaving home.

It HAS been done by learners in the past (even female learners) ... ask a few of the girls in ChCh for tips that helped them. Good wind-proof gear is needed. (practical, not a fashion statement)

Often the weather isn't too bad come Rally weekend ... and no real issues to deal with (road wise) but it may be advised to find a friend to ride with ... (who has a little experience in cold weather riding is good) to keep you company.

[Subike]

Bread bags for your hands,
Small rubbish bags for your feet
Good boots with sheepskin innersoles
long johns,
woolen pants
agricultural grade wet weather gear, ( stuff designed to be used on open cab tractor for 8hrs at a time.)
thermal top, skivvy, woolen shirt, woolen turtle neck jumper, water proof jacket,
wind proof over jacket
Ski mask
um.....
Stagger your ride into short comfortable stints,
Your bike needs to be serviced before you do the ride, and it will do it no worries,
.
Ensure your tires are in good condition and at the right pressure.

When riding places you suspect are slippery or snow in on the road

second gear, low revs, legs ready to stabilize yourself, forget the front brake...

If you get overtaken by other bike, who care, you will get there too


mm, yeah, that will do it

[rossirep]

bloody hater! let me guess you ride a big gold wing coz your trying to compensate for your lil penis... bet your to pussy to even ride your bike in the winter... yeah thats right, i said it:bleh:

and yeah i do ride a gold wing but not cause i have a small penis but because of my fat misses that comes for rides every now and then..'
and why would i ride in winter? iv got a van with a heater do use when the weather gets cold as sadly im not hard core enough to ride all year round.

oh yeah ya mite need a pack rack and some saddle bags to carry ya gear all the way down there ;-) do they even make pack racks for vtr's.?? lol,

[Subike]

do they even make pack racks for vtr's.?? lol,

http://www.ventura-bike.com/fitments.aspx?modelid=1043

Not a problem

[Gone Burger]

chch to the brass on a vtr... hahahahaha, really or are you taking the piss..?? ;-p

I did Wellington to Auckland via the forgotten highway 3 times return on my Keeway supershadow 250 on my own. Sure I ran out of gas more than twice and also blew the head gaskit - but it was farking fun! Pissed myself laughing when I ran out of gas on the desert road. :facepalm:

Good on ya girl - good luck with that. I went to the cold kiwi 2 years back on my own. Took my Bully up loaded with a tent, squab to sleep on... but best of all - a hot water bottle. Oh boy did Hinny laugh at me in the catering tent when I was filling it up, but noone was laughing when the snow began to fall for the nice. ACE!

Hope you have a ball.

[Skiwi]

Hey! where the boobs and fanny?

Damn, I've been suckered again.......:facepalm:




Your bike is plenty big enough, just sit at its comfortable cruising speed and it will run forever.
Find an overfreindly biker (or BYO) to shack up with, or bring a tent, your choice, and something to go between you and the ground. Another biker might fill that role too.
Make sure you take something warm and dry to change into after the wet tshirt competition.
Thermals are a good investment. Wooly hat, thick socks, comfy boots.

Bring some cordial as I hear it's a alcohol free zone this year.....:innocent:

[yoyo 2wheels]

alcohol free....?! NNnnoooooooooooo :cry:

[Skiwi]

alcohol free....?! NNnnoooooooooooo :cry:

HA! suckered you back..:bleh:

[FJRider]

Make sure you take something warm and dry to change into after the wet tshirt competition.
Thermals are a good investment. Wooly hat, thick socks, comfy boots.

Bring some cordial as I hear it's a alcohol free zone this year.....:innocent:

Don't be mean .. the only time she'll risk a wet T-shirt ... will be if she spills her drink (Or if she gets hit by a snowball) .... :shifty: There's no "Official" Wet T-shirt compitition ... :doh:

[FJRider]

she wee, white t shirt and a fella to keep me warm.. think il be able to manage that... :Punk:

There will no doubt be plenty that will volunteer to assist with warmth if he's not up to the task :innocent:

[DODO``]

Ive got a question about camping with tents,,, if one goes on a camping trip like this, can they just set up tent anywhere??? hm.. I could see it can be done on country side where theres no one around.. but what about in the city? or would they need to go into camp site?

[skinman]

might I suggest spare gloves & socks that you carry wrapped in a plastic bag.
If it rains your hands & feet will get wet & nothing sucks more than putting wet socks & gloves on.
(thats just from general all weather riding, havent been to the cold kiwi).
get a neck scarf/wind stopper thingy if you dont have one already. that cold air under the helmet onto neck sucks.
A few tools & some insulation tape to fix anything that falls off.
Make sure any bags that are strapped on cant escape & ensure they are closed & will stay shut. (lots of stories on how people have lost bags/gear from things not secure)
Stuff rubbing can be an issue. try & protect your bike from things you are carrying
best to see if there is anyone else going from near you and group up. much nicer that way unless you are a real loner.

[FJRider]

Ive got a question about camping with tents,,, if one goes on a camping trip like this, can they just set up tent anywhere??? hm.. I could see it can be done on country side where theres no one around.. but what about in the city? or would they need to go into camp site?

Aotea square was looking like a popular spot ... not that long ago ... I noticed ... <_<

[madbikeboy]

Don't take the advice of finding a biker, them bikers are all scumbags... LOL!

Okay, haven't ridden to the Brass, but here's some thoughts from a traveller and road trip junky. Warmth is good, take basic and warm sensible stuff that doubles as bike gear and day wear. I've got a thing for polyprop undergarments (but I'm a bit warped); that base layer works in across a range of climates and situations. Dry is also good. Cold and wet = bad decision making and risk; you don't need a befuddled brain when riding and hypothermia is a real risk. A bad day can turn into something much worse if you can't get warm and dry. I always carry my bad day stash - a change of dry clothes from a sealed bag, a packet of high calorie cookies (I'm partial to TimTams or Chips Ahoy double chocolate) - the sugar gives you a mental lift, while being dry takes some of the misery away.

Next thing - get the weight off you, and onto the bike. You don't want to add sore back to numb bum. Things can get overwhelming when you're loaded down. I've seen super staunch old Harley guys on the side of the road literally bawling when cramp and fatigue has hit them when they've carried all their excess gear in a backpack...

The journey is the fun bit, you get to meet all sorts of randoms when you're traveling - you get good and bad, but mostly good is my experience. I make it a rule of thumb to stop for people who are broken down, unless I'm worried for my safety - I've gotten a lot of kindness and hospitality back from people in the strangest places. I got invited to a party in Compton once by a reformed gang banger; in this context it does not mean a girl who likes having intimate relations with several men at once. Point is, don't judge a book by its cover, the roughest looking people can be the best hosts - Mr Gang Banger's new vocation was getting kids out of gangs and off drugs.

Take your Amex and your cell phone. Watch your mileage super carefully and top up at gas stations when you have a chance. I was surprised at the number of dumb asses I met in the outback last year who had gone past a gas station only to run out shortly afterwards. Riding a bike beats pushing a bike...

Take a camera, and a diary to note down stuff that happens. I often read old travel logs when I'm bored, funny how it brings a warm feeling back. Find the most random remote place to buy postcards and send them to your ex's.

[DODO``]

Aotea square was looking like a popular spot ... not that long ago ... I noticed ... <_<

lol:laugh:

[Subike]

Find the most random remote place to buy postcards and send them to your ex's.


That I think is the most worthy tip I have ever read on this site. :2thumbsup:2thumbsup

[FJRider]

Take a camera, and a diary to note down stuff that happens. I often read old travel logs when I'm bored, funny how it brings a warm feeling back. Find the most random remote place to buy postcards and send them to your ex's.

Yep take a camera ... get the pic's of all the other idiots doing idiot things ... confident you wont feature IN them ... <_<

Notebooks are good for phone numbers that you wont remember the next day (or half an hour later :facepalm:)

Postcards to ex's must include correct address ... but ... incorrect name ... or spelling of name ... (or his best mates name) :devil2:

[FJRider]

lol:laugh:

Actually I do know of a few that "joined the protest" at a few places during the "Occupy" protests ...

City living on tour ... :killingme

[Jackal]

The best tip..............Watch out where you go and don't eat yellow snow!!!!!:sick:

[yoyo 2wheels]

The best tip..............Watch out where you go and don't eat yellow snow!!!!!:sick:

:rofl::puke: awesune try keep that one in mind !!!!
looking forward to it even tho it sounds like it could all end bad in so many ways

[sleemanj]

Ive got a question about camping with tents,,, if one goes on a camping trip like this, can they just set up tent anywhere??? hm.. I could see it can be done on country side where theres no one around.. but what about in the city? or would they need to go into camp site?

What you are talking about is called Freedom Camping, and if you haven't heard about it in the last 3 years or so you must have been living in a cave.

In short, each district (or city) council has their own rules about Freedom Camping (camping where ever the mood strikes you). Many councils now have information specifically about freedom camping. Here's a site with links to some council information: http://www.camping.org.nz/new-zealand/regional-information/

That said, the Department of Conservation operates a large number of camp sites which you can use for a very nominal fee, these all have at least a long drop and a source of water (possibly a stream), use of DOC sites (and commercial operations) should be encouraged over pitching a tent any old where, leave only your footprints and all that.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/conservation-campsites-by-region/

[DODO``]

Oh man.. I was living in the cave,,, haha thanks for sharing!

[Flip]

Well we are going again this year, think its about 28 for me 17 for Crowe.

But we are only going from Oamaru this year and I will probably take the old side car, might go up the waitaki and see some mates who stay at Omarama.

If it all turns to custard I have ute, a workshop and space on the floor etc about half way down. There is a do for Brass Monkeys in the historic part of town on Friday night I want to go to, which should be fun.

[Conquiztador]

I like girls with balls!

Most advice worth knowing is already here. But FWIW here some that I know works:
- Breadbags for your hands. Beats any "These are the new ultra dry gloves" crap you pay $300 for. (take spare ones!!)
- Strips of innertube that you use to keep breadbags in place with.
- Small rubbishbags on your feet before you put them in the waterproof boots...
- A small bottle of Cognac, not to get tipsy but to warm you up inside when you have a stop.
- Put all things you know you will need on the trip (wallet, camera, cognac, mobile) somewhere you can easily get it from
- Don't pee in your pants. It will only be warm for a very short time...

Have fun!

[imac]

- A small bottle of Cognac, not to get tipsy but to warm you up inside when you have a stop.



I most sincerly hope you are not serious

[gammaguy]

now i have your attention :bleh:
brass monkey.... being a learner from chch, can i get there and back in one piece and what do i need to be prepared !
any tips would be appreciated :) but not the grammer kind of tips or the your a girl you wont make it kind of tips, or the youve posted this thread in the wrong part.....

wrap up warmly,more layers of thin are better than fewer layers of thick

stop regularly for warm drinks and carbo loading(food)

if the people you are riding with are going too fast or too slow,let them go/leave them behind

make sure your bike is fully serviced and checked by someone you trust well before leaving.

get heated grips!cold hands cause accidents.

If the road is icy,dont ride,or be bloody sure you can handle it.

apart from that have fun!

[FJRider]

I most sincerly hope you are not serious

It's only a 15 minute ride in the chopper to the hospital if it goes pear shaped ... but the two hour wait for it to get to site sucks ...

[Conquiztador]

I most sincerly hope you are not serious

And why would I not be?

[FJRider]

I like girls with balls!

Most advice worth knowing is already here. But FWIW here some that I know works:
- Breadbags for your hands. Beats any "These are the new ultra dry gloves" crap you pay $300 for. (take spare ones!!)
- Strips of innertube that you use to keep breadbags in place with.
- Small rubbishbags on your feet before you put them in the waterproof boots...
- A small bottle of Cognac, not to get tipsy but to warm you up inside when you have a stop.
- Put all things you know you will need on the trip (wallet, camera, cognac, mobile) somewhere you can easily get it from
- Don't pee in your pants. It will only be warm for a very short time...

Have fun!

GOOD GEAR is much better. And gear that does not require 20 minutes of removing gear to gain access to the required anatomy ... and ability to carry out the required ablutions ... :corn:

In other words ... if you think you need to pee ... start looking for somewhere to go ... :doh:


Dont put it off ... :facepalm: :msn-wink:

[sleemanj]

I most sincerly hope you are not serious

Just in case anybody isn't clear, drinking alcohol in order to "warm up" is a bad idea (at least in the absense of some external heat source to ACTUALLY warm you up at the same time), it might make you "feel warmer" for a short while, but it's at the expense of your core body heat, and once that's gone, so are you.

In the words of the Mythbusters (not exactly the fount of all knowledge, but they'll do):
"Alcohol may make your skin feel warm, but this apparent heat wave is deceptive. A nip or two actually causes your blood vessels to dilate, moving warm blood closer to the surface of your skin, making you feel warmer temporarily. At the same time, however, those same veins pumping blood closer to the skin's surface cause you to lose core body heat — the heat you need to survive, especially if you're stuck in a snowdrift . This effect could lead to fatal hypothermia."

[Conquiztador]

Just in case anybody isn't clear, drinking alcohol in order to "warm up" is a bad idea (at least in the absense of some external heat source to ACTUALLY warm you up at the same time), it might make you "feel warmer" for a short while, but it's at the expense of your core body heat, and once that's gone, so are you.

In the words of the Mythbusters (not exactly the fount of all knowledge, but they'll do):
"Alcohol may make your skin feel warm, but this apparent heat wave is deceptive. A nip or two actually causes your blood vessels to dilate, moving warm blood closer to the surface of your skin, making you feel warmer temporarily. At the same time, however, those same veins pumping blood closer to the skin's surface cause you to lose core body heat — the heat you need to survive, especially if you're stuck in a snowdrift . This effect could lead to fatal hypothermia."

You are all missing the point badly: I have some cognac with me when I ride. Perhaps once/hour (or even less) I take a small sip and only if I am cold and there is no proper place to stop to get warm.. It DOES warm me up inside and the amount of alcohol I get inside is so miniscule that it would not make any difference to a sparrow's flight. But hey, I was only providing options, and for those who do not like this one: don't. Simple.

[MIXONE]

I most sincerly hope you are not serious

Me too!
Jack Daniels does a far better job.

[FJRider]

You are all missing the point badly: I have some cognac with me when I ride. Perhaps once/hour (or even less) I take a small sip and only if I am cold and there is no proper place to stop to get warm.. It DOES warm me up inside and the amount of alcohol I get inside is so miniscule that it would not make any difference to a sparrow's flight. But hey, I was only providing options, and for those who do not like this one: don't. Simple.

It's NOT the amount of alcohol that causes the problems .... but the with the loss of core body heat. I know of a few that claimed the same as you. And after an enforced period of having no external heat source (due to weather/road conditions or an "off") Hypothermia set in.

Your comment is not advice that should be given to those with no cold weather riding experience.

[Conquiztador]

It's NOT the amount of alcohol that causes the problems .... but the with the loss of core body heat. I know of a few that claimed the same as you. And after an enforced period of having no external heat source (due to weather/road conditions or an "off") Hypothermia set in.

Your comment is not advice that should be given to those with no cold weather riding experience.

Thank fucken god you rode in on your white stallion then.

[Macontour]

Just in case anybody isn't clear, drinking alcohol in order to "warm up" is a bad idea (at least in the absense of some external heat source to ACTUALLY warm you up at the same time), it might make you "feel warmer" for a short while, but it's at the expense of your core body heat, and once that's gone, so are you.

A nip or two actually causes your blood vessels to dilate, moving warm blood closer to the surface of your skin, making you feel warmer temporarily. At the same time, however, those same veins pumping blood closer to the skin's surface cause you to lose core body heat — the heat you need to survive, especially if you're stuck in a snowdrift . This effect could lead to fatal hypothermia."

What he said. It is a long held fallacy that the booze makes you warmer, it only makes you "feel" warmer. In reality you are losing valuable heat.

[Winston001]

now i have your attention :bleh:
brass monkey.... being a learner from chch, can i get there and back in one piece and what do i need to be prepared !
any tips would be appreciated :) but not the grammer kind of tips or the your a girl you wont make it kind of tips, or the youve posted this thread in the wrong part.....

Lots of excellent advice here. My mate went to the Brass from Chch one time on a GN250. He's an experienced rider and his main complaint was the distance into a cold southerly. I suggest you break the trip up, going to Oamaru or Palmerston on Friday, and the site on Saturday. There will be many bikes on the roads both days so you won't be alone - lots of help if you need it. Alternatively leave Chch really early on Saturday morning so you can pace yourself.

The Brass is in mid-winter which can mean darkness by 5pm. In fact it can be bloody gloomy by 4. So arrive middayish to give yourself time to set up camp and wander around. Once the bonfire is lit there is plenty of light and heat.

I've been to the Brass many times, lately riding a Toyota Prado which has a camping ground in the back seat. :D It really is an iconic rally, one of those experiences you should have, and something you won't forget.

[Winston001]

Incidentally there will be a large crew from Chch heading south. If you aren't going with anyone else, you should link up with some KBers. Just put up a thread asking.

[FJRider]

And ... regardless how bad a condition the roads there and back are ... the Rally site itself will be in worse condition. If it's raining the site will be muddy .... and/or slippery. Off the main tracks the ground can be very uneven ... with large rocks to knock holes in the sump, and/or holes to swollow the front wheel ... Even a slight smooth slope with a dew on it can cause a slide and drop. :shit:

But don't worry ... plenty of people will be around at critical points ... with a camera to record your embarrasing off ... :facepalm:

[Ender EnZed]

There's lots of good advice in this thread. But don't forget that Chch to Oturehua is only half a days ride at average traffic speed. Unless you're of the age where death stalks you at every turn then in terms of simply getting there it'd be a lot easier to overthink it than to fuck it up.

Get petrol in Timaru and Palmerston. And don't fall off.

[FJRider]

There's lots of good advice in this thread. But don't forget that Chch to Oturehua is only half a days ride at average traffic speed. Unless you're of the age where death stalks you at every turn then in terms of simply getting there it'd be a lot easier to overthink it than to fuck it up.

Get petrol in Timaru and Palmerston. And don't fall off.

400 km's in (often) shit weather ... for a learner on a wee vtr ... the last 100 km's usually into the worst of it. More experienced riders make it a day trip.

It does pay to be on site by 4 pm (preferably with the tent up) as the light fades pretty quickly after that, as does any temperature at the time ....

Frequent but short stops to warm up is the key. Often you dont realise how cold you are untill you get to a warm spot.

[mossy1200]

Is vtr chick real or just another alt designed to get the guys dribbling.

[Ender EnZed]

Is vtr chick real or just another alt designed to get the guys dribbling.

I sense a "Tits or GTFO" post coming.

[FJRider]

Is vtr chick real or just another alt designed to get the guys dribbling.

This is KB .... reality ... ??? :killingme

[Berries]

Just in case anybody isn't clear, drinking alcohol in order to "warm up" is a bad idea (at least in the absense of some external heat source to ACTUALLY warm you up at the same time), it might make you "feel warmer" for a short while, but it's at the expense of your core body heat, and once that's gone, so are you.
I can't imagine those words coming from the mouth of Chopper.

[Coldrider]

Is vtr chick real or just another alt designed to get the guys dribbling.I thought the ginga had all the puppy sniffers trailing.

[rossirep]

Is vtr chick real or just another alt designed to get the guys dribbling.

chances are is just another minger bike riding chick who looks nice from afar, but is really far from nice..
100 meter hottie, or looks mint with a helmet on.. hahahaha, ;-)

[unstuck]

chances are is just another minger bike riding chick who looks nice from afar, but is really far from nice..
100 meter hottie, or looks mint with a helmet on.. hahahaha, ;-)

And heres me thinking it must be your girlfriend.:innocent:

[yoyo 2wheels]

excuse me i happen to think gunts and a hairy chin add character to a woman! haha
im no butch manly angry fat ass lesbian thats for sure
heaps of great tips :2thumbsup

[Flip]

And ... regardless how bad a condition the roads there and back are ... the Rally site itself will be in worse condition. If it's raining the site will be muddy .... and/or slippery. Off the main tracks the ground can be very uneven ... with large rocks to knock holes in the sump, and/or holes to swollow the front wheel ... Even a slight smooth slope with a dew on it can cause a slide and drop. :shit:

But don't worry ... plenty of people will be around at critical points ... with a camera to record your embarrasing off ... :facepalm:

I have been asking the Brass to tidy up the track for the last couple of years. Last year they scrapped of the worst of the loose topsoil.

[BrendanZX9R]

lots of good tips here. My old man has done the monkey for 20+ years and i've been going for the last 6. We both agree that it's the only time of year where its appropriate for a man to wear long johns....:laugh:

We live in chch and find that breaking the trip up and taking your time is the best way to go, especially if the weathers crap. We usually leave friday afternoon and stay overnight in timaru. Then on saturday we take our time and stop in palmerston and ranfurly. We reason that its a weekend away from the missus so we will take our time and make the most of it!:msn-wink::laugh:

Take an extra layer to put on if you get wet, and another layer to put on if you find you are getting cold. I reckon its better to make all your clothes smelly from wearing them too long than freeze your arse off. spare gloves make sense as does a balaclava or something similar to keep the wind off your neck.

as for riding, again just take your time. we have people come with us on 250's and they have been fine so long as they just took their time and went at their own pace. we like to stay as a group as much as we can so we just make sure that everyone knows where the next stop is and that way everyone can go at their own pace. There's no prizes for getting there first.

most of all have great time, its addictive and i reckon once you've done one you will be back for more.

enjoy!

[HenryDorsetCase]

Is vtr chick real or just another alt designed to get the guys dribbling.

Criminy! Surely people wouldn't be so cruel on the internets.

[_Shrek_]

I have been asking the Brass to tidy up the track for the last couple of years. Last year they scrapped of the worst of the loose topsoil.

:shutup: :nono: then we can't have any fun on our bikes or stand there with a camra :bleh:



now i have your attention :bleh:
brass monkey.... being a learner from chch, can i get there and back in one piece and what do i need to be prepared !
any tips would be appreciated :) but not the grammer kind of tips or the your a girl you wont make it kind of tips, or the youve posted this thread in the wrong part.....

the advice you got for using polyprop is good, light & warm along with good riding gear, & wet weather gear helps with wind chill, don't forget hot grips,
a better ride from CHCH is down to Rangitata (call into chequered flag bike friendly) turn off to Geraldine, Fairlie, Tekapo, Omarama, Alexandra & site, there are a number of Kbers leave from CHCH

riding in snow/ice keep ya speed down & use gears to slow down do it early, but if you have to use them (brakes) be very gentle
save the drinking for when you get to the site not along the way
a good sleeping bag & tent would help too
hope to cya there & have fun riding down :drinknsin

[Subike]

Is vtr chick real or just another alt designed to get the guys dribbling.

she look pretty dambed real to me the first time I saw her on her vtr.

and yup she is a good looker too, so you can get out the dribbling rags boys,

me thinks thats about as close as any of you lot will ever get,

Dribbling distance,

that includes me:woohoo:

[yoyo 2wheels]

she look pretty dambed real to me the first time I saw her on her vtr.

and yup she is a good looker too, so you can get out the dribbling rags boys,

me thinks thats about as close as any of you lot will ever get,

Dribbling distance,

that includes me:woohoo:

STALKER!!!!:shit:

[FJRider]

STALKER!!!!:shit:

Your vtr should outrun his Keway ... :shifty:

[Subike]

STALKER!!!!:shit:

Na, just happen to be in the same place as you a couple of times .

[mossy1200]

Na, just happen to be in the same place as you a couple of times PER DAY.


Fixed that for you

[Flip]

Witch hunt the new KB way.

[Subike]

then a quiet pootle from chch leaving say 10 am sat morn,
the route that Shrek suggested
would get you to the camp site before sun down.
and the return trip would also be a slow pootle.
mmmmm

[Winston001]

Yeah but the sun goes down about 4pm so getting there by 2 is a much much better idea.

[FJRider]

Yeah but the sun goes down about 4pm so getting there by 2 is a much much better idea.

About 5 pm ... actually ... but the temperature drops very rapidly after 4 pm ...

[Subike]

500ks, = 6 hrs, allowing for 10 min stop each hour or close to it, would be 4pm
Taking shreks route
400k, = 5 hrs taking the straight road route down the coast, ( the Harley route) would be 3pm
Sitting at home in the warm getting board....

[yoyo 2wheels]

:banana: one more week to go :banana:
not organised, no plan, but still yeay :banana:

[madbikeboy]

I'm the guy who turns up at the airport, and then decides where to go based on the next flight out of the country. Planning is for anal retentive people who are afraid to live.

[Subike]

Planning is also for those who want to enjoy their ride and arrive safe at the site,
But i understand you point of view, madbikeboy, and acknowledge its truth,