Rusty Nuts Grand Challenge 2005 [Archive]

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Warr

10th August 2005, 19:49

15-16 Oct '05
Are there any KB's from Waikato/northwards who are contemplating entering.
Wanting to hook up with anyone who is.

There are some excellent reports from previous events to be found on the site.
Just search "Grand Challenge 1000"

Waylander

10th August 2005, 20:42

Ooh day after my birthday. Definately try and give this a go. Depends on what my job situation is around that time. (if nothing good for that I may be able to get fuel as a 'birthday' gift...}

justsomeguy

10th August 2005, 20:44

I've just replied to your PM Warr - a small team sounds like a bloody good idea. I think unless something unavoidable happens I'm in.

I believe a few of the KB senior members have done it before, some several times.

Warr

10th August 2005, 23:01

Compulsory reading if you've not done it before. These are blackbirds ride reports. The '96 was his first and gives a good example of endurance riding in any-sort-a-weather.

Some would say endurance riding is only for the soft in the head. I'm 47 so perhaps it has something to do with age. :no: :no: :yes:
A 24hour 1600km ride is no walk-in-the-park. As anyone who has done it before will be sure to tell you.
So the more who put their hands up :motu: the more buddies you'll have to ride with at the pace you prefer.

1996 (930K) (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3593)

2003 (640K) (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3588)

Found a couple of posts from Hitcher after last years event too. Not so large too :)
Hitcher Part1 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=5961&highlight=Grand+Challenge)

Hitcher Part2 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=5962&highlight=Grand+Challenge)

Another excellent report for the '04 GC from Mangells
mangell6 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=465)

matthewt

10th August 2005, 23:22

I've done the last 3 and I would say the weather can decide just how much of a challenge it is. The first 2 I did were fairly OK but last years was a real pain in two sections because of rain and fog.

Usually a great weekend all said and done.

texmo

10th August 2005, 23:24

whats the deal is it like the gum-ball rally?

Warr

10th August 2005, 23:39

whats the deal is it like the gum-ball rally?
Yea.. You get a list of checkpoints and 24 hours to do it in. Leaving at timed intervals after 3pm on Sat afternoon.

justsomeguy

11th August 2005, 00:08

A 24hour 1600km ride is no walk-in-the-park. As anyone who has done it before will be sure to tell you.

I know what you mean - I tried something like this when I was younger and stupider. Ended up driving 1300kms in 22 hours. 5am to 3am the following day

This was in a cage as I didn't know about the wonderful world of bikes then.

We were rolling through red lights at 1am and my mate (equally brain dead) would go hey that was a red light and I would go yeah - this conversation was about 5 secs after we passed it. Then he'd go take the next right and I'd go which side it that??

Seriously it may seem funny but at that time it was really frustrating to not be able to think or figure things out quickly due to your brains inability to focus.:no:

Warr

11th August 2005, 09:24

Courtesy of Rider in Black

Yes did it last year:weird: and doing it again this year:weird: :weird: Not part of a group. Found it better to set your own pace. You'll find that sometimes your with a group and sometimes your on your own. Hardest part is between 1am and Sun rise (a lot give up then). Make your seat as comfie as poss. Do night rides, rain rides, and early morning rides. Make sure your riding gear will haddle everythnig that is going to be thrown at it. Get you bike fully serviced at least 2weeks before hand (Let the shop know that you are doing the GC). New tyres, brake pads. Check you bearings (steering head, wheel etc). Read up on the GC (http://http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=79) on the Rusty Nuts' Web Site (http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=1). Enter GC (http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=41)

Blackbird

11th August 2005, 10:05

Yep, Doug (RIB) is right on the money with his comments. Solo riding might suit Doug but we really enjoy riding as a team. Mind you, the important distinction is that we've ridden together for years and have the same riding styles. You need to trust your riding partners implicitly. Food and drink are also important as I felt really crook one year when I drank too much V and junk food. Since then, I have stuck to bottled water and scroggin (dried banana rings, nuts, pumpkin seeds and so on). Felt much better for it and didn't need to go to the toilet so much either!

Stops make a huge difference too. The first 1000 miler we did involved substantial stops and we simply stiffened up. You can save a lot of time by only stopping for 10-15 minutes when you gas up, do some stretches, throw food and drink down your throat and get underway again

A few other things to think about too, but I won't bang on about them! :whistle:

Geoff

RiderInBlack

11th August 2005, 20:05

Yep, skip the V-type drinks and coffee until you last fueling stop (they'll dehyrate you), keep well hyrated (water or electrolite supplement drinks is the best), and keep your carbohrate intake up (DON'T eat heavy hard to digest food). Best dam advice the Old GC pros gave me.

Dehyation and low blood sugars will cause you fatigue and make you feel drousy.
Cafine (like Alcohol) causes you to pee lots, thereby dehrating you. It all so causes you to burn through you carbohydrates quicker.

Heavy food use lots of energy to digest, so will in the short term make you feel tired. With the GC leaving at 3pm, your better off having a big Breakfast and a medium lunch. Then during the GC just have light high energy snacks. They have a good big meal waiting for you at the finish (which really goes down well then).

I had a 2l Carbo drink made up at 1/2 the recommend strength, that I drunk at every stop. This, plus the odd Moro was all I needed for most of the 21 1/2hrs I did the GC in. Had a LiftPlus at the last fuel stop to get me home.

A few repeat GC's had Camel-Packs which helped them big time. I'm using one this year.

Hooks

11th August 2005, 20:12

This is something I have been thinking about doing since I got my bike back on the road ... I reckon it could be fun ... any from here in Palmy interested ??

Warr

11th August 2005, 20:17

A few repeat GC's had Camel-Packs which helped them big time. I'm using one this year.
Trouble with one of those would be to not drink too much .. then u'd want to pee all the time!

Something else that newbies like me dont know about is "The Start"

Grand Challenge: The starters send bikes off in pairs at two-minute intervals. Your start sequence is based on your event registration number. Last year Mrs H and I were numbers 44 and 45 (from memory), so we were about an hour and a half after the first away. Completing the Challenge in the allotted time requires a good rolling average -- any time you spend stopped is time lost -- so there is no point waiting around for mates to start. Bikes tend to bunch up from about the first checkpoint onwards, if that's what you want to do.

RiderInBlack

11th August 2005, 20:25

They are only 1-2L. You'll need at least that over 24hrs.

Hooks

11th August 2005, 20:32

So where do you register and much is it ??

RiderInBlack

12th August 2005, 06:05

So where do you register and much is it ??Links as posted before: Read up on the GC (http://http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=79) on the Rusty Nuts' Web Site (http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=1). Enter GC (http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=41)

Blackbird

12th August 2005, 07:08

So where do you register and much is it ??

http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=41

Even for riders who have done it before, it's never, ever easy. That's why the Grand Challenge is aptly named. It's just as much a mental as physical challenge and Lee Hurley, the organiser, always manages to incorporate some horrible goat track in the middle of the night which really puts you on edge when you're at your lowest ebb. :nono: I find it's from about 3am until dawn that I get jittery when the body clock is trying to shut me down.

The phenomenal satisfaction from finishing on time it is hard to describe, let alone the relief from pain :rofl:

Hitcher

12th August 2005, 11:36

The route is largely shaped by the availability of 24-hour gas stations at about 160km intervals. This means that East Cape will never be part of a GC, unfortunately.

Last year's "midnight goat track" was the Waioeka Gorge, exacerbated beautifully by a freezing cold torrential downpour. It was a toss-up as to which was worse; that, or the freezing cold pea-soup fog from Benneydale to Te Kuiti at dawn.

None-the-less it was a blast. Got to do it again...

Beemer

12th August 2005, 11:47

My husband will no doubt be lining up again - he's bike number 1 - one of only two riders who have (up until last year) done every Grand Challenge since the first one. Last year he had an intermittent electrical fault so he pulled out - Lee had phoned ahead to tell me he could rejoin the ride if he had another bike so when he arrived I told him to take mine. He was in two minds but thought he would have to ride back to where he'd pulled out and do the rest from there so he decided not to. Lee rang later to say he could have just ridden straight to the next checkpoint as the distance he had travelled would be more than what the others had done, but by then it was too late.

The rules state that you must start and finish the event on the same bike - so technically the guy who now holds the record is on a par with my husband as one year his bike broke down and he finished the event on a bike his mate had lent him.

And for all of those who think it is a race - IT IS NOT. There is no prize for being first back and if you receive speeding tickets during the event I think you can be disqualified. Safety is always paramount and riding like a moron usually results in an early finish - by accident.

Not for the faint hearted - you won't see me there apart from to cheer on the riders!

texmo

12th August 2005, 11:54

If you stay in the speed limit the whole time can you finnish within 24 hours?

Beemer

12th August 2005, 12:27

If you stay in the speed limit the whole time can you finish within 24 hours?

Of course, they wouldn't have still been doing the event all these years later if people had to break the law to complete it, the cops would have done them by now! The total distance is 1000 miles - roughly 1600kms - so that leaves you eight hours up your sleeve to allow for lower speed zones, rest stops, eating, check points, etc.

People have completed it on little scooters - one guy did it on a Suzuki RG50 in 2001 - admittedly he finished one minute inside the 24 hours!

The checkpoints are only open at certain times too - so there is no advantage to riding at warp speed nine and getting to the checkpoints hours before anyone else - because you will be sitting there waiting until the guys arrive to open it!

Blackbird

12th August 2005, 13:02

My husband will no doubt be lining up again - he's bike number 1 - one of only two riders who have (up until last year) done every Grand Challenge since the first one.

Does your husband have a white R100 RS? I've seen that bike on every ride I've done and presume the other guy you're referring to is Cameron Smith from Rotorua. Met him on the Southern Cross too this year.

About time Lee set a northern route again. He sent us up to Kaitaia one year and the following checkpoint was Dargaville. The ride in the wee small hours through the Mangamukas and Waipoua Forest was diabolical on the body.

Beemer

12th August 2005, 13:08

Does your husband have a white R100 RS? I've seen that bike on every ride I've done and presume the other guy you're referring to is Cameron Smith from Rotorua. Met him on the Southern Cross too this year.

About time Lee set a northern route again. He sent us up to Kaitaia one year and the following checkpoint was Dargaville. The ride in the wee small hours through the Mangamukas and Waipoua Forest was diabolical on the body.

Yes, the white R100RS is my husband's! I did an article on the ride in 2001 for Kiwi Rider - it was in the December issue.

Andy really enjoys the ride, he prefers to ride mostly by himself because then he can set his own pace and stop when he feels like it. He says the problem with riding in a group is that the rest/petrol stops are magnified - you have to wait for everyone before you can leave.

He'd love a new bike to do it on (I almost feel guilty when I realise I have had two new bikes in the past three years and he is riding bikes from the 80s!) but we paid over $20,000 to have our steep gravel driveway concreted so that's where his new bike went!

Blackbird

12th August 2005, 13:33

Yep, understand Andy's sentiments. Unless the riding group is really disciplined, it can be frustrating for other members. I wouldn't mind doing it solo some time just to see how fast I can do it (~18 hours with 2 riding partners was my best) but you're quite correct that it most definitely isn't a race. That's a disaster waiting to happen. However, I actually prefer to ride with a small group that I know and trust as it's great to share the experience with others, both at the time and in the future.

Waylander

12th August 2005, 13:50

Beemer

12th August 2005, 14:01

Getting a flip face helmet so no worries about being quik at stops. And have saddle bags for my bike so can carry food and water in there. Only thing about me that might get peaple upset isI ride kinda slow apparently. hope to get back to where I was before my last wreck before October though so may not be an issue.

You don't need to worry about being that quick at stops - the first year Andy did it a mate of his thought they would be on the go all the time, so he would fill up the bike and throw $20 on the counter, not bothering to wait for change! Andy was the first home one year, while another year he finished in 23 hours 55 minutes!

The main reason Andy rides alone is because of his number - his has been the first bike away for many years now, so if he wanted to ride with his friends, he'd have to start well down the pack. He likes being first away because although he does get passed by some of the guys on faster bikes, he doesn't end up catching up to a huge group of riders a few hours down the road. I'm not sure what his fastest time is, forgot to ask him at lunchtime, but he usually finishes at about 8am Sunday morning - so about 18 hours with stops for food and petrol along the way.

Dragon28

12th August 2005, 14:30

So where do you register and much is it ??

Check out http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=1

Hitcher

12th August 2005, 15:05

The main reason Andy rides alone is because of his number - his has been the first bike away for many years now, so if he wanted to ride with his friends, he'd have to start well down the pack. He likes being first away because although he does get passed by some of the guys on faster bikes, he doesn't end up catching up to a huge group of riders a few hours down the road. I'm not sure what his fastest time is, forgot to ask him at lunchtime, but he usually finishes at about 8am Sunday morning - so about 18 hours with stops for food and petrol along the way.
Last year we deliberately took an earlier-than-needed first gas stop to avoid the pack refuelling at the first checkpoint. We had a pack delay fuelling at checkpoint 2 and again at checkpoint 3, but no great dramas at either. In fact it was nice to have a stretch and a walk around. But apart from that we rode at our own pace. We nearly came to grief timewise after having a very leisurely lunch on our way back through New Plymouth, completing in 23 hours 59 minutes. This involved a brisk pace from New Plymouth to Taumarunui and then an exceedingly brisk pace from Taumarunui to Turangi...

Beemer

12th August 2005, 15:16

That is one of the advantages of having such a big fuel tank - he can ride for ages before needing to refuel as the Beemer has a 24L tank! He did recall putting 23.5L into it in New Plymouth after being forced to ride at 90kph for 50kms to conserve fuel as all the petrol stations around the coast closed at 5pm on Saturdays!

He did get locked in a toilet once - the handle came off the door! Luckily he had his Swiss Army knife with him and dismantled the handle to get out!

Waylander

12th August 2005, 15:21

You don't need to worry about being that quick at stops - the first year Andy did it a mate of his thought they would be on the go all the time, so he would fill up the bike and throw $20 on the counter, not bothering to wait for change! Andy was the first home one year, while another year he finished in 23 hours 55 minutes!.... and other words.

Yea but with how slow I ride I can get in there fuel up eat and get going again and then leave before the rest of the group so that they catch up to me about halfway to the next stop lol.

Beemer

12th August 2005, 15:25

Yea but with how slow I ride I can get in there fuel up eat and get going again and then leave before the rest of the group so that they catch up to me about halfway to the next stop lol.

You think YOU'RE slow? You should try riding with ME! I would need a week to do the 1000 miles... I have never been tempted to do it because I sincerely doubt I could ride for that distance in one go without coming a cropper. I'd probably stop somewhere for a pee and fall asleep in the toilet, waking just before the 24 hour deadline was up!

Waylander

12th August 2005, 15:31

You think YOU'RE slow? You should try riding with ME! I would need a week to do the 1000 miles... I have never been tempted to do it because I sincerely doubt I could ride for that distance in one go without coming a cropper. I'd probably stop somewhere for a pee and fall asleep in the toilet, waking just before the 24 hour deadline was up!
Lol no worries about that for me. If there is a ride ahead I'll be wide awake for several days. Maybe me and Warr need to go out on some "training" sessions to get my speed in the twisties up abit.:devil2:

k14

12th August 2005, 16:22

He did get locked in a toilet once - the handle came off the door! Luckily he had his Swiss Army knife with him and dismantled the handle to get out!
Woah thats awesome? His name isn't MacGyver by any chance is it??? :whistle:

Beemer

12th August 2005, 16:44

Woah thats awesome? His name isn't MacGyver by any chance is it??? :whistle:

He lets me call him God sometimes... He is very handy when it comes to getting out of tricky situations - or housework! :yes:

Groins_NZ

12th August 2005, 17:23

Anyone from Welly area attending?

Hitcher?

Hitcher

12th August 2005, 17:35

Anyone from Welly area attending?

Hitcher?
I presume the regulars: Mangell6, Matthewt, Mrs H and me. Goodness knows who else...

texmo

12th August 2005, 18:38

Yes, the white R100RS is my husband's! I did an article on the ride in 2001 for Kiwi Rider - it was in the December issue.

Andy really enjoys the ride, he prefers to ride mostly by himself because then he can set his own pace and stop when he feels like it. He says the problem with riding in a group is that the rest/petrol stops are magnified - you have to wait for everyone before you can leave.

He'd love a new bike to do it on (I almost feel guilty when I realise I have had two new bikes in the past three years and he is riding bikes from the 80s!) but we paid over $20,000 to have our steep gravel driveway concreted so that's where his new bike went!
That BMW would probly be one of the best bikes to do it on either hat or a guzzie..... Does he wanna sell that bike?

Kickaha

12th August 2005, 18:58

Yes, the white R100RS is my husband's! I did an article on the ride in 2001 for Kiwi Rider - it was in the December issue.

Andy really enjoys the ride, he prefers to ride mostly by himself because then he can set his own pace and stop when he feels like it. He says the problem with riding in a group is that the rest/petrol stops are magnified - you have to wait for everyone before you can leave.
t!

I remember chasing him around the North end of Lake Taupo and beyond in the 92 or 93 event very nice smooth rider

both times I did it I took 19 1/2 hours hampered a bit by a small fuel tank which meant a maximun range of about 160km before I'd start getting nervous,although apart from a very sore arse it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be

most of the time I rode by myself and tried to stay about the 120kmh mark but sometimes I'd catch guys and ride with them for a while or tag on to someone who passed me

It's a good ride! :yes:

matthewt

13th August 2005, 00:16

From memory the first one took 20 hours, 19 for the 2nd and just over 23 for the 3rd.

Not 100% sure I'll do this years, depends if I sell the Brutale or not. If I still have it in October then I'll most likely be in.

Sprinter

13th August 2005, 15:29

15-16 Oct '05
Are there any KB's from Waikato/northwards who are contemplating entering.
Wanting to hook up with anyone who is.
I could be a starter. But you already know that! :)

JohnBoy

13th August 2005, 16:20

hmmm... looks really cool but, might give it a miss this time. probably have to get a new rear tyre in Napier if i went!!

Beemer

13th August 2005, 16:35

I remember chasing him around the North end of Lake Taupo and beyond in the 92 or 93 event very nice smooth rider.

Yes, he is, and he'd be rapt to hear you say that! He can ride fast, but he's a consistently smooth rider - even on his old bikes (the newest one he owns is probably the BMW and that's a 1984 model I think!) he can teach most riders a thing or two about cornering on tight and twisty roads!

Texmo - you're right, it is a good bike for an event like this, he loves the weather protection the BWM offers. He'd love to sell it - but only if he could afford to upgrade to the 1200ST he has set his heart on! So don't hold your breath, it won't be sold until we win Lotto!

Blackbird

13th August 2005, 16:58

Yes, he is, and he'd be rapt to hear you say that! He can ride fast, but he's a consistently smooth rider - even on his old bikes (the newest one he owns is probably the BMW and that's a 1984 model I think!) he can teach most riders a thing or two about cornering on tight and twisty roads!!

I had a similar experience on the '96 GC which was the first one for me. I had a BMW K100 RS then. It was on the Ongarue road, narrow, bumpy and twisty. I was leaned right over and thought I was going pretty fast and Andy came sailing past looking completely unfussed. Was impressed as heck and it made me realise that I had a huge amount to learn about endurance riding.

RiderInBlack

13th August 2005, 18:55

Lol no worries about that for me. If there is a ride ahead I'll be wide awake for several days. Maybe me and Warr need to go out on some "training" sessions to get my speed in the twisties up abit.:devil2:Quit worrying about you speed. Going fast and getting your knee down will not get you to the finish. More time is gained on the GC by well planed fuel stops.

Going fast will burn your fuel faster shortening your range, causing you to fuel more often. Each fuel stop can cost you 10-15mins. You have to go hellishly fast to make up 10-15mins of time.

Cornering hard also burns more fuel, but more importantly is a lot more fatigueing. Last year there was a group of young 600's Sportbike riders doing the GC. Followed them for a while through the twisties between Napier and Gisbon ( this was around 11pm). They were riding like it was a KB fast ride down the 22:weird: Let them going after matching them for a few Km's. Next time I saw them was near Bennydale some where around 4am. They were nackered and were pulling out of the GC (surprise, surprise:sherlock: ).

Smooth cornering, pace yourself, and well timed fuel stops is what will get you home.

Efficiency NOT Speed is what it takes to finnish this ride.

Warr

13th August 2005, 19:51

Just added to the first page another report on last years GC written by Mangell6

Hitcher

14th August 2005, 13:55

The cheque is in the post!

Jackrat

15th August 2005, 19:10

Just a little request from one of the flunkys folks.
When you get to the check points,or at lest the one I'm going to be looking after.Can you PLEASE check in before you go for gas ect.
It only takes a few seconds an I'm trying to keep a check on peoples where abouts an general good health.Last year a few folks went missing and it caused a bit of stress for the check point people until they showed up at the next check point after having forgot to check in at the one previous.
If you do forget to check in at one check point you don't have to worry about not completeing the ride as you can just ring in an let us know where you are.we'll just add up your kms an all's sweet.
Anyway, go hard you crazy buggers.

Groins_NZ

16th August 2005, 13:13

Paid for and registration on it's way!

Now for some driving lights :mellow:

Hitcher

16th August 2005, 13:31

Anyway, go hard you crazy buggers.
After I get my stress levels down I hope that normal transmission will be resumed...

texmo

16th August 2005, 19:00

The cold kiwi is far enough for me on my scooter blah takes me around 4 hours to get to taupo let alone nation park.....

Warr

25th August 2005, 15:45

Me & 2 others from around here have put in our registrations.

RiderInBlack

25th August 2005, 20:50

Just sending mine now. Have booked bed for Friday and Sunday (I'm going to need it afterwards). Will trip down the Friday and get my bike scrutinised that night (save to rush on the Saturady) and will trip back home Monday.

I'm putting an order for some New Z6's for this now as Cycletreads are fitting a pair for $500 at the moment and I'm not going to take the risk of the price going up on me like it did last year (cost me $650 for a pair of P.Daib's:argh: ). Glad somethings have got cheaper. Have talked to my shop. Getting them to tune "Roxanne" just before the GC as I have not done this since putting her motor back together and replacing her exaust system. I'll need a new air filter and brake pads before this as well.

Warr

25th August 2005, 21:22

Waylander

25th August 2005, 21:31

Well damnif y'all have allready put in your apps does that mean I wont be able to leave at the same time as you? Still not sure if I'll make it but not to interested if I'll have to do it by myself

Lee Rusty

25th August 2005, 21:41

RiderInBlack

25th August 2005, 21:43

Well damnif y'all have allready put in your apps does that mean I wont be able to leave at the same time as you? Still not sure if I'll make it but not to interested if I'll have to do it by myselfHarden up man. There's always other bikes to ride with in the GC. You're only on your own if you try to catch another group or fuel at different places.
You'll soon find rider's going your pace.
Everytime I stopped at a petrol Station I meet more of the riders and set off in different groups. There was one rider (it was his 9th GC) that I was riding with for quite a long time. His pace was near the same as mine. looking forward to meeting him again this year:Punk:

PS if you take too long getting your app in you'll start right at the end, or worse miss out.

Lee Rusty

25th August 2005, 21:44

If you want to run with your mates thats ok we can start small groups - but please let us know who when you enter - it can be done on the day but it is a pain in the arse.
let us know now and it is easy

LR RNMC

Kickaha

25th August 2005, 21:46

It is NOT a gumball rally. It is not a RACE, any modern motorcycle will complete the event, it has been done on an RG50 and an NSR 80.

Lee Rusty - Rusty Nuts M/c.

Yeah but the guy who rode the NSR80 couldn't walk properly the day after :rofl:

Waylander

25th August 2005, 21:46

That reminds me... How much is the entrance fee anyway?

And I have a job interview on monday to a place that hires anyone so long as you can type and speak english. Pretty much a shoe in so I'll start saving for it from the first check.

RiderInBlack

25th August 2005, 21:50

It is NOT a gumball rally. It is not a RACE, any modern motorcycle will complete the event, it has been done on an RG50 and an NSR 80.

It is a test of your stamina and brains. IT requires thinking, and the ability to pace yourself, every year 10 % dont make it due to tiredness, breakdowns, and the odd off.

We have NEVER had a serious injury in 18 years.

If you want to treat it like a race - STAY HOME we dont want you.

Lee Rusty - Rusty Nuts M/c.Dead fu*ken right. Please heed what Rusty has said here. The man should fu*k know, he's been running this for 18years.
As I've said here before "Efficiency NOT Speed is what it takes to finnish this Ride."

Antallica

25th August 2005, 21:53

Man I so want to go on this run :rockon:

RiderInBlack

25th August 2005, 21:54

Fees: Entry $65.00 (includes BADGE, SUNDAY MEAL, 1st Beer.
FRIDAY ACCOM EXTRA $19.00 (includes Sat breakfast) YES/NO
SUNDAY ACCOM EXTRA $19.00 (includes Mon breakfast) YES/NO

The really expence is what it is going to cost you to get your bike up to scatch to do this Challange. Remember the bike must be deemed by the Scrutineers as being able to do another 1000Miles (1600Km) after finnishing. That's a total of 2000miles (3200Km) and that's not counting the Km's you do to get there.

Lee Rusty

25th August 2005, 22:13

Tothe dude who wants to know entrance fee it is $65 - accom on friday and sunday nights if required is 19 bucks extra a night and that includes a good breakfast.

TO the dude on the scooter. it has been done on a PX200 but they finished outside of time by 30 min, it was attemted by an Italjet - It broke, It was finally done by an Aprilia Leonardo 250 scooter - all three attempts were made by the same lady.
persistance pays off. The 500cc and up scooters have no probs.

To all others hope to see your there, I dont mean to sound like the heavy - but if you aint been before - be very aware we scrutineer all bikes HARD, we have to believe that it could start the run when it is over, dont turn up with tyres that are not gunna cut the distance, chains that are rooted, brakes that are spongy, and lights dont work.
The most common faults are with wheel bearings, steering head bearings, and brakes that need adjustment, leaking seals, - ALL these will see that you DONT start.
We have mechanics on site but they aint miriclae workers.

Behaviour counts for heaps - any arsehole behaviour at checkpoints will see the CP guys pull you out.

We dont give anyone any shit - we sure as hell dont take any shit, we aint in the shit business - if you ride with us you are privileged to ride with some of NZ finest riders,
newbees can learn heaps from them, just dont bring attitudes and bags of bullshit with you.

That said we would like you to have a go. The things you learn will surprise you, both about your bike and yourself.
Im sure those who have been will agree with me, we are really nice guys, we wont let one or two spoil it for others. And we have a reputation for safety that few clubs can match.

Collectively over 51 events we are approaching the 10 million Ks mark, with no serious injuries.

RideSafe
Lee R

hondacmx450

26th August 2005, 15:17

looks like i will be there to waylander ill ride with you man and jace can ride with us to

Sniper

26th August 2005, 15:33

looks like i will be there to waylander ill ride with you man and jace can ride with us to

goforgoldmateandmakesureyoulearngrammar

Matt Bleck

26th August 2005, 16:30

Seeing as I aint going to the gp now, I am definitley gunna do this.....I think.

Hitcher

27th August 2005, 14:53

goforgoldmateandmakesureyoulearngrammar
Pot. Kettle. Black.

Lee Rusty

31st August 2005, 23:03

RiderInBlack

1st September 2005, 08:36

your entries in - remember this run is limited to 120 riders - although we usually get around 80 to 90 with the increased coverage from sites like this we are looking at beating that this year. entry forms etc from Rusty Nuts email rustyinfo@rustynuts.co.nz or ph 09 4165866Have send mine. Have you got it yet? Also waiting for a reply on the PM I sent you. Have lost my GC badge from last year and wish to purchace a replacement. Is that at all possible?

Doug

Lee Rusty

1st September 2005, 12:00

will check mailbox today - should be there - will let you know if it is not- I did reply to your PM - replacement badge can be done - see me at the run
LR

RiderInBlack

1st September 2005, 13:43

will check mailbox today - should be there - will let you know if it is not- I did reply to your PM - replacement badge can be done - see me at the run
LRSweet, Thanks.

Smoggie

13th September 2005, 23:45

New to the area, and my entry is going off tomorrow. Would love to ride up with others. Intend riding up on the 14th, so would this be possible?

RiderInBlack

14th September 2005, 06:28

New to the area, and my entry is going off tomorrow. Would love to ride up with others. Intend riding up on the 14th, so would this be possible?Will be glad to see your there, but I'm going down on the Friday:ride:

Groins_NZ

14th September 2005, 08:14

New to the area, and my entry is going off tomorrow. Would love to ride up with others. Intend riding up on the 14th, so would this be possible?

I'm going up on the 14th Smoggie - would be good to ride up with somebody. Maybe a couple of others going up on the same day?

*I'm about 20mins away from Pram.

Smoggie

14th September 2005, 09:31

Will be dropping the dog at the kennels first thing, then free to meet after that. Where would a good meet point be?

Groins_NZ

14th September 2005, 18:21

Probably at one of the petrol stations forecourts - Mobil?

Are Mr n' Mrs Hitcher travelling up Friday?

Hitcher

14th September 2005, 20:01

Probably at one of the petrol stations forecourts - Mobil?

Are Mr n' Mrs Hitcher travelling up Friday?
Mr Groins. We are indeed. If you fancy a leisurely saunter northwards, you would be most welcome to ride with us. We can negotiate departure arrangements closer to this auspicious event!

justsomeguy

14th September 2005, 20:07

Hitcher

14th September 2005, 20:14

I really want to do this run.

But I will have to ride down on Fri night from Auckland and ride back to Auckland on the Sunday night.

Is this at all feasible for a first timer???

I've started a new job and can't/don't want to ask for time off.
Don't do it. If you can't take time at the end to relax and get some sleep, you're only putting yourself at risk.

RiderInBlack

14th September 2005, 21:15

Don't do it. If you can't take time at the end to relax and get some sleep, you're only putting yourself at risk.Bloody good advise:Punk:

Blackbird

15th September 2005, 07:46

I'm with Hitcher. First time we did the ride, we rode the 160 km to Turangi on the Saturday morning and home again straight after the ride. Went to work on Monday and all of us were completely ruined. I still prefer to ride down on the Saturday and go home on Sunday because it's not really that far for us and I sleep better in my own bed, but have always taken the Monday off so that I can have a good lie-in.

Leave your first ride until you're well prepared and can enjoy it - no sense in inviting grief :no:

figjam

15th September 2005, 08:44

I really want to do this run.

But I will have to ride down on Fri night from Auckland and ride back to Auckland on the Sunday night.

Is this at all feasible for a first timer???

I've started a new job and can't/don't want to ask for time off.

Then leave it until next time. I did what you're suggesting my first time because I didn't feel too bad at the end. I was a mess for nearly a week afterwards.

RiderInBlack

15th September 2005, 08:56

Having meet some of you thinking to do this the first time, it concerns me that some of you may not be as ready as you think to take this Challenge on. In light of this, I ask you to seriously ask yourselfs these questions:

What is the furtherest distance you have riden your bike ("Cages" don't count for this) in one day?
Have your toured long distances on your bike (not "cage")?
How well maintained is your bike?
Have you allowed yourself enough time to do this?
Can you afford to do this event?
Please do not be in too much of a hurry to this until you are WELL prepared.

Thanks
Doug

Blackbird

15th September 2005, 10:03

Doug is spot on with his comments. The other factor is how much have you ridden at night over roads that you don't know?

Waylander

15th September 2005, 12:18

What is the furtherest distance you have riden your bike ("Cages" don't count for this) in one day? about 1200 miles

Have your toured long distances on your bike (not "cage")? yes but not often

How well maintained is your bike? could be better but it should do

Have you allowed yourself enough time to do this? Can do that easily enough

Can you afford to do this event? Doubt it but trying

It's that last one that is the problem.

Lee Rusty

15th September 2005, 16:50

this is not a RACE - this is not a hard test for any well maintained motorcycle in good condition - IT is a test of stamina of the rider. The roads are not all main roads by any means - there is some tarsealed snot out there, we dont pick metal roads, but road works are nearly always encountered, as is FOG, Rain, Cold, Wind, even the odd exploding volcano.

IF you have entered - you should be out clocking up some miles now, pref at night to harden your arse and sharpen your eyes, IF you are not ride fit - you risk yourself, bike, wellbeing, and our reputation.

This is a fun event - DONT take it to lightly. We want you to take part but more than that we want you to finish in one piece

Lee (Only 3 weeks to go for entries).

justsomeguy

15th September 2005, 17:36

RiderInBlack

15th September 2005, 19:43

[QUOTE=RiderInBlack]Having meet some of you thinking to do this the first time, it concerns me that some of you may not be as ready as you think to take this Challenge on. In light of this, I ask you to seriously ask yourselfs these questions:

What is the furtherest distance you have riden your bike ("Cages" don't count for this) in one day? 5 hours non-stop

Have your toured long distances on your bike (not "cage")? not really

How well maintained is your bike? pretty mint

Have you allowed yourself enough time to do this? riding for 8 months now done about 12000ks of mostly country riding

Can you afford to do this event? yes

Please do not be in too much of a hurry to this until you are WELL prepared.

I guess next time it is for me then :cry:

Longest in a cage was 23 hours non stop and I was a zombie was the rest of the week........so I see what you mean Dougie.

Thanks - NO THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THINGS INTO PERSPECTIVE.
Sorry to be the bubble burster:( But glad you have had a good hard think about this event. Use you time now to prepare yourself for the next time.
Took me 3years (for the first time I decided that I wanted to do it) before I had everything right to be able to take this event on. The result was successfully completing it on my first attempt (there were a few there who had tried on previous year, but had not been able to complete it). Shit was I buggered but.
Started out around 3pm Sat. Come in around 1:30pm Sunday (feeling like I had had 6 of the best (caneing) for being caught out All Night Nightclubbing). Had one hell of a job putting "Roxanne's" sidestand down and peeling my sore arse off her seat (without dropping her). Rust Nut's dinner was well recieved by my raveniously hungry belly. Had a shower, but didn't get to drink my reward beer (had the "Old Dark", thanks Rusty Dudes:Punk: , when I got home on the Monday) that evening because by 2pm I was sound asleep in my cabin:zzzz: . 16hours later (Monday morning), having had the best sleep I had had for Months (go figure), I woke and (much to my surprise) was looking forward to the 500Km+ ride home:ride: Best move I had made was taking the Monday off:Punk:

Groins_NZ

16th September 2005, 10:51

Hey RiderinBlack, question for ya...

Did you stop very often during the ride or just for fuel stops?

Cheers.

PLUG

16th September 2005, 12:50

This is all good info. Am a newbie & planing to do the S.I. equivalent, the Chatto Creek event in late November ... practice, practice, practice seems to be the message. Are there any off bike things that will assist physical/mental endurance ???

RiderInBlack

16th September 2005, 19:50

Hey RiderinBlack, question for ya...

Did you stop very often during the ride or just for fuel stops?

Cheers.Three times. Once cause I was busting for a pee. Ever tried pissing in the wind with a whole lot of bikers stopping to see if your OK:motu: One cause I had managed to get myself lost :doh: (and another biker that was tailing me:stupid: ), so I needed to reread the map and The Rusty Instructions (costed me 1/2 an hour that:Oops: ). The only other time was to have another pee, put my contacts back in and change back into wet weather gear around 11:30pm-12 midnight, cause Heuy was bucketing down again<_< So not any planned stops :rolleyes:

Here's something for you guys to do. Next ride you go on (not a hoon "racing" after other bikes ride, but at a cruisey pace you would do to go any long distancesworkout your Average Speed (Including the time it takes you to refuel) and then use this as a V.Ruff estimate for how long you would take to do the GC. While you are doing this just see how long you to have to maintain you top speed to make up for spending too much time getting fuel, going though 50KPM zones, road works, waiting to get past traffic, and going through tight twisties. I found to maintain an average of 80KPH (Including Refueling Time), which would see you do the GC in 20hours, I had to pick up the pace a fair bit and would have got me a few good tickets in places. I also found that I could best make up time by leaving my fuel stops as close as practial to my bike's range, not wasting too much time fueling. Just fill the bike, use the toilet (saves time having to stop again cause you are brusting and your tank is only 1/2 empty), pay the man, have a very quick snack, get on the bike and go. The slowest average speed you could do this at is 66.66'KPM ((Including Refueling Time, and leaves you nothing for error).
Have fun:devil2:

Warr

16th September 2005, 20:08

Another one for you... RIB ...
1. What did you eat and drink ?
2. Did you buy or carry it with you ?
Blackbird says he ate nuts and stuff ..Yum err

... so just wondered what you did :)

RiderInBlack

16th September 2005, 20:24

Another one for you... RIB ...
1. What did you eat and drink ?
2. Did you buy or carry it with you ?
Blackbird says he ate nuts and stuff ..Yum err

... so just wondered what you did :)I get reflux easy while riding so no hard to digest foods for me on the long trips. I had 2L of "Carbo" premixed at 1/2 strength I carried with me (be using a camel pack this year) and the odd "Moro". Stayed away from the pies and coffee, and only had two Lift Pluses with the last gas fill on the way back to Turangi. Have a good meal Friday night and Sat morning. Light lunch Saturday. Then you just need the "Carbo" to stop your blood sugar dropping (remember you are "working" out there at a time your body would normally be asleep). Glad I am not a diebetic, as this ride would need a lot of fine tuning between you insulin shots and you body's carbohyrate requirements.

Hitcher

16th September 2005, 20:45

We consumed that mixed nut scroggin stuff that New World sells, plus Milo bars, yoghurt drinks, and water. The occasional pie helps too. I tried to avoid coffee as much as possible, but that Rotorua cappuccino at 5:00am after a cold and wet night really hit the spot...

A group of four of us actually stopped for some brunch at New Plymouth on our way back from the Opunake checkpoint. That nearly cost us big time. It helped in other ways though.

We developed a bit of a "system" at fuel stops so that bladders got emptied, and bikes and riders refuelled and stretched in the most time-efficient manner.

Warr

16th September 2005, 20:48

I get reflux easy while riding so no hard to digest foods for me on the long trips. I had 2L of "Carbo" premixed at 1/2 strength I carried with me (be using a camel pack this year) and the odd "Moro". Stayed away from the pies and coffee, and only had two Lift Pluses with the last gas fill on the way back to Turangi. Have a good meal Friday night and Sat morning. Light lunch Saturday. Then you just need the "Carbo" to stop your blood sugar dropping (remember you are "working" out there at a time your body would normally be asleep). Glad I am not a diebetic, as this ride would need a lot of fine tuning between you insulin shots and you body's carbohyrate requirements.
Thanks for the info
... I might visit a sports health shop. Not much into correct nutrition!

What about anyone else who has done it before..Care to tell us what you have planned for keeping the body functioning.

RiderInBlack

16th September 2005, 20:52

Thanks for the info
... I might visit a sports health shop.Got it at the Supermarket:devil2:

Kickaha

16th September 2005, 20:54

Thanks for the info
... I might visit a sports health shop. Not much into correct nutrition!

What about anyone else who has done it before..Care to tell us what you have planned for keeping the body functioning.

I think correct nutrition is vastly overrated,I've survived years without it
:yes:

I did it only stopping for gas and eating pies and as little liquid as I could get away with, hardest time I found was between 1.00am to 5.00am as I was starting to get a bit sleepy, once the sun was coming up it wasn't a problem (well apart from the sore arse)

Warr

16th September 2005, 21:11

I think correct nutrition is vastly overrated,I've survived years without it
:yes:

I did it only stopping for gas and eating pies and as little liquid as I could get away with, hardest time I found was between 1.00am to 5.00am as I was starting to get a bit sleepy, once the sun was coming up it wasn't a problem (well apart from the sore arse)
Yea the sore arse has me ..err concerned. The XJ has a wideish seat and I have riden with a sheepskin on it and thought it was no different. Would it be better to use ordinary foam or the higher density snowfoam stuff ?
And what thickness.

Like did an outing to Tauramanui today looking for my pack so was travelling at 5k's/hr for 30 k's ..Anyway it took 6 hours driving And seat and gloves need attention

Blackbird

16th September 2005, 21:49

Warren

Get a couple of your mates and after work one night, go and do the Coromandel Loop from Hamilton in the dark. That will give you some inkling of how ready you are and will help you mentally. Don't wait for perfect weather either.

Kickaha survived on pies and other junk - so did we on the first ride we did but didn't feel too flash, especially after we O/D'd on "V". The next year, we had water and the odd sports drink (same effect as Doug is advocating). On the last 2 occasions, we stuck to water with some V towards the end. I found the scroggin mix with dried banana rings give good slow release energy, but just as importantly; the risk of you wanting a crap or a stomach upset in the least convenient place (sorry about the pun :yawn:) is vastly reduced!

Ixion

16th September 2005, 22:08

I think correct nutrition is vastly overrated,I've survived years without it
:yes:

I did it only stopping for gas and eating pies and as little liquid as I could get away with, ..

Pies IS correct nutrition!

mangell6

17th September 2005, 15:07

Now where did I put that entry form???? Ah here it is, must remember to attach a cheque when I post it . . . . . .

Lee Rusty

19th September 2005, 21:49

Yea the sore arse has me ..err concerned. The XJ has a wideish seat and I have riden with a sheepskin on it and thought it was no different. Would it be better to use ordinary foam or the higher density snowfoam stuff ?
And what thickness.

Like did an outing to Tauramanui today looking for my pack so was travelling at 5k's/hr for 30 k's ..Anyway it took 6 hours driving And seat and gloves need attention

resolution to the hard arse syndrom and dont like sheepskins - get hold of some large bubble wrap - thats the one with the bubbles about the size of a 20 cent piece. It is cheap light and throw away if it is stuffed afterwards.
Dont put it on the seat until your arse is going out of shape. Then you will get best benefit from it. It is also waterproof.

Holy Roller

20th September 2005, 14:40

Just posted my cheque off today.

Groins_NZ

21st September 2005, 10:14

24 days to go!

Hitcher

21st September 2005, 10:36

We need to get some night riding practice in...

Holy Roller

21st September 2005, 13:02

We need to get some night riding practice in...

Whoever has the brightest headlight follow them

BLACKYOSHI1000

21st September 2005, 18:38

:ride: :ride:
Whoever has the brightest headlight follow them
i did the rusty in about 14 hrs 40 in 1990 out of tauranga on a gsxr 1100
:whocares:
but i trained for it as i wanted to do it in under 15 hrs would go for 5 to 700k rides a couple of months before :ride:
with only fuel stops, that was after work, hop on my bike and ride form jaffaland to tauranga ,rotorua,hamilton then home :scooter:
my bike was also preped for the rusty
a full service new chain etc (she had done about 12000 ks )new tyres ,brighter head lights,
tyres are very inportant as the are running hotter longer and they wear out
i fu##ked my rear and half f##ed the front :ride:
your rideing gears important to as it rained the last 10 hrs the year i rode it :shit: that was the only time i stopped apart from fuel to put my wets on
it can be done, but prep for it ,ya not just of up to the pohoi for a bourbon
:nya: BLACKYOSHI

Blackbird

21st September 2005, 19:14

That's some average speed. I thought Cam Smith was fastest in just over 16 hours.

Hitcher

21st September 2005, 20:26

Woo hoo! Got our starters pack today. Numbers 50 and 51. Off at 3:44pm. Great excitement. Can hardly wait!

RiderInBlack

22nd September 2005, 07:15

Woo hoo! Got our starters pack today. Numbers 50 and 51. Off at 3:44pm. Great excitement. Can hardly wait!:spudwave: Ahead of you already, I'm Number 42. Dodododo:shifty: same as my age. So much for age before beauty, hey Hitcher (in which case I'd be starting a long way behind you and I'd loose on both counts to MrsH:devil2: ).

Groins_NZ

22nd September 2005, 12:33

Woo hoo! Got our starters pack today. Numbers 50 and 51. Off at 3:44pm. Great excitement. Can hardly wait!

I'm off at 3:36 p.m. so you'll probably catch me up at about 3:46 p.m. :mellow:

Holy Roller

22nd September 2005, 12:58

How many have a prf radio to talk to your fellow riders that are doing this ride?

Hitcher

22nd September 2005, 13:00

Thanks for the reminder. I must get a couple of new PTT buttons from Pinfolds. Channel 20...

Groins_NZ

22nd September 2005, 13:20

How many have a prf radio to talk to your fellow riders that are doing this ride?

Not I. Can't afford any more toys until next year.

T.I.E

22nd September 2005, 13:51

dam tempting but i think it will have to be next year. but tempting. looking forward to the stories when everyone returns

XP@

22nd September 2005, 15:05

Not this year for me :-(
Bike running like cr@p and ain't no $'s for the petrol, nevermind to fix the bike :weep:

Will have to wait for next year to do my 4th run

RiderInBlack

22nd September 2005, 20:48

I'm off at 3:36 p.m. so you'll probably catch me up at about 3:46 p.m. :mellow:

Shit, I'll be right up your arse:ride: :ride: My start is for 3:38pm. I'll look out for you.
By the way I usaully plan to cover the first part of the GC before dark fairly quickly while I'm at my freashest, so that I can do a slower pace through the night. This is because it is harder to ride at night with more risks and less visibility (watch out for stray animals).
You get a second wind when the Sun gets up and you can make some good ground once the mist lifts. Here where I try to make up any lost ground, because by morning tea the second wind has started to wear off for me. I need to have made a good hole in the GC by then as the toughest bit for is about to come.
After lunch is the really hard bit for me and, by this stage, just getting it done is about all I can, so I don't bank on making up time here. Shit those last 30Km were hard.

Warr

22nd September 2005, 22:32

How many have a prf radio to talk to your fellow riders that are doing this ride?
Yes had planned on mounting my CB somewhere where it will stay.
Channel 20, Thanks Hitcher.

I'm number 45 and my mates are 2 either side cant remember which way!

if you want a cheap ....

- get hold of some large bubble wrap

Yes thankyou very much for that tip :)

RiderInBlack

22nd September 2005, 23:00

I'm number 45 and my mates are 2 either side cant remember which way!Looks like there will be a tight bunch of KB'ers at the start after all:2thumbsup

Beemer

23rd September 2005, 17:53

Andy is really looking forward to this year's GC, after the disappointment of his normally reliable bike having electrical problems last year. He'll no doubt be off first or second as usual, here's hoping the weather and the bike will both behave themselves this year!

And if it's a nice day, I may even ride up to the finish and ride home with him. But I don't want a ticket - last time I did I ended up $170 poorer... :angry:

mangell6

23rd September 2005, 18:05

For beginners check out the Ironbutt web site for long distance riding or has some one already suggested it.

Lee Rusty

23rd September 2005, 19:47

to the 19th grand challenge. get those entries in if you want to take part

Beemer

26th September 2005, 11:06

Spare a thought for Andy - he completed last year's run on the weekend so he gets to retain his joint record with Cameron - and then in three weeks time he gets to do this year's run - and fingers crossed this run will be uneventful! On Saturday, while riding with John from the RNMC, a drunk collected John - Andy was about two seconds ahead so thankfully missed being directly involved. So he ended up doing the rerun of last year's GC by himself - not something he enjoyed that much. He said towards the end he was taking longer and longer breaks to keep alert - and I was worried if he did have an accident, no one would know for hours!

XP@

26th September 2005, 11:35

Hope John is ok??
(and his bike?)

Beemer

26th September 2005, 15:03

Hope John is ok??
(and his bike?)

See the thread "another one down" in general biker ravings for more detail, but the gist of it was, three drunk guys in a Honda Civic drove through a give way sign near Kimbolton and John hit the rear of their vehicle. They ended up in a ditch while he hit the bars (we think that's what happened because of the bruises ABOVE his knees!) and flew over the top. Thankfully he only suffered bruising and stiffness, but the 400 he was riding was pretty much a write-off. The front wheel is mashed and the tyre (it had to be a new one!) split in two. Definitely not rideable in the foreseeable future. He spent the last two nights at our place (with many hours in emergency doctor's rooms and at the hospital having x-rays) and headed home today. The bike is apparently being collected by a friend tomorrow.

Aitch

26th September 2005, 16:35

But I'll get some more ks on the clock..maybe next year. oooooooh maybe jaybee will come with me!

matthewt

26th September 2005, 20:32

I'm officially not doing this years GC. Did the last 3 and loved them. I just booked flights to the MotoGP (same weekend) so am at least doing something MC related.

RiderInBlack

30th September 2005, 07:07

will check mailbox today - should be there - will let you know if it is not- I did reply to your PM - replacement badge can be done - see me at the run
LRWahoo, found the badge but have lost the year bar (2004, and it came off when I was riding). So just need the year bar now:niceone:

Holy Roller

1st October 2005, 15:06

Just got mine in the mail today
number 66
Leave at 4pm
New tire goes on this week also an oil change
14 days to go :calm: :niceone:

RiderInBlack

1st October 2005, 17:24

Picked "Roxanne" up yesterday from Planet Honda. Well timed pre-GC "Wellness" check, that:niceone: They found that the diaphragm on her fuel tap had a little hole in it. Left, it would have flooded No.1. To replace with a new part ex-Japan would have costed $300+ (Honda will only sale the whole tap and not just the diaphragm:argh: ). Lucky for me, the tank that came with the 2nd hand fairrings (and seat) I had just scored (for $300 the lot:devil2: ) had a tap on it:niceone: So I have just swaped fuel taps over, all:done:

She's all go. McD Custom Seat is being worked on at the moment and is to be back before the GC (hope I get it by next WE so I can try it out:devil2: ) Will change oil, coolant, brake fluid and brake pads next WE. New tyres will go on the Friday I head down.

Hitcher

2nd October 2005, 13:48

This time in two weeks... Woo hoo!

Lee Rusty

2nd October 2005, 21:50

for entries I have to have them in my hands by Wednesday - NO on the day entries - if you aint in by now you are leaving it late.
Get a move on.

Warr

7th October 2005, 22:30

RiderInBlack

8th October 2005, 06:18

Well I'll post my misgivings on attending the GC.
Been a long week....
And I think I may fail on some of the criteria

What is the furtherest distance you have riden your bike ("Cages" don't count for this) in one day? ok

Have your toured long distances on your bike (not "cage")? yes

How well maintained is your bike? ok... except a couple of exhaust studs

Have you allowed yourself enough time to do this? Yes

Can you afford to do this event? Not so sure

Please do not be in too much of a hurry to this until you are WELL prepared.

Work or the lack is causing some stress on the $'s so I'd rather loose the entry than go in with present reservations..... Just pondering the Challenge :):calm:When I wrote those questions, it was aimed at those riders that I had met, that I felt, had not had the riding experience (or the bike) to be able to do the GC safely. You on the otherhand, I have the utter most confidence in.
As for costs of this event. Have you got new or near new tyres and good brake pads on your bike? Have you had the bearings checked? How bad are the exhaust studs? If your tyres, bake pads, bearing and general bike is in good order, then you have already spent the main cost of this event. That just leaves you with fuel&food costs, which is the minior cost of this event IMHO.
HANG IN THERE MATE:niceone: Doing the GC is good for taking your mind off other problems. For that whole WE all you think about is getting it done:devil2: Bloody good stress relief IMHO (I get the best sleep in ages that Sun night:niceone:). Besides there is always the cedit card:whistle: (Ute did it's cutch in so I've had a few more expenences this week than I was planning as well).

Warr

8th October 2005, 08:19

:calm:When I wrote those questions, it was aimed at those riders that I had met, that I felt, had not had the riding experience (or the bike) to be able to do the GC safely. You on the otherhand, I have the utter most confidence in.
As for costs of this event. Have you got new or near new tyres and good brake pads on your bike? Have you had the bearings checked? How bad are the exhaust studs? If your tyres, bake pads, bearing and general bike is in good order, then you have already spent the main cost of this event. That just leaves you with fuel&food costs, which is the minior cost of this event IMHO.
HANG IN THERE MATE:niceone: Doing the GC is good for taking your mind off other problems. For that whole WE all you think about is getting it done:devil2: Bloody good stress relief IMHO (I get the best sleep in ages that Sun night:niceone:). Besides there is always the cedit card:whistle: (Ute did it's cutch in so I've had a few more expenences this week than I was planning as well).

Thank RIB - yes there is the Credit Card!
Have another distraction in the garage too a bike farmilar to you, 1xVFR750 in need of some TLC in the fairing dept.
I havent touched it not till after the 16th, but its just another thing buzzing in the head!!

Holy Roller

8th October 2005, 08:20

Warr

8th October 2005, 08:32

My last bike I was not so sure that it would have been suitable even though it had been around the South Island, steering head bearings and of course the cost of the fuel. I have waited three years to be able to be ready for this ride. The old girl has been reshod ($234 instead of $305)and in the process I discovered that the inside rear brake pad had just about worn right out, the outside one that you can see was still ok. So a new set of discs inserted ($64) Bearings checked so the Old Girl should be ready. I have soaked up all the OT over the last couple of months so money is not a problem. I have discovered that the radar dector has a smaller than standard speaker jack and the way the shifts are I will not be able to adapt something to fit in time as I would have to go to Rotorua to get the parts. Only thing left is to pick up a PRF radio from supercheap and a head set from Pinfolds (cheap)on Friday on my way down.
Now to try to maintain proper sleep patterns, talk about an excited school boy.
Good to hear it's all coming together for you HR... I spent last Sat making up adaptor leads for a mates CB for the GC. If you need any plugs "JCars' has a shop in Hams now and a Vgood range of plugs. If you want something sent over I can get it for you.

I didnt reply much RIB to my bike readyness. Tyres have only done the Manfield Trackday and are sweet, the brakes good. Steering head checked at bike shop b4 Manfield. So am ready in that regard...

RiderInBlack

8th October 2005, 11:36

I didnt reply much RIB to my bike readyness. Tyres have only done the Manfield Trackday and are sweet, the brakes good. Steering head checked at bike shop b4 Manfield. So am ready in that regard...Sweet. So you have all the big stuff sorted. The actual rides the cheaper part of the GC, so I see you there:devil2: All forward to telling you all about "Verrinica" too:rolleyes:

Warr

9th October 2005, 13:44

Sweet. So you have all the big stuff sorted. The actual rides the cheaper part of the GC, so I see you there:devil2: All forward to telling you all about "Verrinica" too:rolleyes:
"Verrinica" .. is that your name of a certian VFR ?

Hitcher

9th October 2005, 15:22

We're all ready to go! This time next week, that beer will be tasting REAL good...

RiderInBlack

9th October 2005, 21:22

"Verrinica" .. is that your name of a certian VFR ?Yep, Verronica. Also known as "The Bat-bike":whistle:

Hitcher

9th October 2005, 21:35

Tonight's the night we're gonna make it happen
Tonight we'll put all other things aside
Get in this time and show me some affection
We're goin' for those pleasures in the night

I want to love you, feel you, wrap myself around you
I want to squeeze you, please you, I just can't get enough
And if you move real slow I let it go

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
I'm about to lose control and I think I like it
I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
And I know I know I know I know I know I want you

We shouldn't even think about tomorrow
Sweet memories will last for long long time
We'll have a good time, Baby, don't you worry
And if we're still playin' around boy that's just fine

Let's get excited, we just can't hide it
I'm about to lose control and I think I like it
I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
I know I know I know I know I know I want you, I want you

I want to love you, feel you, wrap myself around you
I want to squeeze you, please you, I just can't get enough
And if you move real slow I let it go

I'm so excited, I just can't hide it
I'm about to lose control and I think I like it
I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
I know I know I know I know I know I want you

RiderInBlack

10th October 2005, 05:24

You practicing your helmet singing, Hitcher, Or is that just the Malt Whiskey posting:devil2:

11th October 2005, 04:14

.
.
Safe riding to all you guys/guyesses taking part in this. Hope the weather treats you kinder than the weekend just gone.
.
.

Holy Roller

11th October 2005, 06:05

Long range forecast looks sweet
Saturday North Island, fine, apart from isolated showers in Northland and Coromandel
Nice big highs over the country may produce a few cooler nights though.

Holy Roller

11th October 2005, 06:06

You practicing your helmet singing, Hitcher, Or is that just the Malt Whiskey posting:devil2:
What radio chanel was that to avoid then

RiderInBlack

11th October 2005, 06:12

What radio chanel was that to avoid then"Breaker Breaker Good Buddies. Change Chanels, Hicher's Singing like a Hog missing on one cylinder. Over"

Blackbird

11th October 2005, 07:04

Safe travelling all and have a fantastic time. If Lee should send you round the Coromandel and help is needed, I'll be up there all weekend. Mangell6 has my mobile number and he'll make it available at the briefing if the route brings you up that way.

All the very best.

Geoff

Beemer

11th October 2005, 07:54

Not long now! Despite doing a 1000 Miler only a few weeks ago, Andy is really looking forward to this year's one, more so than any previous ones. Some years he worries that he hasn't done much riding in the lead-up to the event, but this year he knows that won't be a problem!

Yes, the weather forecast is looking good, fingers crossed that rain will stay away from wherever this year's route takes you and you all return safely. I may see you at the finish line!

Groins_NZ

11th October 2005, 08:02

I'm keen as crumbs but have had another episode of Iritis, this time in my right eye - not good. Hoping to get it under control by the weekend so I don't have to stop every hour to put eye drops in!

Did a couple of minor maintenance jobs on the bike last night and noticed a clunky noise at the rear wheel. Thought it was the chain on the sprocket at first but suspect it's coming from elsewhere?. No centre stand to spin the wheel so will be going into the bike shop today and ask if they can have a quick look. No play in the wheel when trying to move it sideways.

Have a good trip up/down/across to Turangi everyone - see u there.

Hitcher

11th October 2005, 08:07

What radio chanel was that to avoid then
The Hitchers frequent Channel 20. Be reassured that singing is banned, so egregious is my grasp of the Terpsicorian muse...

Lee Rusty

11th October 2005, 16:54

I will arrange lots of rain, snow, wind, fog, etc etc just to test your willpower to finish.

What can I say it is what I do best.

RideSafe see you in Turangi.

Lee Rusty

RiderInBlack

13th October 2005, 19:56

The trouble with having 2 skirts for "Roxanne" now is have to decide which "skirt" to put on her. Gone for a black "dress" and the white "top" on her for the GC. New McD "Rider" seat has arrived. Looking sweet:cool: Better get packing for tomorrow:banana:

Hitcher

13th October 2005, 20:01

Packing, packing, packing... Woo hoo!

Holy Roller

13th October 2005, 20:47

Packed, off to Taupo tomorrow. Pick up the PRS radio and headset from Pinfolds on the way through Rotorua, select channel 20 for all the classic hits and no commercials all night long :Pokey:
:zzzz: :zzzz: :zzzz: :zzzz: best get some.
See ya there

Smoggie

13th October 2005, 23:03

Packed, fueled up, maggot sack, scran, flask, and looking forward to it.

Warr

14th October 2005, 07:05

Off to Taupo after 5 for me too. Staying with Clares sister.
Plan to be on the road 9/9.30ish Sat.
021 1902525 if you want to contact me.

Waylander

14th October 2005, 07:19

Have fun on it guys and gals. Take it easy aye.

RiderInBlack

14th October 2005, 08:11

Have fun on it guys and gals. Take it easy aye.Thanks Waylander. Happy Birthday as well mate:2thumbsup Hope you will be able to do the GC next year.

"Roxanne" played the "Honda Kill Switch" joke on me this morning, and I fell for it big time. Had the spark plugs out and all:doh: Flicked the kill switch and away she went:whistle:

Heading to Whangarei now to change tyres, and then it's off to Turangi.

See the rest of you nutters there:spudwave:

Teflon

14th October 2005, 08:28

Off to Taupo after 5 for me too. Staying with Clares sister.
Plan to be on the road 9/9.30ish Sat.
021 1902525 if you want to contact me.

Have a good one mate, catch ya soon.

Jantar

14th October 2005, 17:48

For all those riders doing the GC tomorrow. Have a great ride. :ride:

Warr

14th October 2005, 20:55

1st leg complete for me, testing the wet weather gear on the way to Taupo. Had a log fire waiting, all v nice !!
Catch you all tomorrow.

BLACKYOSHI1000

14th October 2005, 21:43

HAVE GREAT CHALLANGE EVERYONE AND ENJOY :ride:

Warr

16th October 2005, 17:07

Readers Digest Ride Report !!

Great outing, 106 enteries. Yours truely, first timer, managed a respectable finish.
Weather was kind with only a light shower or two so made for quick times tho plenty of greasy road.
Had all the cool bits in it, Napier Taupo in the dark, Waioweka Gorge, Low cloud on the desert road, and some goat track, "Fields Track" south off SH49 Waiouru > West. Lee has excelled in a very enjoyable endurance ride once again. Excellently organised, tho Lee wishes it had rained the whole way!
Fortunately for us all that didnt come true this year.
I think the quickest group made it in in not much more than 17 hours, me was 17:45ish.
But it is all about completing it in one piece & thanks to the sterling efforts of Lee's and his team its all a big :niceone: from me

Blackbird

16th October 2005, 18:22

Warren

Bloody well done mate and sincere congrats on completing it. You have every reason to feel proud. Sleep well (snigger). Hope you hands and butt are ok in the morning!

Geoff

Jantar

16th October 2005, 18:50

Great riding, and congratulations from me as well. :niceone: :niceone:

XP@

16th October 2005, 22:25

Well done to all who attempted / completed the ride (more than I could muster this year :whistle: )
Looking forward to a full report.

Zapf

17th October 2005, 00:49

nice... congrets!

wish I did something like that... so next year it is...

one question... how do you advoid the rabbits and possums at night?

mangell6

17th October 2005, 07:20

You hit them like I did on the Western Access Rd. Stupid thing kept running all over the road in front of me. Another rider 'clipped' a possum and thought that he had only hit it with his foot but had cracked faring along with bits of fur.

XP@

17th October 2005, 09:01

nice... congrets!

wish I did something like that... so next year it is...

one question... how do you advoid the rabbits and possums at night?
The small furry things suffer from target fixation, you don't need to so look the other way. failing that if you are going to hit one just keep upright and the power on.

Holy Roller

17th October 2005, 14:15

Not a long post as it was a long ride OK then here it all is.

It was great catching up the others. Thanks RIB for the time in planning the ride, the times were pretty much correct as was planned for.
Passed Mrs then Mr H a short way into leg one, would have had a chat but the batteries in the radio had died only after half an hour. (they came with the radio). Tamaranui to Te Kuiti has us by pass to some goat track more suited to sports bikes than my big battleship that passed through Waimiha (for those who want to know). One exciting moment when a sign indicated a wash-out ahead. The road had been sealed over what seemed like a 300mm verticle drop into the wash-out then a slightly smaller one out of it a couple of meters later. Totally not expected fortunatly this was still in daylight hours. Through Te Kuiti to CP1 to Otorohanga where I refueled as the windys has used more gas than expected. Kihikihi, down a detour to bypass the Arapuni dam, Putaruru to Tauriko CP1 more fuel.

Pyes Pa road to Rotorua across to Atiamuri. Only bit of rain the whole trip for me what with a thumping headache and an open face helmet at this stage it was hard to concentrate properly in the dark. Whakamaru down the Western Access back to Turangi for CP2.

Changed helmets and downed a couple of panadol. Climbed into my riding suit and headed off to Gisborne. If I wasn't feeling better then I could pull out as I passed home. Found a group of three bikes who were riding at my pace and tagged on behind until we refueled at Bayview. They were fluffing around getting stuff to eat so off to Gisborne for me. A group of four bikes passed me as I was off the pace a bit so tag along I did. These guys could ride and following them I lernt heaps about the capabilities of my own bike. Headache gone and confidence growing I was really enjoying the ride. CP3 at 3.30am in Gisborne refueled again then off. Headache gone what a buzz this ride is becoming.

Through the gorge to Opotiki, awesome ride as I led the way to the beginning of the gorge then found that I was all by myself in the zone. The others had dropped off the pace possibly due to slightly damp roads. My new tyre did not miss a beat the whole trip even over the roadworks. Refueled at Awakeri enroute to the Mount. Arrive around 7am refuelled at CP4.

Straight down the Island to Waiouru for more fuel the headed down 49 to find some track marked "Fields Track". If the first detour in the journey was a goat track then words fail me as to how to describe this streach of the road. It was only 30km long mostly one vechicle wide no road markings apart from the "School Bus Route" signs, (you must be joking), and the occasional 20kph signs indicating a corner, though most were 20kph corners and did not have a sign. The sign "Stock next 15km" was true due to several sheep and lambs on the road and one huge turkey that nearly ended up on the back of the bike. This section was of awesome country beauty though I was concentrating hard on where the road was going and hopeing that no more vechicles were coming the other way as I has already passed a camper bus at the start of the track. Kakatahi came up with a steep drop off to CP5. At least we did not have to do this part in the dark as others have done.

Final leg to home. I realised that I could make the distance in under 20 hours if I upped the anti a bit. A quick fang along the National Park on SH4 and then home to Turangi saw me coming home in under the 20 hour mark. Some of the others were already there to welcome me. Once I stopped I felt really shattered. Got my badge and certificate woofed down the meal and felt revived enough to take on the trip home. Warr did a respectable time though RIB was cagey about his quick trip.

Would I do it again YES YES my big smile at the end said it all. I don't have the stats though I'm sure Rusty or some one will post them.

zadok

17th October 2005, 14:57

Wow, that was some ride. Good bike for the job but.

XP@

17th October 2005, 15:01

Where do you get the speeding permit from??
Can I get one with a 154 limit??

RiderInBlack

17th October 2005, 19:02

I think the quickest group made it in in not much more than 17 hours, me was 17:45ish.I was not going to post my time but I am wondering if you got you times right. I left 3:12pm Sat, come in at 9:40am Sunday, Which I make to be just under 18 1/2hrs. I was 1 of the first 10 to come in, but I don't remember seeing you come in (GC blurred memory:blink: ). Did you come in before 9:40?
Will post report later. I have just got back home after riding 557Km and having Chinesse for dinner:drinkup: and now need some sleep:weird: :zzzz:

Groins_NZ

17th October 2005, 19:03

The GC turned out to be a great event. Thoroughly enjoyed the ride, what an adventure it was!

Probably spent 70% of the 19hrs riding time on my own but seemed to pick up with a couple of the same riders here and there which was great at lifting your spirits.

Didn't really have any sleepy spells - felt one coming on but then my 'riding partner' tagged along through the gorge and the pace that was turned on woke me up, although some of my lines through the corners were sometimes questionable (but hey no one was looking so who cares).

Was good to finally get back to camp at Turangi, my shoulder was killing me and my right foot was half numb (and still is?!). After having a beer and something to eat I hit rock-bottom as everyone said you do after finishing. Sure enough, nothing else to do but lie down for a couple of hours. Even the strong urge to pass some urine could not stir me from the sleeping bag.

Later in the evening after another feed the dinning room/kitchen filled up, mostly with regular GC attendees and a few stories were told, including that of the mighty Vostok!

Some things that I remember in particular about the ride (in no particular order)....
*The WASH OUT! All I remember is my eyes widening, standing up on the pegs and lifting the front up - straight over the top. Then I wondered how all the Gullwings & Roadkings got on?
*The possum that crossed the road - there's always one! (I think I took it's head off with an Oggy Knob).
*The goat track of death, aka "The Fields Track".
*Riding the Taupo to Napier highway alone after loosing Steve in the fog - not one biker did I see through there.
*Watching a line of bikes at night in the distance with their headlights shining, torch like, lighting up surrounding trees and road like a tunnel.
*First light and pulling in at Mt.Maunganui for my first hot pie and coffee, Mmmmmmmm.
*Check Point Two - realising how much more riding there was ahead, Mmmmmmmmmm.
*The beer at the finish, Mmmmmmmmmmmm.

Just after finishing I wasn't all that keen on the idea of doing the GC again but now, the day after, I'm sure I'll be back next year to make it a double.

By the way, I used 92.35 litres of fuel at a cost of $134.38.

<A HREF="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/panoramic.jpg"><img src="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/panoramic_thumb.jpg"></A>
 
Click image for the bigger version.

RiderInBlack

17th October 2005, 19:25

Groins_NZ

17th October 2005, 20:40

Hey Groins, were you the KB'er on the ZZR250. Man if it was, you were riding sweet:not:

PS: the bald twit with the KB t-shirt in your pic is me (all you can see on "Roxanne" is her phat arse):whocares:
No wasn't me RiderInBlack, I was on the black Hornet. Shook hands with you late Friday afternoon while Roxanne was parked by the scrutineering pad.

Your in this photo too? My Hornet's next to Hitchers red ST1300. The other chap in the pic with a 'shaved' noggin is Smoggie who's got a 97 ST1100 I think?

RiderInBlack

17th October 2005, 20:41

Antallica

17th October 2005, 20:44

You know I'll be up for that RIB, need to see what this GSF is really made of anyway.

Warr

17th October 2005, 22:18

I was not going to post my time but I am wondering if you got you times right. I left 3:12pm Sat, come in at 9:40am Sunday, Which I make to be just under 18 1/2hrs. I was 1 of the first 10 to come in, but I don't remember seeing you come in (GC blurred memory:blink: ). Did you come in before 9:40?
Will post report later. I have just got back home after riding 557Km and having Chinesse for dinner:drinkup: and now need some sleep:weird: :zzzz:
Pretty much rite, I got in about 8.55, so based on leaving at 3.10 that equals 17:45. I last saw you at Opotiki I think. I basically rode by myself from 1/2 way through the Waioweka Gorge to the finish. At the finish before me there was only one group of riders in, not including the scooter.
My bike was parked over on the right by the fence, so guess you could have missed it :)
But I did see you,... Remember you were telling me about loosing the stopper on your drinking tube.

justsomeguy

17th October 2005, 22:39

Why am I still awake????

Oh by the way:

I want to plan a "Baby Grand Challange" (1000Km within 15hrs) or "Half A Grand Challange" (500miles/800Km within 12hrs) up here (around Northland roads) for those who want to get ready for the GC next year (or are too soft for it). Will start a plan if there is some interest.

Yes please.

EDIT: Hey Doug could you please plan the forest road we did on the Opononi ride into this big challenge.

I vote for the 800km in 12 hours first.

2much

17th October 2005, 22:43

Yeah, I could be up for that too, better than jumping straight into the real GC

Holy Roller

17th October 2005, 23:16

Where do you get the speeding permit from??
Can I get one with a 154 limit??
You proberly need to see Helen for one of those :whistle:
This pix was from another bike entered in the ride the GSX1100ES I think. came from an overseas mag but was unsure which one.

Holy Roller

17th October 2005, 23:26

The GC turned out to be a great event. Thoroughly enjoyed the ride, what an adventure it was!

*The WASH OUT! All I remember is my eyes widening, standing up on the pegs and lifting the front up - straight over the top. Then I wondered how all the Gullwings & Roadkings got on?

*Riding the Taupo to Napier highway alone after loosing Steve in the fog - not one biker did I see through there.
<B.
I was over the wash out before I realised what had happened, a bit of a shake and the old girl just climbed out of that hole.

Fog? only saw a small patch from memory...

Waylander

17th October 2005, 23:31

Yes please.

EDIT: Hey Doug could you please plan the forest road we did on the Opononi ride into this big challenge.

I vote for the 800km in 12 hours first.

I'de be down for the 800Km one aswell. Make a day trip out of it, provided I have a warranted and registerd bike and the money.

Smoggie

17th October 2005, 23:46

Just like to say a big thank you to everyone I met, for a most memorable weekend. Unfortunately, I was unable to finish the GC. After coming a cropper on the Napier to Gisborne road, the end result is a damaged tendon in the right leg. However, as a new arrival to this country, it was all new roads to me, and I will definitely be back next year.
Big pat on the back, and a beer, to the Rusty Nuts crew for their work, and organisation.

Jantar

18th October 2005, 00:16

Oh, Bad luck. I trust the injury isn't too severe. Any damage to the bike?

I just love the road up to Gisborne, but you do have watch it in places.

Holy Roller

18th October 2005, 01:46

Hope you heal fast good to read of your positive attitude :niceone:

How and where did this happen? if you want to share such sensitive information.

RiderInBlack

18th October 2005, 07:31

The Half Grand Challange (500miles/800Km) would been a Dusk To Dawn ride to give the riders the GC feel and get their night riding skills up as this is the most important part of the GC. I plan to make it quite techical as well, with the aim of testing riders map reading skills (another critical part of the GC). On the GC you can not always play "Sheep" and it is important that you have done the map reading yourself. If I'm feeling like making this a real challenge, I might leave the next set of route instructions at the end of each route and send each rider out in 5-10min intervals. This would make sure that you have followed the route set. It would also stop a bit of the "sheep" effect. Will start a new thread on this soon:niceone:

RiderInBlack

18th October 2005, 07:33

Pretty much rite, I got in about 8.55, so based on leaving at 3.10 that equals 17:45. I last saw you at Opotiki I think. I basically rode by myself from 1/2 way through the Waioweka Gorge to the finish. At the finish before me there was only one group of riders in, not including the scooter.
My bike was parked over on the right by the fence, so guess you could have missed it :)
But I did see you,... Remember you were telling me about loosing the stopper on your drinking tube.Bugger, I thought I was the frist KB'er in:crybaby: Well done Warr:not: :not:

Smoggie

18th October 2005, 07:42

Warr

18th October 2005, 08:01

Bugger, I thought I was the frist KB'er in:crybaby: Well done Warr:not: :not:
Wow.. I hadnt thought of that distinction...
I see you are ploting you own revenge up your-way on northland roads. !!

RiderInBlack

18th October 2005, 09:27

Wow.. I hadnt thought of that distinction...
I see you are ploting you own revenge up your-way on northland roads. !!:devil2: :devil2: Yep, but I'll have to man the check points unless I can conn some of the other KB'ers to volunteer for that:o

RiderInBlack

18th October 2005, 10:06

Your in this photo too? My Hornet's next to Hitchers red ST1300. The other chap in the pic with a 'shaved' noggin is Smoggie who's got a 97 ST1100 I think?Yep (see your pic edited attachment).

Holy Roller

18th October 2005, 10:35

A little place called Putorino. Was feeling weary, so decided to pull over for a drink from my flask. The rest area was covered in gravel, and was just about at a halt, when the bike went under me. Luckily, the engine protection bars did what they were designed for. Do not know the chaps name, but a friendly face appeared only 5 minutes later, and helped me pick the bike up.
One has to watch that gravel did some thing similar with my last bike infront of the Mrs and her friend :sweatdrop :argh: Hate to do it with the current bike.
Glad the damage was slight, always worry about people having an off but in your case an opps. Hope the tendon heals quick :niceone:

Warr

18th October 2005, 12:06

:devil2: :devil2: Yep, but I'll have to man the check points unless I can conn some of the other KB'ers to volunteer for that:o
Digital Camera shots or gas station receipts all have date and time... receipts can be fudged tho...

justsomeguy

18th October 2005, 12:20

Zapf

18th October 2005, 14:59

Hey RIB

Don't mean to rush you - but I was thinking if we do this over the labour weekend it gives us a day to rest instead of going in to work the next day.

Horribly short notice.......I know.

JSG

labour weekend? think about how many cages are on the road...

However RIB, I'll be another hand up for your Mini / Baby GC :niceone:

or even for a whole series of them.

heavenly.talker

18th October 2005, 15:19

Lee (where for art thou Lee?)

Hi there
I'm not quite sure of your identity online so hopefully you will be reading this thread.

Could you please give me the name of the company you sent your forks to in Rotorua to get straightened?

Also I have a friend who would like to do your basic skills course...when is the next one being run?

Cheers and look forward to catching up soon
Kim
(old student of yours)

Hitcher

18th October 2005, 15:40

Hitcher

18th October 2005, 15:41

Brian d marge

18th October 2005, 16:05

Beemer

18th October 2005, 16:24

Andy enjoyed his 19th GC - although he's going to have to rearrange the badges on his vest to fit in all the date bars!

He rode with two friends, Brian and Graeme, and was back at about 8am I think. He would love to know how the guy on the scooter, who started seven minutes before them, managed to get into every checkpoint ahead of them, despite the fact they were - shall we say - not exactly dawdling! Perhaps there were a few backroad loops missed out in favour of the main highways? That would explain the bikes heading south as they were heading north from Turangi back up to Taupo on one leg, that should have been on SH32 and not SH1!

Warr

18th October 2005, 16:25

Dropped mine in Whakatane. Bugger...
Errr was that on this years GC ... My course notes didnt say anything about Whakatane.
SH 2 to Opotiki, Awakeri and Mount.....
Map (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4752)

By-the-way, I'm sorry I never caught up with you and Mrs H. I asked Holy-Roller a couple of times if you were at the start, but was unable to find you.

Warr

18th October 2005, 16:29

let me see if I have this straight ...you have to do 1000 miles in 24 hours ..that like 55 mph average if you have 6 hours sleep .....

My Enfield can cruise at 55 mph ... dot ,,dot dot ........( sound of brain thinking...)

Stephen
Yea mate.... but guess what speed you have to cruse at to average on the higher side of 100km/h. I dont think you would get a lot of sleep in.

justsomeguy

18th October 2005, 16:38

labour weekend? think about how many cages are on the road...

However RIB, I'll be another hand up for your Mini / Baby GC :niceone:

or even for a whole series of them.

The cages like the germs in the air will always be there.

However I thought the rides would be planned overnight - so hopefully there wouldn't be a lot of traffic then.

I'm really looking forward to this.

Thanks for the idea RIB.

Beemer

18th October 2005, 16:40

Errr was that on this years GC ... My course notes didnt say anything about Whakatane.
SH 2 to Opotiki, Awakeri and Mount...

Maybe Hitcher wanted a bite to eat and Whakatane is a better option than Opotiki or Awakeri. And if you have to drop a bike, again, Whakatane is slightly more civilised a place to do it!

Brian d marge

18th October 2005, 16:42

Yea mate.... but guess what speed you have to cruse at to average on the higher side of 100km/h. I dont think you would get a lot of sleep in.
well if I start now and get a sort of a run up .............

Actually was looking at some of the Ironside rides the Americans do ...and some of em are on ,,,scooters ...small ones .......

:doctor: needed

Stephen

justsomeguy

18th October 2005, 16:43

Yea mate.... but guess what speed you have to cruse at to average on the higher side of 100km/h. I dont think you would get a lot of sleep in.

Hey Warr - congrats mate - wow - I've seen you ride and your excellent placing in the GC comes as no surprise.:not:

Hitcher

18th October 2005, 16:58

Errr was that on this years GC ... My course notes didnt say anything about Whakatane.
One eastern BOP town is as good as another. Particularly when you're lying on your side on a wet road... Opotiki it was.

Warr

18th October 2005, 16:59

Hey Warr - congrats mate - wow - I've seen you ride and your excellent placing in the GC comes as no surprise.:not:
Thanks there justsomeguy, me thinks you would have faired pretty well yourself.
It's all about pace and short stops.. and passing anything moving on the road, politely of course :)

Will you be still on a 250 by next years challenge ?

Warr

18th October 2005, 17:02

One eastern BOP town is as good as another. Particularly when you're lying on your side on a wet road... Opotiki it was.
Darn.. I trust it didnt slow you down too greatly :)

RiderInBlack

18th October 2005, 18:50

labour weekend? think about how many cages are on the road...

However RIB, I'll be another hand up for your Mini / Baby GC :niceone:

or even for a whole series of them.With you on that Zapf, beside anything that soon would have to be organise by someelse ("I'm not superman" a line from the Srubs' theme Song). IF I organise this it will not be for an MONTH or two (could even be next year). I want to organise this properly and will probable open this to all keen riders (and not just KB'ers, although I have them mainly in mind) and there will be a entry fee (because I arn't rich and this is going to cost).

Groins_NZ

18th October 2005, 18:56

One eastern BOP town is as good as another. Particularly when you're lying on your side on a wet road... Opotiki it was.

Bad news, sorry to hear about the bike 'droppings'. How did it happen Hitcher and did you manage to finish?

How did Jane go with the ride?

RiderInBlack

18th October 2005, 19:17

So I'll try posting part one here:

RIB"S GC Ride Report "There and Back Again"
Chapter One: Getting There

Got up on Friday and finished my packing. Went to start "Roxanne" and she wouldn't start. I first thought that I had not put the choke on and had flooded her. This led me down the wrong path. First I lifted her tank to remove the spark plug and used the air compressor to blow some of the fuel out of her cylinders. This saw me drop one of the spark plug, which I then had to redo the gap on. Put her back together. Still no go. got the Engine Start and give her some of that. Still no fu*ken go. Just about ready to give up and then I clicked. It the process of changing her to the white "top" last night, I had bumped the kill switch (The Old Honda Kill Switch Joke, good one "Rox"). Switched it back, and away she went. Continued my pre:GC check and found that only one of the 2 headlights were working on dip. What a hassle changing the bulb. I was cursing that I had not checked this the night before when I had her "top" off (should have been looking her in the eyes instead of her chest, hey girls).

By 9:30am (and 55900miles on "Rox's" clock) I had everything sorted and pack, and headed to Whangarei. 30miles later I was got the new Z6 put on "Rox" at Planet Honda and departed from there by 11am. I headed down SH1. Fuelling at Wellsford and Ngaruawahia (there by 2:45pm and 203.5miles from home). Hit the back route to Turangi from there (Ngaruawahia-Otorohanga-Te Kuiti-Eight Mile Junction-Taumarunui-Turangi), arriving I think around 5-6pm (can't remember, but "Roxanne" now had 56250miles on her clock).

Went straight to the Scrutineers. Past but they reckoned that her chain needed a small adjustment (did that first thing in the morning and she only needed a 1/4turn, so I think it was just because the chain was still warm when they checked it). Then I settled down for the evening meeting KB'ers and other GC riders that I had meet last year.

At the invitation of Mr & Mrs H, I had dinner at the "Angler's Friend". Bloody awesome Scottish Fillet and a few Old Dark was just what the Doc had ordered. Got to meet Smoggie and two young chaps who were just touring NZ on bikes for the first time.

Then in was back to the Camp as the GC route had just been posted. Time to put it the hard head work. Trying memorise the route and plan best fuel stops (a very import part of the GC). Helped Smoggie with some of the planning, but it was not until 12midnight that I got to bed.

To Be Continued

Korumba

18th October 2005, 19:30

Congrats on the completion of the GC, excellent time there mate.

Got me interested now RIB.... (Don’t type so fast, you know I’m a slow reader)

I have penciled myself in for next years GC.

Looking forward to the “Possum Nuts 500" or the "Half a Grand Challange” Would be happy to help you organize if you would like a hand.

RiderInBlack

18th October 2005, 19:33

Zapf

18th October 2005, 19:56

Thanks Korumba, will do (need a hand that is). It will take some time guys so please be patient.

Just my 2c idea..

Re mini GC, can get a list together and run a series of them (one is never enough) and then roster people on the list to help run it. So the event runs it self! :)

Lee Rusty

18th October 2005, 19:59

NOPLACINGS in the Grand Challenge. IT is NOT A RACE
I am always suspect of those who want to be the fastest - and I have a long memory.

I have meet many people over the years who have WON this event - even the guy who got the prize money, none of whom had ever even entered.

Bikers can be bigger liars thatn fishermen.

IF you finished you did well - respect is due to you all in equal amounts.

If you didnt for what ever reason - We hope to see you have another go
but thanks for having the nouse to know your own limits.

For those need to know such things
113 entries - 5 DNS = 108 starters - 4DNF = 104 finshers.

49 went for 1st time, 11 for 2nd, 11 for third, 5 for 4th, 3 for 5th, 7 for 6th,
2 for 7th, 6 for 8th,1 for 9th, 1 for 10th, 1 for 14th, 1 for 15th, 2 for 19th.

21 BMW, 21 Suz, 5 HD, 33 Hon, 3 M Guzzi, 2 KTM, 2 Duc, 10 Yam, 7 Kaw, 1 Tri.

Oldest rider 69 was on his 10th run, 3 were women, youngest was 16.

Now as to other events - We dont have a problems with people organising other events but please dont use our name RUSTY NUTS M/C or events names as a reference as if there is any problems they can be confused with ours ie: Half a "Grand Challenge" and we are super jealous of our safety record and would not like to get our name tainted by someone elses event over which we had no control. Dont mean to be a hard head but I have had experiance of some one using a "name" that I have been involved with, and when their event turned to shit - people tried to involve me due to the similar
names. I dont need that sort of agro - it detracted from other things I was doing- and I hate wasting time.

RiderInBlack

18th October 2005, 20:02

Just my 2c idea..

Re mini GC, can get a list together and run a series of them (one is never enough) and then roster people on the list to help run it. So the event runs it self! :)Mmm, well there are KB'ers all over NZ. Maybe a series with them being run in different areas so that all KB'er can have a go (I'll do the Northland OK, it would be up to other KB'ers to run the rest:devil2: ). Just give me a chance to get over my Post-GC-Lagg, OK:msn-wink:

Antallica

18th October 2005, 20:03

That's the one RIB, lets have a get together some day and plan something to keep those bloody Auckers guessing.

Lee Rusty

18th October 2005, 20:06

does anyone have any objections to me lifting their pix and or stories to put on RNMC website.

Or if you have any other pix you think should be up for the masses to gaze upon. Let me know.

Any one doing a write up for their club newsletters etc we would like a copy for our site as well

Thanks to all the riders for their safe riding that saw them come home safe.

See you next year on the 20th Grand Challenge Anniversary or maybe in March on the Tiki Tour.

RideSafe

Lee

heavenly.talker

18th October 2005, 20:22

RiderInBlack

18th October 2005, 20:27

Now as to other events - We dont have a problems with people organising other events but please dont use our name RUSTY NUTS M/C or events names as a reference as if there is any problems they can be confused with ours ie: Half a "Grand Challenge" and we are super jealous of our safety record and would not like to get our name tainted by someone elses event over which we had no control. Dont mean to be a hard head but I have had experiance of some one using a "name" that I have been involved with, and when their event turned to shit - people tried to involve me due to the similar
names. I dont need that sort of agro - it detracted from other things I was doing- and I hate wasting time.Sweet. So any suggestions. My aim is to prepare riders for the GC in the way of practice runs. I would be more than happy not to use the "Grand Challenge" name as you (the Rusty Nuts) have more than earnt it, but would like to incorparate some of the things that makes the "Rusty Nuts' Grand Challenge" what it is. Like the night riding (hence running a 500miler as a Dusk to Dawn). I also don't want it as a race and would rather it was a test of route finding/map skills like orienteering.
By the way it was not my intention have finish the GC as quick as I did, but did get caught up in that towards the end:Oops: There were a very few riders that had set out with that in mind (being in first, won't name them as you know who those are better than me), but the most of us just got caught up in the fun of riding with each other (in a light hearted compeditive way).

RiderInBlack

18th October 2005, 20:30

does anyone have any objections to me lifting their pix and or stories to put on RNMC website.
LeeGo for it. Hope when I finish writting it all, that it is worthy of being used.

Lee Rusty

18th October 2005, 21:10

you mean getting caught up in the spirit of things
no worries there

I am mindful of some one else who had a pre GC ride to harden up a few bums that had 9 start and 2 finish.

Just making a point - not trying to stifle ideas

just if they go wrong we dont want to implicated.

Smoggie

18th October 2005, 22:59

Hope there was no damage there Brett, and have a nice holiday. When you are back down here, if you fancy a ride out, let me know. Home number is: 04 2989 537.

Brian d marge

19th October 2005, 02:00

Now and again there comes a thread and a reply that sets the gears in the grey matter in motion ( well it made me LOOK like I was working !) ..and the idea of trying ,,this 1000 mile challange on me Enfield sort of wouldnt leave my mind today ,,
so i sort of roughly ,,went through this years route ,,,estimate everything from stop signs to traffic lights ...
and at a VERY rough guess I would have about 4 hours ,,,up my sleeve ,,,for EVERYTHING ELSE that happened UNDER 45 mph yup everything ....

The thing is ,,,its one of those numbers thats JUST on the borderline ,,,one fart and you blow the deal ..........

Now the thing is ,,,the course MUST be achievable at speeds under 100 kph ( cos if it isnt then its illeagal and Hellen and her tax collectors ( 2 L as in Hellen of Troy ) wouldnt like it and the organisers would be in trouble for promoting ileagal activities ,,,,,)

So at the mo ,,its like ,,that old clint eastwood movie .....did I fire 5 or 6 shots can it be done or cant it ...which was probably the Idea in the first plce !!!!

Still well done those that finished it .....its a long ride what ever way u look at it !!!

Stephen

Warr

19th October 2005, 07:59

Now the thing is ,,,the course MUST be achievable at speeds under 100 kph ( cos if it isnt then its illeagal and Hellen and her tax collectors ( 2 L as in Hellen of Troy ) wouldnt like it and the organisers would be in trouble for promoting ileagal activities ,,,,,)
Stephen
So your Enfield, is this something off the shelf new or something about as old as me!!
If the later it prob has 6volt electrics. That being the case you would need to keep it legal cause I've never seen a 6v radar detector.

So I'll look out for you at next years GC then!

figjam

19th October 2005, 08:33

Hey Groins, were you the KB'er on the ZZR250. Man if it was, you were riding sweet:not:

That might have been me. I was having a ball until I hit a sleepy spot on the boring stuff after the Mount Maunganui check point and backed off a bit.

Fields Track woke me up (as I knew it would). Last time I did that on the ZX-12R in the dark - doing it on the ZZR in the day was no better. Lee is an evil bastard!

RiderInBlack

19th October 2005, 10:13

That might have been me. I was having a ball until I hit a sleepy spot on the boring stuff after the Mount Maunganui check point and backed off a bit.

Fields Track woke me up (as I knew it would). Last time I did that on the ZX-12R in the dark - doing it on the ZZR in the day was no better. Lee is an evil bastard!Yep, that was you:not: :not:

Brian d marge

19th October 2005, 13:58

So your Enfield, is this something off the shelf new or something about as old as me!!
If the later it prob has 6volt electrics. That being the case you would need to keep it legal cause I've never seen a 6v radar detector.

So I'll look out for you at next years GC then!

Actually it started life of the shelf ...but as the thing hasnt really changed since ,,,56 ..a very good year ..not as good as 66 when England won the world cup ...So I have an eariler motor in new cycle wear ,,,its ( and has been in the proccess of a rebuild ,,,for a while now ...been to busy with the racing ,,,,
We will see how things pan out ,,next year ...I want to take a holiday and do something I ve always wanted to do ...
The Fink in Aussie ..... The 100 In NZ ,,,..or buy an old landrover safari and start at the top and drive ,,,Slowly to the bottom of NZ ..( with family )

Stephen
BTW ,,,I have a good Radar detector ,,,my eyes ....the last ticket I got was ..in 1993/4 ...for not wearing a seat belt ...
it would be good to see/meet up with you lot ......

RiderInBlack

19th October 2005, 14:13

So I'm posting part two here as well:finger: :

RIB"S GC Ride Report "There and Back Again"
Chapter Two: The Ride Plan.

Fu*ken 7am in the morning. So much for my sleep-in plan. Go back over GC route sheet. Thank to the Rusties I was talking with last night, I feel that I have it sussed. Time for a big Rusty Breakie (thanks Rusty guys and girls just what I need). Heaps of eggs, bangers, toast and lots&lots of peaches and fruit salad. Last big meal chance before starting as I only have a light lunch just before the ride.
Spend some more time planning my fuel stops and ETA's (Expected Time of Arrival) for check points. Go over this with Holly Roller. Two main concerns when planning this:

where am I going the need the 24 hrs fuelling stops
how to get the best out of my range.
Basic plan went something like this:

My given start time for the GC is 3:38PM Sat. Check Point 1 @ Tauriko is 306Km according to the Rusty Sheet. "Roxanne's" Max range is 320Km and I will be carrying 5 extra litres. Will aim for this to be my first fuel stop. ETA 7:30pm.

Tauriko to Turangi and Check Point 2. 205Km, ETA 10pm. Plan will not fuel here but carry on to Taupo to refuel with a total of 257Km from last fuel stop. ETA some where between 10:30 and 11pm.

Check Point 3 @ Gisborne still too far away with "Roxanne's" range. 401Km from CP2 (Turangi) and 349Km from Taupo. Will need a 24hrs fuelling stop before CP3. Choose Wairoa @ 235Km from Taupo. ETA 1:30-2am Sunday. ETA for CP3 3-3:30am. Plan not to refuel there but @ Opotiki (which is a 24hrs SS), which is 257Km from my last fuel stop @ Wairoa. ETA for Opotiki 4:30-5am.

Check Point 4 @ Mount Maunganui. 280Km from CP3 (Gisborne) and 137Km from Opotiki. ETA 6:30-7am. Plan not to fuel here but @ Taupo, which is 301Km from my last fuel stop. ETA before 9:15am. Plan to make Taupo my last fuel stop as there is only 258Km to the finish from here, but have allowed a "Comfit" stop at Waiouru if I need it and refuel there if I do. 113Km from Taupo ETA before 10:45am.

Check Point 5 is in the middle of nowhere. There is not fuel here, but all going to plan I should not need it. No distances give for CP 5 so I do not know what my ETA is.

Finish is 1617Km from the start, 425Km from CP4, 254Km from Taupo, 141Km from Waiouru. Plan having fuelled at Taupo, I should make it here without needing more fuel. Has the spare 5L if I do. ETA before 12:30pm Sunday, hoping for 21hrs or less (which would be an improvement on last year) with an average of 77Kph.

Just rest and discuss the route with other riders. Look at the weather and see Huey is going to keep me guessing the last.

Briefing at 2:30pm Sat. Lee is a laying down the law. Slight change of plans. Due to the entry numbers, Lee is going to send us in groups of 10. This means there will be a slight change in my start time. Made mental note to myself to note my actual start time and adjust my ETA's accordingly. Huey keeps changing his mind every 5mins and I can feel the anticipation build. At the last minutes I decide that the showers are going to lift and leave my wet weather "all-suit" off and just go with the leathers. I will soon Know if my plans are the right ones.

To be continued.

justsomeguy

19th October 2005, 17:13

Nice reading your reports RIB.

Really looking forward to "RIB's Ride" - can we call it that???

No hurry matey - you take your time. Give us a holler if you want anything done this side.

justsomeguy

19th October 2005, 17:22

Will you be still on a 250 by next years challenge ?

I think so.

Unless I'm able to shorten my restricted to full time from 18 months to 12 months... then may be able to squeeze in with a bigger bike.

Lee Rusty

24th October 2005, 23:35

a little one will do just fine, after all if the scooters can do it, and the 250s can do it. There is a lot to be said for having a bike you can ride to it's limits, without exceeding yours.

Zapf

24th October 2005, 23:56

I think so.

Unless I'm able to shorten my restricted to full time from 18 months to 12 months... then may be able to squeeze in with a bigger bike.

how good is the head light on the ZXR? :psst:

figjam

25th October 2005, 00:04

Actually closer to 2 and a half thousand km’s by the time I got down there and back. Last weekend I took part in the 19th annual (my 7th) Rusty Nuts Grand Challenge.

I’ve been slow (and lazy) in getting the 12 back on the road (ZX-12R, wee accident earlier in the year), so I took the ZZR250. I had a nightmare getting it ready on Friday. It cut out in the rain, on the way to Motohaus, where Kerry was going to fix the pack rack. I coasted down the south side of the Harbour Bridge and into Shelly Beach road. I had barely started pushing it to a safer position, when a ute pulled to a stop in front of me. I never cease to be amazed by the camaraderie among bikers (he was a biker paying the bills in his day job). After loading the bike on the back of the ute, he dropped me off at Motohaus. I offered, but I knew he wouldn’t take anything for the help.

To cut a depressingly long story short, when we pulled the spark plugs out, the gap was at least three times what it should have been. When we put it back together (with new plugs) it wouldn’t idle, so the carbs got a going over, only to discover the vacuum hose on the fuel tank was probably the cause. Then the tail light was blown and the light switch for the front brake was acting up. After deaing with that lot it was evening before I got home and I spent an hour or so trying to line everything up on the pack rack and bolt it in. By the time 7p.m. had rolled around I had decided “F*%k it! By the time I get down there tonight it’ll be too late to buy booze. I’ll get up early and go down tomorrow.”

I left around 6a.m. on Saturday morning and arrived at the Turangi Holiday Park sometime around 10. I didn’t even have chance to get off the bike before the guys grabbed me for scrutineering. I failed, with the brake filament of the tail bulb I had replaced less than 24 hours ago blown. Unfrigginbelievable! Bulb replaced and scrutineering passed I went to remake old acquaintances until the briefing at 2:30.

It was about then I was presented with an unexpected honour in the form of a red shirt or two, along with a special patch, stickers and a pin. I had been invited to become a member of the Rusty Nuts (for all my sins), which I had no hesitation in accepting. The Rusty Nuts have an active membership of around 21 members and places don’t become available very often (only as others leave etc.), so like I said I’m honoured. I’m also apparently an enigma (Sally!), as being the newbie makes me “shiny rust” for the moment.

At the briefing we had 108 starters (104 finished) which is right up there (if not a record) for entries. I didn’t think too much about it until someone else pointed out that fuel prices were also pretty much at a record. I know it says something about the people who do this run, but I still haven’t been able to find the right words to describe it. It was also interesting that the percentage of riders doing it for the first time was nearly half (49) instead of the usual third. Due to the large numbers riders were started in bunches of five or ten instead of the usual two or so.

I started with a group around 3:10 and had forgotten how much fun it is making the 250 go fast. I had a ball for the first 9 hours or so, riding with a couple of quick groups and amusing a few people with the poor little screaming 250. After leaving camp the course took us north on Highway 41 and 4 to Taumarunui. Just north of Taumarunui we turned right to Ongarue, Waimiha and HIghway 30 to Te Kuiti. If you’re ever heading north on SH 4 and see that turn off - take it! Those back roads were one of the most enjoyable parts of the whole trip.

Having made our way through Te Kuiti we came to a time check point at Otewa. The purpose of this was to gauge the general speed of the riders and how much they were spread out. The weather had improved from the threatening clouds at the start, to the point that I saw a couple of people pull over on the way, to shed the wet weather gear they were sweltering in.

From the hall at Otewa we continued through Otorohanga, Kihikihi, Putaruru, Highways 28 & 29 through to Check Point One at the Tauriko Caltex just outside Tauranga. Whichever power company looks after the Arapunui Dam had something major going on which lead to quite a cool ride for the detour around the dam.

Gassed up and checkpointed, the course then took us to Rotorua via Pyes Pa Road (SH 36), Highway 30 to Atiamuri, Whakamaru and the Western Access Road (SH 32) back to Check Point 2 at the Shell station at Turangi. This is one of Lee’s favourite tricks - put the riders really close to their nice comfortable bed. Just to tease and see if he can tempt someone into dropping out.

From there it was north on Highway 1 to Taupo and Highway 5 to Wairoa and Checkpoint 3 at the Gladstone Road Caltex in Gisborne. At a quick gas stop in Wairoa, the group I was with worked out we had done 800 odd km. in just over 8 and a half hours. Considering that included stopping for gas and checkpoints I was happy.

While at the checkpoint in Gisborne we saw a police car fly past, lights blazing on it’s way to some incident. Didn’t think anything of it until, on our way out, heading to Opotiki, the group (of 5) I was a part of, was suffering a little from the bravado that comes from travelling in packs. It disappeared when the night behind us suddenly lit up in red and blue. You know that sinking feeling you get when that happens and you look down at your speedo? You could just about hear the sighs of relief when we were told to move over and get out of the way. They must have been on the way to the same incident as the earlier car.

Somewhat chastened (but not much really) we continued to the next leg to the checkpoint at the Bayfair Caltex back in Mt. Maunganui. Nothing much of note on this leg, so it seemed to fly by.

It was here I hit a tired patch and decided to back off. The time around dawn is often bad for tiredness and I think I was paying the price for breaking my usual routine of coming down on the Friday, staying up late and sleeping late on Saturday. I said goodbye to the group I had been riding with and continued on at my own pace. There was a lot of straight stuff from the Mt. Manganui checkpoint on the highways though Rotorua, Taupo, Turangi and Waiouru which did nothing for my tiredness. I never thought I’d be glad to see Fields Track but I knew it’d wake me up and it did. It is an evil little sealed goat track, often only one lane wide, with potholes you could lose your bike in. The last and first time I did it was in the dark, on the 12. Doing it in the day, on a comparatively nimble little bike did noting to improve the experience. Lee will be remembered by many for that little piece of evil.

Once through to the final checkpoint at Kakatahi I was awake again and enjoyed a pleasant cruise, in brilliant weather, via State Highway 4, National Park and State HIghway 47 back to Turangi and the finish. Finish time was about 10:45, so around 19 and a half hours for the trip.

RiderInBlack

25th October 2005, 06:26

Thanks for that FJ. Must get my report done. Congrat's on your RN membership:spudwow: :niceone: A very special honor is that:not:

Lee Rusty

31st October 2005, 21:19

still waiting for the rest so I can put on our site.
Lee R

RiderInBlack

1st November 2005, 04:45

still waiting for the rest so I can put on our site.
Lee ROops, sorry Lee. Will get my arse into gear and finnish it:o

RiderInBlack

3rd November 2005, 07:30

Oops, sorry Lee. Will get my arse into gear and finnish it:o Next bit posted "Chapter 4: Into The Dark, Part 2, Check Point 3." (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=399083&postcount=8)

RiderInBlack

8th November 2005, 10:19

Last bit of the GC part of my report posted (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=404516&postcount=13):niceone: Only have my return to Whangarei bit to do, if I can be fart-arsed.